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Dear ,
  

The OAVT has worked closely with the "Be a Tree" program for many years.  That's because RVTs believe in standing up to help offer public education on the best practices when handling and caring for animals.

 

The organizers of "Be a Tree" asked that we share this important public safety message and also to suggest a way for RVTs to get involved during the upcoming 2012 Dog Bite Prevention week from May 20 to 26:

 

 

Doggone Safe Dog Announces the International Dog Bite Prevention Challenge
 

It challenges its presenters to visit schools and educate 50,000 children about dog
safety in a single month. The Challenge is to celebrate Dog Bite Prevention Week (May 20-26, 2012).Good Dog
 

Non-profit Doggone Safe has presenters in 17 countries, 11 Canadian provinces and 43 states in the USA.
 

Dog bites to children are considered to be a serious public health problem by public health agencies and veterinary medical associations worldwide. Statistics show that most bites are by the family dog or other dog known to the child. "Experts agree that public education has an important role to play in reducing dog bite risk to children, and the Be a Tree program is one of the ways Doggone Safe is contributing",
said Teresa Lewin, vice president and cofounder of Doggone Safe.
 

Doggone Safe administers the "Be a Tree" dog bite prevention program for school children. The program is delivered by Doggone Safe presenters, veterinary technicians, dog trainers, dog behaviorists, public health nurses, emergency medical services personnel, animal control officers, police officers, teachers and humane educators. Presenters use a teacher kit which contains large format photographs showing dog body language signs, games and activities. Program sponsors can purchase supplementary branded learning materials such as coloring books, paint sheets, a story book, a poster, stickers, bookmarks and fridge magnets. Over 700,000 children worldwide have experienced the Be a Tree presentation since 2004. Through the International Dog Bite Prevention Challenge, Doggone Safe aims to increase this by at almost ten percent.
 

"I love 'be a tree' (and 'be a rock'). It's the best of its kind. This information has to get out there", said Jean Donaldson - Internationally recognized dog behavior expert, award-winning author and director of the Academy for Dog Trainers.
 

For more information about the Challenge, to become a sponsor, to book a presentation for your school or to register as a presenter please visit the Doggone Safe website at www.doggonesafe.com.
 

The OAVT does have Be A Tree kits available, feel free to contact us at oavt@oavt.org 

 

RVTs earn CE credits by presenting Be A Tree. 

Click Here for the Details of the OAVT CE Policy 

 

 
Speaker and Topic Planning is Underway for the 2013 OAVT Conference 
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There are some exciting developments taking place around the planning of the annual OAVT conference!  We are determined to continue to build upon this important event to support the endeavours of our members while fostering professional growth opportunities.
 
Last month, the OAVT formed a new Committee which is now tasked with organizing the conference agenda.  The goal is to enhance the program.  We welcome your ideas and input! 

We are now circulating the Call for Speakers for the 2013 annual conference being held in London Ontario in February.

If you are, or know of an outstanding speaker who can deliver a presentation that would be of interest to technicians, we ask that you have the speaker complete the Call for Speakers and submit it to the OAVT by May 31st, 2012.  Click here for the form.

Thank You !
 
 
 
 
OAVT Contact Information:
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Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians
104-100 Stone Road West
Guelph, ON
N1G 5L3
T:  519-836-4910

F:  519-836-3638

E:  rory@oavt.org 

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