Hot Springs Animal Services takes pride in serving not just dogs and cats, but a wide array of animals. To honor all the species that have been through the shelter, a mural was unveiled at the 2nd Annual Home for the Holidays event on December 13.
Amelia and Anna Belle Sweetin, eighth grade students at Lakeside High School, completed the Lion King inspired painting located on the wall just inside the dog viewing corridor. In the movie’s iconic scene, baby Simba is presented from atop a rock formation to the valley of animals. The Sweetins, with the help of 
Lakeside Art Teacher Kristie York, recreated this image with Animal Services staff overlooking examples of the species they have cared for – buffalo, horse, sheep, goat, pig, rabbit, lizard and snake.
This project was incorporated into the Sweetins’ art class with Mrs. York. The girls did a second project for the shelter as a part of their East Lab community engagement requirements. They provided three large cork boards and fashioned them with decorative paw prints and signage. The boards are titled “Forever Home,” and will feature photos of people with their newly-adopted pets.
“We have so many adoptions, so we thought it would a good idea to have pictures on display to show all the animals who find their ‘forever home’ from our shelter,” said Michelle Stone, Animal Services coordinator.
Stone said they plan once a month to have the photos they capture from each adoption printed and displayed.
