OSERVS to host pet first aid and CPR training event this week
The Oktibbeha Starkville Emergency Response Volunteer Services (OSERVS) is presenting a unique event this week.
On Thursday, July 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church's Christian Life Center, OSERVS will be putting on a Pet CPR and Obedience Class, which is aiming to educate attendees on the importance of first aid and CPR for pets, with special demonstrations and instructions from local experts.
The evening will kick off with a dog training demonstration by Nate Herndon, who will be accompanied by his wife and two dogs to showcase practical obedience training techniques.
“The plan is I have 20 minutes, and my goal in that 20 minutes is I'm going to bring two of my dogs for my wife to do handling while I show people. As my wife does the movements and handling, I'll be explaining to everyone what is happening,” Herndon said. “Then we're going to get my other dog and pick a volunteer out from the crowd to walk them through the steps. They can kind of get one-on-one with the dog, because every dog is different for different people. This teaches the person how to handle the dog, how a little bit of body language from a dog can really teach people how to work a dog.”
Herndon teaches dog obedience because it's about teaching dogs to be good citizens.
“Manners are important and that's what obedience is about. Obedience is not, ‘Do what I tell you.' It's about using your manners around company,” Herndon said. “That's the whole point of obedience to me. It's not to kill the dog's spirit, but to just give the dog some direction on how we expect them to act.”
Following the obedience training, local veterinarian Tracy Jaffe will lead a presentation on pet first aid and CPR. Jaffe will also have mannequins available for attendees who wish to practice chest compressions or the mouth-to-snout technique.
“The whole idea is that most people are familiar with how CPR can be successful in saving people's lives. But they may not realize that CPR can be a lifesaving technique for animals as well. I hope those who attend will learn more about pet first aid and CPR,
as well as what they can do to help prevent these medical emergencies,” Jaffe said. “I want to also really teach them about some hazards for their pets that they may not be aware of, so that they can reduce their pets exposure to them and know what to do in those moments before they are able to bring their pet to a veterinary clinic.”
Admission to the event is free but requires registration and a donation of a bag of pet food. All food and any proceeds will be donated to the Oktibbeha County Humane Society. Despite the pet-centric theme, the event organizers have asked that attendees not bring pets to the event.
The OSERVS Pet First Aid and CPR Training
Event will take place at the First United Methodist Church's Christian Life Center on Thursday, July 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. To register, visit the OSERVS website at www.oservs.com or call their office at (662) 384-2200.