August is National Dog Month! The Dog Days of Summer may be over, and the heat is finally subsiding (a little), but that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate man’s best friend. If your pup's face is plastered all over social media or if you adore seeing those pics and videos, you'll enjoy checking out these resources that honor dogs’ exceptional qualities and unique bond with humans.
#READ: The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Kira Bennett's earliest memories are of living alone and wild in the woods. She has no idea how long she was on her own or what she had to do to survive, but she remembers the moment that Cady Bennett and one of her search-and-rescue dogs found her. Together with Cady's son and their neighbor, Kira works to train the world's most elite search-and-rescue dogs. When Cady's estranged father asks for her help in locating a missing child, the teens find themselves on the front lines sooner than they expected.
Questions to think about while you read:
- How would you describe Kira's relationship with her search-and-rescue (SAR) dog?
- Which passages involving Kira’s SAR dog stand out to you? Why?
- In what ways does this book align with or challenge your knowledge of dogs and their abilities?
#LISTEN: Podcast: Therapy Animal Volunteer Opportunities (Episode 183)
Podcaster Marcie Davis co-hosts this episode with the assistance of her dog, Lovey. She interviews people who work with all types of working dogs—guide, search and rescue, police, and more—and share the best ways to care for them. This show includes an interview with Ashley Drew at Pet Partners. She shares the types of animal species that can participate in Pet Partners’ training and creative ways you and your pet can volunteer in your community!
Based on the podcast, consider how you and your dog would make a good therapy animal team.
- In what ways is your dog’s personality suited for the mission?
- How could different population groups and environments affect your dog’s temperament?
- Why might the evaluation process be easy or challenging for you two?
#EXPLORE: Treat the dog(s) in your life!
Step into the shoes of an ethologist and consider your dog’s preferences with this small experiment.
¾ cup canned pumpkin puree
2 ½ cups oat flour
½ cup sweetened apple sauce
3 tablespoons peanut butter (xylitol free)
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons peanut butter (xylitol free)
12 ounces plain yogurt
Clink on the links and follow the directions to make each type of treat. Then, prepare two food bowls with corresponding labels. Bring your dog into the room and observe which treat they eat first. Over the next week, record and analyze your data to determine which foods are their favorite.
#JOIN: Attend a program virtually or in person!
View all teen programs and events offered this week.
For virtual programs, registration is required to receive the Zoom link; use the link in the program information to register.
For in person programs, registration is required; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
