Valentines Day represents love and you can show the love to animals in need of a home at the Putnam County Animal Shelter.
The annual “Furever” event continues until next Saturday. Shelter Director Jennifer Tracy said the team holds adoption events as often as possible. Tracy said the most rewarding part of the event is the connection between the dog and the person.
“This is why we all come to work every day and do this, is we want to see the happy endings, that’s what keeps everyone going,” Tracy said, “And when we have that, you know the excitement and lots of people coming through the door and there’s more going out the front door than coming in the back door. It’s good for our morale, it just makes everybody feel better.”
Tracy said all dogs adopted through the shelter are spayed, neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Tracy said the event has been successful in the past. She said she hopes this week brings the same results.
“We’ve traditionally held one about, around Valentine’s Day kinda capitalizing on the Puppy Love Love Love theme,” