FAIRFIELD, Calif., Nov. 08, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dogs love toys, but playthings are in short supply at animal shelters. National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week is November 6-12. To help the local county shelter, Fairfield's Sunset Animal Hospital is collecting cash donations to benefit local shelter dogs.
Each $6 donation will purchase a long-lasting Kong® Blue toy made of durable rubber for dogs at Solano Sheriff's Animal Control Services. Rebecca Wright, a client service representative at Sunset Animal Hospital who coordinates community outreach, is available at (707) 425-4050 to answer questions about the toy drive.
Dogs enjoy a game of fetch with this rubber toy that bounces in unpredictable ways. Another Kong challenge dogs love is working independently at removing treats, such as dry kibble or peanut butter, stuffed inside the toy's hollow core. The Kong toy is even appropriate for puppies and can withstand chewing.
"Shelter dogs especially need the pleasant distraction of a toy that provides entertaining and tasty distractions," says Wright.
"We want to encourage people to adopt shelter animals," Wright says, adding that "pets need the mental and physical stimulation of play. Loving attention can keep them from straying and accidentally ending up in animal shelters."
Wright notes that Sunset Animal Hospital, 1239 Western Street, appreciates the helpful employees and "24-7" schedule of Solano Sheriff Animal Control's shelter. They can be reached by calling (707) 449-1700.
The shelter is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It administers the Solano County rabies control program to shelter dogs, which is mandated by state law. The shelter also protects dogs and other animals against abuse by enforcing federal, state and local laws regarding humane treatment.
Sunset Animal Hospital is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is staffed by eight veterinarians. It is a full-service clinic providing services including vaccinations, wellness and preventative care, dentistry, emergency treatment, pain control and spay/neuter surgery. It also offers boarding and grooming services for pets that are up-to-date on vaccinations, including ones to protect against kennel cough.
"Sunset Animal Hospital has been around for 30 years offering Solano County high standards in diagnosis, treatment and loving care for dogs, cats and other furry family members," Wright says.
As to National Animal Shelter Week, Wright points out that the Humane Society of the United States established it in 1996. She notes that one way the Humane Society encourages pet lovers to celebrate the event is by volunteering with shelters and animal rescue groups.
Sunset Animal Hospital has been voted "The Best of Solano" numerous times by the Fairfield, Suisun and Vacaville communities. They invite local residents to come visit their pet hospital and to make a donation which will benefit shelter dogs in the area. More information can be found on their website at http://sunsetanimalhospital.com/.