Pets

Morgan County (W.Va.) Commissioner Brenda Hutchinson helped collect about $4,200 during a fundraising "bucket" drive over Memorial Day weekend for The Humane Society of Morgan County. About 12 volunteers participated in the drive Friday and Monday in downtown Berkeley Springs, W.Va. Cat litter containers were used as buckets for the collection, said Humane Society of Morgan County President George Farnham. It was the first time the organization had a bucket drive, and the donations will be used to support the county humane society, he said.

As we say goodbye to February and hello to March, let's remember to keep our furry friends warm and safe because I am sure Mother Nature has a few more days and nights of less than desirable weather planned for us. Food, water and shelter should always be available for our pets whether they are outside for short or extended periods of time. Bargain sale This is the weekend to find treasures and bargains. The Women's Club on South Prospect Street will hold its spring bargain sale Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday from nine to noon.  There will be household items, jewelry, gently worn shoes and clothing for sale at reduced prices.

Good morning and happy Fourth of July, a day early.  Please remember to keep plenty of fresh water available for your furry friends during these hot and humid “dog days” of summer. Also make sure to give them access to a shady, covered area out of the direct blaring heat when they are outside. This should go without saying, but please leave your pets at home while running errands. Even a few minutes in a closed car in this heat can be cruel, even deadly, to pets. Fireworks and baseball There is so much to get into on Wednesday for the Fourth of July.

Spay Today is a low-cost, nonprofit program for spaying and neutering cats and dogs. At the time of surgery, initial tests and shots can be obtained at lower rates. To find a participating vet near you go to www.baacs.org or 304-728-8330.

Mount Vernon Reformed United Church of Christ in Keedysville invites the community to its Dogs and Cats Welcome Christmas Eve service for family, friends, neighbors and their pets. The church doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the service begins at 5 p.m. The church is at 64 S. Main St. in Keedysville. Animals have a special place in the celebration of Christmas, and many Christmas plays and outdoor nativity scenes showcase animals, such as donkeys, camels, sheep, oxen and goats. Pets should be on a leash or in a pet carrier.

The American Pet Products Association is accepting poems for the fourth annual Pets Add Life Children's Poetry Contest through Jan. 31. Students in grades three to eight are invited to write a poem about their pets, what they love about them, the joys they bring and post them online at www.petsaddlife.org or mail their final poem and submission form to Pets Add Life, 661 Sierra Rose Drive, Reno, NV, 89511. Deadline for submissions is Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. One student from each grade level (six total)

Mount Vernon Reformed United Church of Christ in Keedysville invites the community to a Christmas Eve service for family, friends, neighbors and their pets. The service will be Saturday. The church doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the service begins at 5 p.m. The church staff asks that pets be on a leash or in a pet carrier, and under the owner's complete control. Each dog and cat will receive an animal goody bag and a holiday scarf to celebrate the season. Refreshments will be served following the service.

Area families are invited to see real dogs and cats when they go to a special showing of "Dogs and Cats: The Revenge of Kitty Galore" Saturday at Regal Cinemas Valley Mall Stadium 16. The Humane Society of Washington County will present adoptable dogs and cats at Regal Cinemas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 31. The humane society will also accept donations of pet-friendly items such as food, toys and blankets. Those who make a donation will receive a movie poster or face mask.

Corndog Sex: Female Age: 5 years old Color: Red Breed: Chow ID: A13232743 Quaso Sex: Male Age: 2 years old Color: Black-white with a little brown Breed: Border collie-chow mix ID: A13232871 These two sweeties came into the Humane Society of Washington County together when their owner could no longer care...

Name of business: Southpaws Owner: Maria Mestre Address: Hagerstown's North End Opening date: July 3, 2012 Products and services: Southpaws is a pet-sitting and dog-walking service for the Hagerstown, Greencastle, Pa., and Waynesboro, Pa., areas. I specialize in creating custom plans that serve as an extension of the owner's regular pet-care routine. I review feeding schedules, walking routes, exercise routines, medication doses and attention requirements with all of my clients.

Name: Gamba Age: 9 months Color: Gray Breed: Blue Silky rooster ID: A19451329   The Humane Society of Washing County currently has five roosters and they are all in need of great homes. Gamba thinks he is the most handsome of the four Blue Silky roosters that are currently housed at the humane society. The fifth rooster is a standard rooster. Gamba and many other animals are available for adoption at The Humane Society of Washington County, 13011 Maugansville Road, north of Hagers-town.

Lost - Black dog Where - The dog is missing from its home on Keadle Road in the Boonsboro area When - The dog has been missing since Friday Description - The male dog is mostly black, but has some white markings on its chest and feet. The shorthair dog weighs about 60 pounds. The dog is blind. It was wearing a bright orange collar with ID. It answers to the name Vic. Phone number - If you have seen this dog, call 301-733-5824.

Found - Black-striped cat Where - The cat was found on Dogwood Drive in the Greenberry Hills area. When - The cat was found Sunday. Description - The small, female cat is mostly black, but has some white under its neck and on its stomach, and has four white paws. The shorthair cat was not wearing a collar. It is described as very friendly. It appears to be a young cat. Phone number - If this is your cat, call 301-791-0190.

Two dogs found on Fairview Road Found - Two dogs Where - The dogs were found on Fairview Road (Md. 494) When - The dogs were found Wednesday, May 8. Description - A small female Yorkshire terrier and what appears to be a male beagle puppy were found. The puppy is mostly white and black, with some brown coloring. Neither dog was wearing a collar or identification. Phone number - If these might be your dogs, phone 301-582-2240. • If you lose or find a pet in the area, call The Herald-Mail's Pet Watch at 301-791-7647 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pet owners also are urged to call the Humane Society of Washington County at 301-733-2060.