As print circulation drops, Mesa County Animal Services leans on community donations to help potty train pups and keep shelters clean.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – In a digital age where most people get their news from a screen, the humble newspaper still holds vital value — not for readers, but for shelter dogs in Mesa County.

Mesa County Animal Services (MCAS) is asking residents to drop off their old papers, not for recycling, but to help give comfort and cleanliness to dozens of dogs waiting for forever homes.

From Headlines to Hygiene

Old newspapers are doing double duty at MCAS — lining kennels, soaking up accidents, and easing the training process for young and untrained dogs.

“It’s a bit old-school,” said Kevin Bozarth, Lead Animal Services Officer, “but it works. And with fewer people subscribing to physical newspapers, it’s getting harder to keep up.”

The shelter has long used newspapers for crate lining, a method that’s cheap, fast, and surprisingly effective. But with fewer print editions circulating, the supply is no longer steady.

A Growing Gap in Paper Supply

Shelters like MCAS use stacks of paper daily — hundreds of pages just to maintain a single day’s level of sanitation.

Bozarth says they’re now seeing the ripple effect of shrinking print subscriptions.

“Fifteen years ago, we’d have more paper than we could store,” he said. “Now? We’re rationing.”

The shift means the shelter must lean more heavily on community support.

Why Newspapers Matter for Shelter Dogs

The use of newspapers at the shelter goes beyond cleanliness. It affects:

• Training: Puppies and untrained dogs use the paper during potty training.

• Hygiene: Soiled paper is quickly removed and replaced to reduce odor and bacteria.

• Comfort: The crinkle and feel of newspaper give dogs a barrier between them and cold kennel flooring.

• Efficiency: Staff can change papers in seconds — much faster than washing rubber mats between uses.

It’s a system that works. But only if the paper keeps coming in.

“It’s More Than Just Paper”

To outsiders, a stack of old newsprint might not seem like much. But to MCAS staff and their canine residents, it’s a lifeline.

“We’re not just talking about saving money — though we do,” Bozarth explained. “It’s about keeping things clean, fast, and humane. Every paper someone drops off means one more clean crate, one more dog trained quicker.”

Shelters operate on tight margins. Newspaper donations reduce the need to buy commercial crate liners or mats, which are more expensive, harder to clean, and slower to replace during peak shelter hours.

Where to Donate

MCAS is accepting newspaper drop-offs at their Grand Junction facility:

971A Coffman Road
Donation Hours:

• Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Weekends: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

They’re requesting clean, dry, and neatly bundled newspapers — no magazines, junk mail, or glossy inserts.

A Community Tradition Worth Saving

Years ago, stacks of Sunday editions flooded into the shelter from homes across the valley. Today, the bins are quieter, and staff say they feel the shift.

Still, they remain hopeful.

Bozarth said many longtime supporters drop off papers regularly — retirees, teachers, families with old subscriptions.

“They get it,” he said. “They know it helps.”