Veterinary Technology major Jordan Henry (Little Valley, NY) has gone above and beyond for the dogs at the Vet Tech center this semester. She has been pivotal in creating new mental and physical enrichment tools for the shelter dogs.
Earlier this semester, Julie Abbey, Instructional Support Associate for the Agriculture and Veterinary Technology Department, tasked students to produce one enrichment idea for each student’s assigned week of kennel supervision.
Henry saw this as an exciting opportunity and came up with several ideas, some that would be more long term usable. First, she created a PVC pipe treat puzzle and then she started making extra-large “pup-sickles” (frozen water with treats inside for dogs to chew up) for the larger dogs.
Another classmate mentioned the concept of developing an agility A-frame and Henry jumped right in and got materials donated and went to work with Building Trades major Joshua Hungiville (Smethport, PA). The duo constructed the enrichment tool, and the dogs are currently enjoying it.
“Jordan truly cares for these animals,” commented Abbey. “The new enrichment tools are great for our animals. She continues to give our animals extra love and attention.”
Alfred State has a partnership with the Hornell Humane Society. A handful of dogs come to the Vet Tech Center at a time and students are assigned kennel duty where they not only provide basic husbandry care for them three times a day, but also playtime and exercise. The students also work with these animals in their hands-on labs where they may receive physical exams, radiographs, dental cleanings, be spayed and neutered, and general handling.
Abbey continued. “Working with such a variety of dogs is a wonderful experience for our students, and great socialization for the dogs as they are seeing dozens of students a day. The enrichment tools that Jordan and other students have made makes playtime and exercise time more enjoyable.”
