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Prevent dog bites this May

May 21 to 27 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Each year, more than 4 million Americans suffer dog bite injuries, mostly from dogs they know and interact with regularly. The number of dog bites increases from April through September, with peak bite incidents in July. For local information on dog bites prevention and information, visit www.leelostpets.com.

Protect your pet this summer

The ASPCA reminds residents that June, July and August are the deadliest months for pets, with increased use of lawn care products, pest poison and bait and flea and tick products. Pet owners are urged to exhibit caution when using pest control products — even those recommended for their pets, such as flea-control products, etc., and to only use products specifically designed for their animal. Owners are also urged to never leave alcoholic beverages unattended, only use products specifically designed for pets, avoid fireworks near animals, and keep the pet on his or her normal diet, avoiding foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes/raisins and yeast dough. If poisoning is suspected, contact your local veterinarian or call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Service dogs remembered

The Collier County Humane Society asks that we remember to salute the many animal handlers and their dogs who died while serving their country this Memorial Day. The U.S. Military has used dogs in every major conflict from World War I through the war in Iraq, and many peacekeeping missions in between, and thousands of dogs continue to be used in all branches of service for tracking, finding explosives, perimeter defense, rescue and more. Doberman pinchers, Rottweilers, German shepherds and Labrador retrievers are the most commonly used, but others have been selected for special assignments.

Adopt a cat this June

Lee County Domestic Animal Services remind residents that kitten season is under way, typically running from May through November, and has proclaimed June “Adopt a Shelter Cat” Month, and has reduced the fee from $50 to $20 for cat adoptions through the entire month. All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations appropriate for the cat’s age, flea treatment, worming, test for feline AIDS and leukemia, and a nationally-registered microchip. In addition, animal services continues to encourage pet owners to sterilize their pets to control the unwanted pet population.

Lab rescue seeks volunteers

Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida is a foster-based rescue group for purebred Labrador Retrievers, and is seeking volunteers. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the organization, becoming a foster for a dog in need, adoption of a Labrador Retriever, visit www.labradorrescue.net.

Collier Humane Society needs volunteers

The Humane Society of Collier County is in need of volunteers for positions such as kennel and cat attendants, pet socializers, foster parents, receptionists and more. Those interested need to be at least 17 years old, and should fill out a volunteer application, and attend one of the monthly volunteer orientations, usually held the third Saturday of each month at The Humane Society of Collier County. For more information, call JoAnn Johansen at 643-1880, ext. 18. Applications may also be picked up at the Humane Society.

Lee Humane Society needs volunteers

The Humane Society of Lee County is seeking volunteers who are 16 years of age and older who love to work with and around animals. There is an urgent need for dog walkers, assistance with shelter cleaning and people to spend time with cats during the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend volunteers are always needed and are welcome. Other volunteer opportunities include pet matchmakers, phone volunteers from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, picking up doggie banks, picking up bins of donated food around Lee County and special fundraising events. The next volunteer orientation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. June 10. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit www.humanesociety-leecounty.org or call Lisa Melvin or Heather Francis at 332-0364.

Lee Humane Society needs foster homes

The Humane Society of Lee County is in urgent need of foster homes for puppies and kittens. Fostering is a great way to help an animal in need while he or she waits for his or her permanent home, and provide a safe haven where an animal can get tender loving care until they are ready to be adopted. HSLC provides all medical care, medicines and food that a foster animal may require during their stay. Fostering times vary from a few weeks to a few months, or whatever you are able to provide. For more information, call Tracy Jones at 332-0364.

Lee Animal Services urges spaying/neutering

Lee County Animal services urges pet owners who haven’t altered their pets to do so out of love for their companion animals. Spaying and neutering greatly reduces the chance of breast cancer, and prevents various reproductive tract disorders, while neutering eliminates the risk of various testicular diseases. For more information on spaying and neutering, please call Lee Animal County Services at 432-2083.

PETS OF THE WEEK

• Penny, top right, is a 6-year-old, spayed female, hound mix. She is a loving, gentle soul who still has many years to be your best friend. She is house-trained and great on the leash. Adoption fee is $75. To meet Penny, call 450-6301 or go to collierrescue.com.

• Marco, far right, is a 6-month-old black and white mixed breed. He is a little shy at first but once he knows he is safe, he quickly warms up and gets along great with other dogs and people. He needs a family that is going to love him forever. Marco would benefit from taking obedience classes as he is only a pup. He needs a little socialization and some weight gain. Marco is very eager to please. Adoption fee is $75.

To meet Marco, call 450-6301 or go to collierrescue.com.

• Bailey, right, is a 7-year-old yellow Labrador bunking with three new Lab friends. She has to take it easy right now because of going through heartworm treatment and has been watching her buddies run and play. She can’t wait to chase those toys. Bailey knows how to sit, down and stay on command. She is a good girl in the house and loves children too.

She will be ready to go to a forev er home in mid-June. To apply to adopt from Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida, visit its Web page at: www.labradorrescue.net

Area agencies offering animals for adoption include:

• The Friends of Gummi in Naples, 290-2485, or e-mail JRudolph@aol.com.

• The Animal Refuge Center, 731-3535, or go to www.animalrefuge.com.

• Lee County Animal Services, 432-2083, or www.Lee LostPets.com.

• S.P.A.Y.-Lee Inc., 939-3680 or 936-2727.

• Second Chance for Greyhounds, 454-0880, or www.secondchanceforgreyhounds.org.

• Humane Society of Lee County, 332-0364, or www.humanesociety-leecounty.org.

• Humane Society of Collier County, 643-1555, or www.collierhumanesoc.org.

• Collier County Domestic Animal Services, 530-7387.

• Golden Rescue In Naples Inc. (a Naples-based golden retriever rescue group), 514-2715 or goldenrescueinnaples.petfinder.org.

Area agencies with adoptable pets may submit photos to cccottrill@bonitanews.com. Pet-related activities are also welcome for The Pet Corner.