The main hope for this project with the twins is to teach them more about their world. It will not always just be about fun times having fun. One of the ways I thought to do that was to take them on routine trips that we then turn into learning experiences about what people do for jobs and how things work. With discussion before these excursions and research based on their questions after, we are building their knowledge base. So I scheduled Chilli’s vet visit on Thursday so we could learn all about animal doctors.
Since we have not yet selected a local vet, I decided to make the drive across town to the Lort Smith Animal Hospital where they combine social and animal welfare by helping not only the pets, but the pet owners in need. In the short time we were there, the kids had such an amazing chance to learn. They saw sadness and kindness combine into a beautiful reality…with just enough of a buffer for their tender four year old hearts and minds. They met a dog with burns who survived the Victorian bushfires and is now being boarded at the hospital since his owner’s home was destroyed. They also saw a family being comforted after they brought their ill dog in for the last time. We talked about what type of animals might be helped in the hospital’s “Exotic and Native Pet Unit” and while we did not see any unicorns, the twins are fairly certain that this hospital would know what to do to help one.
We were a bit early and had some waiting to do. The kids and dog were on their best behavior that day. Thank goodness.
When it was Chilli’s turn, the twins were able to ask the vet questions and we all learned about some of the problems that Chilli is still dealing with due to malnutrition. (By the way, Chilli is doing great and has gained some weight! Her lingering issues will all resolve with even more time and love and good food!) The twins thought is was HILARIOUS to find out just where a dog gets their temperature taken!
Last year, Lort Smith was able to help 1,132 animals with donations. That is a big number of animals who would not have had a chance without this wonderful resource.
They rely on volunteers (and donations), so if you are in Melbourne and love animals, click on their website see how you can help them out.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
What a wonderful idea for your family and thank-you for sharing with us!! x
thank you for sharing. inspiring as always.
Just don’t ever buy any of that crap food that they sell there. If Chilli is having eating issues, check out http://www.natureslogic.com. It’s the way all pets should eat!
They did not even try to sell me any of it! I will check out the website.
gorgeous post!
Looks like you had a lovely visit. They learned a lot and had fun. I’ve been part of the pet’s last visit twice now. The pictures of the kids and the dog rare adorable!
Just gorgeous! What a great day to spend with them while doing something that was still ‘on the list’! Love your ideas
Our beautiful lab (RIP Chippy) was rescued by us from Lort Smith, someone had found him on the side of the road after a car accident and took him there. They stitched him up but he was on death row so we had to take him home. He passed a few years ago but I still miss him.
What a wonderful trip. and love the pics. esp the one of K holding his leash while he is on the table, like they were both just told about the thermometer
and yay for best behavior!!!