Honorable Mayor Cluck Proclaimed Saturday, April 21, 2012 Responsible Pet Ownership Day!
Volunteers and community partners were instrumental in the achievement of the great success.
The action packed day began when 21 UT Arlington students with the Big Event arrived at 8 a.m. sharp at Arlington Animal Services (AAS) to learn about shelter operations, take a shelter tour, perform deep cleaning, and help setup for the special occasion. UT Arlington students swept, scrubbed and squeegeed until the shelter was sparkling clean.
AAS Lead volunteer Steve Kunkel worked with his team of volunteers to ensure the shelter opened at 10 a.m. on the dot. Excitement grew and the crowd cheered as AAS Manager Chris Huff read the Proclamation signed by Mayor Cluck announcing Responsible Pet Ownership Day on April 21.
Long hair, short hair, frisky and mellow - a multitude of pets with their responsible owners were seen byCommunity Pet Outreach and provided the following care:
- 171 low cost vaccines
- 12 heartworm tests
Respect A Bull, Inc. helped 48 pets gain additional identification through microchipping.
Responsible owners of 21 animals licensed their Arlington pets through the Animal Licensing and Registration Program.
AAS Manager Huff taught a Foster Pet Care Program Orientation from 2-4 p.m. enlisting the help of volunteers to care for homeless pets needing special attention.
The devoted handcrafting talents of Golden PAWS senior volunteers generated over $85 in donations for the shelter.
Girl Scout troops #1610 and #1641 demonstrated their leadership skills by rounding up visitors walking by their table for fun face painting and they served as a shelter information booth. The girl scouts were truly excited about their opportunity to help the shelter animals.
Volunteers helped fill the Meals On Wheels, Inc. van to capacity with load after load of pet supplies that were generously donated to help the pets of their clients.
Smiles were flashing and furry tails wagging as the day was filled with the spirit of volunteerism, community service and responsible pet ownership. The adoptable shelter animals enjoyed the adoring attention they received from UT Arlington students, girl scouts and AAS volunteers.
A big thank you to shelter partners for this event: Meals on Wheels, Inc. Respect A Bull, Inc., UT Arlington Big Event, Golden PAWS, AAS Volunteers, Community Pet Outreach, Girl Scout troops #1610 and #1641, Nature's Select of Fort Worth, Petmate®, and AAS staff.
For more information about licensing your pet and volunteer opportunities, contact Arlington Animal Services at 817-459-5898.
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By Carol Weemes
Animal Services, Highlights, News