
I have always had at least one dog. We have always had dachshunds (doxies). My sisters also have doxies. When Stella Belle died, we were without a dog for the first time in my life. Mr. Marty (my husband and boyfriend{<:), Lily (my oldest granddaughter), and I searched and found a new puppy. Ginger Grace came into our lives when she was six weeks old about two weeks ago. She will truly be a special dog. I have type 1 diabetes--which means I have a disability. My doctors have certified Ginger as a Companion dog. She will help me remain calm and help stabilize my blood sugar. Eventually, she will be trained and registered as a "service" dog and hopefully alert me when my blood sugar is too high or too low.
The picture to the right is Ginger Grace with my oldest granddaughter--Lily.
Ginger is allowed to go places where most dogs cannot. In order for her to be able to do that I have to train her to be obedient and calm in public places. I would like to be able to bring her to school on the days when students only have to go to school half a day. That will depend on my boys and girls. Because she is MY companion dog, she will not be allowed to play with students or be let loose to run freely in the classroom.
Depending on how calm my boys and girls can be, I can also let my parrot and chameleon visit. Unlike animals, boys and girls CAN easily control their behavior. They can understand that loud noises, sudden movements, and lunging frighten animals. I hope, hope, hope this class will learn how to appreciate and respect animals.
We will have an assortment of frogs as classroom pets. Students may observe the pets, but will not be allowed to hold them without special permission. Amphibians and reptiles can catch diseases from handling--and unless people wash their hands carefully afterwards, they can get salmonella (a bacteria) from the critter.
God has created animals that are fascinating to people. They can provide us with knowledge, appreciation, responsibility, and many other benefits. Besides kids, animals are my favorite living creatures. (I'm okay with adults, but they usually take third place--ha, ha.) If you are in my class, you kind of HAVE to love animals and reading. Those are my passions --- and they are contagious. I have never had a student leave my class without developing an appreciation of both.
Feel free to write me on this blog about your feelings for animals.
Mrs. Robinson