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November 11, 2005
A dog (and cat) day afternoonCOUNTY UNVEILS UPDATED SHELTER, VET CLINIC
By GINA B. GOOD
Shelter supervisor Debi Wormald and Shelly Weldon in the front office and kennel technicians Aaron Brown and Susan Dague comprise the paid shelter staff. They conducted informal tours of the dog kennels and cattery. Each area has been redecorated in species appropriate themes. Two dog portraits adorn the entrance to the kennels and red fire hydrants painted inside each roomy cage display the number of each dog pen. While the dogs may not notice the artwork, they surely appreciate the care lavished upon them by shelter workers and volunteers. Certain inmates in the nearby county detention center also work in the shelter, cleaning the facility, feeding and caring for the animals. In fact, inmate trustee Sean Richard, a tattoo artist, created the colorful airbrushed murals on the walls of the cat room, where 20 cats and kittens are now available for adoption. "It was the first time Sean ever worked with an airbrush and he really enjoyed the process," said Wormald. Interaction between the animals and their caretakers is an important aspect of socialization for humans and animals. New to the shelter area are three large grassy areas, two of which are fenced, so prospective pet owners can take shelter dogs out of their pens to get acquainted. Because the two areas are next to each other, pet owners can bring their current dog to the grassy area on one side of the fence and gauge the reaction to the new dog on the other side of the fence. "We always make certain our dogs will accept a new dog before we take home an addition to the pack," commented Sam Jones, who was visiting Pahrump from Redding, Calif. The new spay and neuter clinic was the crowning jewel on the tour. While not open to the public, the clinic operates on shelter animals each Wednesday under the auspices of veterinarian Suzanne Zervantian. "I've always wanted to do shelter work," said the doctor, who has been a veterinarian for three years. "I love this work." The cost to spay or neuter dogs and cats is included in the adoption fees at the shelter. Dogs are available for $64 and the fee for a cat is $36. That amount also includes an animal's first set of shots and county license. The procedures are scheduled on the day the animals are adopted and performed on the first Wednesday the clinic schedule allows. If a customer already has a veterinarian, a voucher can be issued; however, not all veterinary offices in Pahrump honor the vouchers at full face value. "The adoption is not finalized until the procedure is completed," instructed Wormald. "There is also a 10-day return or exchange policy on adoptions, in case things don't work out," she said. A wish list is maintained in case visitors to the shelter are looking for a particular type of dog or cat that is not currently available. The clinic located next to the shelter is a customized doublewide mobile home that once belonged to Pahrump Medical Center. The entire building has been renovated to include preparation and examination rooms as well as a surgical suite. Dr. Zervantian includes pain relief when she sedates the animals. Not all veterinarians include pain medication when they spay and neuter; however the doctor mentioned studies indicated animals fare better and recover faster when pain medication is given. Volunteers play an essential role at the shelter and the new clinic and are always needed. Volunteers pet and hold animals to calm them during examinations or as they recover from surgery. They also help feed and clean the animals. "Volunteers must complete an application and pass a drug test," said Dr. Zervantian. "Applications are available at the front office at the shelter." For information about licensing or adopting a dog or cat, contact the Nye County Animal Shelter at 751-7020. Days and hours of operation are: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday's hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The shelter is closed Sunday and Wednesday as well as during lunch breaks, from noon until 1 p.m. |
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