[ PET OHANA ]
HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY
Kathy Rothschild, administrator of humane education at Hawaiian Humane Society, introduces a bunny to third-grade students from Nanakuli Elementary School.
Humane society teaches
respect, kindness for all
In addition to sheltering homeless animals and providing many services to help people and animals, the Hawaiian Humane Society also has a program that helps the people of our community embrace humane values. Funded entirely by private donations, the humane education program teaches compassion and respect for all living things to everyone from preschool age to adults. The results of a typical half-day program are illustrated by a drawing and note from Daphne, a fifth-grade student at Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary School:
Dear Humane Society,While humane education teaches children to be responsible pet owners, the primary objective is to help them develop a humane ethic encompassing all living creatures, animals as well as people.Thank you for teaching me about dogs and cats. I learned never to abandon your pet. I also learned that animals have feelings, too. Your friend, Daphne
"It is about the web of life," said Kathy Rothschild, the administrator of humane education at the humane society. "Our lives and welfare are interconnected with the animals with whom we share the earth. Humane education helps lead children to ethical decisions taking into account other people, animals and the environment."
In its most general sense, humane education refers to all those activities designed to encourage people to "be kind." The earliest rationale for humane education was that kindness to animals would transfer to people.
Research has shown that most violent criminals have a history of childhood cruelty to animals. Newspaper accounts of sensational crimes often mention incidents of animal abuse in the perpetrator's background. Any child who abuses animals should be recognized as being in need of immediate help.
Learning the value of being kind develops character, moral values and a sense of responsibility. Children who learn respect for living things at an early age retain this value throughout their lives.
"Adults can learn these values, too. It is never too late," said Rothschild. "Sometimes they learn in presentations designed specifically for adult audiences. Sometimes parents learn from their children who are the focus of the educational programs and materials made available by the humane society to schools throughout Oahu."
IN HAWAII'S public schools, character education is a requirement. Language learning, social studies, science, even mathematics -- all have room for humane messages.
Nationally, animal welfare organizations also are taking a proactive role to prevent animal abuse through humane education programs. This movement aims to teach children about proper animal care and, more important, the ability to relate to animals in a caring and compassionate manner.
"Hopefully, these efforts will continue to foster a concern for the welfare of all living things and develop character, moral values and a sense of responsibility in kids as well as adults," said Rothschild. "We try to reach out to the community in any way we can because it is important to acknowledge the close interdependence between animals and humans as well as the connection between animal abuse and human violence."
One of the goals of the humane society's program is to help people remember that promoting kindness toward animals goes beyond just daily pet care. It means loving one another and ensuring a better life for the future.
"Pet Ohana" runs the first and third Fridays of the month. The Hawaiian Humane Society is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. It is at 2700 Waialae Ave. Call 946-2187.
Towels needed
The Hawaiian Humane Society needs donations of bath- and beach-size towels to be used while grooming animals and to line kennels for animals after surgery.
Also needed are bathmats measuring 24 by 36 inches or larger, with a nonskid surface underneath. Towels and bathmats may be delivered to the shelter any time.
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