Carol Klages

Pet ownership often introduces responsibility, a sense of pride and basic learning opportunities into a child�s life. Then again, sometimes it sparks something much bigger.

For Carol Klages, associate professor with the University of Houston-Victoria�s School of Education & Human Development, a childhood menagerie of dogs, rabbits, hamsters and more led to a lifelong passion for helping four-legged friends.

The Victoria native has devoted 19 years to Adopt-A-Pet, a Victoria rescue organization aimed at rehabilitating homeless animals and connecting them with just-right families. That work eventually expanded further into the community.

Klages and members of what was then Victoria�s Stroman High School Student Council made visits to nursing homes and hospitals, her trusty black lab � a registered therapy dog � in tow. Although her sidekick has since passed away, the visits brought comfort to those in need.

Klages teaches undergraduate teacher education courses, such as �Effective Social Studies Instruction,� �Adolescent Literature� and �Components of Effective Literacy Instruction.� Her research interests are in teacher reflective practices, instructional strategies and new illiteracies.

The longtime educator even incorporates animals into her classroom lessons. During her years teaching high school, Klages� dog became an integral part of her economics lessons. She still goes into classrooms to educate children about pet care, animal safety and how to approach a dog.

�I�ll even have kids read to my dogs,� she said with a chuckle. �The kids really seem to enjoy it. It gets them reading, but it�s something different.�

Not all of Klages� volunteer time goes to the animal kingdom, however. She also works as a surrogate parent for the Victoria Independent School District, supporting those in foster care or residential treatment facilities.

�I�m there to look out for them and promote their best interests,� she said. �These are kids who might not have parents, but do have special needs. You want to help them out.�

Klages earned her bachelor�s degree in political science from Seguin�s Texas Lutheran College.

She went on to obtain two master�s degrees in English from UHV and elementary reading and literacy from Walden University, and a doctorate in curriculum studies from the University of Texas at Austin.

Klages said she encourages others to find a cause close to their hearts and get involved. Whether that�s working with animals, reading programs or anything in between, giving just a little can make a big difference.

�Think about how you can make the community a better place,� she said. �Whatever your passion is, go with it. That way, you share that positivity with other people.�

As for her, she said she�s happy doing exactly what she does now. Adopt-A-Pet does good work, and it�s rewarding to know she�s making a difference.

�I will stay with Adopt-A-Pet until the day I die or until there are no more homeless animals �whichever comes first,� she said.

The Faculty Feature is an online feature highlighting faculty members from each of the University of Houston-Victoria�s four schools. To nominate a faculty member, contact Paula Cobler, UHV interim director of marketing and communications, or call 361-570-4350.