Hello/Tansi
My name is Dr. Melanie Youngs and I am a veterinarian.
I work with animals to keep them healthy.
Animals have always been a part of our families and our stories.
Today we are going to talk about animals in our communities, how to stay safe around dogs, how to care for pets, and what it’s like to work in veterinary medicine.
🐾 Animals are living beings
🐾 Animals have feelings
🐾 Animals are part of our communities
🐾 Animals can feel happy, scared, or hurt – just like people
🐾When we care for animals, we show respect for life and for our community
Dogs in our communities
🐾 Dogs help us
🐾 Dogs protect homes
🐾 Dogs are companions
🐾 Dogs have always been part of families and communities. They help protect homes, hunt, keep us company, and are a part of everyday life. Caring for animals shows respect for life.
Why Dog Safety Matters
🐾 Dogs can feel scared
🐾 Dogs may protect themselves
🐾 Safety keeps everyone healthy
Even good dogs can bite if they feel scared or hurt. Learning how to act around dogs helps keep kids and dogs safe.
Dog Safety Rules
🐾 Ask first
🐾 Give space
🐾 Stay calm
🐾 Tell an adult
Always ask before touching a dog. If you don’t know a dog, give it space. If you feel unsafe, tell a grown-up.
If a dog comes near you…
Stand strong like a tree 🌲
•Stop moving
•Feet on the ground
•Arms down, hands still
•Quiet body, quiet voice
Eyes down, respect the space 👀
•Don’t stare into the dog’s eyes
•Don’t reach out
•Let the dog pass
If you fall or feel scared 🪨
•Curl up small
•Protect face and neck
•Stay still like a rock
“Stop like a tree, quiet as can be.
Hands to my side, no run, no hide.”
What are dogs telling us
Caring for your pets every day
🐾 Food
🐾 Water
🐾 Shelter
🐾 Exercise and Play
🐾 Kindness and Patience
Animals depend on people to care for them. Especially in Manitoba winters, animals need food, water, warmth and shelter.
What is a Veterinarian?
🐾 I am an animal Doctor
🐾 I treat sick or injured animals|
🐾 I help communities
🐾 I help animals stay healthy
My job is to care for animals and help keep communities safe.
Veterinary Care
🐾 Vaccines
🐾 Check ups
🐾 Spays and Neuters
🐾 Helping sick or hurt animals
Veterinary care helps animals live longer, healthier lives and helps protect people too.
Careers Working With Animals
🩺 Veterinarian
🩺 Vet Technician (Nurse)
🩺 Vet Assistant
🩺 Community Animal Health Worker
🩺 Wildlife Helper
🩺 Animal Rescuer
There are many jobs working with animals – not just one path.
These careers are for anyone who loves animals and wants to help.
How Can You Help?
🐾 Be kind
🐾 Be safe
🐾 Learn
🐾 Help at home
🐕 Speak up against cruelty
🐕 Help feed hungry dogs in your community
🐕 Get help for sick or injured animals
🐕 Never hurt, tease, or taunt dogs
You don’t have to be a vet to help animals. What you do everyday matters.
How Can You Help?
🐾 Visit the vet clinic when we come to your community
🐾 Ask Questions
🐾 Get Involved/Volunteer
🐾 Advocate for Spays & Neuters
🐾 Fundraise to Help Animals
🐾 Partner with Rescues
Thank You/mîkwêc
When we care for animals, we care for our whole community.
❤️ Thank you for caring
❤️ Thank you for listening
Take a moment and think of one way you can help an animal this week.
