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The competition will be judged in 3 age groups, under 5's, 5 - 8 years and 9+. The prize will be a 'Behind the scenes tour of our Veterinary Hospital' for all of our winners and their families, along with a £10 gif voucher of your choice. I am looking forward to receiving your entry!
Children are an 'Open book', many of them not having any contact with animals of their own, and perhaps not understanding that they have needs and feelings the same as their own. Here at Drove Veterinary Hospital we offer school visits or invite groups to come in and visit the main hospital helping to raise children's awareness of an animal's needs.
The children are given the chance to scan 'Tango' for a microchip or maybe listen to his heart (or purr as the case may be) with a stethoscope. Dogs, Ferrets, Rabbits and Guinea pigs have been known to go on the visit too! We explain the importance of looking after their own anaimals, and emphasise that animals can't ask for food, water and a clean bed for themselves!
Awareness of the need to be cautious with animals is emphasised - because like people they can have their 'off days', and instead of shouting and being cross, animals may bite and scratch! As well as the fluffy, cuddly animals, a tortoise and snake help children realise that they are living creatures and even though they look very different, they still need to be cared for and respected.
Shrieks sometimes escape when 'Fio' the snake first appears, but usually curiosity prevails and they all want to touch and hold him.
Our main message to children is 'Treat animals as you would like to be treated yourself - remember they can't talk'.
During the evenings Brownies, Beavers, Cubs, Rainbows and Community groups are given the chance to 'See behind the Scenes' - visiting the wards, operating theatres, prep areas, recption etc, whilst telling them what it is like to work in a vets and the importance of looking after animals.
Hopefully by talking to the children we are helping to educate 'The Owners of the Future', in preventative healthcare and good animal husbandry, alleviating fears and misconceptions, while teaching respect and understanding.
For details of our visits please contact Jane Carter on (01793) 501480 or at Drove Veterinary Hospital, 252 Croft Road, Swindon on
(01793) 522483.
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