May 7, 2008 |
CATAWBA COUNTY ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL TO HOLD ADOPT-ATHON ON MAY 31 |
| The Catawba County Animal Care and Control staff will hold an Adopt-athon event at the Animal Shelter, located adjacent to and behind the Justice Center off Highway 321 Business in Newton, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2008. Animal Care and Control staff will be spotlighting animals at the shelter that are suitable for adoption, and providing the public with another opportunity to have pets vaccinated for rabies and a chance to learn more about training for puppies, dogs and cats.
“We are always looking for ways to increase the number of adoptions from the Animal Shelter,” said Jay Blatche, Catawba County’s Animal Services Manager. “Our shelter was recently very overcrowded, which is a threat to the health of all the animals housed there. We’re hoping that having an extended adoption event on a Saturday will encourage people, who are ready to be loving and responsible pet owners, to come and adopt a dog or cat. We’re also planning a variety of special clinics to help everyone learn how to train dogs and cats, which is one important way to be a responsible pet owner, and for those who need to have a dog or cat vaccinated for rabies.” During our April clinics, we vaccinated 946 animals for rabies but we know many others may be due for a vaccination,” Blatche continued. “The rabies vaccination is very important. We’ve had seven confirmed cases of rabies in wild animals in 2008, after the wild animals came into contact with dogs. None of the dogs were current on their rabies vaccination and the owners of all seven had to make the difficult choice of either having the animal quarantined with a licensed veterinarian for six months or surrendering the dogs for euthanasia.” Other highlights of the May 31st Animal Adopt-athon will include: • A rabies vaccination clinic from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., to be administered by veterinarian, Dr. Gail Ford • Puppy training from 12 Noon until 1 p.m., conducted by Adrian Parson of the Catawba County Animal Care and Control staff. • Dog training from 1 until 2 p.m. with Jeff Porter, owner of Canine College of Mountain View, who offers a wide variety of training courses for dogs. • Cat behavior training from 2 until 3 p.m., conducted by Amanda Gutgsell of the Catawba County Animal Care and Control staff. Everyone who adopts an animal will receive a picture taken with their new animal friend. The County is also beginning a shelter volunteer program, and will be asking anyone who is interested in volunteering to work at the shelter to indicate their interest during the event. The Gaston College Veterinary Tech Club will be providing assistance during the Adopt-athon. For more information on the May 31 Animal Adopt-athon at the Catawba County Animal Shelter, you may call Catawba County Animal Care and Control at 828-464-7686. |