Puppy mills, dog fights, and abandonment are just some of the horrible ways animals are abused in today’s society. In addition, dogs, especially pit bulls, are discriminated against because of their use in fights. These subjects, among others, are those that the sophomore social action groups research before heading over to the Washington Animal Rescue League in Washington DC. Before they embark on a day full of puppies and kittens, the sophomores research these issues so they are well versed in the context which WARL operates in.
Each year groups of sophomores get the chance to experience what WARL does. The sophomores tour WARL’s facilities and learn the processes that the animals go through, from being accepted into the animal shelter to being rehabilitated and ready for adoption. If lucky and armed with iron stomachs, sometimes students will be able to watch a surgery. In their day of learning the sophomores gather knowledge about animal rights issues, volunteerism in that field, and how they as individuals can make the world a better place for a furry friend.
