Five dogs await new homes

[TribalRats]

The Pottawattamie County Animal Shelter takes care of all the animal control needs for one of the largest counties in Iowa and our adoption program has been a huge success. There are currently five dogs available for adoption.

For just $125, ($150 for puppies under 6-months-old) you will get a pet that is spayed or neutered, has a nationally registered microchip, is current on all shots (including rabies) and has been de-wormed. The dogs have also been bathed, had their ears cleaned and had flea treatments as needed. Shelter staff spend time evaluating the dogs' temperaments to find out if they are dog, cat, or child friendly. What a deal! Take advantage now!

Stop by the Goodwill, 1850 Madison Ave., the second Saturday of every month to meet the dogs that are up for adoption.

Licenses can be obtained at the shelter or at the Pottawattamie County Auditor's office in the courthouse or a license form can be downloaded at www.pottcounty.com and mailed in.

Shelter hours are 8 a.m. to noon. Call us at (712) 366-1143.

We have yet another reason for pet owners to keep their animals from running at large. We recently found a dog in a leg trap (for beaver). The dog was found with its leg caught in the trap by men hunting geese. The men saw the dog struggling and went to help.

We responded and took the dog to a veterinarian. The dog is now back at home with its family. Had the hunters not been there, the dog probably would have died a painful, slow death.

Some people still trap beaver and raccoon for their pelts so these types of leg traps are out there. Please, please keep you pets out of harms way. Keeping your animal from running at large may just save its life.

Bert and his brother, Ernie, were found together along a gravel road with a bag of dog food so we think they were dumped. Both are tri-color rat terriers with beautiful markings. They are around 1- to 2-years-old and are very friendly. Bert is a bit larger than his brother and a little more mellow. Ernie is very energetic. Both will give kisses and love to be cuddled. Both will be neutered, vaccinated, wormed and given microchips prior to leaving the shelter.

Prince Charles is a stately German Shorthair Pointer. He is very friendly and loves people. He is mostly liver-colored. We think he is 4- to 5-years-old so he still has a long life ahead of him. He doesn't mind the other dogs living around him so he may do fine in a home with other dogs. Charles will be neutered, vaccinated, wormed, bathed and given a microchip prior to leaving the shelter.

Benny is a handsome young yellow Lab. We think he is only around a year old and may be a purebred. He has soft brown eyes that melt your heart. He loves people and craves attention. When our staff arrives in the morning, Benny is the first dog to greet them. He just can't get enough of his people pals. He is very playful and full of life. Benny will be neutered, vaccinated, wormed and given a microchip prior to leaving the shelter.

Sally is a black Lab mix with a docked tail. She is medium-sized and has a smooth coat. We think she is around 3-yeard-old and very talented. Sally is the fetch queen! She will retrieve a ball by catching it in the air and when she brings it back to you, she throws it to you. If you want a dog you can actually play catch with-check out Sally. She will be spayed, vaccinated, wormed and given a microchip prior to adoption.

When the temps drop below freezing, remember your outdoor pets. Iowa law requires animal owners to provide adequate food/water and shelter.

If your dog lives outside, make sure the water bowl is heated and the pet's house is lined with straw or bedding. This bedding will get soiled, so it needs to be changed as needed. Even though animals have fur/hair to hold body heat, when temps hover around zero, they can still die from exposure.

Always remember that your pet looks to you for all of its needs. You determine your pet's quality of life, so make it a great one.