Update submitted by Susan Schmidtke, Crazy Pet Club Leader:
The Crazy Pet Club had an exceptional meeting in December! The Orange County Animal Shelter hosted our members and presented important and interesting facts about just what it is our shelter does here in Orange County. Not only does the shelter take in abandoned and surrendered animals, the shelter has vaccination programs, spay and neuter programs and contacts for animal resources to support pet owners during tough times. Our shelter even holds adoption days at Petsmart.
We learned how many animals end up at the shelter each year (1,000+), that our shelter is a 'no kill' shelter and they don't just take in dogs and cats. Ferrets, hamsters, horses and emus have found their way to the shelter. We learned about fostering and many volunteer opportunities such as spend a little time just to play with or read to the cats and dogs!
Animal Control Officer Ginny Strong took the time to explain to our members about animal rights and her job to assist animals who are abandoned or abused. We were able to meet a couple of the shelter animals including 2 week old bottle fed kittens and adorable dogs. One of our families even adopted a dog!
We brought donations of aluminum cans for recycling, old towels and toys for the animals and we got so much in return! It was an evening of giving and receiving, perfect for December.
And to kick off our new year? We are going to meet a certified therapy dog and learn what it took to earn her service vest. I'll bet our member will be surprised to find out which types of animals make terrific therapy and service animals! Care to join us? Come on out! We are meeting at 6:30 on January 5th in Unionville. E-mail the extension office for directions or more info!
