Grateful For All Our Furbabies

By Sharon Wolford

HAPPY TAILS OCTOBER IS NATIONAL ADOPT A SHELTER DOG MONTH

There is no way to know the exact number of dogs that find temporary refuge in community animal shelters each year. However, shelters are the last hope for an estimated 3.3 – 4.5 million misunderstood, abused, unwanted, or neglected dogs in need of a new beginning. As we celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, we hope that you will consider collaborating with local resources to protect, rescue, and support homeless dogs. Shelters make it a priority to carefully match each dog with a compatible owner.

Where will you start your search for your new “furbaby”? The Lexington County Animal Shelter is a great resource for anyone interested in helping stray animals through volunteer ing, donating supplies, or adopting a new friend. Potential new owners should have the appropriate home environment, supplies, and equipment to support the dog’s best second chance at a loving forever home. There is an adoption fee of $40.00, which includes the following procedures:

Heartworm testing, if old enough, and heartworm prevention

Deworming

Routine rabies vaccinations

Routine flea prevention

Microchipping

Some animals are rendered for adoption because of changes in living or financial situations, not because of poor behavior. Stray animals found or reported are carefully secured and receive any necessary initial medical attention. They also receive the proper training, socialization, grooming, and therapy to trust humans again and become eligible for adoption. At that point the animal is no longer considered an “animal”, but a forever PET.

Please consider adoption. Your pet will thank you for his second chance at a loving home with his boundless love and loyal companionship.