Furry Valentines up for adoption

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SIDNEY — The Animal Planet television channel’s broadcast of its annual Puppy Bowl attracted millions of viewers, Sunday, who enjoyed the antics of rescue puppies cavorting on their playing “football” field.

Puppy Bowl organizers say that every year, they have 100 percent adoption of the 90 dogs that participate. This year, there was also a Dog Bowl, featuring older canines who were in search of forever homes.

At the local level, the Shelby County Animal Rescue Foundation and the Shelby County Animal Shelter would love to announce a 100 percent adoption rate for a promotion they started Feb. 1.

The My Furry Valentine Adoption Spectacular will run through the end of the month. Area residents can save a lot of money on adoption fees at the shelter if they take home a pet by Feb. 28.

“It’s a great way to find love during the month of love,” said Joe Laber, of Troy, a SCARF board member.

All dog adoptions will cost just $18 each. That’s a 59 percent savings over the usual $44 rate for puppies or dogs that have not been neutered, a whopping 82 percent savings on the ones that have been spayed or neutered.

The February fee for non-neutered cats is $7.50. For neutered or spayed cats, the Furry Valentine fee is $22. That’s a 50 percent savings in each case.

“It would be wonderful to empty the shelter out,” said dog warden Kelli Ward, a Shelby County Sheriff’s deputy. “It’s February. Find love with dogs or cats.”

The winter months are often slow in terms of pet adoptions, Laber noted. That’s why SCARF decided it was the perfect time to offer animal-lovers a special deal. All the pets leaving the shelter will have had two of their required innoculations, and all the dogs will be licensed.

Would-be pet owners must fill out application forms and have their applications approved before they can take dogs or cats home. The approval process takes from one to three days, Ward said.

“We need to make sure that pets are allowed on the property (of applicants) and that other animals on the property are up-to-date on vaccinations and licenses,” she said.

Applications are available at the shelter, 1100 Clem Road. People also can phone the shelter to request one, and shelter staff will email the form. Completed forms can be returned by email, fax, U.S. mail or they can be submitted at the shelter in person.

Ward said, Friday, that there were 10 cats and 21 dogs waiting to be furry Valentines for area residents.

“It’s nice to come home to an animal,” she said. “They give you unconditional love.”

Shelby County Animal Shelter volunteer Clara Brown, left, 11, of Troy, daughter of Dan and Patty Brown, walks a dog named Izzy. Izzy is up for adoption. Walking with them is SCARF voard member and volunteer Nicole Laber, of Troy.
http://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2018/02/web1_SDN020518DogWalk-1.jpgShelby County Animal Shelter volunteer Clara Brown, left, 11, of Troy, daughter of Dan and Patty Brown, walks a dog named Izzy. Izzy is up for adoption. Walking with them is SCARF voard member and volunteer Nicole Laber, of Troy. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
With SCARF support, shelter reduces fees

By Patricia Ann Speelman

[email protected]

Reach the writer at 937-538-4824.

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