It's CNMI PET WEEK!

This year, Beautify CNMI! and PAWS are proud to celebrate National Pet Week. In 2007, the week will be observed from May 6-12. In observance of this week, Beautify CNMI! and PAWS have numerous events.

General Events:

Monday, May 7, 2007 at 9:30 a.m., Katie Busenkell and Angelo Villagomez will appear on the Harry Blalock Show on Monday, May 7, 2007 at 7:00 a.m. The topic of conversation will be the newly introduced Animal Protection Act of 2007, why responsible pet ownership is so important, pet care tips, and the events planned for National Pet Week. KZMI will also broadcast pet care tips throughout the week.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 9:30 a.m., Mayor Tudela will sign a proclamation declaring May 6-12, 2007 as CNMI Pet Week. The signing will take place at the Mayor’s Conference Room. All those who are interested are invited to attend.

Sunday, May 6 through Saturday, May 12, Costco and Ace Hardware will offer a discount on various animal care products while supplies last.

Education about the Benefits of Responsible Pet Ownership:

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 – Friday, May 11, 2007, the PAWS Education Committee launch the PAWS education program in the following classrooms: Ms. Ellen’s First Grade class at Kagman Elementary on Tuesday, May 8th at 10:00 a.m.; San Antonio Elementary School’s Second Grade class on Wednesday, May 9th at noon; Ms. Thorpe’s Third Grade class on Thursday, May 10th at 12:00; and Mr. Steinberg’s Fourth Grade class on Friday, May 11th at 11:00 a.m.

Presentations will be given by various volunteers, like Beautify CNMI!’s Angelo Villagomez, and will educate children about the benefits of responsible pet ownership. Presentations include reading to children, showing videos, and engaging the children in activities.

Veterinary Clinics:

Tuesday, May 8, 2007, DLNR Clinic from 8:00 a.m – 9:15 a.m. and from 11:00 a.m until finished, Dr. dela Cruz will hold a special clinic in observance of National Pet Week at the DLNR Animal Health Center. The time of the clinic has been changed so that Dr. dela Cruz can attend the signing of a proclamation declaring May 6-12 CNMI Pet Week.

Services that are available include: parvo vaccination for $5.00, a combo vaccination for $10.00, treatment for skin diseases, and Revolution prescriptions for $5.00. Revolution is a topical parasiticide that is applied to the skin of dogs six weeks of age or older, and is used to: prevent heartworm; kill fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and ear mite infestation, AND kills roundworms and hookworms. Revolution is also used to treat and control sarcopic mange.


“The Best of the Worst” Dog Show:

Saturday, May 12, 2007, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Airport Football Field, Beautify CNMI! and PAWS proudly present The Best of the Worst Show – Saipan’s first pet show! The pet show is a fun event intended to help us laugh at ourselves and the animals that we love.

The show will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the airport football field.

Prizes will be awarded to dogs that get the highest marks in the following categories: Fattest, Shortest Legs, Most Uneven Ears, The Booniest, The Most Disobedient, Silliest Pure Breed, and The Best of Show.

Prizes include, but are not limited to: gift certificates to the DLNR Animal Clinic for free vaccinations and de-worming, Frontline, large bags of dog food, tick and flea shampoo and sprays, vitamins, and collars and leashes.

Everyone is invited to participate. There is no entry fee. All those wishing to enter their dog(s) in the show must have their dog fitted with a collar and leash. If your dog has mange or other parasites, PAWS and Beautify CNMI recommend skipping the pet show. Instead, please take your dog in for treatment.

Those who wish to attend the show should bring a beach blanket, drinks, and a water bowl for their dog(s). Water will be provided for the dogs, but bowls must be provided by the owners. Various drinks will be on sale at the show, and all proceeds will be donated to MINA.

PAWS Education Committee Mascot Competition:

Also at the Dog Show, PAWS and PAWS Junior Members will announce the winner of the PAWS Education Committee Mascot Competition. All elementary school children were invited to participate in a drawing competition for the first PAWS Education Committee Mascot. The winner of the competition will be awarded with TWO tickets to PIC’s water park. Entry forms must be submitted to PIC by Thursday, May 10th at 4:00 p.m.

After the dog show, there will be a Beautify CNMI! clean-up of the bomb shelters.

Sponsors this week’s events include Beautify CNMI!, PAWS, DLNR, PIC, Costco, Ace Hardware, Elite Printing, MARPAC, Mayor Tudela, DEQ, and various members of the community who have donated their time and resources.

For more information on how you can be a responsible pet owner or participate in events planned for CNMI Pet Week, contact Katie Busenkell at busenkell@gmail.com or visit the PAWS blog site at paws-saipan.blogsite.com.