Children learn how to approach a dog

Sparta n Mothers and daughters sometimes share the same interests, but not too many take their show on the road for a common goal. Cassie and Debbie Kowalchuk are a mother-daughter team who volunteer for Room for One More Animal Rescue and they are traveling to various schools speaking on safety around animals. On Friday, June 15, they were at the Goddard School in Sparta. “We devised a marketing plan to educate children about animal safety by going to different schools and giving presentations as well as handing out flyers and recruiting new volunteers, “said Ilse Wolf a marketing consultant who volunteers her time for Room for One More. The volunteer-based animal rescue center takes in homeless dogs and cats, works with those that need some extra training and attempts to find permanent homes for them. It also provides any needed medical treatment. For the past three years, Room for One More operated the Sparta pound, but it is now seeking a new space for its no-kill shelter. Cassie and Debbie were accompanied by two dogs named Jersey and Rags when they spoke to children, ages 2 through 5, at Goddard. The dogs helped the Kowalchuks demonstrate how to approach a dog. “Always ask an owner if you could pet the dog to see if its friendly; if that’s okay, then let the dog smell your hand first. Be gentle when petting the dog and don’t pull its tail,” said Cassie Kowalchuk. “People have been very receptive. Both the Alpine and Helen Morgan schools are scheduled to receive the talk for fall as well as other community groups,” Wolf said. Wolf noted that the public schools do not permit them to bring the dogs on the premises but they can present a talk. Room for One More is always looking for volunteers as well. They must be of high school age, Wolf said.