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Why Animals End Up at Shelters

First of all, it may be helpful for people to understand that most animals wind up at shelters through no fault of their own. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, moving is the primary reason family pets are relinquished. And landlords that don’t allow pets are one of the biggest obstacles for renters with companion animals. (Big kudos to any landlords out there who accommodate our furry family members) Similarly, shelter personnel report that many companion animals are relinquished because an owner has died or is relocating to a senior facility that prohibits pets.

Other reasons topping the list include the cost of regular pet care, a lack of time, and allergies. Additionally, animals given as gifts (bad idea!) often end up at the shelter either because recipients are unable to keep them or the animals grew up and no one planned for them getting bigger. And it is a sad fact that litters born to unaltered animals often wind up in shelters — all the more reason to adopt from the shelter, as they come already altered!

Finally, one of the most avoidable reasons that loyal family pets find themselves at the shelter is because they got lost and did not have a micro-chip or tag to facilitate a reunion with their family. So many well-meaning people proudly declare that their companion animals don’t need to have identification because they never leave their side. But unforeseen events can happen: Gardeners can leave gates unlatched by mistake, a fire engine can spook a pet to run, natural disasters can strike with little notice, car accidents can send a frightened pet running, and tragically, animals are even stolen at times. You get the point.

Needless to say, these perfectly adoptable animals are ending up at shelters through no fault of their own! So it’s up to us to help them get into loving homes and to take the necessary steps to keep them from entering the shelter in the first place.

The shelter has a number of dogs available for adoption. Please take the time to see if there is one that would fit into your home and make the perfect pet.

Featured dog- Shilo

Shilo was turned in at shelter by her owner.  She is a nice girl; about 3 years old. A stunning example of a red cattle dog, Shilo is just one big smiling face waiting to give you a lick hello. Obedient and friendly with people and other dogs, life is all about finding someone to throw the ball and tug-of-war. Just look at that smile – this young lady just loves everyone! She would make an excellent family dog or even a work buddy. She has beautiful manners, is house-trained, walks on a leash and rides in a car.  She has been socialized with other dogs but no cats please. Shilo will be a perfect new addition to your home.

Other available dogs-

Hoss- Male 7 month old black and tan, heeler/border/Rottweiler blend. Lots of puppy energy, knows basic commands and does great on a leash.
Koda- Male 1 year old black and tan, Shepherd/Border collie blend. Wonderful dog, Knows basic commands and does well on leash.
Dugan- Male 8 year old buff cocker spaniel. Shy but friendly older gentleman.
Russo- Male 1 year old buff spaniel blend. He looks like a miniature golden retriever. Shy boy
Boobie- Male 2 yearold tak/white Chihuahua Friendly
Penny- Female 8 year old black/tan Chihuahua. Happy little girl
Pearl- Female tan with black sprinkled coat Chihuahua Friendly and happy
CloClo – Female tan/white Chihuahua Happy girl
Bella- Female 2 year old Brown wirehaired terrier/dachshund blend Shy

Featured Cat- Casey

Casey is a quiet, sweet kitty with a mellow, independent soul. Casey is a real beauty with her unique coloring and beautiful blue eyes. She came to a stranger’s door “meowing” and looking for her people. No one has come forward looking for this girl. She was very depressed and refused to eat but she is now eating and doing well.   She doesn’t care much for all of the commotion here, she would love a more subdued home where she can curl up in your lap, relax in the sunshine, or snuggle up to you for bedtime. She is a shy girl and she needs is somebody willing to give a girl a quiet calm home for her brand new start.

April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month and we are going to take an opportunity to thank Mesquite Animal Shelters amazing volunteers. If we tried to list all of our volunteers’ talents and skills, this post would turn into a novel. They have great hearts and are willing to do just about anything to help ensure better lives for Mesquite’s homeless animals.  In 2013 volunteers gave 4374 hours to the shelter. So who qualifies as a volunteer? Well, if you love animals and you’re at least 18, there are plenty of ways you can help change the life of an animal that deserves a second chance. Our volunteers play a huge role in making sure as many of those animals find forever homes as possible. A few hours of your time every month can make a huge difference in the lives of homeless animals.

All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximated.

The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 11am until 1 pm, Monday through Saturday. Please call 702-346-7415 during these hours to speak to the front desk. Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268.

The animals submitted to the media may have changes so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals.www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com.