Animal Welfare of Surry NC

Well, I think it's a great title.

And I am very happy something will be done to see that our companion pets, who are considered part of our family, will be able to enjoy the many strolls along main st. and participate in downtown events.

Mount Airy DBA is looking into installing Poop bag stations in town. Helping customers, tourists, early morning walkers access to bags to clean up their pets mess. 

Here is the Mount Airy News story:

 http://www.mtairynews.com/pages/full_story?page_label=news&id=2511615-Scoop+the+poop-+Making+the+city+more+pet-friendly-+one+poop+bag+at+a+time&article-Scoop%20the%20poop-%20Making%20the%20city%20more%20pet-friendly-%20one%20poop%20bag%20at%20a%20time%20=&widget=push&instance=special_coverage_bullets_right_column&open=

We have many pet-friendly stores in town who welcome our four legged companion. Of course, Froo Froo's Pet Boutique welcomes all dogs of all sizes. Miss Prissy, the store manager, will welcome you and your pet and show off their newest clothes line.

Most, if not all,  pet-friendly stores, owners expect that your pet be on a leash, updated on shots and have an id tag & shot tag on their collar.

Responsible owners will not bring in their dog into a store (or into a town where they are exposed to people & animals) if their is a possibility that they may become aggressive. If they destroy merchandise or property. If they dislike other animals. If they are sick.

And please no puppies.

Yes, they are so sweet. Precious. And tiny. Cradled in your arms like a newborn baby. But, if your darling is not up-to-date with their Parvo shots  not only is your dog in danger of getting it, but is also putting the risk out to other dogs as well.

If your pit bull/boxer mix doesn't like little dogs and must stay outside Froo Froo's have biscuit treats and water by the front door to snack on.

By the time you reach the other side of Main St. pet owners may get hungry and want to stop by for a bite to eat. There is only one place to go. Blue Bird Diner has an outdoor take-out window where you can order your meal and sit outside at one of the tables and have  lunch with your dog.  There is always Food kibble, milkbones and water available  at the tables. Blue Bird Diner owners Scottie & Evelyn are very big animal lovers and a huge supporter of Animal Welfare.

I like the idea of the Pet Stroller and Pet Carry-ons and there are stores who don't have a problem with pets under 10 lbs. that are not leashed, but held. Claudia of Surry Emporium, is also  Thelma Lou. Not the real Thelma Lou, but Thelma Lou Pet Grooming also on Main St.  Downstairs from Mayberry Consignments.  She runs both shops that are pet-friendly.

Always ask the shop owner if it is O.K to bring your pet into the store. Froo Froo's has pet strollers, carry-on purses and pet carrier slings to purchase and a few stores will allow that.  and only if he pet is well behaved.

Mommy & Me has opened up a new store in town. They were located in Mayberry Mall and now located in the old Stationary Store. The man working there is also a big supporter of animal rescue. And they will promote any flyers that may help out animals in our community. They mostly sell Purses and Accessories, but they do have doggie totes. Again, always ask if it is O.K to bring in your pet.

Robbie's is a camping/fishing/hunting outdoors store on the corner of Main & Independence. I have not personally been there with any of my dogs, but they do carry dog items. Leashes, collars, mostly geared to the larger working dog.

One street over behind McDonalds is Movie Gallery. As long as your pup is held or in a stroller, but ask just in case. I do highly recommend Beverly Hils Chihuahua & Dog Hotel . My dogs perk up at the tv when they hear the dogs bark.  We are compiling a list of great dog movie titles for you to watch with your pooch.

This year I am hoping Autumn Leaves will allow pets into the fair. I have heard many upset people who come here from out of town unaware dogs are not allowed. Many dogs are left in the car, or .tourist just leave  disappointed. We are suppose to be a pet-friendly town.

I understand for the safety of children or those with allergies that animals should not be in a high volume environment with lots of people. Someone can get hurt. Someone can get bitten. A little kid may be scared. A lady may start sneezing.

Where am I going with this? Hmmmm. People still smoke. In a large crowd. Where people are allergic to smoke. A kid inhales some and gets sick. Possibly second-hand smoke. Cancer. Thrown cigarrette butt hits someone in the arm. Butts stomped on the streets. Kids pick it up, put in their mouth.

I had smoked for 25 years. And it is peoples rights to smoke. In their homes. Cars. Outdoors. But I feel it is also the rights for an owner to take their pets Outside. To Public events. In town. On a beach/lake. At a Park. (I do see people light up at parks).  I also believe their are restrictions

I am ending this blog by saying that I have wriiten this as my opinion only and not a group opinion of AWS.  Poop Bag stations are great and needed. And once this gets around Pet owners will not hesitate coming to Mount Airy with their dog and give the shops of main st. their business.