McKinney Pets

Harley

Duchess Photos courtesy of SPCA.

Hello there! He's a precious Blue Heeler, black Lab mix named Harley. He's about 2 years old, housebroken, crate-trained, leash-trained, and he LOVES kids, cats and other dogs. You could call him a social butterfly! He's a little shy at first, but he is incredibly loving and trusting once you spend some time with him. He was surrendered to the SPCA of Texas on July 9 by his owner, who didn't have time to give him the love and attention he deserves. He is extremely friendly, curious and alert, but he's a quiet, gentle fellow, waiting for you to come take him home! #10927735
 
This princess is Duchess, and she was brought to the SPCA of Texas March 10 by her previous owner, because there were too many animals in the house. She is a beautiful, female Domestic Shorthaired tabby with 10 years of perfection behind her. She doesn't mean to brag, but she really is the "pick of the litter." She doesn't have any allergies or medical problems. She is also litter-trained, and she would be a quiet, mellow companion. She would probably be best in a family of adults only, where she's the only kitty cat. Duchess enjoys being brushed, and is friendly and welcoming to all. Stop by for a visit. You'll be sure to take her home with you! Duchess is also a V.I.P (Very Important Pet) because she has been at the SPCA of Texas since March 10. That means she has a special adoption price of $50!  #5425917

Harley and Duchess are waiting for you at the SPCA of Texas Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney, 8411 Stacy Road/FM 720. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Regular adoption fees are $185-$285 for puppies 0-6 months, $95-$195 for adult dogs 6 months or older, $75 for senior dogs 7 years or older, $50 for VIP dogs, $95 for cats, $125 for kittens, $75 for senior cats 7 years and older and $50 for VIP cats. Fee includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, a heartworm test for dogs 6 months and older, initial heartworm preventative for dogs, a feline leukemia test for cats 4 months and older, a microchip, a rabies tag and a free leash or cat carrier. Call 214-742-SPCA (7722) or visit www.spca.org.

Dallas Pets

Stella

Forrest Photos courtesy of SPCA.

If you’d like a quiet, sweet, forever companion, Stella is just the girl for you. She's a 2-year-old American Cocker Spaniel mix with a pretty black and white coat. Her owner brought her to the SPCA of Texas on July 24 because he just didn’t have time for a pet. She is hoping you will make time for her in your home and your heart. Stella is a very quiet girl who is a little shy at first. But if you’ll give her a belly rub, she will warm right up to you and share her wags and kisses. She would love to snuggle up beside you during these long summer days and be your cuddle buddy forever. Sound good to you? It sure does to Stella, and she can’t wait to meet you. #11087991
 
This sweet fellow is Forrest, and he is quite the distinguished, older gentleman. He is a 16-year-old black Domestic Shorthair mix with a laid-back and friendly attitude. He would prefer to spend his golden years in a home without any other cats or small children. He is a very vocal kitty who has a lot to say about the many years that he has been around. It just means he is very wise and mature ... and he's an old geezer, so he's allowed to talk as much as he pleases! His owners brought him to the SPCA of Texas on April 29 because they were having issues with their landlord. Do you have a good retirement home for a sweet, older guy? Forrest is well worth it, and he has been waiting very patiently for you! Forrest is also a V.I.P. (Very Important Pet) because he has been waiting for his new home since April 29. He has a special adoption price of $50! #10308068 

Stella and Forrest are waiting to meet you at the SPCA of Texas Dealey Animal Care Center in Dallas at 362 S. Riverfront Blvd. (S. Industrial Blvd.) near downtown Dallas. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Regular adoption fees are $185-$285 for puppies 0-6 months, $95-$195 for adult dogs 6 months or older, $75 for senior dogs 7 years or older, $50 for VIP dogs, $95 for cats, $125 for kittens, $75 for senior cats 7 years and older and $50 for VIP cats. Fee includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, a heartworm test for dogs 6 months and older, initial heartworm preventative for dogs, a feline leukemia test for cats 4 months and older, a microchip, a rabies tag and a free leash or cat carrier. Call 214-742-SPCA (7722) or visit www.spca.org.
 
Pet Tip: Back-to-school reminders
Mary’s Little Lamb may be famous because he followed Mary to school, but back-to-school days are meant for children, not animals.
 
Pets that accompany kids to the bus stop or to school are often left there to wander, never making it back home. Many a family friend has been lost, subjected to the dangers of the big world. These “stray” pets cause headaches for school and playground officials alike, as they often cause traffic accidents or bite children and others who assume they are strays.
 
Naturally, the household pet is going to miss the seemingly endless summer routine with its family, and if not secured, could follow children to the bus stop or to school and become lost.
 
The SPCA of Texas wants you to show your pet how much you love it and take these precautions:

• Make certain your pet wears a collar with an identification tag that includes your name, address and phone number;
• Be sure your pet’s rabies and license tags are current;
• Consider having your pet microchipped as an extra precaution;
• Be responsible and have your pet spayed or neutered;
• Take your pet for a walk on a leash before and after school;
• Never let your pet run loose unless it is in a secured area like your backyard.

The SPCA of Texas cares about your animal friends. Show that you care, too, by protecting your pet from getting lost. That way, your cat or dog will be waiting for you at home when the school bell rings.   
 
For more information, log on to www.spca.org or call the SPCA of Texas at 214-742-SPCA (7722).

About the author: Maura Davies is senior director of communications for the SPCA of Texas. She is based in Dallas.