×

E2CCB students volunteer at the Lakeshore Humane Society

Submitted photo Juniors and seniors enrolled in the Small Animal Science program at the LoGuidice Educational Center volunteered at the Lakeshore Humane Society.

Students enrolled in the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES Small Animal Science program at the LoGuidice Educational Center are preparing for careers that require an understanding and compassion for animals of all shapes, sizes and circumstance.

Recently, juniors and seniors in Holly Lemke’s class visited the Lakeshore Humane Society in Dunkirk to deliver tie-blankets and put their skill sets to use.

“These are good volunteer hours for students who need them. The Lakeshore Humane Society also accepts our seniors for internships so we have a real nice partnership,” Lemke said. “We’ve had a few students who have come back and volunteered regularly and even had a few successful adoption stories for students and teachers.”

Students spent the morning rotating between stations disinfecting kennels and cat cages, bathing dogs, socializing with animals and painting walls.

“One of our longest school relationships is with BOCES,” said Rebecca Cuthbert, Lakeshore Humane Society volunteer. “We love having the students in here. They’re trained so it’s great to have the extra volunteers who can come in every now and then.”

Many students bonded with the dogs and cats immediately, which may lead to future adoptions or volunteer hours in the future. For anyone interested in adopting an animal from the Lakeshore Humane Society there is a policy in place and includes the following: an application process, personal references, veterinarian references, meet-and-greet, home visit, possible fencing requirements and an exercise plan. Fees for a dog are $150, or $75 for a dog that is eight years or older; cats are $60 for an adult and $75 for a kitten and are also buy one get one half-off.

“Our biggest bills by far are medical bills. All animals get spayed or neutered, with each getting their vaccines and no one goes home sick,” Cuthbert said regarding a need for monetary donations. “If an animal comes in with parasites or an infection we’ll make sure all of that is cleared up before anyone goes home and that is very expensive for us.”

To volunteer or make a donation please visit www.lakeshorehumanesociety.org. For more information on the Small Animal Science program, please contact Alycia Lacki, LoGuidice Educational Center counselor, at 672-4371, ext. 2001 or email alacki@e2ccb.org.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today