Cheyenne Frontier Days and Your Pets

Cheyenne, WY, July 2009

The Cheyenne Animal Shelter would like to remind pet owners to take special care of pets during Cheyenne Frontier Days. Cheyenne isn’t the quiet community we’re used to during this time of year. There are more people and cars in town and a lot of activities are going on such as concerts and parades. Take extra precautions to ensure your pet’s safety:

• Things that are normally okay may not be safe. If you normally let your pets out (without leashes) to go to the bathroom, they could get lost or injured this time of year. Make sure all pets are wearing tags and are microchipped.

• Keep your pets at home. Find a cool, quiet place to keep your pets when you are not home. The noise and activity that CFD brings may be too much for pets to handle.

• If you do take your pets to Cheyenne Frontier Days, do not leave them in the car; it is too hot for them.

• Should happen to lose your pet during CFD, visit the Shelter, look for them right away, put up posters, and call the local veterinarian offices.

• Owners of lost pets should immediately visit the Cheyenne Animal Shelter at 800 Southwest Drive or call us at 307-632-6655.

Adopt-a-Cat Month Results

Cheyenne, WY July 2009

June was Adopt-a-Cat month and during the month of June, 127 cats from the Cheyenne Animal Shelter found new, loving families to call their own. Thank you to everyone who came in and adopted a cat.

We still have several cats at the Shelter who are looking for good homes though. If you are looking for a cat, please come down and save a life by adopting one from the Shelter. If you already have cats at home, help save lives by having your cats spayed or neutered. We really need for our community to help us solve the cat overpopulation problem.

All animals adopted from the Shelter are already spayed or neutered, have had at least one set of vaccinations, and are microchipped.

For more information on cats available for adoption, call the Cheyenne Animal Shelter at 632-6655.

CELEBRATE ADOPT-A-CAT MONTH THIS JUNE

Cheyenne, WY, June 2009

The Cheyenne Animal Shelter is celebrating national Adopt-a-Cat Month this month. It’s the perfect time to promote cat adoptions because the spring and summer months typically bring a surge of cats to the nation’s shelters.

Adoption prices for cats have been lowered to two for $60 in hopes to find homes for more felines during June. All cats adopted from the Cheyenne Animal Shelter will leave the shelter already spayed or neutered, microchipped and will have at least one set of vaccinations, and will come with a certificate for a free veterinary exam.

The Cheyenne Animal Shelter encourages people to enrich their lives by adopting a cat. The following list provides insights to consider when adopting:

• Age: While kittens are hard to resist, adult cats are often better suited to families with young children. Mature cats respond better to the clumsy handling of inquisitive toddlers.
• Number: It can be beneficial to adopt more than one cat or kitten, especially if the pets will be left alone for long periods while you are gone. Not all cats enjoy companionship, but many are very social with members of their own species. Young kittens need to engage in vigorous play for several hours a day, and another pet can help get the job done.
• Personality: Many cats are under a great deal of stress in a shelter environment. A cat’s true personality may not emerge until he has been in his new home for several weeks.
• Coat: The longer the cat’s fur, the more brushing will be needed to prevent painful matting.
• Kids and cats: Children should be taught that a kitten or cat is a companion, not a toy. Rough handling can lead to injuries to both the cat and the child.

For more information about Adopt-a-Cat Month, call the Cheyenne Animal Shelter at 307-632-6655.

Let your child be “lucky as a dog” this summer--at critter camp

Cheyenne, WY, April 2009

Enroll now for Critter Camp, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter’s day camp for children who love spending time with animals and learning how to care for them.  Activities will include games, crafts, presentations and special animal encounters.

Four sessions of Critter Camp are being offered at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter this summer.

• June 15-19:     For children who are completing kindergarten through 5th this year

• July 6-10:     For children who are completing 3rd through 5th this year

• July 13-17:     For children who are completing kindergarten through 2nd this year

• August 3-7:     For children who are completing kindergarten through 2nd this year

“Our goal is to provide a place for children to interact with and learn about the animals that share our world,” said Cheyenne Animal Shelter spokesperson, Michelle Hazzard.

The cost per session is $150 per child, if enrolling two or more children, the cost is $125 each.  Classes are limited to 25 campers per session.

For more information or to register, call 632-6655 ext 33.

Fur Ball Presents: Oh Give Me a Home, March 28, 2009

Cheyenne, WY, March 2009

The Fur Ball is the Cheyenne Animal Shelter's largest and most crucial fundraiser of the year.  Funds raised during the event are used to support the shelter's life-saving programs that help both animals and the people who care for them.  The Fur Ball is a fun night which includes dinner and auctions, while at the same time allowing guests the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of less-fortunate cats and dogs in our community.

The Fur Ball features a fabulous full course dinner, live and silent auctions, and an evening of fun with other compassionate people from our community.

