Humane Society Camp

Jul. 28–A pit bull-cross named Cutie and a small, furry dog called Cat were among the homeless dogs that got a lot of extra attention from some 9- and 10-year-old Las Crucens Wednesday at the Doña Ana County Humane Society yard.

The 10 children are participating in the Humane Society’s second five-day camp of the summer.

Kim Doner, camp organizer, said the main point she wants participants to take with them is that their pets need respect and have physical and emotional needs similar to those of people.

The lesson is an important one, with several county residents facing prosecution for extreme animal cruelty and some 11,000 unwanted pets euthanized here last year.

From 8 a.m. to noon, the free event teaches participants all about pets, including safety, training, responsible ownership and overpopulation. The campers also help with kennel chores, and each exercises and socializes a dog of his or her choice, said Doner.

Stasi Hale, 9, was enthusiastic about the camp.

“I think it’s really fun,” she said. “I’ve always loved animals, and I’ve learned a lot.” John De La Paz said his son, Paolo, is greatly enjoying the camp.

“I wanted him to have a summer activity to do, and he has aspirations of when he turns 12 coming here to volunteer now,” De La Paz said.

He said his son has become interested in quality of animal care and concerned about spaying and neutering because of the large number of animals that are put down at the shelter.

Doner said she has heard no complaints about the chores, which include cleaning litter boxes and hanging laundry.

Also, she said participants become adoption advocates for the dogs they help socialize. The dogs who spent time with the four camp participants in June have all been adopted, she said.

Sarah Alyssa Mijarez, 10, said the dog she is working with has been termed a good dog by “everybody.”"So hopefully somebody can adopt her because she’s a real good dog,” she said.

Each day includes a different lesson related to pets.

“They’ve been really great at picking up the information, and the feedback’s been fantastic,” Doner said.

Chris Ashby said her son, Turner, 10, learned a lot about pet ownership and the importance of being responsible.

Turner said campers walk dogs and so get to know them better.

In addition to the first day’s safety education, Doner said, the three to four counselors help ensure safety.

This summer’s camp sessions are the first for the society.

“Basically I did this because it’s hard to get into the schools with humane education,” Doner said.

She added that she had received calls from children who wanted to help but didn’t know how. In addition, the Humane Society does not have the staff to supervise a crew of children, she said.

She said this is the last camp for this summer.

Kim Hollett, new Humane Society executive director, was not directly involved with the camp but expressed pleasure with it.

“In terms of the objectives of the summer camp, I’m very excited that the interest in the community is growing in teaching children very early on how to care for and love animals,” she said, adding that the camp’s preparation and thoroughness show in the interactions between dogs and participants.

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