Pet week promotes responsible ownership in Enterprise

Monday begins National Pet Week, a week designed to promote responsible pet ownership. Founded in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association, National Pet Week is celebrated from May 3-9 this year.
But it’s more than a weeklong focus for those at the Enterprise S.O.S. Aminal Shelter. Located on Highway 84 East, the shelter is currently home to twenty-five dogs and twenty cats. “Yes, that is full capacity,” Shelter manager Linda Guenter said Friday.”
The “no-kill” shelter serves as an adoption facility. “The animals we adopt out are spayed, heartworm tested, wormed and have all the required shots,” Guenter said. Since 2006, every dog or cat adopted from any humane society, veterinary clinic, animal control, rescue group or animal welfare organization must be spayed or neutered by the age of six months. “It’s the law but it’s also a good idea so we can prevent situations such as this.” Guenter said has she noted that last month, 24 dogs were either dropped off or turned in to the shelter. The total admissions also include eight cats. “Transfers and returns are included in those numbers,” Guenter said. An eighteen month old beagle mix that Guenter calls “my favorite” is among the returns. Leelow the Beagle has been adopted and returned to the shelter twice, she said. “They say he howls but Leelow is my favorite and I’d love for him to find a forever home,” she added with a smile.
“People tell us they can’t afford to feed their animals so they drop them off with us,” she said as she walked on a gravelled path through groups of large breed dogs all vying for her attention. “We are always so appreciative of the volunteer help and donations we get from the community, she added as she pointed out that the gravelled walkway was recently constructed as an Eagle Scout Project.
Bleach, laundry detergent, Pine Sol, Purina dog or cat chow, scoopable cat litter, disposable gloves, thirteen gallon trash bags and old towels and blankets are among the items the shelter has an ongoing need for, Guenter said, noting that Janet McAliley’s College Street kindergarten class is currently conducting a food and supplies drive for the shelter.
Guenther said that she is especially grateful to “Pampered Pets” owner Mary Oldfield whose store is host to the shelter’s monthly fundraising “dog washes”. Guenter said that Oldfield is “a Godsend to the shelter,” also providing no-charge haircuts to the “most in need” S.O.S. residents.
A week to heighten public awareness about four legged friends is good, Guenter said. “But I wish people would realize that your pet should be treated like you treat your family.”
“They are your family and it’s a year-around responsibility.”