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.

 

Middy

Middy

Featured Dog- Middy

 

Middy came all the way from Texas when her family relocated. to Mesquite., only to find she was not aloud live in the apartment. She came to the shelter looking for a new home. Middy is 8 years old. She is part pointer/catahoula leopard dog. She is one happy girl and loves people. She has been around children and other dogs. She will need an re-introduction to both since they will be strangers to her. She can fetch and bring back, loves to go for walks but is very strong on the leash. Middy needs a good exercise program to help her shed a few extra pounds she gained before moving here.

Other available dogs- Buddy the brindle boxer. He loves people and has been friendly with young visitors. He does great on leash but he can jump a fence looking for you so he can be beside you.

Featured cats- Elton, Spirit and Ivy.

Yes these three adult cats are still looking for their forever home. They are absolutely the nicest cats but they need to be in a home with no other cats and probably no dogs. They just want all your attention and love. They love people and will come when called, play with toys or just spend time being close to you. They purr the minute they see you. Each one has a special distinctive purr-sonality that you will love once you meet them.

Spirit

Spirit

Elton

Elton

Other available cats- At this time there are no other cats available for adoption

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

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 changed so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com

Ivy

Ivy

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