Education

Research proves that children who are taught to be kind towards animals tend to mature into compassionate adults. At the Marin Humane Society, we are guided by an ethic of compassion and are delighted to share this philosophy with our community, especially children. We do so by providing on-site and outreach presentations throughout Marin; summer camp programs, special community service animal clubs, internships and student volunteer opportunities. We are a resource for students and teachers in our community. In addition, we provide opportunities for adults to learn more about animals through various workshops and classes for the public.

For information about any of our programs, e-mail the Education Department or call (415) 506-6288.

 

Meet our 2010 Humanitarian Award Winners

2010 Marin Humane Society Humanitarian of the Year - Dr. Russ Gurevitch, DVM

The Marin Humane Society is proud to honor Dr. Russ Gurevitch of Veterinary Referral Surgical Service in Petaluma as 2010 Humanitarian of the Year. Over the years Dr. Gurevitch has performed hundreds of low-cost orthopedic surgeries on MHS shelter animals, saving the organization tens of thousands of dollars on medical costs.

In October 2010, Dr. Gurevitch donated his services to perform a $6,500 hip surgery on Bud, a stray puppy rescued by Petaluma GI Brett McIssac outside of South Carolina’s Shaw Air Force Base. Days before Brett deployed to Afghanistan, his brother Kyle drove to South Carolina to fetch Bud and bring him back to Petaluma to be with their parents, Marianne and Eric. The family was devastated to learn that Bud’s hip sockets were in bad shape and without an expensive surgery he would lose the ability to walk. Dr. Gurevitch told Marianne and Eric, “If Brett can go to Afghanistan for his country, the least I can do is help his dog.” Bud’s family reports that he has recovered exceptionally well from his surgery.

Bud and his "grandparents"

 

2010 Marin Humane Society Youth of the Year - Kyra Pesso

The 2010 Helena & Anthony Franklin Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Youth has been awarded to Kyra Pesso of Redwood High School. As a fifth-grader, Kyra participated in the Society’s summer camp, and eventually served as a camp counselor. She has also been a member of the MHS afterschool service club, Roots & Shoots, and has volunteered more than 100 hours socializing with small companion animals.

At Redwood High School, where she is in her senior year of studies, Kyra is the Co-President of the Environmental Action Club, and a board member of Next Generation, a non-profit organization that empowers youth to learn about pressing environmental issues, develop leadership skills, and take grassroots action for peace and sustainability. When Kyra attends college next year, she plans to continue volunteering at a local animal shelter.

 

2010 Marin Humane Society Educator of the Year - Jolene Yee

Jolene Yee, principal of the Marin Academic Center, is the 2010 Madelon Tormanen Humane Teacher of the Year. Since 1995 Jolene has been instrumental in bringing the Marin Humane Society’s Kindness Club to students and teachers at the Marin Academic Center.

The Kindness Club provides humane education lessons on a variety of topics, including pet care, living with wildlife, dog training, and more. The program has thrived for more than 15 years because of Jolene’s commitment to working with the Marin Humane Society. Thanks to her dedication, hundreds of students have benefitted from lessons about care and compassion for all living things.

The Marin Humane Society congratulates these individuals for their outstanding contributions of kindness and dedication to the humane ethic.