Photo by Stephanie Conway Dirk the Doxie hanging out at Crystal Bridges.
Whether you are looking to adopt a new pet or just want to donate to the cause, there are many options to brighten the lives of homeless pets this holiday season.
Whiskers in Wonderland – Visit the Washington County Animal Shelter for a Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sip hot cider and snack on cookies while you check out the adoptable dogs and cats currently waiting on ‘forever’ homes. Bring your family pet(s) for pictures with Santa for a $5 donation. You can also drop off donations of cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, dog/cat toys and treats. The shelter is located at 801 W. Clydesdale Dr. in Fayetteville.
Spay Arkansas – The area’s low cost Spay & Neuter Clinic will be collecting donations and supplies during their Mini Holiday Boutique and Open House Dec. 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a variety of small items for pet lovers including ornaments, candles, craft items and art. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Needed donations include bleach, hydrogen peroxide, laundry detergent, toilet paper, and paper towels. In addition newspaper with glossy sections removed and used towels are welcome. Spay Arkansas is located at 1909 W. Huntsville Ave. in Springdale.
Holiday Open House for the Fayetteville Animal Shelter will include $10 adoptions on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m until 4 p.m. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while get your pets picture taken with Santa Clause! The shelter is located at 1640 Armstrong Ave. in Fayetteville.
Ranger’s Pantry – Ranger’s Pantry, the city’s pet food bank for low income families, has helped over 3,000 animals since its inception in 2010. To help supply the ever increasing need for pet food assistance, Ranger’s Pantry will host Ranger’s Roundup, a month long pet food drive in December. Different locations around Fayetteville will be accepting dog and cat food donations of any brand and size as well as monetary donations. These donations will help keep the beloved furry family members in their homes instead of being surrendered to the shelter. Dog and cat food can be dropped off at Bark ’N Paws, Big Star Lounge, Kingfish and Bordinos.
Fayetteville Animal Shelter Angel Tree – Every year the Fayetteville Animal Shelter takes in over 2,000 dogs and cats from within the city limits. The shelter staff and volunteers work hard to reunite lost pets and adopt out the dogs and kitties that pass through their doors. As part of their donation drive efforts, Shelter Angel Trees will be set up at area businesses. Folks can select an ornament and take it home with them; each ornament has a different story of a pet the shelter has helped the past year and a suggested donation item. Donations can be returned to the business or delivered to the shelter. Shelter Trees can be found at area businesses including Hog Haus, Mid-America Karate and Something Urban.
Humane Society of the Ozarks is now selling their 6th edition of the Tails of Love coffee table book for $30. Its the perfect gift for the animal lover on your Christmas list. Proceeds from the book help support HSO programs including their low cost spay/neuter program. Books can be purchased at area businesses (listed at www.hsozarks.org) or the Humane Society office located at 1020 S. One Mile Road in Fayetteville.
Soldier On Service Dogs – Soldier On Service Dogs is a Fayetteville based nonprofit that trains and donates service dogs to wounded veterans. Just in time for the holidays, they are offering a specially designed set of PAWcasso Christmas cards. The artwork for each card was created by local art students and proceeds will help raise money to benefit local veterans. You can purchase a pack of 8 cards and envelopes for only $10. Cards can be purchased online at www.soldieronservicedogs.org.
Other holiday happenings….
NWA Mall Pet Night with Santa – Monday, Dec. 7, and Monday, Dec. 14, from 6 p.m. until 8 p. m. Bring your pet to Center Court to purchase photos with Santa! Leashed or carried family pets welcome during Pet Night only. The mall is located at 4201 N. Shiloh Dr. in Fayetteville.
A full list of needed donation items for area shelters is available on the website at www.dogfriendlyfayetteville.com. Until next month, keep Fayetteville furry! xoxo Stephanie and Dirk.
