Bachs are PALS Persons of the Month

There are several important dates in April that we hope will affect those of us at the Proud Animal Lovers Shelter.

April 11 is National Pet Day and April 30 is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. We have 29 dogs and 11 cats who would love to be someone’s pets. In March, 17 dogs and three cats came to PALS and 15 dogs and three cats will be celebrating National Pet Day in their forever homes.

April also happens to be National Heartworm Awareness Month. All it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to give a dog heartworms. Hopefully, every dog owner has had their dog on heartworm prevention all year-round. Some think it’s alright to discontinue prevention during the winter, but it is no longer considered wise to do that. If a dog has not been on heartworm prevention throughout the year, they need to be tested for heartworms before spring prevention resumes.

This is the time of year when veterinarians start seeing an increase in cases of canine parvovirus. It is highly contagious and is spread from dog to dog through contact with their feces. Parvo can live in soil up to nine years. The mortality rate in untreated cases can be as high as 91%. Unvaccinated dogs and puppies under 4 months old have the greatest risk. Successful treatment depends on getting the sick dog to a veterinarian immediately the first day the dog doesn’t eat or drink. The best solution is to keep dogs current on vaccinations, including the one that covers parvovirus.

PALS has been blessed by the help we are receiving from an amazing couple from Cherryvale, Bill and Deborah Bach. They come weekly to work on shelter maintenance projects, walk dogs, brush dogs and supervise dog play time in our play yard. We are thrilled to have such a caring couple working with our dogs and want to honor them as our PALS Persons of the Month. When asked why they support PALS, Deborah said, “We really enjoy our time at PALS. It’s very fun and rewarding running, walking, socializing with the dogs. They are full of life and love. It is a great experience.” Bill and Deborah, we do appreciate all you do for PALS and our dogs.

Our next big fundraiser is our first rummage sale of the year. It will be on Friday, April 21, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the First Christian/First Presbyterian Churches at 1500 S. 29th. We will be taking sale donations on Thursday, April 20, from noon to 6 p.m. at the church.

The church is also the site of Donna’s Pet Food Pantry. This is a mission of First Presbyterian and First Christian churches and is named in honor of one of Parsons greatest dog lovers, Donna Seeley. Free dog and cat food will be distributed the first Sunday of each month from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday will be the first day of distribution, first come, first serve. One bag per family of either dog or cat dry food will be available, as will five cans/packages of wet dog/cat food. Those coming will be given an application with the requirements to begin next month.

Donations for the pet food pantry will be accepted every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to noon at the church. Checks could also be mailed to the church at 1500 S. 29th. It is hoped that this ministry will help families going through difficult times be able to keep their beloved pets and not have to bring them to PALS.

The board of PALS is very thankful for all the people in this area who love animals and support our shelter.