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Schools

Suds and Best Buds

Pooches got polished and THS students raised money.

Tails were wagging and the fur was flying recently when the Trumbull Agriscience and Biotechnology Center students hosted a dog wash.

For $10 per dog, pampered canines received the requisite bath, but additional treats followed. After the bath, man’s best friend was dried off and brushed to perfection, all the while receiving lots of love from hard-working students.

The event usually draws in more than 90 dogs and their owners, but in some years more than 110 dogs were washed.

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Money raised from the dog wash supports student activities, attendance at leadership conferences and purchasing FFA jackets for students.

Senior Heather Dahlin has been part of the fundraiser for four years.  She loves the dog wash.

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“It’s a good event and a great opportunity to learn to work with dogs. It teaches people the proper way to handle them. You don’t just reach down and pet a dog. You have to ask the owner. It also teaches about the responsibility of owning a pet,” she said.

She has always loved dogs and is involved in showing her Ibizan hounds. She shows in the conformation events (overall appearance and structure), performance events and lure coursing (where the dog chases a mechanized lure).

Dahlin would also love to show in obedience trials. She said the agriscience and biotechnology program gives students additional educational options.

“I take AP classes and many people would not think that I would also be in an ag. mechanics class or know how to work on a tractor. Last year I made a model house. Not only did I learn how to use saws and tools, but the applications of what I learned in math were put to a practical use,” the student said.

By 11:30 a.m., there was a line out the door as students scrubbed down dogs inside.  Outside, owners and animals enjoyed the sunshine. Students stopped to admire the many breeds that lounged in the grass including a variety of small terriers and huge Burmese Mountain dogs.

One such student, Freshman Michael Grischuk, appreciated the event and the school.

“It’s worthwhile. Ag. is interesting and valid. It’s a forward thinking program. It’s a good way to educate youth and a valid opportunity,” he said. By 3 p.m., the event was finished and the only remnants of the canine visitors were a couple fur-clogged drains.

Other fundraisers held throughout the year include the holiday plant sale and upcoming Farm Fair.

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