Last week, we visited the Oregon Humane Society (OHS), where Michael received a Certificate of Appreciation for helping raise $300 for OHS at the book release party for “Bash And Lucy Fetch Confidence.” Barb gave us a tour, where we learned all about animal shelters.

At the Oregon Humane Society, we learned that animal shelters rescue dogs that families can’t care for anymore. Sometimes, families have to give up their dogs or other animals after a divorce. Sometimes, families move and don’t take their pets with them. The good news: At the Oregon Humane Society, there’s lots of space. Dogs and animals from other animal shelters often get sent here, where they are very well cared for. For example, each and every dog gets a clean bed every day.

To help keep the dogs healthy, OHS staff and volunteers train them to do “nose work,” which actually can be a sport. Staff and volunteers put treats in a couple of boxes, and leave some empty, and the dogs have to find the boxes that contain the treats. This is good for dogs’ brains because they have to figure out where the treats are!

When Michael received his certificate, we learned where donations like ours go: to feed and provide medicine and supplies for the dogs. We also learned just how important volunteers are at the Humane Society.  They walk the animals, socialize with them, groom them, and help train them. Kids over age 12 can volunteer  to provide this much-needed assistance. Watch the video here:

And what did Michael say just after we left the Oregon Humane Society? “When can we go back and visit again?”

Be sure to visit us at Michael’s Dog Blog to learn more dog facts for kids and learn all about Michael’s book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence.”