Westmoore Elementary Celebrates Its Pet Advocates!
There were “No tricks, only treats” for the fourth graders at Westmoore Elementary School on Thursday, Oct. 30, as they gathered to celebrate what they had learned during their 6 session Pet Responsibility program. The Pet Responsibility Committee (PRC) team that presented the program was led by volunteers Liz Surface and Kathy McGrath.
The students learned about the “sad problem” in Moore County: too many abandoned, neglected pets ending up at the Moore County shelter and not enough adoptive homes for all of them. They learned that the best way to control animal overpopulation is by spaying & neutering our pets. They learned how to take good care of their pets and to make good choices when selecting a pet.
During the program, they were visited by Speuter (PRC volunteer Cindy Gansen), the PRC puppy mascot. Speuter read a poem about her humble beginnings as a stray pup on the street. The students learned that Speuter was lucky to have found someone to love and care for her and went on to live a happy, healthy life. Speuter encouraged the students to think about how much better the world would be if we all took it upon ourselves to save just one pet in some way.
During the program, the students decorated paper lunch bags to be donated to the Sandhills Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic in Vass. Each bag carries an advocacy message and will be used to dispense medications for pets after their surgery. There were many creative and imaginative bags. Six students were awarded certificates for their artwork and messages. Those receiving awards were Dana, Payton, Kylie M., Annabella, Josiah, and Mason R-V. Great work by All!
As part of the program, many students wrote a “Speuter” story about how their pets would benefit from being spayed or neutered. All the stories showcased what they had learned. Ten students won a framed certificate and a voucher to spay or neuter their dog or cat. Winners were Dawson H., Matthew M., Emma A., Milo J., Hudson W., Jada N., and Ozora M., and Ava B. Students Aviana H. & Jacob R. were great advocates & gifted their spay/neuter voucher to Ms. Ritter for her new cat. Hellboy, Gracie, Red, Crush, Ranger Rob & YouTube are among the pets who will be fixed and not add to the pet overpopulation situation in Moore County.
Dr. Tim Boyte, prior owner/veterinarian at Carthage Animal Hospital, gave the students an inspiring presentation about how important we are to our pets’ lives, and we need to care for that pet for its entire life. He conducted an “exam” of Lulu, a therapy dog belonging to Liz Surface. Dr. Boyte answered many questions from interested students.
The students recited a Promise together, taking to heart the words they were saying and then signed the Promise Poster, giving their intent to do their best for all animals.
We congratulate all the Westmoore fourth graders for being part of the team that makes life better for all pets in Moore County!!
