Following the passing of Margaret “Peggy” Duff, the of the Arts Center of North Arkansas (ACNA) decided they wanted to do something to honor her memory.
It didn’t take long to determine banding together and taking up a collection to support the local animal shelter would be the perfect way to remember and honor her.
“She loved animals and all of the members thought this would be a great way to remember her,” community leader John Norberg said.
A certificate which reads, “Peggy was not just a member of the Arts Center; she was so much more. She revitalized and maintained our website. Peggy was a prolific artist and had a love for animals,” the certificate which will be displayed at the shelter reads.
A collective donation of $275 was presented to the Cherokee Village Animal Shelter.
At a time when volunteers are hard to come by and finances are tight, the thoughtful gift was a welcomed boost for the shelter.
ACNA, located in Town Center in Cherokee Village is and has always been a place which encourages members to explore and expand their gifts and talents in many ways, offering a variety of classes for most any art form and for any level of interest. Whether you’re just beginning, or are a pro, ACNA is a place most any artist could call home.
It was noted the members hope others will consider showing support to the Cherokee Village Animal Shelter (CVAC) which is a city-run facility that handles animals within the city limits of Cherokee Village.
“We strive to provide caring, competent, and professional assistance to the animals and community.
Our facility relies heavily on volunteers and community service workers for staffing. We make every effort to find homes for the animals,” Norberg said. “If your pet goes missing- call us immediately. Animals are held for re-claim for only five days, and then they are placed for adoption. CVAC holds frequent adoption events.”
Currently, the shelter is in desperate need of volunteers and a few tangible items.
Volunteers are needed to help bathe, dip and groom dogs; feed and water animals, help socialize pets to help transition them to their forever homes; help transport animals to the vet or to new homes and help with events.
Another need listed is foster homes willing to house dogs and cats when the need arises.
“They’re looking for one or two people who would be willing to assist in cleaning the cat facility and make a long-term commitment of two and a half hours a couple days a week,” Norberg said.
A list of tangible items needed by the shelter include: Collars & leashes, food, towels, blankets, small rugs, crates, cages, pens and carriers of all sizes, bowls for food and water, storage bins for food and other supplies, paper towels, toilet tissue, kitchen size trash bags, cat toys and kitty litter, cleaning products, flea and tick prevention products, five gallon buckets, 2 liter plastic bottles, kiddy pools and monetary donations.
Animal Care Officer Paula Musick said items may be dropped off during business hours at the shelter or may be placed in the “Doghouse” which sits in front of City Hall.
“All proceeds go to help the animals and our community,” Musick said.
The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. or by appointment during weekends.
“If you are in a position where you cannot keep your pet and you live in Cherokee Village, for a fee you can surrender your pet to the Animal Control Center. You must call and make an appointment first,” Musick said. “We do, however, encourage you to find a new owner by placing ads in the local paper, on bulletin boards found at feed stores and shopping centers, etc., as the Animal Control Center is limited on space. If you decide to surrender your pet, a $50 fee is required at time of drop off.”
For the safety of animals and vehicles passing by, the shelter requests that no pets be dropped at the shelter without an appointment or when the shelter is closed.
Other information which may be helpful to pets and their owners is to follow ordinances which require animals have a collar with a rabies tag. It’s also recommended to write contact information on the collar of the animal to help shelter workers and volunteers reunite a lost pet with their family.
Permits may be obtained by visiting Cherokee Village City Hall.
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
