School pets - don’t panic!

Sweet Potato said:
I understand why many people take a strong stance against this. (I have read the RSPCA guidance) but I do think the options have to be weighed up. For many of these children interacting with animals is the only time they can truly relax. Their whole body relaxes and they finally feel they can be themselves. Many children also live in homes that are not suitable for pets. Are not able to take care of pets and you cannot get that kind of interaction at zoos. This is a need and not a want for many children in special education. If children cannot have an outlet for this in a way that is safe for the animal parents will buy animals and keep them in poor conditions at home, take their children to petting zoos or children will try to keep secret pets without telling their parents. We are very privileged to have never needed the company of a therapy animal to feel safe and loved. I wish we could find a way to make this available while keeping the pets safe rather than putting a wall up and denying people constructive advice on the basis that school pets are bad when it's so much more complex than that. I think a lot of people are picturing an animal in a small cage in the corner of a crowded classroom or being picked up and fussed over constantly but this doesn't have to be the case.

P.s pray animals like rabbits and Guinea pigs have a calming quality that animals like horses and dogs don't provide. And may be suitable for children that are scared of dogs.
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I tend to find horses and dogs have extremely calming qualities. And having worked in the equine industry for 28 years, I have many friends who offer equine therapy for children and adults. I think the horses and dogs make fantastic therapy animals; or maybe I’m just biased.. as they are my therapy 😊🐾🐴💕
 
Bradshaw Piggies said:
I tend to find horses and dogs have extremely calming qualities. And having worked in the equine industry for 28 years, I have many friends who offer equine therapy for children and adults. I think the horses and dogs make fantastic therapy animals; or maybe I’m just biased.. as they are my therapy 😊🐾🐴💕
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It's not that these animals don't provide great therapy but just that it's different therapy and different children will get more out of being with one animal over another its not always as simple as swapping one out for another. For example a child that was abused in a house with a violent dog may not respond well to being around a dog. But if the animals in that home were the only ones in the house that they didn't feel threatened by then being around a small furry may help them to relax. Also a lot of children with autism have a fear of dogs because of the noise, slobber, jumping up. It's easy for us to not generalise that to all dogs and trust that this dog is a nice dog but it's not always that easy. Horses provide great therapy but it involves taking the child to an unfamiliar place and horses can be rather intimidating just due to their size. Also equine therapy is not something a school can provide every day.
 
Sweet Potato said:
It's not that these animals don't provide great therapy but just that it's different therapy and different children will get more out of being with one animal over another its not always as simple as swapping one out for another. For example a child that was abused in a house with a violent dog may not respond well to being around a dog. But if the animals in that home were the only ones in the house that they didn't feel threatened by then being around a small furry may help them to relax. Also a lot of children with autism have a fear of dogs because of the noise, slobber, jumping up. It's easy for us to not generalise that to all dogs and trust that this dog is a nice dog but it's not always that easy. Horses provide great therapy but it involves taking the child to an unfamiliar place and horses can be rather intimidating just due to their size. Also equine therapy is not something a school can provide every day.
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I do agree many children with autism fear larger animals, my son does, he loves guinea pigs because they won't leap on him unexpectedly.
It's great that you understand what the children need and are working at the coal face. It's so hard to find something that brings down stress levels and brings meaning to life, and piggies do that. I just feel uncomfortable that a child's stress is lowered, while a school guinea pig's stress levels are raised.
Perhaps with some creative thinking there can be a win win for children and pets.
 
Hi all. My husband just saw something today which really relates to this thread and I would like to share. He was on a job at a church. The church had also had a recreation building and what we believe to be a kindergarten. In this area outside, he saw a two story hutch and metal run folded up against the wall that looked to be about 2 meters. He assumed there were piggies in the hutch, but then he turned and looked into the completely open yard of the church recreation area and saw this:

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No fence around the houses or around the yard. The houses are next to a small street and a parking lot. Not one person around. There are many predators in Germany who could fit into the house hole and many that could simply overturn it. In the time my husband took to investigate this (multiple minutes,) he could have easily stolen one of the piggies or harmed them. There were at least two from what he could see. He didn't find anyone around to talk to about the pigs and the people he was in contact with had nothing to do with the church.

This really seems like another case of kindergarten piggy neglect. Who would ever keep their pigs like this? The only thing I could think if there was no neglect is that the people are misinterpreting their behavior. They probably stay in that little house circle because they are scared to death, not because they are well trained. They must also realize there are predators though, and I think most people have enough common sense to know that, so I don't know 😣 It's hard to imagine a scenario where this would be not negligent.