Tickets are available for $60 each, or invite your closest friends and purchase an entire table.  All proceeds will benefit lost and homeless animals at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter. 

To purchase tickets or tables call 632-6655.

Find True Love this Valentine’s Day at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter

Cheyenne, WY, February 2009

Visit the Cheyenne Animal Shelter this Valentine’s Day and find love, lots of it, during the Shelter’s Valentine’s Adopt-a-thon.  Swarms of pooches will show off their best puppy-dog-eyes and bundles of cats will purr as loud as they can to compete for your love and affection on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15.

During the Valentine’s Adopt-a-thon, the shelter will be offering two cats or kittens for the adoption fee of one.  The shelter will also give away a set of tickets to Comedy Works in Denver and will award the first 10 adopters on Saturday and the first 10 adopters on Sunday a special prize.

“This is a great way to add some extra love to the family and a great weekend to do it!  We’ve got a great selection of animals waiting for a special family to come and adopt them,” said Michelle Hazzard, spokesperson for the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

All animals adopted from the shelter are already neutered, have been vaccinated at least once, come with a certificate for a free veterinary exam, and are microchipped and registered with a national registry.

For more information about finding true love at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter call 307-632-6655.

Microchips Help Return Lost Animals to Their Owners

Cheyenne, WY, February 2009

Statistics show that one in four pets will be lost sometime during their lifetime.  Of those pets that become lost, many of them are never found again by their owners.  How can you assure that your beloved family member is reunited with you if it ever gets lost?  The best answer is to make sure that it is wearing tags and is microchipped.

A microchip is a tiny identification device that is implanted beneath the skin of your pet.  Each chip contains a unique identification number.  When a pet is found, it can be scanned at an animal shelter, or vet clinic.

“Last month, Animal Control returned 16 lost animals to their owners because those animals were microchipped.  Our Animal Control officers would rather drive stray dogs and cats back home to their loving families instead of bringing them to the shelter,” said Michelle Hazzard, spokesperson for the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

The Cheyenne Animal Shelter would like to remind pet owners that while microchips can be a lost pet’s passport home, it will do no good if the owner does not update the information when they move or change phone numbers.  

“We are encouraging pet owners to check that their information is up-to-date with the microchip company, so that if their animal gets lost, it can be returned.  If you need help finding your animal’s microchip number or the phone number to update your information, give the shelter a call—we’re happy to help,” continued Hazzard.

If your animal has not been microchipped, you can get it done at the shelter’s Winter Microchip Clinic, Saturday, February 21.  This clinic is being held in conjunction with PETCO and AVID (the microchip company), and will take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Cheyenne PETCO on Dell Range Boulevard.  The cost is $20 per pet and all animals microchipped at the clinic will be registered with the national registry.

For more information about microchipping or the Winter Microchip Clinic, call the Cheyenne Animal Shelter at 307-632-6655.

MIRACLE ON SOUTHWEST DRIVE ADOPT-A-THON

Cheyenne, WY, December 2008

The animals at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter are wishing for a home and a family this holiday season, and their wishes might come true this weekend, December 20 and 21 from noon until 5 p.m. at the Shelter’s Miracle on Southwest Drive Adopt-a-thon.

The Adopt-a-thon is part of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter’s participation in the Iam’s Home 4 the Holidays adoption program.  Visitors to the shelter this Saturday and Sunday will be entered into a drawing for tickets to Comedy Works.  The first five adopters on both days will also receive a free gift. 

Families looking to add two cats to their household this holiday season will be in luck this weekend, as the shelter is offering adopt one, get one free on cats.  The Shelter is hoping to adopt out at least 27 animals during the adopt-a-thon.

“Right now we’ve got about 200 animals waiting to either be reclaimed by their owners or to be adopted into new families.  We’re really hoping if a family is looking to add a pet to their household this holiday season that they’ll come down and see what we have to offer.”

All animals adopted from the Cheyenne Animal Shelter are already neutered, have been vaccinated at least one time, are microchipped and registered with a national registry, and come with a certificate for a free Veterinary exam.

For more information about the Miracle on Southwest Drive Adopt-a-thon, call the Cheyenne Animal Shelter at 307-632-6655.

Pets "Paws" for Photos with Santa Claus

Cheyenne, WY, December 2008

Join Santa, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter and PETCO for pet photos with Santa benefitting the orphaned animals at the shelter.

Beloved pets can tell Santa just how many doggie bones and kitty toys they would like this year and get their photo taken with Saint Nicholas at the same time.

Portraits will be taken at the Cheyenne PETCO, located at 1782 Dell Range Boulevard, on Saturday, December 6 and Saturday, December 13 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. 

Photos are $8.95 each.  Funds raised from the photos go to PETCO’s Tree of Hope which benefits the orphaned animals at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

Reservations are not necessary, photos will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

For more information about pet photos with Santa, call the Cheyenne PETCO at 307-632-8692.

