On Oct. 30, the students in grades three and four at Stadium Elementary School had a treat as Lorna Steele from the Rhode Island chapter of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) came to visit.

Along with her was Daisy, an elderly, deaf beagle who was one of the organization’s adoptable dogs. The two were invited by art educator Marisa Iacovone, who had been guiding the students through an art project about their favorite animals.

“I thought it would be good for them to have some one-on-one instruction about pet care and about the responsibilities of having a pet, especially given all that’s been in the news lately about the mistreatment of animals,” Iacovone said.

According to Iacovone, National Pet on Reservoir Avenue generously donated pet food to the ASPCA as part of the project.

Steele spoke to the students while Daisy, in her festive orange bandana, made her way around the classroom, willingly laying down over and over again in front of groups of students, absorbing all the love and affection that they were more than happy to give to her.

Steele’s purpose, however, was to let the students know that owning a pet is a big responsibility, and along with all the fun and affection comes a big job – one similar to the job of a parent.

“Having a pet is more than just dressing them up and feeding them,” she said. “Dogs need a lot of the things that we need, too. They need to be kept healthy and happy, and we need to do a lot of the things our parents have done for us.”

Steele and the students brainstormed a list of tasks such as making sure pets have food and water, occasional treats, exercise for their bodies and minds, baths, safe shelter, and bedding.

“Love, attention and affection are critical for dogs,” she said.

Steele went through a slideshow with the students, citing various health issues pets can encounter, many of which are commonly seen when they arrive at a shelter, including mange. She also talked about serious illnesses that can be contracted without proper vaccinations, such as rabies.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Steele, Daisy, the students and their teachers posed for a whole-group photo together.