COMMUNITY
Totally Wild Carnival a huge success!
Thank you to all those that came out and supported the Hughesdale Primary School's Totally Wild Carnival last month. The event was a huge success with the school raising close to $30,000. The funds will be going towards fitting out the schools new gymnasium and facilities for the kids.
All that attended reported to have a great time, with plenty of free showbags, rides and entertainment for the whole family.
Pet Expo
On Saturday 22 Oct, the Black Rock Animal Hospital hosted a stall at the Bayside council pet expo on behalf of Vets beyond Borders. The day started very rainy but many dog lovers got to find out about how they can help dogs and people in communities less advantaged than our own.
Dr Michael and vet nurse Brooke Crockford signed up many willing new members to this great practical Australian organisation.
There were plenty of other exhibitors showcasing things from new pet products, to pet treats, services, microchipping and an exciting visit from the Roaming Reptiles. Overall the feedback has been wonderful and we're looking forward to seeing you all there next year.
Vets Beyond Borders & The Australian Himalayan Foundation
Dr Michael and Dr Lisa (from our Black Rock clinic) have made final plans for their trip to Southern India this year. They are planning to leave in December to work at the ‘Bylakuppe Tibetan refugee settlement' (Google earth: Bylakuppe, India). They will be working for ‘Vets beyond Borders' on a desexing and rabies eradication programme.
While there, they will also be meeting the local staff of the Tinso foundation. Tinso helps elderly Tibetan refugees cope with their old age.
Both projects are dear to Michael and Lisa and represent effective practical work done by two groups that help both the human and animal condition.
Archie and Finlay will be travelling again and will be introducing the rules of AFL to Tibetan monks boys.
Australian Himalayan Foundation
Blessing of the Pets for 2011
Recently Dr Michael and Dr Lisa headed to St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church in Beaumaris to take part in Blessing of the Pets. Dr Michael was guest speaker and despite the horrible weather, a great day was had by all.
AVA PetPEP School Visits
What is Australian Veterinary Association's PetPEP?
AVA PetPEP stands for "Pets and People Education Program."
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has developed this Primary School education program, which is implemented across Australia in Prep to Year Seven classrooms. This is an excellent child and teacher-friendly program and is accredited by Education Queensland.
What does AVA PetPEP do?
AVA PetPEP brings together teachers, school children, vets, vet nurses, local councils, DPI&F and the RSPCA to help children learn important lessons about responsible pet care.
The program teaches responsible pet ownership through the following six topics-
- Behaving safely around pets
- Being responsible for a pet
- Caring for your pet's health
- Choosing the right pet
- Preparing for a pet
- Treating all animals well
PetPEP School Visits
Your school could host a PetPEP School Visit where a variety of guest speakers from the animal care professions are available to visit classrooms to discuss responsible pet ownership with students. Vets and vet nurses are able to discuss topics such as caring for your pet's health, selecting an appropriate pet, safety around animals and the role of vets/nurses in the community. For select sessions, children may also have the opportunity to have hands on practical experience with kittens, puppies and dogs of all shapes and sizes.
'Junior Friends' Clinic Visits
Clinic tours are offered to school groups wanting to experience first hand how things run behind the scenes. Each group will be carefully guided through the clinic by one of our friendly and experienced staff, and will then have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. All groups will have the chance to watch and participate in a variety of activities and procedures such as feeding and handling the animals, assisting with xrays, bathing a dog and possibly even witnessing surgical procedures.
Work Experience
East Bentleigh Vet Clinic and Black Rock Animal Hospital encourages students to participate in our work experience programs. We have secondary school students on a regular basis as part of their formal year ten work experience program.
Our clinic is fully supportive of the program but we are a small business so cannot accept all requests.
It is important to understand that working in a veterinary clinic can be very interesting at times, but there are also tasks which are far from glamorous.
It is expected that students on work experience placement help out, get involved, have a genuine interest in animals and demonstrate a mature attitude for us to accept the placement.