Month-long tribute honors patriotism following 9/11

By Martial Haprov
Editor

In the days, weeks and months that followed the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, a culture of patriotism and national pride swept the U.S. in response to the terrorism that befell American soil that Tuesday morning.

As the 14th anniversary of that day nears, the Apple Valley Municipal Animal Shelter is jumping in the ring to continue that patriotism as it recently launched a new program, “Pets and Patriots.”

The Town Council at its Aug. 25 meeting adopted a resolution recognizing the new program from a staff recommendation. In a report to the council, staff recommended recognizing “ ‘Apple Valley Patriots Patriots,’ including veterans, first responders, politicians, and every day volunteers who have a bond with animals and share it with the public.”

All month long, Apple Valley Animal Services is lowering its pet adoption fees to $25 for any active duty or retired military member, law enforcement or first-responder fire personnel.

“Individuals have sponsored the adoption fee for an active duty military member, veteran, or First Responder in honor of Apple Valley Patriot Colonel Paul Cook and Apple Valley Patriot Lt. Colonel Anthony Marshall,” Animal Services Manager Gina Whiteside told the Apple Valley Review in an email. “Our goal is to highlight an Apple Valley Patriot every day during the month of September 2015 as recognition for the Apple Valley Town Council declaring … September as Pets and Patriots Month.”

“Staff will also hold various community events to help residents prepare for emergencies. Disaster preparedness and/or pet safety events will be a proactive approach to planning and preparing for potential emergencies,” the staff report reads.

Also during the month of September, animal services also plans to educate the community regarding the town’s Animal Emergency Evacuation and Shelter Plan, which establishes a coordinated and effective response to the needs of animals impacted by an emergency or disaster in the town and surrounding areas.

“Disasters are often unannounced,” the staff report reads. “They can take pet owners by surprise and the best way to keep family pets safe is to prepare for emergencies in advance. It is vital that Apple Valley Animal Services and the pet owners within our community prepare for disasters, both to protect the animals housed in our shelter and residing within the Town.

In 2009, Congress designated Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Traditionally, the town’s animal services has supported this effort by providing volunteers with opportunities to serve animals in the community throughout the year and during the town’s annual Pet Fair in September.

This year, the Paws n’ Claws Pet Fair, celebrating its 10th anniversary, has been moved to October to take advantage of the cooler weather. This frees up September for other activities

that can highlight the needs of shelter animals and the bond pets share with their humans.

During this year’s pet fair, animal services plans will gather as many participants as possible to help break a world record for the largest obedience lesson ever held.

“Of course, we (town staff) believe that the greatest healing power is the love of a pet,” according to the staff report. “Pets have a way of providing unconditional love, companionship and sense of personal value.”

Also throughout September, visitors to the shelter will receive or have access to free and discounted items such as pet tags, microchips, manual can openers, disposable cat litter pans, disposable food serving trays and other items that will help them provide safety for their pets during an emergency.

“Pets and Patriots Month is a way to remember and reflect on 9/11, recognize patriots and raise awareness of preparing for an emergency to effectively help family pets,” staff said. “In addition to recognizing patriots within our community, AVAS will work with pet owners to plan and completely stock an emergency kit for themselves and their pets.”

The Apple Valley Municipal Animal Shelter is at 22131 Powhatan Road. Visit www.applevalley.org/index.aspx?page=420 to view animals available for adoption at the shelter or call 760-240-7000, ext. 7555 for more information.