We had two awesome speakers come and talk to us this semester. The first was Kate Trahan from the Atlanta Chapter of the Coalition to Unchain Dogs! She talked to us about the how the program works by gaining the trust of pet owners in a community, getting to know their pets, and then working with the owners to build fences and unchain their dogs! This program creates a better life for a dog living on the end of a chain, and provides a less stressful environment for the pet owner (because happy dog = happy owner). Unfortunately we don't have any pictures from Kate's visit, but we hope to get involved with the Coalition next semester and get some pictures up then! The website is http://unchaindogs.net/chapter_atlanta.shtml if you want to check it out!
Our second speaker was Devon Brooks from the Humane Society of Northwest Georgia, who talked to us about the use of rottweilers as therapy dogs, and about the SAFER assessment program for animal evaluation. Devon uses the SAFER assessment to re-evaluate and train dogs in shelters to give them a better chance of being adopted. Devon also talked about her two rottweilers, Cira and Malley, and their participation as therapy dogs. Cira and Malley go to hospitals to help lift the spirits of medical patients, and go to schools to help children overcome their fear of reading.
Here are the precious Cira and Malley!
Some of the AWA members just HAD to get a picture with these cute girls!
A big thanks to both Kate and Devon for taking the time to educate the members of the Animal Welfare Association about programs in our community!
