On Saturday April 29th, SICSA hosted our first Sensory Friendly Saturday Morning! This fun-filled morning was designed to make those with unique sensory needs, like children and adults on the autism spectrum, more comfortable in an animal shelter setting. With dimmed lighting, noise-reduction headphones, sensory toys, and decompression rooms, guests were able to visit the animals and explore parts of SICSA where they may otherwise feel uncomfortable or overstimulated. The morning was also open-house style with all activities ongoing throughout the morning, allowing visitors to enjoy whichever aspects of the event piqued their interests for as long as they would like. Cat lovers were able to
grab a book and read to our adoptable Kitty City residents. Those more interested in dogs could toss treats to adoptable dogs in Pup Town and cuddle with therapy dogs from Miami Valley Pet Therapy in our Humane Education Center. When they were ready for a break from furry friends, guests sat down for a snack and decorated pet-themed coloring sheets.
The staff and volunteers had a wonderful time welcoming new guests to SICSA. With so many smiling faces and wagging tails, we feel the first Sensory Friendly Saturday Morning was a success. This event was made possible through the David Irwin Brown Humane Education Fund, which allows SICSA to provide humane education opportunities to our community in a way that is accessible to all. If you would like to support the David Irwin Brown Humane Education Fund and future events like this, you can learn more and donate here.