GREENFIELD – Zuro has better odds at getting adopted now that five local kids spent part of their fall break taking a fun course on marketing.
Bentley’s Buddies and Friends had four days of programs for kids on fall break last week. Children read with the therapy dogs, learned from guest speakers, and did hands-on projects that promote literacy.
Zuro, currently the only dog at Greenfield Hancock Animal Management with a disability, came bounding in full of energy. He looked at his new friends with only one eye, eager they might help him find a forever home.
“The kids are drawing pictures and writing letters to try to get him adopted,” said Anna Sipes, who taught the program.
The colorful drawings and catchy phrases will be placed on Zuro’s cage at GHAM in hopes that it draws attention to potential families. The idea is based on the book “Can I Be Your Dog” by Troy Cummings, which they read prior to Zuro’s arrival.
“We need a family that has a lot of energy,” said Ava Rasi, 8, as she doodled a picture of the lab/pit mix. Her poster read, “Will you be my BFF?”
The Sit, Stay, Read Fall Camp was held at Bentley’s Place, 108 N. State St. Greenfield. The first two days were for older kids in grades 3 and up—the pet camp with Zuro, and “I Want to Be A Chef,” in which campers learned the ins and outs of becoming a chef and put their new skills to work with a friendly cooking team competition.
The second two days were for children in grades kindergarten through second. Campers learned from an engineer how to build things out of boxes on Wednesday, and did cookie decorating based on “Cooking with the Grinch” Thursday.
Several calm therapy dogs and their volunteer owners were on hand to interact with children as well.
Alexis Warren, GHAM animal control officer, said she is grateful for Monday’s program and the new chance it gives Zuro. He is about 2 years old, and was surrendered when the original owners couldn’t afford his medical care when an accident claimed his eye.
Zuro has been at the facility more than 50 days, which is longer than their 30-day goal of getting pets adopted, she added.
“He’s very energetic; he needs an active home,” Warren said. “He loves to run, loves kids, loves other dogs. He’s great on a leash.”
Warren taught the campers about her job, what it’s like to be a shelter dog, and even showed them her truck. She said she wishes more people would take an active part in getting animals their forever homes, and the hand-made posters are appreciated.
“It’s inspiring the younger generation to love and care for animals,” she said.
Bentley’s Buddies and Friends is a nonprofit organization that provides free reading help to children from pre-K to eighth grade. Certified reading buddies are taken into schools to create a fun, relaxing learning environment for students, and Bentley’s Place offers a spot for additional reading time for children. For more, visit bentleysbuddies.com or call 317-318-2230.
