Kids learn pet care basics at hands-on workshop – Superior Telegram

SUPERIOR — The Superior Public Library and the Humane Society of Douglas County partnered Wednesday, Aug. 13, for a special workshop on pet care.

A kitten named Barnaby and some cuddly rabbits were the stars of the event.

“It’s fluffy like a cloud,” said Sara Zuchowski, 7, of Superior, as she petted a lionhead rabbit in her lap.

Jule Hand, fundraising coordinator for the humane society, came up with the idea. The nonprofit humane society runs the Superior Animal Shelter. Enhancing youth engagement is one of Shelter Director Lareasha Connors’ goals, Hand said. Volunteers from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and Superior High School help out with the cats and dogs at the shelter.

“(Connors) just wanted us to get out a little bit more with kids in the community again, to make sure that they know how to care for their animals,” Hand said.

Manager of Library Programs and Partnerships Leslie Mehle was quick to agree to host the workshop.

“We’re just really excited to do this,” Mehle said.

Hand led the workshop with volunteer Carmel Petersson, of Duluth.

“We’re just trying again to give them that basic pet care knowledge, how to interact with animals in the community that may or may not be theirs, and answer any of those questions that they may have,” Hand said.

Petersson, who has been raising rabbits for 10 years, told the children that rabbits need to be held in a manner so they’re well supported.

“It’s really important to make them feel safe and secure,” Petersson said.

Baby rabbits are called kits, she said, and mother rabbits only return to the nest twice in 24 hours to keep predators away. Rabbits can even be litter-trained.

“I work at Lake Superior College as well, so I often bring (rabbits) there for students to enjoy. I really love sharing them,” Petersson said.

Information covered during the event included pet needs — food, water, sleep, play, a clean environment, regular checkups — and a range of other topics:

• A cat or a dog who brings you a bird or frog or other small creature is actually trying to give you a present. 
• Contact the Wisconsin Department of Resources or the Wildwoods rehabilitation center if you find an injured wild animal. 
• If you find a pet running loose, Facebook is a good way to find its owner. 
• Microchips make it easier to reunite lost pets with families. 
• If you see a pet at the park, always ask the owner before petting it.
• Baby bunnies should be returned to its nest. A mother bunny won’t pick them up and move them like a cat picks up a kitten.
• It’s important to do research before bringing home a pet so you know it’s a good fit for your family.

Half an hour into the presentation, Barnaby and the rabbits were being passed from lap to lap. As they cuddled the small pets, children shared what they learned.

“I learned that you have to hold bunnies like this. I’ve never held a bunny,” Sara said.

Wren Caroon, 6, talked about her cats at home. Sometimes they groom each other, and they curl up for naps together on the family’s cat tree. The 6-year-old knew her role as owner.

“The most important thing I give them is love,” Wren said.

Maria Lockwood covers news in Douglas County, Wisconsin, for the Superior Telegram.