Officer Carla shows how gloves protect her from an "attack" by the hand-puppet dog operated by Mitzi. They also demonstrated ways of catching animals who do not want to be caught.

The presentation in the Education Room continued with what to do to avoid being bitten by an animal. (There is more information about this online.) Then the tour of the Shelter began.

Mitzi follows the group of Girl Scouts down the row of cages in the kennel. Before beginning the tour, Mitzi said, "Count your fingers! That's how many fingers we want you to have when you leave, so don't put your fingers in the cages. There will be puppies later on for you to handle."

The cat room and the puppy pits are in the same area, away from the kennel for adult dogs.

The puppy pits are always a popular place to visit. Note that Mitzi is carrying a box of hand-wipes. It is very important to clean your hands between each "pit" or cage to reduce the chances of spreading disease.

The cat room, like the puppy pit room, is closed off from the hall and has a window. People are usually asked to stay out of these areas unless an animal caretaker is with them.

Everyone met back in the Education Room before going outside to see the Animal Services van. At this time Mitzi distributed handouts

These handouts included the "I Love My Pet Contract," a coloring book about animal shelters, additional coloring pages on pet care, and some puzzles.

The end of the tour was a look at an Animal Services van. A spray bottle of disinfectant is handy right by the door of the van, showing again the importance of preventing the spread of disease.

Officer Carla shows her van to the group. The smaller cages above are for smaller animals. The divider between the two large cages below can be removed to make a really large cage.

To schedule a visit and program for your own group, call Mitzi at 444-3456.