Scout organizes micro-chipping project for local pets

Newton —Angela Gargano, a Byram Girl Scout, has joined forces with several professional organizations to conduct a Low Cost Pet-Micro-chipping Clinic to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.7 at the Newton Veterinary Hospital, 116 Hampton House Road, off Route 206 North. The high school junior enlisted the help of the Newton Veterinary doctors, the Byram Animal Rescue Kindness Squad (BARKS) and the Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation, the makers of Home Again Pet Micro-chips, to make a reality of her dream to keep all pets in the surrounding counties safe. The Newton Veterinary doctors are donating their time in order to insert the chips. The nominal fee will include registration with the Home Again Recovery System. Micro-chipping is a safe and permanent pet identification and recovery system. The chip is the size of a grain of rice and is implanted between the shoulder blades. If the pet becomes lost, it can be identified with a hand-held scanner used in shelters and vet offices. The micro-chip immediately links your pet to the recovery system. Interested pet owners may view a short power-point presentation conducted by the senior Girl Scout, featuring a dog being chipped at the hospital. Donations of canned pet food are also being accepted to benefit the BARKS shelter. Due to a limited number of micro-chips, pre-registration is encouraged. Call 973-347-5699 for registration or further information.