Microchip Clinic this Saturday at PETCO

Cheyenne, WY, November 2008

Statistics show that one in four pets will be lost sometime during their lifetime.  Of those pets that become lost, many of them are never found again by their owners.  How can you assure that your beloved family member is reunited with you if it ever gets lost?  The best answer is to make sure that it is wearing tags and is microchipped.

In an effort to increase the number of lost pets that are reunited with their owners in the future, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, in conjunction with PETCO and AVID (the microchip company), will be holding a microchip clinic this Saturday, November 22 from noon until 2 at the Cheyenne PETCO on Dell Range Boulevard.

A microchip is a tiny identification device that is implanted beneath the skin of your pet.  Each chip contains a unique identification number.  When a pet is found, it can be scanned at an animal shelter, or vet clinic.

According to Michelle Hazzard, spokesperson for the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, the shelter is encouraging cat owners to come out and have their felines microchipped.

“Nationally, only three out of every hundred stray cats brought to shelters are reclaimed by their owners.  Here at our shelter, an average of 4 cats are reclaimed each month compared to an average of 68 dogs per month.”

Cats should be brought to the microchip clinic in a crate and dogs should be leashed.  As part of the shelter’s Home 4 the Holidays celebration, the cost will only be $20 per animal.

For more information about the microchip clinic, call the Cheyenne Animal Shelter at 307-632-6655.

BOY SCOUTS BRING THANKSGIVING DINNER TO ORPHANED ANIMALS

Cheyenne, WY, November 2008

Thirteen year old, Heath Lantz and Boy Scout Troop number 216 brought 1,800 pounds of food, cat litter and toys for the orphaned animals at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter Tuesday night.

Lantz completed the project to fulfill requirements necessary for the Eagle Project, the highest rank achievable in the Boy Scouts. 

Lantz and other members of Troop 216 enlisted the help of local businesses including Safeway, Albertsons, Broadmoor East Vet Clinic, Cheyenne Pet Clinic, King Soopers and Murdoch’s to place collection bins.

The project required a lot of planning and organization and took Lantz six months to complete. 

According to Heath Lantz, it was his brother Mathew Lantz, who also helped the animals to complete his Eagle Project, who inspired him to collect supplies for the orphaned animals.

“I decided to do this project because my brother built the human shelter at the Dog Park for you guys, so I wanted to do something also.  We have two dogs, I just really like animals and every time we see a loose dog we just go get it and call its owners.”

For more information about ways that you can help the animals at the shelter too, call the Cheyenne Animal Shelter at 307-632-6655.

Blessing of the Animals this Sunday

Cheyenne, WY, October 2008

St. Mark's Episcopal Church will be holding a Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 12 at 3 p.m.  Pet owners are encouraged to attend this short service and are given the option to have their pet blessed.

All types of animals are welcome to attend the blessing but owners should be able to keep their animals under control.  Dogs should be on a leash and cats should be in a carrier and all animals should be current on their vaccinations.

Donations, such as kitty litter, bleach, and gift cards to Sam's Club, Wal-Mart and Petco are being collected for the animals at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

"Our animals are a blessing to us, studies show that they can help us live longer and healthier lives--this service is a way to give that blessing back to your pet.  It is also a chance for those who feel blessed by the companionship and love their pets give them to help orphaned animals," said Michelle Hazzard, spokesperson for the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

For more information on the Blessing of the Animals service, call St. Mark's Episcopal Church at 307-634-7709.  For a current list of items that the Cheyenne Animal Shelter needs, go to the shelter's website www.cheyenneanimalshelter.org.

Protect Pets During Fourth of July Fireworks Season

Cheyenne, WY, July, 2, 2008

The Cheyenne Animal Shelter would like to remind pet owners of the importance of taking special care of pets during the Fourth of July holiday. Every year, many lost, frightened, and confused animals end up at the shelter. Fireworks and Fourth of July festivities contribute to the increase in lost pets.

The Cheyenne Animal Shelter offers the following tips to prevent pets, especially dogs, from running away out of fear of fireworks:

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.  Although it is tempting to bring pets along on summer excursions, many pet owners have reported losing their pets while at displays after the noise has frightened the pet.

• Keep your pet inside a closed, safe area during the time fireworks are set off. Rooms such as the basement or bathroom are recommended. Consider turning on the radio for background noise and closing the curtains to hide the flashing fireworks.

• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags and have been microchipped so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly.

Owners of lost pets should immediately visit the Cheyenne Animal Shelter at 800 Southwest Drive.  The Lost and Found desk is open Monday through Friday from 8 A.M. until 6 P.M. and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 A.M. until 5 P.M.  For more information, call the Cheyenne Animal Shelter at 307-632-6655.