Responsible Pet Ownership is the Focus of The 4-H Summer Pet Care Club

These programs usually meet weekly for just several weeks out of the year. The 4-H Summer Pet Care Club is just one of the many short term clubs offered in Bucks County. Every summer over the course of five weeks in July and August, children ages 8-12 can participate in this free program.  

The 2011 4-H Summer Pet Care Club took place at the Bensalem, Doylestown, Feasterville, Langhorne, Levittown, Perkasie, Quakertown, Southampton and Yardley libraries .  There were a total of 288 children enrolled as 4-H members in the 9 clubs. They did not need to own a pet, just love animals and enjoy learning about them. Through the weekly presentations and by working on their project books, these members learned about different kinds of pets, the care involved, and the importance of researching before taking on the responsibility of a new pet.  They also had the opportunity to have their completed project book and poster displayed and judged at the Middletown Grange Fair.

There were presentations by Nikki Thompson, Humane Education Director for the Bucks Co. S.P.C.A, who along with several rescue animals explained the services her organization has available to help both pets and pet owners.  The children learned about the unique qualities and care of reptiles from Jim Galloway and his assortment of snakes and lizards. Travis Gale, from Eyes of the Wild, brought along five exotic pets that due to wildlife laws and/or improper research or care now reside at his wildlife rescue.  Veterinarian, Perri Stark, went over a typical exam of her cat and explained basic veterinary care for all types of pets. Members of the Lower Bucks Dog Training Club allowed the children to meet a variety of dogs in all shapes and sizes and hear how their care differs. The Bucks Co. Aquarium Society members had a selection of Betta fish for their demonstration on how to set up a fish tank and care for tropical fish.  Jim Ertl and Marie Morris delivered a hands-on presentation with their two miniature horses. Bill and Lori Oraschih, the leaders of the new 4-H Alpaca and Llama Club, discussed these unique animals and their care. Accomplished members from the 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Clubs, Rehanna Stepnoski and Elizabeth Wiltshire, and the 4-H Goat Club, Olivia Rush and Schenley Schneider, gave informative presentations about rabbits, guinea pigs and goats, but also about their clubs and other 4-H opportunities. 

 The 4-H Summer Pet Care Club not only cultivated and nurtured their interest in animals, these members learned some valuable life skills such as information gathering, making informed decisions, and learning responsibility. They also had an opportunity to practice some public speaking and do some community service at the same time. The final week pet shows were held at Attleboro Assisted Living, Heritage Towers, Life Quest, Rockhill Mennonite Home, Southampton Estates, Statesmans Woods, Twining Village, Wood River Village, and Yardley Manor Care. Three residents from each facility were asked to judge six categories, the largest pet, smallest pet, waggiest tail, most unusual name, best trick and best dressed.  An 80 lb. tortoise, a chicken that jumped rope and a tarantula named Fuzzy were just a few of the highlights.  A total of 598 children, parents, seniors and staff enjoyed this grand finale.