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Kids spend spring break with rescued animals

Whatcom Humane Society hosts Critter Camp

Angela Lenz from Tails-A-Wagging Doggy Daycare works with camper Liam to encourage the dog, Frank, to come over.
Angela Lenz from Tails-A-Wagging Doggy Daycare works with camper Liam to encourage the dog, Frank, to come over and say hello at the Whatcom Humane Society on April 6. Lenz visited the Critter Camp to teach the kids about canine body language and how to approach dogs. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)
By Hailey Hoffman Visual Journalist

With the kids out for spring break, the Whatcom Humane Society hosted Critter Camp to provide kids with a fun, educational experience while on break from school.

During the three-day camp, the 6- to 9-year-olds got to meet the shelter’s dogs, kittens, rats and farm animals while also learning how to properly engage with and act around them.

Auna Carter, the Outreach Coordinator at the Whatcom Humane Society, practices two finger pets with kids on each side on the kitten, Moss.
Auna Carter, the Outreach Coordinator at the Whatcom Humane Society, practices two finger pets with kids on the kitten, Moss. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

On the last day, Angela Lenz with the Whatcom Humane Society stopped by to discuss canine body language and how to respond to dogs. 

She encouraged the kids to watch a dog’s body language – what its ears, eyes and teeth are doing – and to only pet dogs that approach them first and show signs of wanting attention. 

When not with the animals, outreach coordinator Auna Carter and a group of volunteers led the kids through animal-themed crafts and games and provided vegan snacks.

Critter Camp typically runs in the summer. This was the first one held over spring break.

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