Dog Days events offer services, tips for pet owners

Northwest is going to the dogs this month, and anyone who cares about canines is invited to join the party for a tail-wagging good time -- along with free or discounted health and identification services.

The Northwest Advocates for Animal Awareness organization will host Dogs Days from noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, and 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, on the Memorial Bell Tower lawn.

NWAAA co-sponsor Kristina Martinez said the purpose of the event is to welcome new students, faculty and staff to campus while providing information about the joys and responsibilities of dog ownership.

“It’s a social event and a service event in one,” Martinez said, adding that Dog Days is an opportunity for dog owners to receive services while seeing old friends and making new ones. Students who have had to leave pets at home will find Dog Days especially enjoyable, she said.

“I hear it all the time when I have my dogs on campus,” Martinez said, “‘Oh, can I pet your dog? I miss mine so bad.’ Meeting my dogs is a way they can meet me too, so the next time we see one another, we don't just pass with a nod or glance away, we stop and ask about each other’s dogs.”

Both Dog Days events are free and open to everyone, whether or not they own a pet. Owners are encouraged to bring their dogs with them.

The Tuesday gathering will feature trainers from Smitten Pet Sitten, a local pet care service.

On Thursday, veterinarians from the Nodaway Veterinary Clinic will be on hand, along with representatives from the Nodaway Humane Society. Rabies shots will be available at reduced cost ($8), and NWAAA will provide free microchip implants to the first 20 dogs with city tags whose owners present proof of current rabies shots. Other pet services available will include purchase of parvovirus and distemper shots and city tags.

“For students who own dogs, attending this event may save them from getting tickets and from some sad days with sick or lost pets,” Martinez said. “We also hope Dog Days helps owners meet other dog-friendly people and build the network needed to keep all dogs safe and happy.”

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Brown,
News Bureau Manager
E-Mail: abrown@nwmissouri.edu
Phone: 660.562.1704
Fax: 660.562.1900

Northwest Missouri State University
219 Administration Building,
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468

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