I was meaning to do this last week, but a few things came up and I was a little side-tracked offline - but I need some help and input from the dog lover's here.
There's a BBQ at my local community centre here next week. Where the public can express some ideas or bring things into discussion that they'd like to see around the neighborhood and I've been excited to go because I thought perhaps I could offer some volunteer work for some programs. As some may have seen me mention one or two times...Australia really isn't all that "up to speed" with the BYB/puppy/kitten mill problem and so I was thinking about suggesting to hold a information course...or something, I'm not sure what the correct term would be.
Basically, I wanted a few "dog" ideas and after talking to a colleague friend of mine earlier today, she gave me a few great ideas to perhaps ask for an optional donation for a local no-kill shelter. Of course, this is all volunteer just as much as anyone else who works at the centre, but I thought it might be helpful for the community. Perhaps an information seminar of sorts, broken up into a couple of sessions? I've done event organizing before, just not something like this.
I was thinking of something like basic puppy care and first step training too, without dogs of course...but even then I'm not an "educated" trainer. Though, I have been looking into some courses in order to become one.
But what I wanted to ask opinions and advice on, is what else could I offer to do pet-related? Mainly dogs, because I'm more familiar with them. Maybe a dog walking group? Exercise, social interaction between owners and dogs, and making new friends? I should note that a lot of people who attend the community centre's programs are retired or seniors so it won't be many people who would be into anything huge...plus it's a small centre. But, we'll see how the gathering goes with who's participating. For example, they hold cooking classes there each week, obviously not taught by an actual chef. Lol. Stuff like that, but well...animal related.
Another thing I'd like help with...is research information. A little similar to what, BW had a thread about recently with the "number game". Statistics on the dog population overload. I know a few basics (and a few extra now thanks to BW's post) just not all to be informative. How to recognize a BYB, how to um... gently inform them that their "puggle" or "schnoodle" doesn't technically exist. The dangers of designer breeds, that sort of thing.
Is there anything else that I should include? I'll be taking a list of ideas with me so any extra suggestions you can come up with, would be GREATLY appreciated. And of course, I'll definitely give credit and thanks!
