Kids learn how to shoe a horse thanks to Matt Thomas (helping girl) and amiable horse Molly.
Rats (some rats) are OK! The kids warmed up very quickly to the little rodents brought by Rat Rescue Adoptions.
Dr. Lindsay Klemens and her horse, Mary Jane, whose side Lindsay painted to show the structure of horses.
Photos by Bob Wellinski (click to enlarge)
They milked a goat, shod a horse and held rats and an alligator. They watched a police dog in action, a dancing horse and a surgery done in-house. And those were just a few of the three days packed with activities at this year’s Animal Care Camp for Kids, presented by the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter.
The shelter’s 6th annual camp was held June 16-18 and the event continues to get bigger and better each year. In its first years Shelter Director Jane Bernard and her crew recruited kids to attend the camp — now parents are signing up their kids months in advance! This year some 70 children ages 6-14 enjoyed close-up fun with a variety of animals while also learning about care of and respect for all creatures great and small.
Here are a few of the glowing comments posted on the shelter’s Facebook page (you can see many more photos there, too):
“Thank you all for such an amazing camp. My daughter had such a great time. She’ll be back next year for sure!”
“My boys have been attending the camp for the past two days and love every minute. Thank you for such a wonderful way to learn about animals.”
“So very proud of the LaPorte County Animal Shelter for hosting this event!”
To get information prior to next year’s camp, call the shelter at 326-1637.
Meantime, enjoy Bob’s photos of this year’s camp.
Matt Thomas helps a girl hold Molly’s shod hoof.
Just think of it as a guinea pig with a long tail.
Maryjane laughs along with the kids.
Kids participate in a veterinarian relay race where they remove small objects their stuffed animals have “swallowed.”
Shelter staffers man a table during the relay. All shelter personnel organize and take part in the annual camp.
Director Jane Bernard’s own animals also guest star at the camps — here’s Jane (in turquoise shirt) with her ass, Joey, and Dr. Lindsay Klemens. Another camp veteran is Janes’s gentle golden retriever, Gus.