ROCKINGHAM — Nothing is more frustrating than chasing a wet, soapy dog around the house after it has escaped the bathtub. So why not let the Richmond County Animal Shelter do the washing today?
The shelter will hold an open house from noon to 5. At the event, they’ll offer $10 dog washes, baked goods for sale, a booth for owner-and-pet photos, and a tie-dye station. You’ll also be able to take a free look at the dogs and cats available for adoption.
It’s summer — spring is birthing time — so the shelter has a lot to offer: As of late afternoon Friday, it had 71 dogs and 68 cats in residence. Those included puppies and kittens, as well as adults.
“We wish the spay and neuter program would be utilized more to prevent that,” shelter director Bonnie Wilde said Friday.
She also urged visitors to look at older animals.
“We really want to get them out of the shelter,” she said. “The shelter life is not good for … senior animals.”
Adoption fee is $10. Within 60 days of adoption, new pet owners must make sure that their shelter adoptees are spayed or neutered. (Older dogs may not need this.) Fees are $59 for male cats and $83 for females, and $95 for male dogs and $106 for females.
Rabies vaccinations — which animals must have yearly — cost $7.
Fees can be reduced for those with low incomes, if they provide income verification.
Those who bring their dogs in to be washed are urged to come in to look for additional canine companions. To do that, they should take both old and prospective canine family members to the meet-and-greet room to see whether the animals will get along.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Richmond County Animal Advocates.
Those needing more information on the event may call 910-895-0335. The shelter is at 529 U.S. 74 W., Rockingham.
Reach Christine Carroll at 910-817-2673.
