Press Release

(Little Rock – September 26, 2012)

Every animal has a story. Thanks to the dedicated work at the state’s most progressive shelter, there are many more happy endings to those animal stories here in the Capital City. A celebration for the 5^th anniversary of the Little Rock Animal Village’s opening is being planning for October 6^th.

The community is invited to help LRAV honor this milestone during its Fall Paw-ty, an event that runs from 10-2 and involves discounted microchipping and vaccines, a raffle, a pet photographer and a contest for Cutest Dog and Cat. The event is free and open to the public. People who adopted pets from the Village are also invited to attend with their furry family members.

The LRAV has rescued and found homes for hundreds of animals. It accepts all breeds of dogs and cats, regardless of their special needs.

Part of the Animal Village’s mission is to help animals become good pets. Some dogs are afraid of human contact. Many volunteers help socialize them so they can be placed in a loving home. Their accomplishments will also be recognized at the Paw-ty.

Although the LRAV is turning 5 this year, it shows no sign of slowing down. In recent years, the Village has prided itself on an improved education program, raising awareness about animal welfare.

Some education opportunities provided by the Animal Village include school and community group visits, and even educational birthday parties, where children can celebrate their birthday surrounded by animals.  This helps get the message to the public to learn that spaying and neutering pets is the smartest and safest option for animal welfare. As this decreases the birth rate of unwanted animals and helps stop the spread of many diseases between pets.

"The public is very generous to the LRAV," said Manager Tracy Roark. "The community is very supportive."

Roark says LRAV receives many volunteers, but there is never a shortage of jobs to do. Other duties go to members of the shelter's staff.

"If an animal needs to be helped, we will help it," Roark stated. "This work is physically and emotionally a hard job - but it's very rewarding. It's a passion."

LRAV is looking forward to its 5th anniversary celebration, which will run from 10-2 p.m. on October 6th. For more information on the party or on the Little Rock Animal Village go to http://www.littlerock.gov/citydepartments/housing_programs/animalservices