PLUMSTED – On June 6, drug-sniffing dogs and bomb-sniffing dogs prowled the hallways of the Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School, not in search of explosives or narcotics, but as a special program for the eager students.
Special education teacher Nancy Forbes and fifth-grade teacher Jeff Pierro organized Woehr the Animals Are Day as a replacement for the annual Country Fair Day, which ended last year.
The idea emerged from Forbes’ own experiences raising a puppy for the Seeing Eye. Forbes said the pupils loved it when she brought the puppy into school, but, as she noticed, “the children didn’t fully realize the important role of assistance animals, both for people with disabilities and the public in general.”
Woehr the Animals Are Day began patriotically when Staff Sgt. Joey Webb, the husband of fifth-grade teacher Rebecca Webb, presented an American flag to Principal Jean Morgan. Webb had flown the flag for the school during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The school chorus concluded the opening ceremonies by singing “The Star- Spangled Banner.”
A variety of service animals and their handlers were present to show the students the vital role of animals in people’s everyday lives, Forbes said.
The volunteers demonstrated their dogs’ skills and the importance of teamwork and communication.
Special guests included Kobie, a golden retriever who assisted in rescue efforts after Hurricane Katrina, a drug-sniffing black Labrador from the Trenton Police Department, a drug/explosive-sniffing bloodhound, and an assistance dog for the hearing impaired.
Forbes said a variety of supplies was collected and donated by the students to the Hamilton Animal Shelter, which in turn taught the children about helping animals in need.
Travis Gale, of Eyes of the Wild, showcased other, more exotic animals. American hairless dogs, a Newfoundland therapy dog and a show dog agility demonstration comprised the other stations.
Rick’s Saddle Shop, which donated prizes for the day’s “Most Photogenic Pet” contest, also provided pet goody bags filled with treats for each child to take home along with their new knowledge and memories of the first Woehr the Animals Are Day.
– Andrew Davison