Personally, I set out with Professor Paws with the intention of getting children to know and love dogs, and consequently treat them with compassion and kindness. Children’s minds are open and receptive of ideas. Our kindergarten class was most receptive to our lessons and welcomed any activity that had to do with these adorable creatures. Our fifth grade class at Anubaan Chiang Mai, however, was a bit more of a challenge initially, with a few disinterested looks and distracted conversations. But as lessons went on, more faces lit up when we showed up and everyone gave their full attention when Kasper and Huey (our canine assistants from LuckyDogs) came to their classroom.

The high point of teaching this 5th grade group was being with them on their field trip to Care for Dogs shelter. They were all touched by the experience. After returning to school, they were asked which dog they liked most. Many expectedly named one cute puppy or another.

However, several students said Kazim, our resident blind dog, was their favorite. This made me feel warm all over. Lessons with this group end this Friday and I feel as if I did my job alright.