OBSERVATIONS FROM THE SHELF - GOOD DOG / BAD HEALTH

A few Saturdays ago I spent the day in my usual place, on the shelf at Petco watching the wild world of pet adoption.  Lots of wonderful people came to look at pets and some even came with pets of their own.  I am always glad to see people with their dogs because it helps to make them social and happy.

Then a young man arrived with a large white, long haired Great Pyrenees. They stood back from the pen but I immediately got worried.  I looked at the beautiful dog and realized immediately that she was sick and might even be contagious.  What was this guy thinking?

One of the NAFA volunteers stepped up, just as a little girl ran up to pet the dog. My heart sank. What were the parents thinking?  The situation could take a very harsh turn any minute.

The NAFA volunteer quickly educated the young man on the dog he had brought inside the store – while the dog was very nice, it was suffering from sarcoptic mange, which many of you will know is very contagious to both animals and humans.

The young man took the dog from the store and an NAFA volunteer tracked down the parents of the little girl and they used hand sanitizer to clean their hands.  The family recently brought home two bulldog puppies, so not taking home sarcoptic mange was important to them.

All this got me to thinking about people taking their dogs into public.  I’ve come up with a couple of easy rules that people should remember.

1.      Make sure your dog is healthy and in good condition before you bring it out in public.

2.      Make sure you can handle your dog and keep it from inappropriate behavior, like peeing on every corner or lunging and barking at strangers

3.      Make sure to bring doggie bags and paper towels to clean up any mess that your dog might make.

4.      If your dog needs socializing help, contact one of the trainers at Petco and they can set you up with a free evaluation session with a certified trainer/behaviorist.

5.      Keep your dog away from other dogs so you avoid any confrontations. Just because your dog is friendly with other animals does not mean the other ones where you are will be that way.

6.      Watch for children and when they approach, ask your dog to sit and stay before you let the children pet your animal.  It is good for your dog and for the children.

7.      Make your visit a pleasant one and next time your dog will be even happier.

I also have a very important message for parents who bring their children in public where animals might be present.

         Be sure that your children know that they MUST ask the owner of the dog first, before they try to pet or touch it.  Not all dogs are as friendly and loving as me.  Some are frightened and some, I hate to say it, but some are just not nice.  It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that children know this rule.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog post,

                                                                                                                Ella   

REMEMBERING SCOOBY

Scooby and his Mom always come for Christmas pictures each year, so it is with a heavy heart but joyful memories that I post this memorial. Scooby was a very special boy and his Mother misses him even though it has been 2 months since he has gone.  We hope that time heals your heart and the joy of his life shines through instead of the agony of his death.

 Loved, Cherished, Missed

April 26, 1999 – December 24, 2011

IN MEMORY OF DRAEGO LEE BRITTON

Draego Lee Britton passed away February 14, 2012. He was a little over 7 years old Rottweiler. He was a wonderful funny guy who learned to do the Corgi jump from his shorter 4 legged friends. He has lived a charmed life with his Mom and Grandmother and never knew what the word want was. His favorite things to do were going everywhere with his Mom and Sonic ice cream cones. His nicknames were Boo and Baby Boy. Draego will be missed deeply by his animal siblings as well as all of his NAFA family. You were loved by many!!

Spay/Neuter - How It Can Help the Community

Our community needs your help. NAFA has been trying for years to get the funds to finish our low cost spay/neuter facility and after all this time is exceeding close to having the money for completion. We like around $5,700.00 to complete the fundraising portion of this task. Below are some facts and question that have proposed for us to answer. Please read them and see if they apply to you.

I don't even own a pet! Why is this my problem?

All of us are affected by animal overpopulation. Millions of tax dollars are spent annually to shelter and care for stray, abandoned and unwanted pets. Much of that money is spent to euthanize these animals when homes cannot be found. Human health is threatened by the danger of transmittable diseases (including rabies), animal bites and attacks. Property may be damaged and livestock killed when pets roam in search of food. Animal waste is proving to be a serious environment hazard, fouling yards and parks. It is only when all of us assume the responsibility for pet overpopulation that we will see any decrease in the problem.

If I find homes for my pet's litters, then I won't contribute to the problem, right?

Wrong. Only a small number of people will get their new animal spay or neutered so that it doesn't contribute to the overwhelming numbers of animals who need to find homes.

Won't animal shelters take care of the surplus animals?

No. Shelters do their best to place animals in loving homes, but the number of homeless animals far exceeds the number of willing/qualified adopters. This leaves many loving and healthy animals in our community that must be euthanized as the only humane solution to this tragic dilemma. Only spaying and neutering can end the overpopulation problem.

Spaying or neutering your own pet will keep your pet healthier.  It also means that your animal and his or her potential offspring won't contribute to the population of homeless and abandoned pets in our community.


They live in the shadows—the alleyways, empty lots and condemned buildings—of almost every neighborhood. Their lives are short and usually harsh. They struggle to find food and water in an environment filled with the constant threats of disease, starvation, cruelty and unwant.


If you would like to contribute to help the community end the overpopulation of unwanted and uncared for animals think about making a donation to get the ARK (Arkansans Reduce Killing) up and ready for business. You may donate by going to NAFA's Causes page (http://www.causes.com/causes/291873-nafa-northeast-arkansans-for-animals/actions) and select the give button, donating at Petco on Saturday's during adoption events, dropping a donation at The Groom Shop (1105 South Gee Street) or mailing it to us at P.O. Box 10075 Jonesboro, AR 72403. All monetary donations are tax deductible.