VCHS Programs Help Vernon County

Our Education Program

The Vernon County Humane Society would like to offer our assistance in your classroom. We would love to help you with your animal units or other classes in which we could be useful. Contact the Executive Director Anne Marie Sawvell for more information.

What is Humane Education?

Humane education teaches the principles of justice, goodwill, and humanity toward all life. We feel that education is the cure for ignorance. The traits needed to be caring, thoughtful, involved citizens are the same ones needed to be good pet owners: responsibility, caring for one another, trustworthiness, knowledge, respect, and a positive attitude. We will teach:

• The value of kindness.
• To respect animals and the environment.
• The proper care for animals.
• The way animals behave.
• The consequences of irresponsible behavior toward animals and others.

We want to help you as you educate these children. Please tell us what kind of class or topics you would like. We don't believe in cookie cutter lessons, so we will tailor make our discussion to fit your class needs. Here are some general topic ideas.

Caring For Your Pets: This class includes information about dogs, cats, hamsters, mice, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds. We consider things needed for your pet, as well as their general care.

Look, But Don't Touch: This class will discuss habitats of wild animals, and that we are to look, but not touch.

Poikilotherms Vs. Homeotherms: Here we discuss the difference between cold and warm-blooded animals and their special needs as pets.

Careers With Animals: This class considers the various career choices that are available, and the training they require.

Caring For Aquatic Pets: Here we discuss how to set up your pet's new home, how to pick tank mates, and care for your new pets.

RX For Your Pet: We discuss the issues of pet overpopulation and dispel the rumors behind altering your pet. We also discuss vaccinations, and other medical needs your pet may have.

Animals Have Feelings Too: We discuss the difference between animal abuse and animal neglect. We will cover how all creatures great and small should be treated with respect.

How To Choose A Pet: Here we talk about the space requirements, the cost, and the attention needed for common pets, and how to pick the right one for your home.

To schedule a class or presentation, please contact Anne Marie Sawvell:

Anne Marie Sawvell, Executive Director
Vernon County Humane Society, Inc.
(608) 637-6955

Anne is a former Christian high school teacher and home schooler. Prior to becoming the executive director, she was a very active volunteer and board member in VCHS since 1997.

These Regional Organizations have Scheduled Humane Education Classes

• Viroqua Elementary School, grades 1 through 4 and grade 6
• Cornerstone Christian Academy, grades 1 through 6
• De Soto Elementary, grade 6
• Westby High School
• La Farge Elementary School
• Youth Initiative High School
• Boy Scouts
• Girl Scouts
• Church Groups
• 4-H Groups
• Home Schoolers

© 2008 The Vernon County Humane Society, Viroqua, Wisconsin
All Rights Reserved.