PRESS RELEASE

Lee County Animal Services

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ria Brown, Public Promotions Specialist

Lee County Animal Services

                                             (941) 432-2090 Ext. 241

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

OCTOBER IS GOING TO THE DOGS AT

LEE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

 

Help Celebrate “Adopt-A-Dog Month”

 

Fort Myers, September 18, 2000 -- October has officially been deemed the “Month of the Dog” in Lee County.  Lee County Animal Services invites all residents to stop-by and celebrate national “Adopt-A-Dog Month” during October.  Partnering with the American Humane Association, Lee County Animal Services is using this national campaign to help more dogs find happy and loving homes.

 

In addition to adopting a dog, Animal Services is offering the public another way to help the shelter animals and their own pets during October.  Pet owners can contribute to the welfare of the county’s homeless animals by bringing a donation of dry pet food to the shelter’s Halloween display.  The donation will qualify their pets to be implanted with a Microchip ID for the reduced price of $15.00 (regularly $25.00 for the general public).  So owners should bring their pets along for this special offer.  No appointments are necessary.

 

Adopt-A-Dog Month activities will be taking place at animal shelters across the country as a way to promote shelters as the ideal place to find a pet.  Whether a puppy or an adult, large or small, the perfect family dog  can be found at a shelter.  With a goal to adopt out as many dogs as possible during this period, the American Humane Association offers the following tips to make your home a happy one for your new—or old—dog:

 

·        Pick a dog best suited to your lifestyle.  When adopting a dog, it’s best to select one that fits your family’s lifestyle.  This includes, among other things, considering how much space your home and yard has, whether or not children will be a major part of the dog’s life,  and the daily time commitment you’ll be able to give to your new friend.  The staff at Lee County Animal Services can be a great help to you in choosing the dog that will be perfect for your lifestyle.

 

·        Expect to spend time looking for the right dog.  Whether it’s a mixed breed or a purebred you’re looking for, expect to spend some bonding time with many different dogs. Remember that dogs in a shelter environment will be stressed as well, so give the dogs the benefit of the doubt.

 

·        Expect to go through the adoption process.  When adopting a dog from a shelter you will have to go through the adoption process.  At Lee County Animal Services this involves filling out an adoption application and paying the adoption fee of $65.00.  The fee includes vaccinations and spay or neuter surgery.  The staff will check to make sure any pets currently owned are up-to-date on shots.  If you rent a house or apartment, they will request the name and number or your landlord. They’ll want to make sure you’re allowed pets so they don’t see you returning the dog.

 

·        Walk your dog at least once a day.  A fenced-in yard is a great place for your dog to relax and play, but don’t let it become his only outdoor activity.  Walking your dog at least once a day allows you some special time with him, gives your pet great exercise he can’t get in a fenced yard, relieves boredom (for both you and your dog), and lets your friend socialize with other neighborhood canines.

 

·        Try obedience classes.  With the kids back in school this fall, it’s a great time for you and your dog to enroll in an obedience class.  They’re perfect for getting the basics of good dog behavior down, like not jumping on people, walking on a leash (instead of pulling you down the street!) and coming when called.  Ask the shelter to refer you to a reputable trainer in the area.

 

·        Puppy-proof your house.  If you’re bringing a new puppy home, take some time beforehand to puppy-proof your house.  The rule you should follow is that if it’s in a puppy’s reach, they may sniff, chew and even play with it.  This goes for trashcans, electrical cords, dangerous chemicals and household cleaners, and medications.  Make your house a safe one for your new friend.  Also, invest in a crate to help with housetraining your new puppy.

 

·        Have fun!  The best part about adopting a dog is that it’s fun.  It’s fun to have a companion who will become a friend for life.  It’s fun to watch your children bond with a dog and learn respect for animals.  And, it’s fun to have your dog become a special part of family activities.

 

For more information on adopting a dog or about Microchip IDs, please contact Lee County Animal Services at (941) 432-2083 or visit Animal Services web site at www.lee-county.com/animalservices.

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