County Animal Services & P.A.W.S.

Posted by Richard L. Roberts

Sandra Sansoni introduced Linda Hardy and staff members, Sarah Phipps & Kailyn Gunther: Linda Hardy has been employed in the County Animal Control Services for eleven years, has a degree in biology and has been a humane educator since 1982. Phipps and Gunther are volunteer staff members and active in CampP.A.W.S. (Pet and Wildlife Study).

Hardy introduced a video of impounded dogs and cats emphasizing their hope to find a home just by looking into their eyes and then showing them laid out in rows after being euthanized according to accepted standards. There was not a dry eye in the house. Fortunately, the program offered in the county has kept animals from being euthanized for over a year, a sterling record. One of their goals is make sure every animal released from the facility is spayed or neutered. Spay and neuter clinics are also offered at reduced prices throughout the county. Funds are needed to support these programs.

Every summer, Animal Services sponsors CampPAWS. Each 1 week camp offers kids from 8-12 years old the opportunity to work with a shelter dog and assist in its training, socialization, and grooming. The cost per child for this summer program is $70. Kids work from 7am to 4 pm every day. This interaction helps children learn compassion, responsibility, and basic pet care while helping to make shelter dogs more adoptable. The camp also includes arts and crafts, presentations by animal professionals and field trips. Adults and teenagers interested in volunteering for positions as camp staff are encouraged to contact Hardy at humane.educator@sloanimalservices.com. The program ended with Gunther and Majai the German Shepherd, former pound dog, performing a set of dog tricks. Well done!