Have a Heart has been a happening place lately. Last week HAH hosted another Volunteer Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic. During the 3 day clinic there were 54 dogs and 50 cats sterilized. This effort can help prevent literally hundreds of unwanted puppies and kittens. The totals would have been higher, if not for a rather large amount of people cancelling at the last minute. We schedule about 40 animals per day. On the first clinic day there were 11 cancellations. That’s over 25% of people who had registered for the day. This made for a very difficult day, leaving the volunteers, who already have plenty to do on clinic days, to scramble and try to fill these openings. Wednesday and Thursday also had several cancellations. While we all have unexpected occurrences that require a change of plans, this is an unacceptable amount of cancellations. We may have to make some policy changes to help us ensure that when people book a spot for the clinic, they show up with their pets.
It was a great week for local adoptions. Dog adoptions included a big Mastiff named Jack, a heeler mix pup named Hoss, a Husky mix named Jack and a young pup named Tilly. Kittens Lois, Speedy, Malcolm, Precious, Ralph, Peter and Mary, found their purr-fect homes. An adult cat named Snickers, who was working as a store greeter at All Pet and Equine, also found his new home. Our volunteers have also been busy readying more puppies for transport to an out of state puppy rescue. There is a lot of work involved to get these animals transported. They all need to be de-wormed, up to date on shots and get health certificates from a veterinarian prior to transport. Then there’s the logistics of getting them where they need to be to meet the transport. This costs us a considerable amount of money and time, but we do it with the hope that these dogs will end up in good homes.
Our featured cat this week is a blue point Siamese mix named Momma Mia. Poor Mama Mia was a pregnant stray that showed up at a house and gave birth to 6 kittens. Mama and kittens were brought to the Shelter, vetted and prepared for adoption. Momma Mia is a laid back, calm cat, estimated to be about 3 years old. She has been a good mother to her kittens, but is ready to be a pampered house cat. Her kittens are also available for adoption.
This week’s featured dog is a mountain Cur named Pixie. Pixie recently arrived at the shelter. She is very shy, but gentle. Our volunteers are working with her to get her used to walking on a leash. She needs a lot of patience and would do best in a quiet house hold right now. We expect that she will come out of her shell and be an excellent dog. If you have some time and patience to devote to her, she may well end up being your new best friend. You can meet Pixie, Momma Mia and our other adoptable pets at Have a Heart, located at 657 Highway 202 in Yellville. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 9 am–3 pm. Phone 870-449-7387.