Congressman Paul Cook's office joined Apple Valley Animal Services at the Town's Municipal Animal Shelter this week for an Animal Care and Control appreciation lunch.  Honored attendees included Animal Care and Control staff from the Town of Apple Valley, City of Victorville and County of San Bernardino. 

Dakota Higgins, Field Representative for Congressman Paul Cook shared with the group of gathered Animal Care and Control professionals, "It isn't often that we get to meet with and thank the men and women that work hard to protect animals in our communities. Thank you for all that you do for our animal residents."

Also in attendance was Christian Guntert, Victorville's Director of Community Services.  "This is a great way to round out the Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week.  The City of Victorville is appreciative of the recognition for our animal control staff."

Lunch was sponsored by Rescue from the Hart Animal Rescue and prepared by Old Town Dogs.  Thanks to the generous donations of local businesses including, Hooves & Paws, Del Taco, Round Table Pizza, and Carl's Jr., honored guests and visitors were entered into a drawing for several gratitude baskets. All Animal Care and Control staff in attendance were provided freshly roasted organic coffee by Tonyan Coffee Roasters, which is located directly across the street from the animal shelter.

The National Animal Care and Control Association is the catalyst of this annual effort to "celebrate and promote professionalism within the Animal Care and Control field on the national stage." [Source http://www.nacanet.org/?page=appreciationweek]

"We are honored to be recognized and appreciated for doing the work we love to do," Director of Animal Services Gina Whiteside said.  "This lunch gives us an opportunity to focus on the positive contributions animal care personnel make to keep animals and people safe."

For more information on the Apple Valley Municipal Animal Shelter, please visit www.AVAnimals.org or stop by the shelter at 22131 Powhatan Road, Apple Valley, CA.