Exploration Week at the Mariposa SPCA Shelter by Linda Gast

When the dogs at the SPCA shelter hear the sound of the school bus, they start to whine and howl with excitement. All they know is that some very lucky Mariposa Middle School students are arriving to pet, walk, groom, and love them for the next 45 minutes. The obvious bond between kids and dogs makes everyone happy.

The students are participating in “Exploration Week," a program at Mariposa Middle School, available as a reward for students who have completed their work for the semester, passed certain tests, and have good behavior. Linda Mansell, the teacher aide who accompanied the kids says, “This is the first class to fill up. It’s our most popular class.” Linda, who has a background in dog showing and training, gives instruction in walking, handling, and dog and cat behavior. She says it helps the kids to learn how to deal with difficult dogs, and that the students benefit from giving love and getting that love back from the animals. 

Rebecca, one of the students, said, “I did this class last year, too. I just love spending time with the animals. I walk them, pet them, and give them treats.” Jordan says, “This is okay for guys too. I first saw ‘Tilly’ (dog) when I was with my parents. It really broke my heart when we left, because of the look on her face.”

Getting the kids acquainted with who is available for adoption at the shelter has led to several animals getting new homes. When the kids learn how sweet-natured the animals are, they work to get them adopted. They know which dogs get along together and which ones don’t, and they learn to keep them separated. All the socializing the dogs and cats get makes the animals more adoptable and better at adjusting to their new homes.

There is some structured time and some free time, spent in the pens with the animals. When it’s time to get back on the bus, the biggest problem is trying to get the kids to let go of the dogs and get out of the cages. Some of the students come back during the summer to help out as volunteers. Exploration Week at the SPCA Shelter is the perfect end to a school year, and a good beginning to a lifelong association with animals.

Article by Pat Stacy