In response to a recent incident in which three local children were viciously attacked, Principal Kevin Tierney invited School Police Officer Cindy Evaro to come to Citrus Elementary School and talk to students about what they can do to be safe around dogs.  "We want the students to understand how to interact with dogs and to have skills to feel safer as they walk around their neighborhood," said Mr. Tierney.

Officer Evaro brought along a few friends, including McGruff the Crime Dog, to help bring the message home to students.  She and Fontana Animal Services Officer Jamie Simmons talked to students about what they should do if a strange dog approaches them.  “Never go up and pet a stray dog,” said Officer Evaro.  “If you see a dog out loose and acting strangely in the community, tell an adult and they can call Animal Control.”

Officer Simmons told students that if a dog runs at you, there are a few things students can do to help their chances.  “First, stand very still – like a tree. Don’t run or scream.  Running triggers a dog’s instinct to chase and catch things. Second, if it knocks you over, curl up tightly into a ball and stay still.”  Do your best to protect your hands and arms, as those are among a dog’s favorite targets for biting.

If a dog acts aggressively while it is in its own yard, it is most likely to be defending its territory or feeling as though you are challenging it.  “If it charges the fence and starts barking, ignore it,” said Officer Simmons.  “Do not make eye contact, do not scream or squeal, and move away slowly. Don’t ever tease a dog or make it more agitated.”

Lynn Hildebrand from the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley invited a student up on stage to participate in a demonstration on approaching a dog correctly.  “It is important to make sure you are in the company of an adult.  Don’t approach a dog on your own.  Always get permission from the owner to pat his or her dog.  Slowly extend the back of your hand and allow the dog to sniff it,” said Ms. Hildegard.

Katherine Gigandet, also from the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley, brought along her “Helper Dog,” Pilot.  As a “Helper Dog,” Pilot assists Catherine with a variety of daily activities that she can sometimes find difficult to do on her own.  He can pick-up items and bring them to her, he can open doors, and he can answer the telephone.  Especially important, he can even tell when she is unwell and can call for help.  The students especially enjoyed Pilot’s demonstration.

“It is very important to let your pets know they are loved,” said Ms. Gigandet.  “You must always treat them with kindness and never hit them or harm them.”  She also encouraged them to send their dogs to obedience school so they can be trained to be well-behaved.

The students were all very receptive to the message given at the safety assembly and their "response to Pilot was very positive," said Mr. Tierney.  "Dogs can be unpredictable, they all have teeth, they're capable of biting, so it's important that children learn early on to be safe around animals, especially stay dogs," said Ms. Simmions.

To report a stray dog or a dog you believe is acting dangerously, please contact Fontana Animal Services Team (FAST) at (909) 350-7700.

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