These sweet babies are estimated to be 7 weeks old. They came to the shelter with their mother who was in poor health. Each of the pups in this litter deserves a chance at a happy and healthy live with a love family.

Mimi Campbell, Townsquare Media
Mimi Campbell, Townsquare Media
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The feel good of adopting a puppy comes with important responsibilities that can last many years. Aside from that consideration there is also a downside to adopting one of these Christmas puppies from a shelter in a situation like this is the worry of illness and possible death. A puppy is a fragile being and when they start life out without proper care then end up dumped at the animal shelter where so many other dogs have passed through with a multitude of illnesses, it can be a tough situation for a new family. Being in the dog rescue business, I think it is worth the risk but you need to be prepared.

  • Establish a relationship with a veterinarian now so if something happens after hours, you know who to call. Take your puppy in for a check-up within 24 to 48 hours after adopting it.
  • Keep your new puppy separate from your other animals for 10 to 14 days in case it has picked up an illness that is contagious.
  • Limit the area that your new puppy uses in your yard, just in case it has worms or parvovirus which other pets can pick up from using the same ground.
  • Establish a routine for your puppy for a successful transition into your home. Feeding and potty breaks will be needed frequently for the first few weeks and possibly months. Be patient and consistent.
  • Research how to websites to stay ahead of any house training or basic care issues that may arise.
  • Find a good trainer to help you get over the hurdles that may pop up as your puppy grows up.

Costs For Adopting:

The shelter's adoption fees range from $20 to $201, depending on the gender and size of the animal or whether they have been spayed or neutered yet. You can take your pets to be microchipped at the animal shelter for only $20. That way, if your pet is ever lost, it can be returned to you quickly.

Information You Need To Know About The Animal Shelter:

Our animal shelter is a "kill shelter" which means dogs and cats are euthanized when lack of space becomes an issue. Some weeks there are more animals put down than other weeks. Most city ran shelters are open admission facilities like Texarkana's, which means they cannot turn cats and dogs away because there isn't any room. It is up to the community to help our local shelter and there are several ways to help.

How You Can Help The Shelter:

  • Please spay and neuter your pets.
  • Microchip your pets.
  • Volunteer to help educate citizens about the need to spay and neuter their animals.
  • Get the word out by sharing this post on your social media pages.
  • Go to the shelter and take your own photos and videos to share with friends.
  • Donate money to the shelter to help cover spay and neuter costs for people that want to adopt a pet but they cannot afford all of the upfront costs.
  • Donate materials and money to help replace outdated equipment.

The Animal Care and Adoption Center is located at 203 Harrison St., Texarkana, Ark., 71854 and is open Monday through Friday from 11AM and 5PM and Saturdays from 11AM to 2PM. Our shelter takes in animals from many surrounding communities. Please remember to check with the shelter if you have lost a pet or if you are interested in adopting a new pet.

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