May is National Pet Month
May 3-9 2015 Be Kind to Animals Week
May is National Pet Month, a time to reflect on the importance of pets and pet ownership. National Pet Month is all about celebrating the amazing impact pets have on our lives and the joy and positivity they bring to us each day. However, like so many of life’s everyday joys, it’s easy to take pets for granted.
National Pet Month exists to:
Promote the Benefits of Pet Ownership
Science can’t measure the happiness that a pet’s love brings to its owner. However, it can measure the positive effects that owning a pet has on a person! For instance, did you know that medicine is less effective in controlling blood pressure than pets are? Or that it has been proven that pets reduce stress?
Support Pet Adoption
Every pet owner knows that their pet is not a possession – it is a family member! So if you’re thinking about getting a pet, consider this: who better to share your love with than a creature with no family of its own?
Promote Responsible Pet Ownership
The happiness and well-being of a pet depends on how seriously the pet owner takes the responsibilities of ownership. It is important to consider the health needs of your animal. Are they eating right? Are they getting enough exercise? Are they overdue for a visit to the vet? Also, are you prepared for a pet’s unexpected injury?
Increase public awareness of services available from professionals who work with animals
Let’s hear it for veterinarians! They perform a valuable service and its time that they got their applause. National Pet Month is a good time to recognize your vet’s good work.
Raise awareness of the role, value and contribution to society of service animals
If you believe that pets are simply for enjoyment, think again – they can provide valuable social contributions! Service animals are specifically trained to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities. The majority of service animals are dogs; however miniature horses are sometimes trained to guide people with visual impairments. Also, helper monkeys are trained to provide assistance for people with spinal cord injuries.
Be Kind to Animals Week
Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated each year during the first full week of May, The American Humane Association wants you, loving pet owners and general animal lovers, to be involved. Every year since 1915, animal enthusiasts and organizations across the country take time to celebrate the bond between humans and animals and to remind us to be aware of all the other living, breathing creatures with which we share the earth.
Suggestions from the American Humane Association and SPCA include:
***Speak out for animals. Get informed about policies and legislation that can impact the animals in your community and throughout the country.
***Report Animal Abuse. Animal cruelty and abuse is not only tragic for animals, but also an indicator that other forms of abuse such as domestic violence could be happening. If you see something that looks suspicious — a dog chained in your neighbor’s yard that looks underfed, a child putting a cat in a box and kicking it around the yard — don’t hesitate. Let someone know.
***Appreciate wildlife. All animals deserve to be treated humanely — family pets and animals in the wild. Create an inviting space in your yard and garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures. If wildlife comes too close to home, look for ways to coexist with animals or to protect your property humanely.
***Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue. Help animals find a second chance at happiness by adopting your next pet from your local shelter or rescue group
***Take care of your pet. They need you to help keep them healthy and safe throughout their lives. Keep your animal’s vaccinations up-to-date. Make sure your pet is always wearing proper identification. Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Know what it takes to be a responsible pet owner.
Featured Dog: Marley
This pretty girl is a blend of Labrador and shepherd 1-2 years old. She is friendly and playful, and she can’t wait to find her forever home! She does well on a leash and is learning to play with toys. When she’s all tired out, she will enjoy playing games and snuggling up to her new family for some belly rubs and cozy cuddle time! We know Marley is hoping some special person or family will adopt her soon and give her the loving home she deserves. Marley needs house training but is very smart and catches on very easily to anything introduced to her at the shelter.
Other available dogs: Gizmo 1 year old male Jack Russell terrier/dachshund blend
Featured Cat: Franco/Francie
When my story went to the paper no one had told me if I was a boy or girl. I am waiting to see if I like pink or blue. 3 months old. Are you looking for an adorable, cuddly, playful kitten? Then I’m your cat! I can keep myself occupied with play mice, track balls and bells or I can chase whatever you’re sending through the air. (I’m more than happy to show off my acrobatic skills!) When playtime’s over, pick me up and give me pets and rubs until I purr.
Other Available Cats: Toby male 2 year old gray tabby with white feet and white markings.
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, Sunday 1pm -3pm. 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
Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information. https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVAnimalControl and https://www.facebook.com/FRIENDSOFMESQUITENVANIMALSHELTER
