DECATUR - Jentry Grader, a freshman at Millikin University, did not choose to take "Pet Shelter Tales," a psychology class for freshmen.

"They put you in a seminar that fits with your schedule," said Grader, a theater major from Decatur.

But Grader is glad she was slotted for this unique class, which requires that students train dogs and play with cats at the city's two shelters.

"I'm really into animals," Grader said. "It's fun to work with them. It's neat to see them progress."

Psychology professor Rene Verry said the class is designed for students to make progress in their critical thinking skills, while performing community service.

"Most have not trained animals before," Verry said. "It has improved their confidence. They're excited because they are able to put into action what they've learned in a classroom."

Teresa Weybright, manager of the Macon County Animal Control and Care Center, is excited about the results. Many animals have found good families because Verry's students taught them to respond to commands.

"It's fantastic," Weybright said. "It's good for the dogs and good for the kids. It teaches the animals socialization, to spend time with people. They teach them basic commands such as stand, sit, stay. They treat-train; when they do well, they're rewarded."

Dogs that spend time with people while staying at the shelter are more likely to capture the hearts of potential pet owners.

"Happy animals become more adoptable," Weybright said. "When people come in, they don't want dogs that are acting crazy."

Verry created the class in 2002, shortly after she began volunteering and serving as a board member at Homeward Bound Pet Shelter. The shelter is a division of Macon Resources Inc., a nonprofit group that assists disabled people.

"This is very valuable to us," said Linda Clary, Homeward Bound supervisor. "An obedient dog is a much more adoptable dog."

Verry realized that students could benefit by gaining firsthand experience in addressing the problem of unwanted pets.

"It acquaints them with this community and the shelters in their own communities," Verry said, adding many students were not aware of their hometown shelters before taking the class. "There are different community problems to work on. This is just one more problem the community has. If everyone works on a piece of the puzzle, it will get done."

hfreeman@herald-review.com|421-6985