Community & Business
12 November, 2023
Furry friends flock to school pet day
ALL creatures furred and feathered were out in full force at the Millaa Millaa State School 2023 Pet Day.
Dogs were the order of the day and proved to be a popular choice with many students bringing along their canine companions.
Acting principal Michelle Messina and Dr Laura Seccull from Tableland Veterinary Service officiated as judges on the day.
Pet Day commenced in 2005 to give students who could not participate in the school’s annual Calf Day a chance to still be involved on the day by bringing along their own pet.
A junior, intermediate and senior section was judged, with Dr Seccull asking students questions about the care of their pets and their knowledge of them.
Students were judged on the grooming of their pet, how they handled them, the information contained in their talk and their knowledge of them.
The students also prepared project books and posters about their pets which were also judged.
The judges and audience enjoyed listening to the students giving their oral presentations which also gave students the opportunity to demonstrate their public speaking skills.
The students spoke about the care and nutrition they give to their pets as well as exercising, grooming, parasite control and what they felt was special about them.
The standard of pet care was so high that some students brought along what they feed their pets to show to the judges and audience as well as fresh water for them.
Before the winners were announced, everyone had the opportunity to visit the pets close-up at their designated “pet stations” to view the pet project books and posters and to ask their owners questions about them.
Ms Messina said the pets were absolutely amazing.
“It was a very difficult decision, it was very close. There were some very loved and very well looked after pets, congratulations!” she said.
Dr Seccull said the pets were very clean, shiny and well presented.
“The standard of pet care was very high, the students knew and fluently talked about the preventative measures which they were giving to their pets to control important parasites such as paralysis ticks, fleas and worms," she said.
Winner of the Senior Pet Section, 11-year-old Taylor Daley bought along “Thunder” a 10-month-old Blue Heeler dog.
“I enjoy playing games with him and he does tricks,” Taylor said.
“I chose him to bring along to Pet Day as he has not been on outings before and it will be good for him to get exposure to people.
“Thunder is very loyal and he’s the best!”
Abigail Daley, who is also 11, brought along her one-and a half-year-old cat “Rascal”.
“He is very friendly and is a big Broncos fan – we love watching matches together,” she said.
Five-year-old student Logan Dempsey brought along “Tinkerbell”, his eight-week-old Collie cross Kelpie pup.
Logan said she rounds up the chickens on his family’s farm.
“She likes belly scratches. She’s the cutest and is my favourite pet,” he said.
Winners of the Millaa Millaa State School 2023 Pet Day were: Junior – Barolin Garaty; Intermediate – Amy Cockroft; and Senior – Taylor Daley.
