PENDER COUNTY — A shelter attendant at Pender County Animal Shelter (PCAS), Danielle Miller has spent nine years caring for unwanted animals.
“This is my passion,” Miller said as she played with Muppet, an enthusiastic hound mix. “These dogs deserve a second chance, because they didn’t ask for this. None of these animals asked for this.”
A special favorite of Miller, Muppet is a mixed breed dog who has been with PCAS since December. With boundless enthusiasm and an affectionate personality, Muppet has yet to attract the attention of any prospective adopter.
“He gets along well with other dogs,” said Miller. “He has a lot of energy. He would be great for someone who has another dog or does a lot of activities.”
Although he is heartworm positive, Muppet has begun his treatment. As PCAS shelter manager Jewell Horton explained, prospective owners will have options as to how they complete Muppet’s treatment.
“Heartworm is spread by mosquitos,” Horton explained. “Being bitten by just one infected mosquito can cause infection. The monthly prevention, which is also the long term treatment, is $10 to $15 a month. The conventional treatment is $800 to $1200, because you’re killing the infection rapidly. The disadvantage of conventional is cost and the activity restriction for 60 to 120 days.”
Thanks to Muppet’s sponsor, he is available to be adopted at no cost to his new family.
“He got neutered, he’ll have his microchip, his first set of shots, a 30-day flea treatment,” Miller said. “When someone does adopt, it opens up another kennel and that helps another dog.”
Prospective adopters who are interested in meeting Muppet may meet him in person at the PCAS facility. The shelter is located at 3280 New Savannah Road in Pender County, and can be reached at 910-259-1484.
Samira Davis is a contributing writer for Port City Daily, focusing on animal issues.
