Lesson Plan:
Secret Sacks

Objective

To teach students that being a responsible pet owner means more than just providing food, water, and shelter. This interactive lesson will help your students learn about basic pet care needs in a fun, hands-on way.

Materials

1. Twenty-two small sacks, clearly numbered from 1-22.

2. A bulletin board or other board on which to hang the sacks.

3. One item to place in each sack (see list below):

• Flea collar
• Pet identification tag
• Leash
• Collar
• Small piece of carpet for a scratching post
• Bottle of pet shampoo
• One dog biscuit
• A few coins
• Small, heart-shaped object
• Pet license
• Squeaky toy
• Dry pet food
• Syringe
• Blanket
• "People" shapes cut out of cardboard
• Pet brush
• Flea comb
• Some cat litter
• Bowl
• Picture of a doghouse
• Cardboard cut-out or other representation of the number "9"
• Small, watertight bag of clear gel

4. A set of numbered cards, one for each sack, containing descriptions of the sack's contents.

Procedure

1.  Place each item into a numbered sack and hang sacks on the board for display.

2.  Instruct students to take out a sheet of paper and number 1-22 down the left margin. Younger students can do this activity aloud instead of writing.

3.  Have each student feel each sack, and then write down on their paper (or discuss, in the case of very young students) what they think the contents of each sack might be.

4.  Once all students have completed the first part of the lesson, open each sack and use the numbered cards to discuss in detail the contents of each sack and the importance each item plays in being a responsible pet owner.

Sack Descriptions

Flea Collar:
This kind of collar, which is worn in addition to a regular collar, will help reduce fleas on your pet. You may also need to give your pet a bath now and then with flea shampoo to control fleas. Getting rid of fleas will protect your pet's health and help keep him comfortable and happy.

Identification Tag:
All pets need to wear identification tags that have your pet's name and information that can be used to contact you. If your pet gets lost, this vital tag can make all the difference between finding your pet or losing her forever.

Leash:
For your pet's safety and the safety of other people, when your pet is outdoors he should be on a leash at all times, unless you can let him play in a fenced yard or other safe, enclosed area.

Collar:
It's important for your pet to have a collar. The collar has a place to hang an identification tag and attach a leash. For safety, cats should have elastic collars.

Carpet:
This is an item your cat will enjoy using. A piece of carpeting like this can be wrapped around a scratching post and will allow your cat to stretch and sharpen her claws. An added advantage: if your cat has her own scratching post, she'll be less likely to use the sofa or door!

Pet Shampoo:
It's important to use pet shampoo to bathe your pet. Give him a bath regularly. Then, it will keep his coat healthy and help him stay comfortable and happy.

Dog Biscuit:
Not only will your pet enjoy dog biscuits, but they are also good for her teeth. Just be careful not to feed her too many or she could get fat! Keep in mind that they are treats and not regular food.

Coins:
It takes money to properly care for a pet. Food, veterinary care and grooming are just a few of the many responsibilities of being a pet owner, and all of them will require you to spend money on a regular basis. Can you afford to have a pet?

Heart:
It takes a lot of love to be a good pet owner. If you give your pet enough love and care, you'll  have a friend for life!

License:
Dogs need to be licensed and should wear their license on their collar next to their identification tag. Dogs must receive a rabies vaccination to get a license, and should also have a rabies tag on their collars that shows they are protected against this deadly disease.

Squeaky Toy:
All pets need toys to play with, and they need you to spend time playing with them every day.

Dry Food:
Cats and dogs should eat dry food because it helps to keep their teeth clean. Ask your veterinarian what food is best for your pet.

Syringe:
This piece of medical equipment is a reminder that all pets need regular veterinary care. Dogs and cats must visit the veterinarian at least once a year for their vaccinations. It's also important to have your pet spayed or neutered.

Blanket:
Pets need soft, warm bedding -- just like people! Be sure to wash your pet's bedding frequently, to help control flea problems.

People:
Dogs and cats are domesticated, which means they rely on people to care for them. Your pet wants your attention and needs to feel she is part of your life.

Brush:
Be sure to brush your pet regularly. This will keep her fur and skin healthy, and help her feel and look her best.

Flea Comb:
Many pets can get fleas. A good way to reduce your pet's flea population is to use this special comb to remove them.

Cat Litter:
Cats that live indoors need a litter box. Cats hate using a dirty litter box, so be sure to clean it every day.

Bowl:
Be sure to put your pet's food and water into clean bowls. Even dry food bowls should be washed every day.

Doghouse:
If your dog lives outdoors, he'll need a shelter to protect him against the weather. However, it's best to allow your pet to live indoors with you where he will be safer, more comfortable, and feel more like part of the family.

Number "9":
This number symbolizes your pet's aging process. Like people, pets get older and require special care. Ask your veterinarian for help in keeping your pet comfortable and healthy as she enters her golden years.

Bag of Gel:
This bag of gel symbolizes water. It's very important that your pet have lots of fresh, cool water every day in a clean bowl.