Plans Underway to Get Gidget Home! | Washington County, OR

New hours starting week of April 21!

Starting the week of April 21, the Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter will be open to the public Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for walk-in services. Phone service will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on those same days.

With our current staffing levels, we can only provide service to the public five days a week. We decided to close on Saturdays after determining that we receive noticeably fewer calls and visits on Saturdays than on weekdays. As always, we will continue providing care to pets at the shelter seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Remember, you can visit our website at any time to report a lost or found animal, view stray pets at the shelter, license your dog online, and more.

Media release

Health and Human Services

Animal Services

Posted September 18, 2014

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 18, 2014

Sponsored by: Health and Human Services Department, Animal Services Division

Gidget will be going home soon!

PetLink, the company that manufactured Gidget's microchip, has offered to fly her home. "The company is working out the details today, but it will definitely be happening," says Deborah Wood, manager of Animal Services for Washington County.

Gidget arrived at the Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter in Hillsboro, Oregon, as a stray dog. Her microchip led back to her owner in the Philadelphia area.

While PetLink is making the travel arrangements, the Bonnie Hays shelter will be obtaining a health certificate for Gidget and getting her ready for the flight home. "We have no idea how she came from Pennsylvania to Oregon, but we are thrilled that she will be going home safe and sound," says Wood.

The shelter has had expenses in caring for Gidget. "A wonderful man came to the shelter yesterday, and paid for all of our expenses caring for the dog," says Wood.

Meanwhile, there have been dozens of people who have offered to help Gidget get home. "It is so touching how kind and generous people have been. We will be calling or emailing each of them, letting them know that the microchip company has stepped forward," says Wood.

She says the owner of the dog, who would like to remain private, has asked the shelter to let everyone know how grateful she is for the help and support of so many people.

This is a reminder of the importance of microchipping your pet. "If this dog hadn't been microchipped, we would never have been able to locate an owner 2800 miles from our shelter," says Wood.

While Gidget's story has gained a lot of attention, the Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter cares for nearly 4000 stray dogs and cats every year. Many require medical attention. If people would like to donate to the shelter, go to www.WashingtonCountyPets.com and click on "donations."

Media Contact:

Deborah Wood, Animal Services Manager
503-846-7148
deborah_wood@washingtoncountyor.gov