Dante, a 7-year-old Newfoundland and Labrador mix, is the featured pet of the week up for adoption at Monroe County Animal Shelter.
He was also the pet of the week earlier this year. According to shelter officials, the dog has since tested positive for diabetes and is currently in foster care. Dante is being treated for the disease, but because of a prolonged elevated blood pressure, he has lost his eyesight.
His foster mother has been working with him, and he is learning to climb stairs and perform other activities. He is adapting to the new disability and will make a good pet for the right person, according to shelter officials.
All animals adopted from the animal shelter are spayed or neutered, have age appropriate vaccinations and are microchipped with registration. Cats are tested for the feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, and dogs are tested for heart worms.
Monroe County Friends of Animals will hold its Paws for a Cause fundraiser 6-10 p.m. May 6 at the Yacht Club in Tellico Village. The event will include complimentary champagne, a cash bar happy hour, dinner, a silent auction and entertainment by pianist and storyteller Dr. Hugh McCampbell. Tickets are $75 per person and are available by calling Marsha St. Hilaire at 423-884-2179.
The Spay Neuter Assistance for Pets program offers free vouchers to qualifying families for a spay or neuter procedure at participating local veterinarians. Those in Loudon County can visit http://www.spaytennessee.org to find other options.
People Promoting Animal Welfare in Greenback offers low-cost neutering for those who do not meet income or county qualifications.
Shelter needs this week include laundry detergent, scoopable and clumping cat litter, copier paper, bleach, paper towels, Dawn and cleaning and office supplies.
Those who have lost a pet or found a lost cat or dog in Monroe County may call the animal shelter at 423-442-1015. Shelter officials are able to post information on its Facebook page. Information on lost and found pets is then sent to the Monroe County Friends of Animals and the MCFA Thrift Store Facebook pages.
Animal control in Monroe County is administered through the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. To report cases of stray animals, potential animal endangerment or neglect, call 423-442-3911.
Visit the shelter 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at 170 Kefauver Lane in Madisonville behind Walmart. The shelter is closed to the public Sunday and Monday. For more information, call 423-442-1015.
