December 5, 2024 |
Photo – Courtesy of Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter
The Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter is asking people to keep their pets warm and safe as colder temperatures arrive.
Rawlins Police Lieutenant Daria Hooper oversees the animal shelter. Lieutenant Hooper said that ensuring your pets have a properly insulated shelter is the number one way to keep them safe during the winter.
Additionally, Lieutenant Hooper recommended using a heated water bowl to keep your pet’s fresh water from freezing. When the weather gets too cold, bring your animals inside. The Rawlins police lieutenant said even a properly insulated shelter won’t protect your pets when temperatures drop below zero.
As the colder weather arrives, the number of animals at the Rochelle Animal Shelter is increasing. Lieutenant Hooper said voluntary surrenders account for the majority of the uptick in the shelter’s population.
The shelter currently houses 18 dogs and 10 cats. Lieutenant Hooper wanted to focus on Sampson, an older Red Heeler mix. The police lieutenant said Sampson’s owner died and he was surrendered to the shelter. Sampson is fully potty trained and should get along with other animals.
Lieutenant Hooper also mentioned Sage, a former stray cat who had a litter of kittens in the shelter. The police lieutenant said Sage is now spayed and would do best in a house without other cats.
The Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter takes part in the Cage to Save program, where inmates of the Wyoming State Penitentiary train the dogs in basic obedience. Lieutenant Hooper said the shelter currently has five graduates from the Cage to Save program available for adoption.
Lieutenant Hooper said the animal shelter is always in need of pet supplies or cash donations. Throughout December, the shelter is running the Home for the Holidays donation drive, requesting small toys to give the animals as Christmas presents. Additionally, Lieutenant Hooper encouraged people to foster animals for the season, providing them with a warm home, even if temporarily.
For more information, call the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter at 328-4534 Monday through Friday between the hours of 3:00 and 5:00pm. Adoption fees are $35 for cats and $50 for dogs.
