Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) has partnered with the Spotsylvania Career & Tech Center’s Veterinary Science program to provide students with rescue dogs to hone their skills. While it’s a “spa” day for the dogs who are waiting to be adopted, the students will get their experience in the program by bathing, trimming nails and performing exams on the four-legged guests every Thursday.
The advantage to the students is that they’ll get to practice with dogs with fairly unknown responses to the different skills. This is a necessary component for students entering the veterinary medicine field. It will provide them with the knowledge of learning the positive tools, tips and tricks of the trade.
A bonus for the ODHS rescue dogs, it will allow them to have a day out of the facility and a chance to be in a new place. They’ll have an opportunity to experience new smells, stimulation and people, as well as the loving hands who will care for them there.
“Our rescue dogs will have a mentally stimulating day, plus they’ll be able to relax while getting pampered,” said Chrissy Blake, ODHS founder. “For another bonus, our dogs will return all shiny and clean. It’s a great partnership for both the students and our dogs.”
ODHS’s goal is to decrease the number of animals needlessly euthanized by pulling dogs from high-kill shelters and educating the community about animal rescue. Its mission is to provide well-matched, permanent homes for animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education.