The Brookhaven Animal Rescue League is staying busy this summer with good things — summer camp, a national awareness day and a selection by a national nonprofit.

Take Your Dog

to Work Day

While Friday is National Take Your Dog to Work Day, James Minter Jr. takes his dog Lucy to work every day.

The goal of Take Your Dog to Work Day is to experience the joy of dogs in the workplace for a day and celebrate companionship, along with promoting animal adoption.

Minter, who owns B&O Machine and Welding, has taken Lucy to work since she was less than 3 months old.

Lucy was a former BARL dog who Minter received as a Christmas present in 2016.

“I couldn’t and still can’t believe that she was cast aside by someone, and then so fortunately rescued by BARL,” Minter said.

As an honorary employee of Minter’s business, Lucy spends her days at B&O Welding patrolling the break room for crumbs, strolling through the shop and riding in the car for errand runs.

In the time since Lucy came to work with her owner, she has grown from a small 8-pound puppy to a 50-pound long-legged companion.

“She is surrounded all day by people who pet her and love on her,” Minter said.

Kid’s Camp

The Animal Adventures Summer Camp will be July 8-12 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Exchange Club Park for children who are age 4 to sixth grade. The camp fee is $75 for a single child, and $50 for each additional child. The fee includes a T-shirt.

Campers will learn all about animals of every kind — not just cats and dogs. Each day will include various activities for the campers; including a presenter, arts and crafts, snacks and recreation.

Children who are seventh grade or older interested in being a counselor should contact Bertha Williams at 601-754-1301. Registration forms will be available at PetSense in Brookhaven and BARL. The form can also be found online at barl.net.

Pets for the Elderly

BARL has been selected by the Pets for the Elderly Foundation as a new shelter partner member. PFE is a national nonprofit organization that pays a portion of the adoption fee for senior citizens to adopt a companion dog or cat from participating shelters.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Pets for the Elderly Network,” BARL President Lu Becker said. “This is a win-win program that will offer senior citizens a budget-friendly opportunity to adopt a pet, while providing shelter animals a chance for a home.

PFE provides funding for BARL’s program Placing Animals with Seniors, which was established last year.

Senior citizens are able to adopt up to two animals under this policy, with the dog adoption fee being $35 and the cat adoption fee being $25.

“We are so pleased to have the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League join our network,” Executive Director Susan Kurowski said. “Their strong presence, providing both animal refuge and community services and education, makes them an excellent partner, as we work to expand the availability of our program in Mississippi.”

 

Story by Gracie Byrne