By Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa
Variety News Staff

Several business establishments have donated items and are offering discounts on animal care items in celebration of National Pet Week.
Beautify CNMI! and Pet Assistance Welfare Services said Price Costco and Ace Hardware donated items for the dog show on May 12 at the CPA football field.
Price Costco donated food, dog treats and toys as well as cat care items.
Price Costco is also offering discounts on animal care items until the items run out during the observance of National Pet Week.
Ace Hardware donated a gift basket worth $50 and will offer discounts on its animal care items except dog food during National Pet Week.
Pacific Islands Club, for its part, donated two tickets to its water park for the winner of the PAWS education committee mascot competition.
This is the first time that the CNMI is celebrating National Pet Week which is observed throughout the United States annually.
It was first celebrated in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association to promote responsible pet ownership, public awareness of veterinary medicine and celebrate the human-animal bond.
The CNMI’s National Pet Week will be observed from May 6 to 12.
Beautify CNMI!, PAWS and the Department of Lands and Natural Resources have planned several events and activities “to help the community experience the benefits of responsible pet ownership.”
PAWS board member Katie Busenkell said their education committee will launch a program for schools on island which will run from May 7 to 11 to teach the children the proper ways of taking care of animals.
On May 8, from 8 to 11 a.m., DLNR Secretary Dr. Ignacio Dela Cruz, a veterinarian, will hold a special clinic at the department’s animal health center.
On May 12, from 4 to 6 p.m., a dog show will be held at the airport football field.
Busenkell said everyone is invited to participate and there is no entry fee. All pet owners who want to register their dogs must have their pets fitted with a collar and a leash.
Rain water will be provided for the dogs before the show.
Awards will go to “the fattest, the most uneven ears, the shortest legs, the most disobedient, the silliest pure breed and the booniest (best in show).”