Project connects New College students, local charities that care for wildlife, pets

This month, two dozen New College students are taking part in a program where they learn how to take better care of animals, from household pets to Florida wildlife.
The students are part of the Animal Betterment independent study project, in its second year at the College. The project is led by Sandra Gilchrist, professor of biology, and supported by a grant from the Sara Roberts Foundation of Sarasota.
During the month-long project, students visit or meet with Sarasota County organizations that work toward animal welfare, including the Humane Society of Sarasota County, Racing Dog Rescue Project, Cat Depot, Save Our Seabirds and others.
The program’s intent is to both educate students about animal care and to introduce them to groups where they may serve as volunteers.
On Wednesday, students met with veterinarian Dr. Jerry Edington and veterinary technicians Stephanie Velazquez and Leslie Blackwell from Sarasota-based Animal Rescue Coalition, which works to end the euthanasia of unwanted dogs and cats by providing low-cost spay and neuter services.
Students learned about the pets’ reproductive cycles, the potential for exponential population growth and toured the group’s mobile operating room for a walkthrough on performing the procedures.
Among the students was Nicholas Dortch, a third-year student studying biology and planning to study medicine.
“Since I already had a healthy love of animals, I saw this independent study project as a way to do what I loved as well as ease into something I was unfamiliar with,” he said. “Through Animal Betterment I have become certified in animal CPR and continue to learn more about animal physiology in every class. I hope this will make the transition into the medical field a little smoother.”
The Animal Betterment program continues through the end of January at New College.