Animal Care Kids Camp! With Jackson and Oliver

[hopefloats]

We attended a kids came through the local animal control. It is a 3 day event where kids can learn about different animals and how to care for them. They also teach the kids about the animal shelter.

The rats were a hit. Jackson is such an amazing guy it is hard not to love him. He freely crawls on anyone and doesnt have a shy bone in his body. Oliver is a little more reserved than his brother Jackson but he is very good as well. Oliver doesnt like to climb as much as Jackson but he loves to give kisses and shoulder surf.

The morning class was 6 to 9 year old.

They got first aid kits and for some reason Zan wanted to wear the gloves! LOL He was explaining how he gives his rats out time.

The afternoon class was 10 to 14 years old. One girl didnt want to touch them so I kept talking to her about them. At first she said they were disgusting So I kept talking and kept talking in the end, she was petting them and almost holding them. I think she likes them now

Even the shelter director got into holding them

In all it was a good day. They kids wanted to play with the rats more than doing the other stuff. We put the rats in the shelter... which just the thought freaked me out LOL so they could have some AC and we could get the kids to move on. They really loved them it was awesome to see so many kids just loving on them. Jackson and Oliver are pros at this.

 

[temblabamomo]

It's so cool that they have a program like that! More shelters need to do that sort of thing. Glad the boys were a hit - how could they not be?

 

[dspch911]

illdance: Way to go boys! illdance:

 

[Vladina]

Fantastic!! This was a feel good post for sure! Way to go Jackson, Oliver and Zander! Boy, Zander is just an amazing ambassador for teaching kids (and adults) about rats and how wonderful they are! Hope Zander knows he has some fans here on the Rat Shack! Good job!

And oh my goodness, Jackson is just amazing...what a beautiful boy who is the prime example of an outstanding rat ambassador! Who wouldn't fall in love with him?

Those photos of people and kids being curious and warming up to the ratties just goes to show that prejudice against rats is simply due to not knowing about them or ever being around them. Ignorance breeds fear and familiarity breeds love and acceptance. So nice! Thanks for sharing these photos! I wish every city in the world could have these kid camps days to help foster understanding and care for animals. Bravo! :rathugz:

 

[hopefloats]

Yes it was great to see them so open or getting open to seeing the boys. I was thinking I should of taken a few more but it was hard keeping track of just two boys. So it worked out pretty good with 2 more would have been trouble. And a death wish if I had taken some girls LOL I think they would end up in the wrong spots or to close to each other

This it the 4th year for this camp so it is ongoing and I love the idea of it.

Zander is a great kid. He loves talking about the rats and that is why I keep taking him, he is so good at it. He has no problems talking about the rats and showing the other kids how to hold them correctly. His mom wanted him to volunteer but nothing does rats except me so he is my little rescue buddy in this. He will stand right up and tell them "Yes we rescue rats!" it is so cute to watch him.


I did explain first and foremost to never stick their fingers in cages and to open the door to say hi to them

 

[dspch911]

I did explain first and foremost to never stick their fingers in cages

But why not?! :nyahnyah: My finger healed nicely although its still permanently damaged from my sweet Oliver (RIP)

 

[hopefloats]

I cannot imagine that happening to anyone else. I felt bad enough one got you but someones little kid oh that would be so bad! Just a good idea to start them out right away to not stick their fingers in it

 

[Joanne]

I love the pictures - they say it all as everyone is gathered around the rats trying to touch them and watching them.
You are an awesome rattie ambassador!

 

[Vladina]

Hope, that is a great first thing to teach kids, about not putting your fingers through the cage bars, excellent!

I remember reading that first and foremost, when I starting reading everything I could get my hands on about rats, before we adopted our first two boys. I never forgot that!