Ahnung - working with urban youth!

Ahnung arrived in Pet Haven's foster program in mid-November from Red Lake Rosie's Rescue. She is currently being treated for heartworm and lymes. For the past month she has been cared for, and pampered, by our partner vet, Bloomington Veterinary Hospital.... for the remainder of her treatment I have decided she will fit in nicely in our home :) This incredibly gentle, calm spirit has a presence about her that needs to be shared. We decided she would be a perfect candidate for Pet Haven's expanding efforts in education and outreach. Pet Haven was approached by The Lab, a program of the St. Paul Public schools working with at-risk urban kids, to present to one of their classes. A week ago, Ahnung (means "star" in Ojibway) just shined in her debut outreach effort with the kids. With pride, she wore the bright orange Lab t-shirt. Prior to class beginning, Ahnung made her rounds with the kids stopping at each desk as they had a chance to say "hi" and learn the proper way to approach a dog.

The kids were extremely engaged and excited to learn more about homeless animals, Ahnung's story (how she was abandoned in northern Minnesota with a litter of 8 puppies), and how to be responsible pet guardians. We also had the opportunity to dispel some myths surrounding bully breeds. The class session was filled with lots of great questions from the kids and an eagerness to both share what they knew about dogs and to learn new information.


At the end of the class, with a big smile on their face, each kid came to the front of the class to have their picture taken with Ahnung. Ahnung will continue to volunteer her time at The Lab and her next outreach event with urban youth is scheduled for January.