About Jenna & Snickers
My name is Jenna Gates (more about me) and my furry, black and tan canine companion is Snickers (more about him). Snick and I started a Shiba rescue group in 2007 and he’s been keeping me busy with rescue and education projects ever since. While working in rescue, I have come to believe that education is the key to improving the lives of future companion animals and that all compassionate pet owners can, and should, contribute to educating others. To this end, I utilize every avenue available to me, online and off, to spread the word about the responsible acquisition and thoughtful care of companion animals.
jennaandsnickers.com is about sharing our experiences and knowledge, developing relationships, asking questions, and learning. My quest to educate is also a quest to learn and to interact with other animals lovers so that we can all become better humane educators in our day-to-day lives. I also want to form alliances and partnerships with others to help build Animals Who Educate, a new organization to support humane education programs in schools around the United States.
What We Care About and Support
Humane Education
Teaching children how to interact with dogs and other companion animals is a small portion of humane education and can be a great first step towards teaching children empathy for all animals. Schools and other programs that teach responsible companion animal stewardship and empathy for all animals can have a very real, positive impact. This is especially important for children who aren’t raised with pets.
At the most basic level children should learn not to approach unknown dogs without asking for, and being given, permission by the dogs’ caretaker; how to interact with friendly dogs without fear; and that all animals should be treated with respect and empathy. Older children should be taught that it is our responsibility to see that animals are treated humanely.
Responsible Dog Ownership
I am committed to educating the public regarding the responsible acquisition and thoughtful care of companion animals. Adding a pet to the family is a lifetime commitment and should be undertaken with careful consideration. I would like every person considering purchasing or adopting a dog to understand that our pets are completely dependent on us and deserve, at the very least, the following:
- adequate amounts of fresh water and quality food
- to be kept clean and properly groomed
- to not live an isolated life
- a clean and comfortable living environment
- proper socialization with people and other dogs
- preventative veterinary care and immediate attention to injuries and illnesses
- appropriate levels of exercise and mental stimulation
- to be kept out of harm’s way by being leashed or in a securely fenced area when outside
- at least one form of identification (tags, microchips, tattoos) in case they are lost
- basic companion training (at least sit, stay and come)
