Suwannee County Animal Shelter Animal Expo set for Nov. 4-5

Submitted

The very first event of its kind will be held Nov. 4-5 at the Suwannee County Fairgrounds to help raise money for expenses at the Suwannee County Animal Control facility.

The event will be at Suwannee County Coliseum, 1302 Eleventh Street.

Anyone who has animals of any kind or who just loves animals should plan now to attend this educational and informative event. Gather the family and head on out next week for the events that will be held Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $3 per person, children under 12 will be admitted free. This exciting event is sure to please and is designed to promote awareness of Suwannee County Animal Control (SCAC) which proudly serves the people of Suwannee County through the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office.

The event will be informational/educational to promote public awareness with demonstrations, guest speakers, a microchipping booth for critters, kids' fingerprinting/ID booth, food, vendor booths and much, much more.

All monies raised will go to the animal shelter. Donations are also welcome, much appreciated and needed.

Fun events are being planned by Animal Control and volunteers. The event will be informational/educational to promote public awareness with demonstrations, guest speakers, a microchipping booth for critters, kids' fingerprinting/ID booth, food vendors, demonstrations by herding dogs, conformation demos, information on breed specific legislation, booths with pet supplies, horse equipment, feed and supplements info on exotic birds, raptors and reptiles, tigers on display, a horse drawn carriage, seminars on basic horse care by local vets, games demonstrations and much, much more, including musical entertainment.

There will also be basic small animal health seminars, barrel racing demos by local pros and much more.

Food and vendor spaces are still available.

Cost for the event is just $3 per person with 12 and under free and all profits go to help care for the animals at the Suwannee County Animal Control.

There are still openings for anyone wishing to join the group with anything animal related as a vendor, guest speaker, to give a demonstration or run a workshop. Food booths are also available. Space is limited on a first come, first serve basis. Please call the shelter at 386-208-0072 for more information or application. Booth fees are $50 for 10x10 booth, or $25 for 10 x 10 booth non-profit organization.

Sponsors are also needed for the expo. A 2006 Dodge Dakota pickup is available to the shelter if enough money can be raised to pay the difference between a local dealer's donation and the remaining costs. Any cash donation toward the truck would be appreciated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

Help us help animals, come out and adopt

SCAC is in need of homes for their lovable residents. The shelter is full once again. There are cats and dogs of all ages and sizes, and kittens and puppies are available, some at the shelter, others are in foster homes awaiting placement. They need to find loving forever homes as soon as possible. SCAC is NOT a no-kill shelter due to the lack of space and tremendous funding needed for caring for large numbers of animals and must adopt out these animals.

Pet of the week

The pet of the week is Cooper, a very lovable male Shepherd-mix pup. Cooper was found at the county landfill in the tire pile. When Cooper came in, he was underweight, dehydrated, loaded with fleas and in need of love and meds. His sister, Michelin, was found two weeks earlier in the same tire pile and was adopted by a very loving family. Cooper was out there for an extra two weeks, and his condition was very serious when found. He has been nursed back to health, is adorable and in need of a loving forever home. He is about three months old, black and tan and ready for hugs and doggie kisses.

Shelter is important part of the county and can always use donations

The shelter wish list for items needed the most and always needed includes: non-clumping litter, cat litter boxes, cat carriers (all sizes), dog crates (all sizes), stainless steel dog bowls (medium and large), heavy ceramic food bowls (dog and cat size), blankets, towels, washcloths, comforters, laundry detergent, bleach, paper towels, 55 gallon trash bags, dish detergent, Adams Flea Shampoo, Adams Flea Spray, Frontline for cats or dogs and heavy duty commercial brooms and mops.

The shelter can also use cash donations to buy meds and help with shelter spaying and neutering. A $2.25 donation will buy one 5-in-1 puppy shot, $2.90 will buy one 7-in-1 dog shot, $56 will buy 25 5-in-1 shots, $72 will buy 25 7-in-1 dog shots, $6.75 will buy a 3-pack of bio spot flea treatment for small dogs, $7.99 will buy a 3-pack of bio spot flea treatment for large dogs.

SCAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donated items and cash are tax deductible. Donations may be dropped off at the shelter or mailed to Suwannee County Animal Services, 11150 144th Street, McAlpin, FL 32062. Thank you for supporting this very important cause.

The Suwannee County Animal Control Board of Directors is currently working toward adding on to the current shelter to provide more space for animals and additional facilities. The shelter does not have a no-kill policy because of the limited space. From Oct. 1, 2005- Sept. 30, 2006, the shelter handled 1,539 calls and took in 1,075 animals. Of those animals picked up, 312 were adopted, 643 were euthanized. It is hoped that with additional facilities, more animals will have a chance for adoption and more animals can be served.

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