For Immediate Release
July 11, 2016
Contact: Justine Lentz
Animal Services Superintendent
Development Services
479-444-3455
jlentz@fayetteville-ar.gov
Celebration to Honor Volunteer Dog Adopted From Fayetteville Animal Services
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Volunteering can be good for the mind, body and spirit. Sherlock, an eleven year old basset mix, has been volunteering since he was adopted from Fayetteville Animal Services seven years ago. Sherlock is a certified therapy dog and has spent many hours participating in the Fayetteville Public Library’s Sit, Stay, Read! program. Sit, Stay, Read! is a literacy-based program for emerging or struggling readers. The program is offered at all Fayetteville public schools and periodically at the library. Volunteers with a certified therapy dog are paired with readers for a session which encourages confidence in reading aloud. "We loved having Sherlock in the Sit Stay Read! program. He’s been a totally paw-some volunteer, and we thank him for his work with young readers,” said Alyson Low, youth services librarian.
Sherlock is getting on in age and recently had a lump found in his chest. His owner, Kathleen Stafford, is a longstanding shelter volunteer and knows that Sherlock enjoys nothing more than receiving love from humans, especially children. The shelter is hosting a “Shower Sherlock with Love” celebration on Wednesday, July 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the shelter’s Education Room. The public is welcome to come and spend a few minutes giving back all the love that Sherlock has paid forward. While Sherlock’s favorite activity is being petted, he always enjoys almost any type of dog treat. “We are happy to celebrate the work Sherlock has done. He’s amazing and a great example of the fabulous type of dog you can find in your local animal shelter,” said Justine Lentz, animal services superintendent. The public is welcome to drop by for however long they like to visit Sherlock during the event.
To learn more about volunteering or adopting a shelter animal, please visit the Fayetteville Animal Services webpage. Information about volunteer opportunities at the Fayetteville Public Library can be found here. Resources for parents such as the Sit, Stay, Read! program can be found on the library website.
The Lib Horn Animal Shelter of Fayetteville is located at 1640 South Armstrong Avenue.
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