National Dog Week?

Celebrated the last full week of September each year, National Dog Week dates all the way back to 1928. What does this mean for you? Nothing. This week isn’t about you, it is all about dogs. Get your leashes, harnesses, treats and toys ready for a weeklong celebration of all things dog. While you love on your cuddly best friend, don’t forget about the less-fortunate four-legged angels looking for forever homes. The purpose of National Dog Week is twofold — pay homage to the pups that enrich your life by showing responsible pet ownership and do your part to help dogs in need. We’ll help you make the most of National Dog Week. Now in its 84th year, NDW is celebrated all across the US with local events, belly rubs, and lots of treats!

Here are some suggestions for National Dog Week:

Pamper Your Pooch
Not all dogs enjoy a trip to the groomer, but if your dogs are anything like ours they enjoy a good brushing. Making sure your dog’s nails are trimmed, ears are clean, and bathing them regularly will keep your 4-legged friends more comfortable. While it’s not good to let your dog get everything he wants all the time, there’s nothing wrong with giving him some extra love or special something to celebrate. Massaging your dog or just giving him some extra cuddles might be a wonderful way to show him your appreciation in honor of National Dog Week.

Got Treats?
Pick up some of your dog’s favorite treats from your local store.

Play Time/Visit the Park

Play time with your dog is important. Whether it’s playing a game of fetch or just running around the yard together, your dogs will appreciate the quality time with you and also get some needed exercise. Take a hike, take extra-long walks, play games like fetch or hide-and-go seek, and go for a scenic fall drive. Whatever your pooch loves to do, indulge him and have fun together!  Visit the dog park-if you’re lucky enough to have a dog park in your community; this is a great way to keep your dog social, active, and happy. It’s even a great way for dog moms and dads to socialize.

Go have some fun. Learn something new. Whether it’s practicing basic obedience cues in fun ways or doing an agility class, pairing physical and mental stimulation to reinforce behaviors you want from your dog or teach awesome tricks is a great way to bond with your dog.

Adopt a shelter dog or rescue dog.  There are many dogs in our shelters and because of overpopulation, and as a result, an adoptable dog or cat is put down every eight seconds in our country, totaling four million a year. Foster a rescue dog. You are making space so the rescue/shelter can take in another animal and you are helping provide a stable home for the foster animal. Consider making a huge difference in the life of a dog (or even a cat!) by fostering or adopting.

Spay or neuter your dog. If you got a puppy or kitten earlier this year and haven’t done this yet, please do! As we’ve already discussed, pet overpopulation is a huge issue in our world, and not only will it make a difference in this regard, it will also make for a healthier, happier pet! Dogs that have been altered are far less likely to escape, roam and get hurt or hurt others, and it prevents reproductive organ cancers and disease. It’s the law in Mesquite.

 

DSCN4198Featured Dog- Frank

Frank is approximately 4 months old and is a pug blend. He was found as a stray. He is a very happy-go-lucky puppy who is always wagging his curly tail. He has lots of energy, and loves to play with anyone or anything he can find. Frank needs a home that understands how much work goes into raising a puppy into a happy well-adjusted adult, will need help with house-training outlets for his youthful energy and will need lots of socialization. . If you truly are ready for a puppy then this great puppy is ready for you! Frank is doing a wonderful job learning to walk on harness and basic commands like sitting and heeling commands.

Other available dogs-

Lane- Male Chihuahua approx. 6 years old. Very calm dog likes to sit with you and go for walks.

Farley- Male Dachshund/terrier 6 years old. Loves people, going for walks and being beside you.

ZacharyFeatured cat- Zachary

Zachary is an extra-large orange and white tabby. He lost his home and came to the shelter with Samantha a kitten. He can be a little shy at first, but give him time he really likes pets and brushing, is a quiet, laid back, friendly six year old. He’d be perfectly happy just lazing about in your lap. He previously lived with other cats and a dog and they got along just fine. Zachary would love to meet you and become part of your family. Zachary won’t pass up a nice chin rub, or scratch behind the ears, but will not run around bugging you for one. He likes spending time with his people, but doesn’t mind doing his own thing too. If you are looking for an easy going companion, Zachary may be the boy for you.

Other available cats-

Samantha- Female 3 month old black kitten. Shy but loves to be held and petted.

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