Mongrel Dog Day was an opportunity not only for having fun together, but also for expanding the preschoolers’ knowledge about caring for, feeding and training dogs. Since October is the month of kindness to animals, it was also an opportunity to involve the children and their parents in a food collection for homeless dogs.
The preschool children prepared for the holiday of all mixed-breed dogs for several days. The children collected books and illustrations of various dogs, as well as photographs of their own pets. An exhibition of pet photographs was created in the preschool hall. During the activities, they learned many interesting facts about dogs’ lives. They listened to stories and poems, learned songs and created various works of art.
On that day, the preschool was visited by guests: Dorota Libert (Municipal Police), who showed the children the educational cartoon “My Dog Friend” and then held a talk about dog owners’ responsibilities, including caring for the dog’s health, feeding it, grooming it, and walking it on a leash and wearing a muzzle. She also reminded them of the obligation to clean up after their dog. Ms Dorota gave the children themed coloring sheets, which the preschoolers later turned into booklets.
A great attraction for the children was a meeting with Rafał Śmiałkowski (Professional Dog Training Center) and his pet dog Wan. During the meeting, the children learned what a trainer’s work involves, learned the principles of communicating safely with animals and, above all, learned how to protect themselves from a dog bite. They learned the “turtle” position, a defensive posture against an attack by an aggressive four-legged animal.
Representatives of the Animal Assistance Association in Bolesławiec also came to the preschool, and the children gave them the collected food. On Mongrel Dog Day, every preschool child came to the preschool with their favorite stuffed dog. The children took part in numerous games and competitions. There were also music-based activities and musical presentations by the individual groups. Although Mongrel Dog Day is one of the more unusual and unconventional holidays, for the children from the MPP No. 3 branch it was exceptionally educational. It not only awakened their fondness for dogs, but also made them more sensitive to the plight of homeless animals and encouraged them to help them.
The preschool children now know that a dog is not only a pleasure, but also a responsibility. They also know that it is man’s best friend, and that whether it is small, large, white, black or brown, with short or long fur, every dog is unique and must be loved dearly. Every mongrel can repay good treatment. It will always wait impatiently for its owner to return, and will joyfully bark and wag its tail in greeting.