Christmas comes early in the form of Girl Scout Troop 2008

On Saturday, December 20th, the Pulaski County Humane Society was presented with $250.00 by what seemed like an ocean of bright-pink shirted girl scouts from troop 2008. According to Girl Scout leaders Serena Bennett and Tammy Akers, the 25 girls in troop 2008 did everything from searching under couch cushions for loose change to donating their allowance to asking for funds to donate to the Pulaski County Animal Shelter and Humane Education Center. These young ladies’ hard work certainly paid off. The girls also took advantage of having the shelter to themselves for a few hours and made sure to hug and pet as many cats, dogs, kittens and puppies as they could get their hands on. A large, sincere “thank you” to all the girls and leaders in Girl Scout Troop 2008-a job well done!

(Pictured: [girl scouts in no particular order] Crystal Akers, Kenzie Bennett, Mindy Johnston, Desman Claytor, Heather Boardwine, Tabitha Cressel, Amanda Dean, Lexi King, Adrianna Williams, Katherine Williams, Cassie Slaughter, Mikaela Williams, Katelyn Finn, Ashley Treadway, Alexis Arredondo, [and leaders] Tammy Akers and Serena Bennett)

A Christmas Wish

I'll be home for Christmas
If you adopt me now
I don't need much
Just food and love
And that soft spot there on your couch

Christmas Eve will find me
Dozing at your feet
Please won't you come save me
So this won't be my last dream?

PET OF THE WEEK

Hi I'm TERA - My owner had to reluctantly surrender me to the shelter. I'm a sweet and loving 4 year old purebred Australian Cattle dog and I absolutely love children. I'm calm and mature with a very gentle nature. I'm full grown and not too big. I'll be spayed soon. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-8359. You can also email or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK

Hi I'm Cindy - I'm one of our Condo kittens who's still very tiny and very sweet. I'm deaf, but that doesn't slow me down. I'm full of love and personality. I'm up to date on vaccines, spayed and FIV/FeLV negative. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-8359. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK - UPDATE - ADOPTED 10/08

Hi - I'm Dotson. I like to think of myself as a mild-mannered puppy. I've already had my first round of vaccines and will be neutered soon. I'm pretty smart for 10 months and I'm great at learning new things. I get along well with other dogs and love playing with them. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-8359. You can also email or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK - UPDATE - ADOPTED 10/08

Hi I'm Jess. I love being outside and smelling the flowers, romping or just hanging with whoever has the time to walk me. I'm still a puppy but I'm really clever and willing to learn anything you have time to teach me. I've had my first round of vaccines and will be spayed soon so I'm just waiting for the right family to take me home. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-8359. You can also email or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK - UPDATE - TO RESCUE OCTOBER 2008

Hi I'm MARY - I've been in a loving foster home but now I'm ready to move to my forever home. You can see me surrounded by my foster kids and 2 of my puppies. My puppies are all finding loving homes and now I'm ready to move on too. I love kids, other dogs and I'm very easy going and willing to learn. Come meet me and I'll charm you with my sweet disposition. I'm spayed and up to date on all my vaccines. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-8359. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK - UPDATE - IN FOSTER WITH POSSIBLE ADOPTION OCTOBER 6 2008

Hi my name is TUFF - I'm a fairly new arrival at the shelter and everyone here has fallen in love with me. I'm loyal, calm and just a very self assured, sweet guy. I want to thank Debi, our newest volunteer for taking this fabulous picture of me. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-8359. You can also email or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

This past Saturday, I had the honor of attending the annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic. It was great to see all the people that I usually only communicate with by email. I realized too that despite the great turnout, there were still a ton of folks who could not make it! I don't think we could all fit under that gazebo!










Our president, Bill Bryant, along with our other grilling gurus, made sure we had plenty to eat. Everyone brought such delicious food--I made sure to try a little of everything, and thankfully no one got a picture of me stuffing my face, as has been done several times in the past! (BTW--I want to apologize to everyone for the whipped cream--I didn't realize it came straight from the store like that! And if you don't know what I'm talking about, believe me--you don't want to know!)








Volunteers of all breeds and sizes came out to enjoy the festivities, from labs to cockers, from the tall to the small.

Brenda brought a beautiful scrapbook of the memorial garden that her daughter, Sandy, made. If you haven't been to the shelter to see the garden, you are missing out! It's so beautiful and serene.

It couldn't have been a more perfect day! The weather was beautiful, great food, great friends, and the chance to let them all know how much they are appreciated for all that they do, and the largest concentration of good karma I've ever had to fortune to witness!


