Official Kids Mag

By Dave Woods • Official Kids Mag Carmen Nelson is devoted to the Animal League of Washington County and the role it plays in Northwest Arkansas. "We do a lot of things," Carmen, director of the not-for-profit organization said, following a busy morning rescuing dogs from a breeder suspected of neglect. "Our mission is to advocate for animals in Northwest Arkansas. We have programs for medical rehabilitation. We help animals with specific needs. We will pull them from a shelter if they have been hit by a car and need surgery or a splint. We've rehabbed dogs with gunshot wounds." Founded in 2011, the organization sponsors and organizes many local efforts to support animals and the families who love them. "We have our rescue transport program, where animals from a local shelter are transported to Colorado," she said. "We work with a lot of rescues in Colorado and we have a low cost spay and neuter program." The League also operates the Hungry Hearts pet food program. "The (pet) food bank comes in handy around the holidays when families are stretched for money," she explained. "We want people to be able to keep their animals. If it means us providing a couple of months of dog food or cat food, we are happy to do that." Carmen said it's very important for kids and their adults to know where animal shelters are located around Northwest Arkansas in case of a pet emergency. "A shelter is the first place to call to see if a lost pet was picked up by animal control or somebody found it," she said. "That's very important." The Animal League, and several local shelters, offer educational programs in schools, Carmen said, and provide opportunities for area kids and their adults to volunteer. Carmen, a self proclaimed animal lover, understands the importance of animals to kids and adults. "Your dog or cat is your family in today's world," she said. "It's not just a pet, it's part of the family. When kids are raised from a young age with a family pet it teaches them how to be a responsible pet owner. Just basic pet care is good education. Kids have a sensitive side and they can bond with their pets. There is a special bond with animals and kids." To learn more go to AnimalLeagueofWashingtonCounty.org Get Involved October 4th: Animal League fo Washington County Fall Fundraiser is themed "Stray's Anatomy" at Stone Chapel, Matt Lane Farm. Tickets on sale in September. The event includes dinner, live music and silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Animal League of Washington County. October 27th: Subaru Loves Pets Adoption Event, with local retailer Adventure Subaru. Location to be announced. November 3rd: Pet Wellness Expo, $5 vaccines and $10 microchipping. Washington County Sheriff 's Office from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Want to help? Be a kid hero and mail a donation to: ALWC, P.O. Box 4366 Fayetteville, AR 72702 About the Animal League of Washington County - The League is dedicated to promoting animal welfare, spay/neuter and humane education in Washington County. ALWC will provide needed medical assistance to shelter animals, will help promote pet adoptions and assist with a foster care program. The Animal League of Washington County is dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their people in Washington County, as well as serving the community as a resource for animal related questions and issues. Source: Animal League of Washington County 'A SPECIAL BOND' Animal League supports families and their pets with low cost services, programs 36 • Off icial Kids Mag • AUG & SEPT 2018

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