Sarah S.
West House
Animal Cruelty
EQ: What is the most effective way to take a stand against animal cruelty?

Thursday, January 27, 2011

ESLRs Check

1. Summary of how you've been an effective learner this year?
     Every week I try to find as much research as I can such as articles, books, interviews, etc. I have been working with the animal care attendants and officers at the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter/ Care Center since late August and have recently been going aggressively every week at least 2-4 times 3 hours a day. This month alone I have completed over 20 hours and have learned a lot from my mentors, from proper animal care, various abuse cases, and how to work with the public and adoptions. I am also passing every class with at least a P even with the stress of college applications and awaiting responses. Model Assembly also turned out great even though my bill did not last very long. I was lucky enough to earn a P along with Ms. Melogno's great commendations concerning my speeches and research binder.

2. Cite evidence from the senior project.
     Starting senior year I already knew exactly what my project topic would be and had already started my service learning at the care center. Throughout this first semester I have always been prepared with my research and WBs for every research check. I have also been able to research a sergeant and two animal care attendants at the shelter who have all given me great information. Working at the shelter has shown me the importance of all of my mentors and co-workers jobs as well as how to properly care for animals. This experience has given me the privilege of assisting in over 20 or more adoptions in the past 3 months.

3. What are specific ways that you can improve in this ESLR during second semester?
     A few ways I can improve this upcoming semester is definitely catch up on all of my margin notes on all of my research since I have a total of 32 sources overall so far. I also plan on going on a ride along with one of the animal officers. I think going out on the field and observing would help me with my project especially with my presentation because I will have first hand experience with what happens out there behind closed doors.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Service Learning 10 Hour Project Check

  1.  I have provided quality care for shelter cats and dogs as well as assisting the kennel staff and fellow co-workers with basic cage/kennel cleaning, care and socialization, feeding, and exercise. I also help the general public, who are interested in adoption, find their ideal future pet companions. For example this Tuesday I helped a man find a small puppy for his 3 year old son. I have been involved in nearly 20 or so adoptions so far. This week I also saved and rushed a Siberian Husky, who licked open his wounds, to the veterinarian before his intestines and guts totally spilled out (heard this has happened before).
  2.  I try to go every week for 4-8 hours. I have already completed over 30 hours.
  3. The most significant thing I have learned through this experience is the shelters desperate need of the public's help. Hundreds of animals go through the Baldwin Park shelter every week alone and in order for all of these animals to survive and be adopted we need people to become better informed so that they can help with donations, adopt, and refer others. We need blankets, towels, toys, food, and more volunteers! I am there every week and its a great feeling when you help a poor helpless dog thats been locked up in a kennel get adopted and find a home and I just wish every animal in there can be but it doesn't always happen that way. So that is why we need huge support from the public.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Third Interview Questions

  1. What kind of animal cruelty cases have you seen and personally handled, being that you are an animal control officer?
  2. Are you currently prosecuting anyone? If so, for what?
  3. What is the most horrific scene you have witnessed out on the field?
  4. How often do you come across animal abusers?
  5. Hw can one recognize an abuser?
  6. How are abused animals treated once they are taken from the home?
  7. What should owners, who have adopted a previously abused pet, know about the animal in order to care for it properly?
  8. What should people know about the importance of your job?
  9. What do you recommend people should do when they are witnesses to animal abuse?
  10. In your opinion, what is the most effective way to take a stand against animal cruelty?