Compassion in the Classroom: Animal Welfare Workshops
I bring my background in psychology and my deep love for our Indies into Bengaluru schools to teach kids about kindness. These workshops aren't just about animals; they're about building a more compassionate, emotionally resilient generation, one school at a time.
A wide view of our workshop at Lawrence High School. It's amazing to see so many students engaged and eager to learn about animal welfare. Change starts with education, and these children are the future.
A student from Samarthanam School for specially abled children interacting with my dog, Miney. This session on positive reinforcement shows how kindness and reward based training can build a beautiful bond.
At the end of our workshop, we all chant "Adopt, Don't Shop" together. Hearing these students embrace the message of adopting Indies and being kind to our 'beedhi naayi' is incredibly powerful.
Here I am with Miney, demonstrating how to safely approach and feed a community dog. Teaching children to read a dog's body language is one of the most important lessons for preventing fear and bites.
During a Q&A session, a student shares her experience with feeding street dogs. These discussions are so valuable, as they allow us to address real life situations and concerns the children have.
A proud moment for me and my team at Samarthanam School. We were there to talk about animal care and its connection to mental health for children. It's an honor to bring this message to such bright and wonderful students.
Students at our workshop watching a presentation. We use a mix of visuals, videos, and live demonstrations to make the sessions engaging and impactful.
About this collection
These sessions go far beyond simple talks. Whether we are decoding tail wags with a live therapy dog or role-playing safe, calm approaches to street animals, I anchor every lesson in real-world safety and empathy. We don't just talk about being kind; we show children how to read an animal's body language and explain why that bond is so vital for their own mental well-being.
I started Oh My Dawg to be more than just a pet center; I wanted to be a bridge between our community and our 'streeties.' When I walk into a school, my goal is to demystify the animals we see on our streets every day.
Why Schools Need This
Many children grow up either fearing street animals or simply ignoring them because they don't know how to interact. My curriculum is built on psychology-led principles. We focus on:
- Understanding Body Language: Kids learn to spot when a dog is scared, happy, or just wants to be left alone.
- The 'Indies thagobeku' (Should Adopt Indies) Perspective: We talk about why our local dogs are resilient, smart, and perfect family members, countering the need to 'shop' for a breed.
- Safety First: I teach practical skills—like 'becoming a tree'—to stay safe around dogs.
- Compassion as a Habit: We discuss how caring for a living being, even a community dog, helps children regulate their emotions and build empathy.
What to Expect
Each session lasts 60 to 90 minutes. I don't just lecture; we use live therapy dogs (my own rescues often join), interactive role-play, and open Q&As. Every school receives a 'Compassionate Citizen' certification for the participants, creating a tangible reminder of the work we’ve done.
Whether it is a high school or a school for specially-abled children like Samarthanam, the message remains the same: treat the voiceless with respect, and you will learn more about yourself in the process. If you are a principal or teacher in Bengaluru looking to introduce animal welfare into your curriculum, let’s talk.
Oh My Dawg
I'm Sneha. I spent years as a psychotherapist before I realized my true purpose was animal advocacy. My work with schools is how I pass on the stability and joy I found with my own rescues to the next generation.
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