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4-H Junior Vet Science Program Through Cornell Coop Extension
Putnam County is not an agricultural community, but the many youth in Putnam County have shown an immense and overwhelming interest in exploring animal & veterinary sciences. However, dwindling agricultural resources in Putnam County has made this a challenge. This need prompted Cornell University's Cooperative Extension's 4-H Youth Development program to look into ways to satisfy this increasing need to learn more about animals.
The Putnam County 4-H Program teamed up with a local Veterinarian (Dr. Kathi Heiber, Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine (DVM) of South Putnam Animal Hospital) and created a hands-on workshop series for Putnam County youth ages 8- 12. The National 4-H Veterinary Science Curriculum "Airedales to Zebras" was the foundation for the program. For the past few years, Dr. Kathi Heiber has donated her professional services and her animal hospital to teach the youth of Putnam County about the vast field of Veterinary Medicine.
12-24 Putnam County youth, ages 8-12, annually explore the field of Veterinary Science & Medicine "hands-on" by shadowing Dr. Heiber. This five part series explores Basic Pet Care, to Animal Biology & Physiology, as well as to what Veterinarians actually do in their dayto day profession. A special Sunday program at Green Chimneys School highlights the ways in which domestic livestock impact our everyday lives. The series culminates with an on-scene routine surgery (spay and/or neuter) on a rescue animal.
This spring, the workshop series is once again being offered. Four of the five workshops are held on Monday evening 6:45-7:45pm at the South Putnam Animal Hospital in Mahopac. There is also a Sunday afternoon session held on the Farm at the Green Chimneys School in Brewster, where participants get a first hand look at large livestock.
If you know of a child, ages 8-12 who may be interested in attending this program, please contact the 4-H Youth Development Office at 278-6738, or download the flyer online at: www.cce.cornell.edu/putnam. This program is on a first come, first served basis, and paid registration reserves your spot. The cost of this program is $70 for non 4-H members and $50 for currently enrolled 4-H members, and includes enrollment and workbook materials.
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