St. Benedict the Moor 1st graders exhibit 'puppy love' for La. SPCA

That afternoon, the youngsters, with the help of their teacher, Kathy Metoyer, and teaching assistant Joycelyn Coffil, made special treats for rescue dogs sheltered at the Louisiana SPCA.
 

“Peanut butter is high in protein and dogs really like peanut butter,” Metoyer told her students, as they measured out the simple, no-bake recipe (printed at right).
 

A representative and a dog from the Louisiana SPCA visited campus last October to teach the first graders about pet care and animal safety, including the best way to approach a dog.
 

“She let them pet the dog and showed them other things the shelter provides, like immunizations and healthcare,” Metoyer said.
 

In addition to the treats, the first graders decided to collect blankets and towels for the SPCA as a class service project. On March 7, they personally delivered the items to the SPCA’s location in Algiers.
 

St. Benedict first grader Christian Tyler said he hoped his blanket would go to the dog that needed it most – preferably a short-haired one “with a pink stomach” that needed an extra layer of cushion.
 

“It’s a Saints blanket. It’s so fluffy!” Christian said. “It’s gonna keep him warm and comfortable when he sleeps!”
 

The first graders’ project, which also challenged them to write sentences on the importance of animal adoption, was assisted by a service-learning grant from the Joe and Dorothy Dorsett-Brown Foundation.
 

Metoyer said teaching with a live animal present is a wonderful way to enhance classroom learning, especially among her 6- to 7-year-old age group.

“When an animal is brought (to school), they are really excited and full of questions!” Metoyer said.

Recipe for no-bake dog treats

Ingredients

1 cup canned puréed pumpkin (1 cup mashed sweet potatoes can be substituted)

1/4 cup peanut butter (preferably smooth, with no added salt or sugar)

1/4 cup milk

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

Directions

Combine ingredients in a large bowl, using a wooden spoon to blend well. Roll batter into small balls, then coat balls with additional rolled oats. Cover and refrigerate overnight before offering to your canine friends.