Volunteers needed to help dog pound take care of animals

With the Marianna Dog Pound being at capacity, volunteers are needed to help care for and transport animals to veterinarian appointments and rescues. Holly Wheeler, who volunteers at the dog pound, said help is also needed to take care of the animals being housed at the shelter. “I do all of the vaccinations and such but we transport the animals we have to be spayed or neutered to Dr. Holt Pittman at the Delta Regional Animal Hospital in Helena-West Helena,” said Wheeler. She added that the person who previously helped with this task recently moved and the shelter is needing to find another volunteers. Wheeler said the pound, which has been in operation for seven years, has had numerous volunteers over those years doing various jobs, but more are needed. “We have no one available to transport these dogs back and forth to the vet or to the Happy Tails Rescue in Rockford, Ill. We pay all the gas and expenses but we need a person with a vehicle capable of doing the transports, so we’re looking to fill that void,” said Wheeler. “Without getting them spayed or neutered, we can’t transport these animals to any other group or rescue.” Wheeler said she visits the shelter each day to ensure the animals are watered, fed and cared for. “I’ve been working with the shelter for about a year and I’m about to get to where I know what I’m doing,” Wheeler said. The dog pound was built with grants and mostly private donations before it was given to the city which covers the costs of an animal control officer as well as utilities and food for the animals, according to Wheeler. One problem, according to Wheeler, is that there are very few animals adopted locally from the pound. “We don’t have people willing to foster and we don’t have many local adoptions,” she said. “If we could get more local people to foster, it would help.” Wheeler said Happy Tails Rescue takes the majority of the dogs the Marianna shelter has, but in order for them to be accepted, they all have to be up to date on vaccinations, spayed or neutered and have their health certificates to travel across state lines. “The most important thing we need right now is getting dogs back and forth to Dr. Pittman so we can transport them. Happy Tails is ready to take the dogs, but we don’t have any ready,” she said. Over the past seven years, Wheeler said the shelter has saved or adopted over 1,000 dogs and only had to euthanize about three or four. “Most of those were due to health issues and one was because he was so aggressive that nobody could get near him,” she said. All of the medical and transportation costs plus incidentals are covered by the Friends of the Marianna Dog Pound, which is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt corporation. She encourages people to donate money or time to the group so that the needs of the animals can be met. “Supplies are always needed,” said Wheeler. “We use Purina Puppy and Dog Chow, but we also need towels, blankets, treats, odor absorbers, bleach, laundry detergent and other cleaning products.” “Almost every dog that arrives at the shelter has been neglected or abused and requires medical attention, which is all paid for through donations,” said Wheeler. ”And they all need a lot of love and attention.” Wheeler said volunteers are always welcome to come out and help and she can find something for everyone to do. “We had an AmeriCorps group come out last week. They have been working at the state park, so they helped us get some stuff cleaned up,” said Wheeler. “We can use all types of volunteers from teenagers to adults.” Donations to the pound may be mailed to Friends of the Marianna Dog Pound, c/o Lucy Smith, 130 Robertson Ave., Marianna, AR 72360. Donations may also be made via Paypal for Friends of the Marianna Dog Pound.

Volunteers needed to help dog pound take care of animals

Transportation sought to get to vet, Happy Tails Rescue in Rockford, Ill.

QCourt approves resolution on FCMC non-profit status

Mayoral candidates take center stage at tonight’s political forum

McCoy facing challenge from Whitby for SFC Clerk

Tamara Johnson

Related Posts

QCourt approves resolution on FCMC non-profit status

Mayoral candidates take center stage at tonight’s political forum

McCoy facing challenge from Whitby for SFC Clerk

Candidates for county offices share ideas at public forum

Early morning fire in Forrest City

Ballot draw determines position on November ballot

UAEACC presents Kool & the Gang at Fine Arts Center

Fisher House opening at VA campus in LR

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories

Recent Posts

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Volunteers needed to help dog pound take care of animals

Transportation sought to get to vet, Happy Tails Rescue in Rockford, Ill.

RELATED POSTS

Membership Required

Related Posts

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories

Recent Posts

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password