Chattapets: Puppy murals brighten McKamey

Monday, January 31, 2011

photo Colorful artwork adorns the walls of the Puppy Pavilion at McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Local artist Mike Holsomback has gone public with his love of animals.

Holsomback, a Chattanooga State Community College assistant professor, along with some of his students, painted murals of man's best friend on the walls of a room at McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center.

According to Tricia Sebes, McKamey spokeswoman, staff members approached Holsomback about sprucing up the Puppy Pavilion that houses the youngest dogs available for adoption. The drab room wasn't inviting, she said.

But thanks to Holsomback and his students, more than a dozen colorful murals of puppies now decorate the pavilion walls.

McKamey Animal Center also displays original artwork of local artists Dana Shavin and Sylvia McCollum, Sebes said.


NAIL CLIPPING The American Kennel Club Canine Partners Program offers the following tips to help make trimming the nails easier for both you and your dog.

* Use sharp trimmers that are appropriately sized for your dog. You can also use a nail grinder which shortens the nail similar to a file.

* Hold the paws gently and make sure to praise your dog. Try clipping one nail per day and keep the sessions short and fun.

* Look at the nail surface -- the black dot is the quick. Stop clipping or grinding when you see it.

* Trim the nails weekly, or at the very least monthly. The more frequently you trim your dog's nails, the more the quick will recede, making it less likely that you will clip it.

For more information about responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC Canine Partners website at www.moredogfun.com.

- American Kennel Club