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Show This week's pet could be your pal by HEATHER LANDIS Record contributing writer Beginning this week, the Park Record will feature a "pet of the week" in cooperation with the Summit County Animal Shelter, housed southwest of Kimball Junction on Highway 224. The pet of the week will be chosen from the dogs being held at the shelter to promote not only the featured pet's adoption, but more awareness of the shelter and the pet adoption process, said Tina Lasenby, an employee at the shelter. This week's dog is a black terrier, a male stray that Lazenby said is housebroken. "He's an adult real quiet and loving," she said. "For an older couple who wanted a pet around, he'd be super." But Lazenby stressed that if the week's pictured pooch does not strike one's fancy, there are lots of others that need homes. Usually, if a dog is brought to the shelter, either by a private individual or a shelter employee, the animal is kept for five working days, said Lazenby. After this period, things get a little more complicated. "We try to keep the dogs as long as possible. One little guy has been here for three weeks." Lazenby said. But others are destroyed if they don't find homes. The situation is much simpler, however, if the dog is licensed. "We can locate and call the owner if the dog has a license. Otherwise, we have no way of contacting him," Lazenby said. The three shelter employees each have adopted a dog, but there is simply not enough room in the current shelter to house all the animals permanently. "If a dog is sick or old it is so much better for it to be put out of its misery," Lazenby said. The number of dogs at the shelter varies greatly from week to week. "If someone is interested in adopting a dog, they can give us a call or come by. Adopting is free." Lazenby said. A new owner can purchase a license on the spot at the shelter. For half a year, July 1 to Dec. 31, the price is $6. For the entire year, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, the cost is $12. Both prices are reduced by half if the dog is neutered or spayed. Lazenby said. The shelter, now in the blue and white county road shed building, may be moving to accommodate other types of animals, including cats and livestock. Wanship, which is more centrally located in the county, seems to be a likely place, Lazenby said. The shelter is open to the public Monday-Friday 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Janice Perry Tina Lazenby nuzzles a new friend. This sweet little guy is the shelter's first "pet of the week." |