Approximately 3,500 animal shelters across the United States serve the estimated 6-8 million homeless animals who need refuge each year, and many more animals find themselves in need of the services provided by local rescue groups. For one week out of that year community members, animal lovers and grateful pet guardians come together to celebrate their local shelter. National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, November 3-9, is the perfect time to recognize the organization in your community dedicated to animals.
Here are ways to show shelters you care this week and throughout the year.
Adopt a Best Friend. Animals make great companions, but having a pet is a big responsibility and it involves a lifelong commitment. Find out if you have what it takes to provide a safe and loving home and learn more about adopting from your local animal shelter. When you’re ready to adopt go to https://www.petfinder.com. to find pets in your area.
Take a Tour. Never been inside an animal shelter? Take time out of your day to stop by your local shelter during public hours and see firsthand how things work. If you’d like to become more involved, find out how you can become a volunteer.
Keep on Giving. Many animal shelters have donations programs. Donating to your local shelter is as simple as writing a check and dropping it in the mail or picking up an item on the shelter’s wish list during your next shopping trip. Friends of Mesquite Animal Shelter (FOMAS) helps pay for items not covered by the Mesquite Animal Shelter operational budget: extraordinary medical procedures, veterinary costs for animals transported to outside rescue groups, lifestyle and facility upgrades for shelter animals
Be Committed. Providing quality food, water and shelter is important, but it’s not the only thing involved in being a responsible and caring pet guardian. It’s also essential that your pet has current identification tags and is properly confined or supervised while outdoors. Keep your pet healthy and up-to-date on all vaccinations by visiting the veterinarian regularly and give your pet lots of love and attention.
Expect the Unexpected. Local shelters are most often on the front lines during natural disasters such as hurricanes. Would you know what to do in the event of a flood, tornado or fire? Learn how to help animals in your community, including your own pet, whether it’s a disaster, an emergency or an accident.
Stay Alert. Your local animal shelter and animal control agency not only take in homeless animals, but also rescue injured, abused or neglected critters. Assist them by letting them know of any injured animals in your neighborhood, or if you suspect animal cruelty in your community.
Do Your Part. Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important things you can to reduce the number of homeless pets in your community.
Two Simple Words. The words “thank you” are powerful. But since animals can’t speak, it’s up to community members to let shelter workers and volunteers know just how much their commitment to animals is appreciated. Send a letter, card or e-mail to your local shelter and let them know you care.
Animal shelters and rescues are great places to find your next pet, but local shelters and rescues also do so much more,” says Inga Fricke, director of sheltering and pet care issues for The HSUS. “Not only do they give homeless pets a second chance, these organizations provide other services such as, reuniting lost pets with their families.”
Many dogs and cats are given up because of allergies or a family not being able to bring the pet when they move – factors that are completely out of the pet’s control. These animals could all make great pets if given a second chance at a home.
The most obvious way to support local animal shelters is by adopting a pet from them.
Featured dog- Nala
We bet this pretty girl caught your eye! Meet Nala, a young and active pup who is ready to find a place to call her own. She is spunky and full of life, which means that she needs someone who can keep her busy. She does well on a leash and is learning to play with toys. Nala is a gorgeous puppy with black curly hair and white markings. Her mind is always busy figuring out how to accomplish what she wants. She’s very lovable and sweet and she enjoys being in the middle of everything. She’s not a sedentary kind of dog as she needs something to keep her busy, especially as she grows up.
Available Dogs: At this time there are no dogs currently available. Please check the Petfinder listings.
Featured Cat- Gumdrop
Gumdrop is one fun-loving (and adorable!) little kitty. She came to the shelter with her brother and sister who are very shy and need more socialization. She and her siblings were found under a house living on their own. Gumdrop likes attention and purrs. She likes to play. She will need a quiet home. Come meet Gumdrop and you’ll make a new fuzzy friend today.
Available Cats: at this time there are no cats currently for adoption. Please check the Petfinder listings
Friends of Mesquite Animal Shelter will be holding its first RUMMAGE SALE on Friday, November 14, 2014 from 8am-3pm at 718 Hardy Way. A special pre-sale will be held Thursday November 13th at the same location, from 2-6pm. Pre-sale shoppers are asked to bring a can of dog or cat food. Donations for the sale are greatly appreciated and may be dropped off at the Mesquite Animal Shelter 795 Hardy Way between 11am-1pmMonday thru Saturday. For more information call 702 346 7415 (11am-1pm Monday-Saturday). All proceeds go to benefit the animals.
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