By KYRA A. TURNER
That puppy in the window may look cute
now, but think of the long-term commitment.
* According to Tripp Bowling, director of
the Cleveland County Animal Shelter, many
pets are adopted around this time of year (3
to 4 young to middle age pets a week) as last
minute Christmas gifts. But, he added that
most of them end up back in the shelter be-
cause the families are not prepared.
“We don’t like to encourage pets as
Christmas presents,” Bowling said. “We
want families to be physically and financially
prepared before adopting. It takes commit-
ment.”
The shelter also asks adopters to sign a
The Kings Mountain Herald
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Our Pets
contract saying they will take the newly
adopted pet to the vet right after they pur-
chase them and also have them spayed or
neutered as soon as possible.
“We have over 7,000 animals coming into
our facility every year. That means all kinds
of diseases that might make their way into
your home,” Bowling explained.
Pet adopters also need to be mindful of
possible allergies and the costs of adoption,
which can run from $50 to $100.
So before you see that sweet face and
make an impulse buy, remember a pet is a
lifetime commitment. Make sure you are
physically, mentally and financially ready to
take home that bundle of joy. The pets need
that commitment too.
Petie - Boxer/Dalmatian Mix
The shelter currently houses dozens of
cats and dogs wishing for a home and a fam-
ily to love them this Christmas.
481-9884.
hey fill our [ives with unconditional
[ove and wonder and whimsy and
devotion. All they ask in return is...
(Nothing.
Angelica - Tabby, Grey
For more information on adopting call the
Cleveland County Animal Shelter at 704-
What a grand Gift!! Getting a Puppy for Christmas?
Christmas is fast ap-
proaching and we are all
starting to consider the per-
fect gift for our loved ones.
Parents with children often
want to get them a puppy:
They know the joy and
pleasure a companion will be
to grow up with and share
those wonderful years.
Best breed for the family
One of the most impor-
tant considerations is the
breed of dog. The folks at the
shelter are pretty knowl-
Arnie - Treeing Walker
Coonhound Mix
edgeable about dogs and can
more than likely tell you
what bred or mix of bred
each dog is. A purebred can
be found but don’t carry the
guarantee of a perfect pet.
You can go online or in the
papers look for breeds that
appeal to you and narrow
down what would be accept-
able for the age of your chil-
dren and your lifestyle.
Along with a picture of each
breed you can find the max-
imum weight, maximum
height, grooming and shed-
ding, good with children and
temperament. Having a list
of the breeds you desire will
make the choice much eas-
ier.
Long term benefits
. The benefits are count-
less! Dogs are loyal non-
judgmental friends. There
will be someone to share
joys and sorrows with. Chil-
dren will always have a suit-
able playmate. There will be
a greeter with a wagging tail
Frannie - Calico Mix |
Love your pooch
from the inside out!
_ promotes healthy heart,
joints, vision,and mental function!
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¢ Multi-vitamins
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e Shampoo
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704.481.1635
1103S. Lafayetts St, Shelby
Isn’t She Worth
Doing Everything
You Can For Her?
Horr OWN HARARE
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swersn 110 S. Railroad Ave.
4 § 704-739-4731 |
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Total Pet “Holistic”
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ra DeHaan
"#8 DVM, MTS,CVC.
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M-F e 10-5 by appt.
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.. and cats tao! “20. years of Professional Grooming Experience.”
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“Lindsay
ATU RG
Tl
PAWSITIVE TOUCH GROOMING
A
7
and all the time in the world
for your family. And cud-
dling in bed is remarkably
comforting. It is however not
so outrageous that it will put
you in the poorhouse. You
will have the ongoing ex-
pense of feeding and keeping
them healthy. As a family,
You can plan trip and adven-
tures can be totally planning
where pets are welcome be-
cause they become a big part
of family The benefits by far
outweigh the burdens con-
Willie: Labrador Retriever
sidering the reward your
family will receive. I believe
there is no greater gift than a
pet. It will help teach your
child responsibility, commit-
ment and how to love. ;
Wishing everyone a very
merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year,
Lindsay Tallent
Pawsitive Touch Grooming
Would you like to see your
pet as our Pet of the Month?
Just send us a picture of you and your pet. Tell
us why your pet is special or how you & your pet
found each other, etc.
Each month we will choose one pet and its
person to be featured on our Critters page.
All entries will be included in a drawing at the
end of the year for a prize for your pet.
“It's easy: Stop by our office, mail it to 700 E.
Gold St., Kings Mountain NC 28086 or Email
your photo and info to us at pets.kmherald@
gmail.com. Please include your name and phone
number so we may contact you.
Dog Boarding
Doggy Daycare
159 Sellars Rd.
Kings Mountain, NC
Doug Toomey
Kathy Varian Toomey
704-734-1020
704-730-8342
www.parkyourbarkllc.com
Spa ¢ Pet Retr
: Cleveland County’ s original Pet Spa
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For Appointments or Reservations Call
704.484.2828
336 Washburn Switch Rd., Shelby
C -oncierge Hours: : Tue-Sat 8:30-5: :30 - - Sun-Mon 8:30-10:00 am & 4-5:30 pm
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cool while he & Vet on Call 24/7 “For dogs § cats, this is where it's atl”
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