A Semester of Service and Compassion
Students from Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) have dedicated their semester to helping animals in need of adoption. The students are part of a service-learning course called Animal Advocacy and Welfare, taught by Dr. Michelle Garcia, an assistant professor of animal science. The course aims to educate students about the issues and challenges facing animals in shelters, farms, laboratories, and other settings, and to provide them with opportunities to make a positive difference in their lives.
As part of the course, the students have partnered with the Kingsville Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, a municipal facility that houses stray and surrendered animals. The students visit the shelter every week to interact with the animals, provide them with enrichment, and assist the staff with cleaning and maintenance. The students also help promote the animals for adoption through social media, flyers, and events.
“The main goal of this course is to expose the students to the realities of animal welfare and to empower them to be advocates for animals,” Dr. Garcia said. “The students learn about the ethical, legal, and scientific aspects of animal welfare, and they also get to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.”
A Win-Win Situation for Students and Animals
The students who enrolled in the course said they were motivated by their love for animals and their desire to help them. Many of them are majoring in animal science, veterinary technology, or wildlife management, and they said the course has enhanced their academic and professional development.
“I have always been passionate about animals and I wanted to learn more about how to help them,” said Jessica Martinez, a senior animal science major. “This course has taught me a lot about the different issues that affect animals in different situations, and how to evaluate their welfare and advocate for their needs.”
Martinez said she has also enjoyed working with the shelter animals and seeing them find new homes. “It’s very rewarding to see the animals get adopted and to know that we played a part in that,” she said. “We get to bond with the animals and give them some love and attention, which they really appreciate.”
The shelter staff said they are grateful for the students’ help and support. “The students have been a great asset to our shelter,” said Maria Rodriguez, the shelter manager. “They have helped us with the daily tasks and they have also brought a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm. They have made a difference in the lives of the animals and the people who adopt them.”
A Model for Future Collaboration
Dr. Garcia said she hopes to continue offering the course in the future and to expand the collaboration with the shelter and other animal welfare organizations. She said she believes that the course is beneficial for both the students and the community.
“This course is a model for how service-learning can enhance the educational experience and foster civic engagement,” she said. “The students gain valuable knowledge and skills that they can use in their careers and in their personal lives, and they also contribute to the well-being of the animals and the community.”
She also encouraged anyone who is interested in adopting an animal to visit the shelter or follow their social media pages. “There are many wonderful animals at the shelter who are waiting for their forever homes,” she said. “They are all spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, and they are ready to give you their unconditional love and companionship.”