I don't mean to rant and I think the original person asking the question has much better intentions and understanding of how to care for piggies. This is just an example of how once again classroom pets are a no for me! This is very clearly negligent whether on purpose or not and this sort of thing happens too often! Maybe one of the teachers could bring in their own pet to visit the class every now and then, but it has to be a pet that could withstand the stress. That's the only way I could imagine a classroom pet to possibly work.
 
h.h.lovecraft said:
Hi all. My husband just saw something today which really relates to this thread and I would like to share. He was on a job at a church. The church had also had a recreation building and what we believe to be a kindergarten. In this area outside, he saw a two story hutch and metal run folded up against the wall that looked to be about 2 meters. He assumed there were piggies in the hutch, but then he turned and looked into the completely open yard of the church recreation area and saw this:

View attachment 180360
View attachment 180361

No fence around the houses or around the yard. The houses are next to a small street and a parking lot. Not one person around. There are many predators in Germany who could fit into the house hole and many that could simply overturn it. In the time my husband took to investigate this (multiple minutes,) he could have easily stolen one of the piggies or harmed them. There were at least two from what he could see. He didn't find anyone around to talk to about the pigs and the people he was in contact with had nothing to do with the church.

This really seems like another case of kindergarten piggy neglect. Who would ever keep their pigs like this? The only thing I could think if there was no neglect is that the people are misinterpreting their behavior. They probably stay in that little house circle because they are scared to death, not because they are well trained. They must also realize there are predators though, and I think most people have enough common sense to know that, so I don't know 😣 It's hard to imagine a scenario where this would be not negligent.

I don't mean to rant and I think the original person asking the question has much better intentions and understanding of how to care for piggies. This is just an example of how once again classroom pets are a no for me! This is very clearly negligent whether on purpose or not and this sort of thing happens too often! Maybe one of the teachers could bring in their own pet to visit the class every now and then, but it has to be a pet that could withstand the stress. That's the only way I could imagine a classroom pet to possibly work.
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...this is genuinely horrifying.
 
That is absolutely shocking! I think, if possible, you should contact the kindergarten an
 
h.h.lovecraft said:
If my husband can't get in touch with anyone when he goes back there tonight, I will figure something out!
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I think I would be tempted to perform an intervention. Even if you can’t house them in ideal accommodation temporarily that would be better than leaving them at the mercy of the elements and predators.
 
VickiA said:
I think I would be tempted to perform an intervention. Even if you can’t house them in ideal accommodation temporarily that would be better than leaving them at the mercy of the elements and predators.
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My husband is going back later today and will try to contact someone about it. I think he was shocked at first and he also had a job to do which is why he couldn't really act immediately. The thing is that it seems they have all the proper equipment. He said the hutch was nice, they obviously have many nice looking hideys, and they had a nice sized run, so it's strange why they wouldn't be using it. Like all you have to do is pick it up and put it around the houses? Very strange. That's obviously not the only issue though. Maybe if it's a school pet, the teachers who would usually be there taking care of them aren't there and a not very caring janitor or caretaker has left them out like that or something since it's Sunday? But this is just me trying to come up with an explanation l guess. Will let everyone know if we get any answers.
 
h.h.lovecraft said:
Hi all. My husband just saw something today which really relates to this thread and I would like to share. He was on a job at a church. The church had also had a recreation building and what we believe to be a kindergarten. In this area outside, he saw a two story hutch and metal run folded up against the wall that looked to be about 2 meters. He assumed there were piggies in the hutch, but then he turned and looked into the completely open yard of the church recreation area and saw this:

View attachment 180360
View attachment 180361

No fence around the houses or around the yard. The houses are next to a small street and a parking lot. Not one person around. There are many predators in Germany who could fit into the house hole and many that could simply overturn it. In the time my husband took to investigate this (multiple minutes,) he could have easily stolen one of the piggies or harmed them. There were at least two from what he could see. He didn't find anyone around to talk to about the pigs and the people he was in contact with had nothing to do with the church.

This really seems like another case of kindergarten piggy neglect. Who would ever keep their pigs like this? The only thing I could think if there was no neglect is that the people are misinterpreting their behavior. They probably stay in that little house circle because they are scared to death, not because they are well trained. They must also realize there are predators though, and I think most people have enough common sense to know that, so I don't know 😣 It's hard to imagine a scenario where this would be not negligent.

I don't mean to rant and I think the original person asking the question has much better intentions and understanding of how to care for piggies. This is just an example of how once again classroom pets are a no for me! This is very clearly negligent whether on purpose or not and this sort of thing happens too often! Maybe one of the teachers could bring in their own pet to visit the class every now and then, but it has to be a pet that could withstand the stress. That's the only way I could imagine a classroom pet to possibly work.
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So an update on the piggies left out in the open...

My husband spoke to the priest's wife from the church. When my husband came upon them earlier, they were supposed to be under the supervision of her two children, but they were distracted by my husband and his coworkers working in the area at the time. He said she seemed annoyed that they were not paying attention and that the hutch area looked good, there was hay and water, and the piggies looked healthy. The priest and his wife also live on church grounds so it's not like they are being left there by themselves with no one to look after them.

