Mesquite shelter dogs enjoy stuffed animal donation ahead of next week’s reopening

The weekend started early for the dogs and cats at the Mesquite Animal Shelter.

PetSmart came by and dropped off several bags of stuffed animals Thursday, with one lucky dog getting an early crack at a teddy bear and having the time of his life shortly after the delivery.

Mesquite Animal Services is preparing to reopen the shelter June 1, at a limited capacity and complying with best practices such as requiring masks and practicing social distancing.

They also will have special appointment hours open only to elderly residents and those who may have health complications can come in without members of the general public present.

The shelter completely closed briefly when stay-at-home orders went into place in March, but kept potential adopters in the loop by providing video clips of animals they were interested in bringing home.

Shortly after, the shelter began allowing people to come in after making appointments, with the easing of regulations allowing for next week’s broader reopening.