letters from
O U R M AYO R S mayor
DAVID COOK
Mansfield Animal Care & Control was challenged this summer as shelters across the region were faced with unprecedented numbers of animals in our facilities, many of them the result of owner surrenders. But Mansfield has dedicated shelter staff, as well as great volunteers who do everything possible to find homes for the dogs and cats housed there. The shelter and parks & recreation partnered on the award-winning Barks & Rec program where volunteers train for a 5K by running with shelter dogs, many of whom are ultimately adopted by either the volunteers or at the 5K event. The shelter also this year began opening the second Saturday each month for adoptions. Then there’s the work of SMASH (Supporting
mayor
Mansfield Animal Shelter), a citizen organization promoting shelter adoptions. Their Facebook page is filled with wonderful animal portraits, donated by local photographer Glenda Beckwith, that present these sweet shelter pets in the best light possible to help them find a home. These partnerships are another great example of how the City and the Mansfield community join forces to address a need in the community. In this case, those in need are our four-legged friends.
RON JENSEN
As you fall into autumn, fall in love with a new pet from Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, now bigger and better. After completing a recent remodel and expansion, Prairie Paws is able to offer more puppies, kittens, dogs and cats…and the occasional exotic pet…seeking forever homes. Normal adoption fees are $70 per animal, which includes sterilization, microchip implantation, core vaccines, rabies vaccination and heartworm testing, if applicable. Photos and descriptions on the website, www.gptx.org/paws, are updated twice a day. Not sure you are ready to adopt? Enroll in our foster program. Foster homes provide affectionate temporary basic care for a pet until they can find a loving forever home. The shelter also offers vaccination clinics and spay/neuter clinics. So, next time you are
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MA NS FI ELD
JEFF WILLIAMS
Fall is a busy time in The American Dream City. Friday nights see families gathered under the lights cheering for their favorite high school team. There’s college ball on Saturday and pro ball on Sunday, bonfires, cookouts, and fall festivals galore. It’s a great time to gather with old friends and hopefully meet some new ones. One place lots of fall memories are being forged is the Doug Inman Miracle League Field in Randol Mill Park. There’s just nothing like playing baseball to put a smile on a kid’s face. But for too long kids with disabilities were relegated to the sidelines. Now thanks to the nonprofit Miracle League children and young adults can enjoy playing baseball, regardless of their abilities. Miracle League DFW draws hundreds of ball players from Arlington, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, and elsewhere.
GRA ND PRAI RI E in the market for a pet, come visit Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, 2222 W. Warrior Trail, first to find your favorite furry friend. Live Life Grand,
A RLINGTON Games are played on a custom-designed field with cushioned synthetic turf and adaptive equipment to help prevent injuries. Local high schoolers buddy up with players, helping them play, and local cheerleading squads take turns cheering. This is the league's 14th year on the Doug Inman Miracle League Field located at 1901 West Randol Mill Road. Whether you know a player or helper or not, I guarantee you’ll enjoy watching a few games. You’ve never seen more ready smiles—or bigger ones at that. The league’s fall season runs from mid-September through October with a spring season from mid-March through April. For more information on Miracle League DFW, including how to register or volunteer, visit MiracleLeagueDFW.com.