Dog Scout Christmas Party

Saturday was our scout troops Christmas party at Best Friends Pet Care in Indianapolis. We had guest speakers come in from Animalia. We had food, drinks, a gift exchange and craft time.

Animalia is a non profit organization dedicated to the care of exotic and wild life animals. Joel Anderbush is the Executive Director of Animal Husbandry and Education. He has been a Zoologist since 1995 and holds a Masters degree in Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology with a concentration in Animal Behavior. Ailigh Vanderbush accompanied him. She is a certified Animal Behaviorist at Animalia.

They brought with them their white Umbrella Cockatoo. This animated bird will also do a characteristic head bob when excited. While a "chatty" bird, it is not necessarily the best "talker" among parrots although it does mimic basic human speech and sounds. And talk he did during Joel's presentation, though no one could understand what he said. (sounded like a Master of the secret language Babalonia to me!)

Also along for the ride was their Ball Python. This thick bodied snake gets its name from its tendency to coil up into a ball when being defensive. The ball python has a sixth sense in the form of heat-sensing pits along the side of its face between the eye and nose. Those interested were allowed to come up for a pet, using two fingers and starting well away from the head. Melissa *braved* the snake for a pet.

After their wonderful presentation our troop presented them with the gifts we brought in for their *wish list*. There were gently *used* towels, paper towels and other items that we donated to them.

For the party, we had lots of goodies to snack on and drink through out the party time. Those who brought along gifts for each other passed those out. Gayle and Charlie handed out cards with large PawPrint tags from the Dog Scouts. Amanda handed out wonderful Christmas cards with a picture of Saige and Bailey. Jeff and Kristi, along with Lugnut, handed out stockings filled with goodies for each of the dogs. We also sat down with the dogs and did our pet gift exchange. All the dogs loved their gifts and had a great time.

Several of our dogs also had their pictures taken with a Dog Scout bandana to be submitted along with their Dog Scout test so they can become certified Dog Scout members.

Before the meeting concluded Kristi explained to everyone how to go about making a our own Christmas ornaments using CD's, lace dollies, felt and a picture of our pets. They turned out beautifully (Anita got very creative with hers!) and all had a great time constructing their own. Everyone had a great time at the Party snd I'd like to thank Joel and Ailigh both for coming and joining us on Saturday! You did a fabulous job in your presentation. I know everyone enjoyed it.

 

 

Merry Christmas to all!