The most rewarding compliment an educator can receive is a simple “thank you”. The Goochland Pet Lover’s team of educators recently experienced this in several ways. Whether it was the parent of a student who explained her son’s excitement for the lessons learned and his eagerness for the continuation, or the heartfelt hug from a third grader who purposely stopped by the GPL tent on Goochland Day, it has been confirmed that the Kindness program is working!
The initiative began as an idea and blossomed into a full-fledged program as part of the third-grade curriculum across Goochland County. After testing a few lessons at Goochland Elementary School, the team was met with great enthusiasm and the pilot program was accepted as part of the third-grade curriculum by the county’s school administration in 2023.
Like the second-graders who partake in the “Safety Around Water” program (YMCA in conjunction with Goochland County Public Schools), the fourth-graders who complete the Fire Safety program, and the fifth-graders who participate in the DARE program, Goochland’s third-graders now have an accepted yearly program – Goochland Pet Lover’s Teaching Kindness program!
Modeled loosely after the Teaching Kindness initiative presented by The National Humane Education Society of West Virginia, a committee of eight volunteers, comprised of former teachers and a variety of professionals, is committed to creating a more humane world for animals and children alike.
The program is comprised of several lessons ranging from learning the history and importance of the Goochland County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center and the creation of Goochland Pet Lovers, to properly caring for animals and the environment, and others, interspersed with puzzles and activities, stories and videos.
The final lesson, which is a student favorite, is a visit to the animal shelter to witness the day-to-day operations, meet the adoptable animals, and most importantly, to meet Pearl!
Pearl is essentially the Teaching Kindness program’s mascot. Pearl is a Cane Corso who was severely injured and received life-saving medical care from a team of veterinarians, including Dr. Elliott.
She is an excellent example of how GPL and the Goochland County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center work together to save animals in our community. In addition to the Teaching Kindness Initiative and The Good Neighbor Outreach Program, the students learn about The Dr. Lori L. Elliott Medical Fund which provides medical care for every animal who enters the shelter. Goochland Pet Lover’s motto is:
“Saving one pet won’t change the world. But, for that one pet, the world will be forever changed.”
Dr. Elliott perhaps said it best: “The Teaching Kindness program provides children with opportunities to explore, apply, and adopt virtues such as empathy, kindness, respect, and responsibility toward living beings.”
The dedication and passion of the volunteers on the education team, as well as the GPL Board, is second to none. The team’s purpose is to continue educating and bringing awareness of animal care and good citizenship to the youth in our community. Goochland Pet Lovers “Promotes animal welfare through financial support, innovative programs, and community engagement.”
Follow these links to learn more about the education program, give time, or donate to pets or pet parents in need.