Rocket 4-Hers gathered at the Lebanon Humane Society to walk
the dogs, care for the cats. Dog food, cat food, and newspapers for kitty
litter were freely given today (November 19).
“It was a fun experience,” says Trinity Hammonds. Each of the three girls, Alyssa Ishman,
Trinity Hammond, and Hannah Stewart walked 13 dogs, big and small. Or rather,
the big dogs walked the girls. Some had
never been around big dogs. While the
4-Hers were there, a few people came to adopt a dog. This is one of the most rewarding things
about working with the Humane Society.
The girls spent most of the time with the cats. A beautiful grey and white cat would jump on
the shoulders of each girl. Cuddly
calico cats to huge golden colored cats were loved on and talked to.
The spokes person for the Humane Society expressed how
anyone could help. They are in need of
dog food, cat food, kitty litter, and newspapers. The 4-H Club is making plans to donate more
items after the first of the year.
The above article was given to the Lebanon Daily Record for
publishing and included in the Rocket 4-H Scrapbook. I wish to share my personal reflections about
the experience.
4-H Clubs, established 100 years ago, are THE BEST
organization for students! 4-H
encourages new experiences, builds relationships and leadership skills in our
young people.
I had a blast with Alyssa, Trinity, Marilynn (Alyssa’s
Grandmother), and Hannah. We walked 13
small and large dogs. There were cute
cuddly little dogs to huge beautiful dogs.
The little dogs jumped up and down and yapped in their excitement for
attention. They wanted to run. After walking all the little dogs, the girls
decided they wanted to walk the large dogs.
They had never experienced what it is like to lead a large dog. Hannah found out rather quickly with her dog,
Samson, that he wanted to run. He pulled her along. Huffing and puffing, Hannah says, “I have to
put him back, before he gets away from me!”
One time around the building with one large dog was enough for all the
4-Hers.
The favorite part for all of us was the cat section. There is a grey and white short haired cat
named Houdini. This cat reminded me of
the cats we saw at Mallory Square ,
Key West , Florida
As I watched the dedicated workers/volunteers, I could see
and feel how much they care for each animal.
It is a happy day for them when a dog or a cat is adopted. The dog and/or cat seemed to know they were
going home with a new family.
I, also, met Laura who is employed at the Humane
Society. She shared with me a picture of
her backyard. It was filled with 50
cats. “I have a cat refuge!” she informs
me. These are all cats she adopted from
the Humane Society. “Wow, it is
amazing!” I say. “Each cat has its own
beauty and its own distinct personality!” she shares. Laura fits all the criteria for being a true
cat lover!
I remembered adopting three cats from the Humane Society and
eight others from friends over the years.
Any animal we adopted was with us for life as we took care of them. We
became great friends. It makes me sad
when people do not care for their pets properly.
Later, I posted all the pictures on our Rocket 4-H group for
them all to see. I could tell Hannah really
enjoyed the pictures. She is still
talking about her experience. I think
Alyssa and Trinity and Marilynn enjoyed it as well. I enjoyed the afternoon, too.
As I reflect, I am thankful to people many years ago who
organized such a great club for kids.
These girls bonded together and enjoyed and learned more about dogs and
cats. They are learning leadership. This leadership can be applied in their own
families down the road to teach them about caring for animals.
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