HSOY has great programs for children

For you who don't know, the Humane Society of Yuma has great programs for the children of Yuma that I am sure the county won't provide if they build their own pound, such as the Yuma school districts bringing children to the HSOY for field trips.

Last week we had a class of special needs children come to learn and interact with the animals. They got to meet a dog and they even got to name that dog and if you could have only seen the smiles and happiness on their faces, it would have melted your heart (they come several times a year for this).

Just a few days ago we had a class of 96 children come to learn about animal abuse and the care of animals and they also had to write an essay on the dogs they picked out. They also got to tour the clinic and see several operations going on at the time and then went though the kennels to pick out the dogs that they had to write the essay on. Afterwards they got to meet and pet five dogs in the play area and the children and teachers had a wonderful time and learned a lot from their tour.

Also the HSOY has had summer camps for the children when school is out to learn about all the animals and even make the dogs treats. Several children come back year after year for this camp. There is a lot going on for the people and children of Yuma at the HSOY that it seems the public doesn't know about and needs to know. With the 96 children, we split them into four different groups. The county's pound, with just two kennel techs, could not do this and wouldn't take the time it takes to educate our children.

I hope that some of the city council members would take time and come visit the new shelter and find out just what all goes on down there before they waste the taxpayers' money and go with the county's plan.

James McQuinn
Yuma