So, they clearly aren't completely neglected piggies and seem to come from a loving, but misguided home. Obviously it is incredibly...not smart and irresponsible to let two children supervise guinea pigs, especially outside with no enclosure! Sorry to be so frank, but come on. 🙄😑 Like I said, my husband mentioned to her that he was shocked to see them out in the open unsupervised and the mother was unhappy to hear it. I am hoping my husband pointing it out will make her think twice about it, and it seemed like she already was a bit. Hopefully there won't be another situation like what my husband saw earlier today!
 
anyar.dris said:
Wouldn't having a pet therapy that an owner brings to a class for a certain day work for the kids? Like what a member here does @HeatherRose? I think you need to look at that option in helping the kids instead of having a full time class animal. Just a suggestion.
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I agree! I'm currently volunteering in a primary school (where there are many children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs). Just before Christmas I took 2 of my guinea pigs into class for a couple of hours one morning for the kids to interact with. I took the 2 confident piggies of mine who are fine being stroked and cuddled. I carefully supervised each child as they in turn stroked each piggy pancaked on my lap. Despite the many ground rules I set (gentle stroking, quiet voices, no sudden movements etc) the kids enjoyed their time with the piggies. They all showed the care and respect for the piggies I hoped for.

This is after the school asked me for my advice as they wanted to get guinea pigs as classroom pets. Thankfully I managed to advise them against it (for the reasons cited) and instead offered my services to bring some piggies in to meet the kids.

I hope to be an animal-assisted child-therapist one day visiting schools (and hospitals as dear Peter Gurney did) and seeing the therapeutic and social benefits the piggies brought to the kids has reinforced this hope. However, because it was specific targeted time with animals, I felt the kids saw it as special and got more from it rather than having guinea pigs at school the whole time and taking them for granted/getting bored of them (as many kids can and do).
 
Hi. Great you asking and planning things through.
I've seen piggies in classroom and breaks me up.
Start with great intentions and when the novelty wears off and it WILL.
Then theirs the budget. Cleaning. Vet Bills. Noise . Winter. Holls . Etc.
Pls pls don't.
You had some great advise from some of the best piggie people . .
The piggie I rescued from a school took 6 months to trust me take food etc. It was in a disgusting state. . He started life well loved then became another unwanted piggie.
PEDRO I still miss you. X
 
Thank you for adding my Melvins rescue into this story.
he got lucky, not because I found him, but because Someone found him and cared enough to STOP the cruelty.
I love, more than anyone, the rose tinted picture of painted wooden fences,
Sunshine and abundant green grass.
Hay, water and veggies galore!
Little mary patting and stroking and little Johnny brushing the fur of the sweet little classroom pet, with joy, daily! they all share equal love and understanding for its entire lifetime and everything is picture perfect.
But it’s not true.
Far far far from it
We as responsible, understanding and unselfish animal lovers give a vast majority more time, effort money, love, space, emotion than some of our less enthusiastic fellow beings ever would think reasonable, and that is where the problem is.

You, as a animal lover, may walk in the class room on Monday and “yay!” Clean out joey the bunny! or hamster/gerbils/guinea pigs ect ect
But tomorrow your not in, and there is no continuous care.
Who cleaned joey out last?
who fed joey last?
Who filled the water bottle last?
who looked at joeys teath last? or noticed he had softer poo than normal?
yes, you can incorporate the Chores chart rota idea, but who will oversea it? and will they actually care?, Or is it just a class room pet, and your sure The dried forage will be enough till Monday morning as you leave the school gates on Friday night.
And so on and so on and so on.
I’m less enthusiastic about cute whimsical ideas of pets, coz when u find someone’s “once cute pet idea” catastrophically starving, near dead, Freezing cold and alone, with critical dehydration levels, suddenly you realise the “chores chart” doesn’t work and hasn’t done for a very long time.

There’s only ONE INSTANCE I believe where a Class pet is OK When you are the teacher/helper/ assistant snd the pet is your own, meaning your personal responsibility, and you don’t mind BRINGING it in from your own home however many times a week, if this isn’t the case DONT GET A CLASS ROOM PET
Or if your a great mum/dad/grand parent/volunteer/ local farmer/ that’s DBS checked and has a learning slot for kids to experience the amazing world of well cared for happy LOVED pets, i
DONT GET A CLASS ROOM PET!
Sadly, but not unsurprisingly, Melvin wasn’t my first school rescue.
he was the worst by far, but when my own children were at primary school age the school they started at already had a guinea pig.
Blackie, a black boar with the sweetest chubby face. He once had no one to take him home one half term, so I offered too.
He was crawling with lice, yummy! lovely for kids, shows how much he was picked up from the hutch! and blind in one eye from a fight with his previous male companion.
Either I or my mum ended up having that pig every single school holiday for about 3 years! we fixed him up, and sadly sent him back.
luckily he was PTS in my care one summer a happy piggy at the end of his road. ( he had developed a nasty internal abscess) and the school decided it was not going put funds or have time again for a school pet
Brilliant idea!
These pets DO NOT WORK OUT often starting with the best intentions but it is unrealistic and unsustainable to care for a animal as it should rightly deserve.
So please take my personal heed
Don’t GET a pet, GET a pet to visit
Big love ❤️
Ali
 
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