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Sanctuary! (Part II) - Page 2

© Sherrie Walker

The remedy for both these situations is a "swap." The adoptable animal goes to the city shelter, where his chances of finding a good home are greater. The unadoptable animal goes to the sanctuary, where they have time to work with him to make him more adoptable, or perhaps just give him a "home for life." Best Friends recently took a dog with behavior problems from the California Animal Care Center and sent them five dogs, three of which have already been adopted. SARA conducts similar "swaps" with Operation Kindness in Dallas and with Austin SPCA.

Perhaps one of the most important services sanctuaries provide is in the area of education. The Sanctuary at Valley View Farm is home to the Human-Animal Bond Resource and Education Center, providing information, seminars and training classes about animal care and behavior. Haven of the Ozarks sponsors an assisted placement program. The Haven advertises pets that the owners wish to give up, and the owners can participate in the adoption process by updating their pets' shots, etc., and sometimes even meeting with prospective adopters. The Haven believes this program teaches the owners responsibility for their situation, instead of making the sanctuary "a convenient garbage can."

Many sanctuaries sponsor programs aimed at teaching children respect and compassion for animals. Pasado has its "Kids For Kows" program, in which kids from around the country come up with their own creative ways of raising money or otherwise helping animals. As part of its Humane Education Program, Best Friends visits Utah schools and nearby Indian reservations. They hold workshops for teachers and humane educators, as well as workshops for people wanting to start a sanctuary. In addition, students of all ages are invited to tour the sanctuary and participate in service-learning programs. Heart & Soul Animal Sanctuary in New Mexico has been visited by thousands of school children over the years; and, with the addition of a new Humane Education Coordinator, they hope to reach even more children.

Home For Life sponsors a very special outreach called the Renaissance Program. Named after the Renaissance School, an alternative school in River Falls, WI, this program is designed to help kids who are at risk because of behavior problems. By training dogs from the sanctuary, these kids learn positive attitudes, such as patience, kindness and persistence, that will help them deal with their own behavior problems.

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