The Hot Springs Police Department helped the public get reacquainted with Hot Springs Animal Services on Saturday in a fun, and wet, way on a hot summer day.
Summerthon, a public event put on by Animal Services and Hot Springs police, featured opportunities to adopt animals from Animal Services' shelter at 219 Davidson Drive, have a pet microchipped, and enjoy outdoor festivities, including water-themed activities.
Hot Springs Police Chief Jason Stachey said he hoped that the event would give recognition to Animal Services.
"The whole motivation is to really make all the citizens aware, throughout Hot Springs and Garland County, that we have a very, very professional Animal Services division," he said. "It really wasn't until I became chief until I realized all the many, many duties associated with this department."
Dan Bugg, director of Hot Springs Animal Services, said his department operates under the authority of the police department and is responsible for duties such as enforcing city ordinances and conducting cruelty investigations.
Animal Services has always been under the authority of the police department, but the partnership has recently increased.
Bugg said that much of Hot Springs is unaware of Animal Services and what his department does. He said that the point of Saturday's event was to "re-familiarize" the public with one of its aspects.
"The shelter is just a small part of what they do, but it's what the public sees the most," he said.
By Saturday afternoon, Bugg said that four animals had been adopted and two had been microchipped, and donations had been given to his department.
Kelsey McBroome, a veterinary technician, had taken one of her dogs to get microchipped and found herself enjoying the event.
"It's a perfect thing for the community, a perfect way to get the kids involved with their pets, and hopefully, to get some of these sweet babies into their forever homes," she said.
In light of the event, Stachey encouraged Hot Springs residents to consider using Animal Services if they are looking to adopt a pet.
"They always get a lot of new animals on a daily basis, so I would encourage them to come out," he said.
Bugg also spoke directly to the Hot Springs community, and in a welcoming way.
"Come out and see us in the shelter," he said.
Local on 07/24/2017