Pet Awareness

Date: December 16, 2009
Contact: Michael Groomer, 915-532-7273 x124

To kick off Responsible Pet Owners Month (February), Chamizal National Memorial is sponsoring, Pets, Parks, and You, a FREE pet friendly public event on the Memorial grounds Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Pets, Parks, and You is centered on the opening of a new photo exhibit Bred to Death by Isabel Fierro Taylor. Her work captures the stark realities of the plight of countless stray and abandoned animals that wander our city streets and parks in search of food and shelter. Bred to Death opens in the Abrazos Gallery on January 30th and runs through February 20th.

Pets, Parks, and You will provide useful information to educate our community and make pet ownership a more rewarding experience. This event is aimed at anyone wanting to learn more about pet ownership, or anyone seeking to take the next step and adopt the perfect furry companion. Valley Feed & Supply/Pet's Barn, the Humane Society, and the Animal Rescue League will be on hand with their 48-foot trailer of lovable dogs and cats for adoption. The public is encouraged to always adopt their puppy or kitten from local rescue kennels or organizations in order to ensure happy and healthy pets that are sure to make loveable members of the family.

For this event Chamizal National Memorial, a unit of the National Park Service, is partnering with the City of El Paso Department of Public Health, Valley Feed & Supply/Pet's Barn, the Humane Society, and the Animal Rescue League to provide the public with an enjoyable and educational morning of tips on how to choose the right pet for the family and how to be the best pet owner possible.

Services and programs will include:

• The Rio Grande Obedience Dog Club will present special dog exhibitions that will include how to exercise with your dog.

• The City of El Paso Department of Public Health's Animal Services Division:

1. Will provide low income families FREE spay / neuter services for their dog or cat
(Please arrive at the Pet Care-A-Van by 7:30 a.m.; wait time after surgery is performed is a few hours). Please call [phone] for pre-surgery guidelines & information.
2. Will provide vaccinations ($10 - $19) and microchips ($15) for the general public on a limited basis starting at 7:30 in the morning.

For many people, visiting National Park sites with their pets is a memorable and rewarding experience. The National Park Service encourages visitors to always contact parks ahead of time to find out what pet services are provided, and which areas of the park are designated for adventures with your pet.

For further information about this and other programs please consult the Memorial's website at www.nps.gov/cham, or contact the Division of Interpretation, Education, and Arts at [phone].