***BTW, all pictures from the picnic can be seen on our myspace page.***

PET OF THE WEEK - SCRAPPY ADOPTED 10/24/08

Hi - we're SCRAPPY and BILLY - We're two of the Condo kittens who love to scamper and pounce as we race around the kitty condo. Billy crouches, trying to hide from me but I find him and together we spring up high. We're silly little kittens who love to rumble and tumble. We're up to date on vaccines, neutered and FIV/FeLV negative. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-8359. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK - UPDATE - TO RESCUE OCTOBER 4 2008

Hi I'm BOWSER, a 3 year old Great Pyrenees/Black Lab mix. I'm neutered, housebroken, love to walk on a leash and am ready for adoption. I have a very calm, well mannered disposition and will do well as a house dog. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-8359. You can also email or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

THANK YOU, BILLY BRYANT

An organization-wide hug and one enormous THANK YOU is in order to one of our faithful and tireless volunteers, Bill (Billy) Bryant Jr, for all of his hard work and dedication.

Just a few days ago, Billy came in to present PCHS with a check for $250.00 from Wal-Mart Foundation. You see, Billy submits his volunteer hours to Wal-Mart, his employer and they in turn, have a program which donates back to charities of the employee's choice for the number of hours given through volunteering. Billy has been one of our most faithful and longstanding volunteers and we are extremely appreciative of all of his hard work and never-ending love and devotion towards the homeless animals of this county.

THANK YOU BILLY!

P.S- Billy will be at the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic September 20, 2008 (which will be held at Radolph Park at the gazebo--all the way at the back of the park). Be sure to stop by and send a thank you Billy's way!

PET OF THE WEEK

Hi, I'm Lola. You can find me at the Kitty Condo at the Dublin Animal Shelter. I'm an extremely sweet and well mannered tortoiseshell who loves affection. My little sis Lindsey and I can both be adopted for the price of one. We're inseparable and if I don't say so myself we're both adorable. We're up to date on vaccines, spayed and FIV/FeLV negative. If you're interested in adopting us or if you'd like more information please call 674-8359. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

Darling Lindsey

Are you prepared?

September is National Preparedness Month, just in time for Hurricane Gustav's arrival in the still devastated Gulf Coast. We are fortunate to live in an area where we are not marauded annually by storms, avalanches, earthquakes and such (knock wood or the sustainable crop of your choice), but that does not mean we will never be affected by disaster. Are you prepared?

Consider the possibilities. An interstate and other major roads run through our county, so Hazmat spills are a potential danger. The Radford Arsenal could be under threat by, for lack of a better word, terrorists. Forest fires could easily cause the evacuation of large numbers of people. How would you take care of yourself and your animals in a disaster?

Do you have a disaster kit? Do you have at least a 3 day supply of food and drinking water for each member of your household, including your pets? Do you have a radio and flashlight with extra batteries? Do you have kennels for all your pets? Do you have copies of important paperwork, such as insurance policies and rabies certificates, in waterproof containers? Do you have a plan? Do you practice that plan? How would you charge your iPod?

Sheesh. I know I don't have all that stuff, and I was there to witness first hand what poor planning and ill preparedness can lead to. You'd think I'd have better sense. I am not prepared, or at least, I'm not well prepared.

I don't have a written plan, but I do have a plan. I have a lot of useful camping gear stored in totes. I buy pet food in huge quantities and have huge pet/human first aid kit stored near the pet food. I have 3000 feet of restaurant grade plastic wrap. The disaster kit is coming together nicely.

I sincerely hope that everyone will take a few minutes of net surfing time to learn more about how to be prepared in a disaster. Check out the DHS and Citizens Corp National Preparedness Month page and the HSUS Disaster Preparedness for Pets page for more information.

PET OF THE WEEK

How do you spell LOVE? INGLES, that's how. I'm a 5 month old Collie mix puppy who's incredibly smart. I'm extremely expressive and a speedy learner. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-8359 or 674-0089. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK

I'm WHITNEY - I'm a very sweet and demure little kitty who's made for petting and cuddling. I have beautiful expressive eyes and I'd love a ball of yarn to bat around and a warm and cuddly lap to call my own. I'm up to date on vaccines, spayed and FIV/FeLV negative. If you'd like more information please call 674-0089. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK

Hi I'm REX - I'm a lovable, housebroken, smart boy. I'm only two but I think of myself as older. I'm into people and love lying around the house or chasing balls in the yard. I'm neutered, up to date on vaccines and ready to settle into the good life. If you'd like more information please call 674-0089. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK - UPDATE - THE LAST OF THESE BEAUTIFUL PUPPIES WENT HOME 08/27/08

Hi I'm JUNO - Now I lay me down to sleep, I'd love a bed that's soft and deep. From me you'll never hear a peep, for it's with you I'd love to sleep. I'm one of four 10 week old Shar Pei and Labrador Retriever puppies. If you'd like more information please call 674-0089. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK - UPDATE - ARCHIE AND CAPRI ADOPTED 08/15/08

Hi I'm ARCHIE - I'm one of five very social siblings who are about 15 weeks old. With this many siblings, it's easy to see why I'm so laid back.I didn't even mind sharing the spotlight with my high maintenance sister when she tried to but into my picture.We're all up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered,and FIV/FeLV negative.If you'd like more information please call 674-0089. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK - UPDATE - WENT TO RESCUE 07/29/08

Hi, my name is BELL - I'm a four year old, spayed, purebred Boxer with a fancy for fun! I like people but I'm a little nervous around cats or other dogs so I'd do best as your only pet. I'm laid back and very willing to learn new tricks. I'll be your best friend and loving companion. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-0089. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK

Hi I'm DARKRAI - My name comes from the Pokémon character, but don't mistake me for THAT Darkrai. I'm definitely much sweeter and cuter. I'm an affectionate kitten who loves to play hide and go seek. We're having a 2 for the price of 1 adoption special so won't you consider taking me and one of my Condo buddies home? I'm neutered and FIV/FeLV negative. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-0089. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

I love tummy rubs and nose kisses.

PET OF THE WEEK - Update - ADOPTED July 11, 2008

Hi, I'm Wilson, a confident and well behaved little Papillon. I'm a friendly, gentle and affectionate dog. I like to think of myself as vivacious and charming, plus I'm an adult and won't get any bigger. I'm not boisterous at all and would make the perfect little lap dog. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-8359 or 674-0089. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

Young Radford City Resident Lends a Helping Hand

It seems that generosity is a trait that must be catching amongst youth in the New River Valley. Just a few weeks ago, a blog was posted about Carly, a youngster who asked for donations for our shelter in lieu of birthday presents at her birthday party. Now it is Charlotte's turn to have her moment in the Limelight.

Ten-year-old Charlotte, who is a Radford City resident, came to visit the animals at our shelter last week and to donate three whole weeks of allowance she had saved up which she receives for doing household chores. For those of us who can look back fondly to our days of being ten, it is easy to remember just how hard it was to wait for ONE week for allowance, let alone saving up for THREE!

So THANK YOU, Charlotte, for being so generous and for being an inspiration to others in the NRV, regardless of age!

PET OF THE WEEK

Hi my name is STELLA and I'm one laid back kitty and I love my long afternoon naps. To say I'm spunky would be an overstatement. I have a relaxed and very easy going temperament. I also love warm laps to cuddle up in. I'm spayed and FIV/FeLV negative. If you're interested call 674-0089. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kittens, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

PET OF THE WEEK - UPDATE - SADLY NO-ONE EVER CAME TO SAVE THIS SWEET BOY

Hi I'm JACK - If you're looking for a truly special companion who's still a puppy and part Golden Retriever then I'm the one for you. I'm eager to please, friendly, loving and not boisterous at all. If you're looking for a lounging buddy and someone to jog with, then I'm the one for you. If you're interested in adopting me or if you'd like more information please call 674-8359 or 674-0089. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.

Happy Birthday to the Shelter Animals!!!!!

Its never too early to teach your child about the importance of giving back and helping those less fortunate. However in the case of the Porter family, it seems that no one had to teach their daughter this lesson at all.

You see, daughter Carly decided that instead of her friends bringing presents for her to her 9th birthday party at Claytor Lake, she wanted presents to take to all the homeless animals here at the Pulaski County Animal Shelter and Humane Education Center. As if this wasn't selfless enough, it turns out this is the SECOND time Carly has opted for presents for her furry friends instead of for herself. So WAY TO GO, Carly! It was easy to tell by all of the ear-to-ear grins (both feline and canine) that all the presents really raised the spirits of all of the homeless shelter animals.

Thank you Carly, for being one of the youngest Pulaski County role models and for thinking of others on your special day! (Carly pictured far left, her brother and friend at right)

PET'S OF THE WEEK

Hi, I'm MALI and here's two of my kittens - We've just arrived at the shelter and are getting settled. We're a family of 5, all in need of a good home. How can you resist our sweet faces. They're pleading with you to come get us and give us a home. My 4 kittens love to pounce and play and I'm a gentle, loving mother. If you're interested in adopting one or more of us please call 674-0089. You can also e-mail or you can visit the PCHS website or Animal Control website to see the many kitties, puppies and all breeds of dogs - all in need of good, loving homes.