Several events benefiting animals will be held this month in Columbia and Richmond counties.
In advance of Veterans Day, CSRA Happy Tails Rescue will hold its "Wags 'n' Flags" event Saturday during its weekly adoptions from 1 to 4 p.m. at Tractor Supply Co. on Bobby Jones Expressway.
The patriotic-themed event will include music, food for participants and discounted pet-adoption fees for all active-duty and retired military.
On Nov. 14, the Columbia County Humane Society will hold Neuter Scooter for a Nickel. Pet owners can get their male cats neutered for 5 cents at Dogwood Park Spay-Neuter Clinic, 6100 Columbia Road. Getting a male cat neutered at the clinic normally costs $35.
Fifty spots are available for the 5-cent neutering, said Donna Evans, the president of the Humane Society. If all slots are filled, pet owners can put their names on a waiting list in case of cancellations, she said.
Appointments are required, and all cats must have rabies shots.
"Every cat has to have their rabies shot, so if they don't have proof of (a) rabies (shot), they have to get a $5 rabies shot," Evans said.
Cats must be brought to the clinic in carriers, and each pet owner is limited to having two cats neutered.
Evans said she hopes to hold this event at least once each year and thinks the catchy name will help to make it a success.
"Everybody laughs when we tell them the name of it," she said.
For information or to schedule an appointment, call (706) 541-2911.
Also in November, area residents looking to adopt an animal will be given another opportunity during a two-day special pet-adoption event at Columbia County Animal Care and Control, 6337 Columbia Road in Appling.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 20 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 21. Light refreshments will be served.
Dogs and puppies can be adopted for $10, and cats and kittens will be available for $5.
The event is usually held quarterly, said Linda Fulmer, the manager of the county's animal shelter. Twelve animals were adopted at the event in April.
Visitors are required to wear closed-toe shoes when entering the kennel area.
"It's a good way, too, for the public to know where we are, because a lot of people don't even know where we're located or never been here," she said.
For information, call (706) 541-4077 or visit www. columbiacountyga.gov.
Also, the American Red Cross of Augusta will offer a Dog First Aid Class on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Red Cross office, at 1322 Ellis Street in Augusta. The class costs $35.
Each participant will receive a canine first aid manual, covering about 70 health and wellness topics, and instructions on treating injuries to their pets, minor and serious.
For information or to register, call (706) 724-8481.
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