Cape Coral Animal Shelter pups go to school
A youth outreach program provided by Cape Coral’s animal shelter has expanded, now bringing educational experiences to students in classrooms.
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter, through partnerships with the School District of Lee County, has seen shelter volunteers visiting local schools each summer where shelter dogs will visit and youths can learn about responsible pet ownership and compassion.
Now, CCAS has expanded its education outreach into a formal program titled the “Pet Education Initiative,” where structured classroom presentations are entering local schools throughout the year to reach even more students.
“Being able to connect our shelter animals with students in an educational setting is truly incredible,” said CCAS Executive Director Liz McCauley. “When children can interact with a real dog while they’re learning, it creates a powerful, lasting impression. You should see some of the thank you letters and drawings we get from the students.”
The in-classroom program is led by Karen Huston, a retired educator and CCAS volunteer, who combines her decades of teaching experience with a passion for animal advocacy to create engaging and memorable lessons for students.
At the center of the curriculum is the engaging story “Doggie Do’s and Don’ts as Told by Cadence the Dog,” written by Robin Lapre and illustrated by Isabella Orozco. Through the playful perspective of Cadence, students explore real-life pet care lessons in a way that is both educational and entertaining. The program encourages students to ask questions, participate in discussions, and learn practical skills for interacting with dogs safely and kindly.
“Education is one of the most powerful ways we can improve the lives of animals,” McCauley said. “When children understand what pets need–both physically and emotionally–they grow into responsible, compassionate pet owners. That’s how we help prevent animals from being returned to the shelter and we create lasting change in our community.”
The educational presentations also introduce students to the mission of Cape Coral Animal Shelter and highlight the importance of adoption, responsible pet ownership, and treating animals with compassion. CCAS officials said lessons focus on understanding a dog’s body language, why proper care and exercise are important, and how children can help keep pets safe and happy.
By expanding from summer camps to a year-round classroom program, Cape Coral Animal Shelter officials said they to continue reaching thousands of students across Lee County and inspire a lifelong respect for animals. Officials said in the very near future, the program will be expanding even further to include care and interaction with cats using other publications by Lapre.
“This is just the beginning of a very exciting educational experience for the kids in our community,” Huston said. “When we teach children to care for animals, we help build a kinder community for everyone.”
McCauley said Huston’s background as an educator, combined with her passion for animals, makes her the perfect person to lead this program.
“She has a natural ability to connect with students and make the lessons both engaging and meaningful,” McCauley said. “We have an incredible volunteer team of those who love kids and animals equally that make this program work.”
McCauley added that the program can also serve as a way for the shelter to introduce children to their untapped love for animals, especially for some kids who may have never had a pet before?
“For many children, this may be their very first experience with a dog, and that’s really special,” she said. “These moments can spark a lifelong love and respect for animals. It opens their eyes to the idea that animals have feelings, needs, and personalities.”
It’s also about inspiring the future of the Southwest Florida community to grow their passion for animals into future veterinarians or advocates.
“We absolutely hope this program inspires the next generation — whether that’s future veterinarians, shelter staff, volunteers, or simply lifelong advocates for animals. Even planting that seed of compassion can make a huge impact down the road,” McCauley said.
The summer program will continue, led by CCAS volunteer and retired law enforcement officer Tom Ellegood, whose enthusiasm and love for animals have helped create meaningful connections between children and the shelter’s canine ambassadors.
“His rapport with kids makes his presentations very fun and entertaining,” McCauley said. “It’s been incredibly successful, and this new initiative allows us to build on that momentum by expanding into classrooms year-round and reaching even more children.”
For more information about the Pet Education Initiative or to schedule a classroom visit, send an email to welovekids@capecoralanimalshelter.com.
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter is at 325 Southwest 2nd Ave.
For more information, visit capecoralanimalshelter.com.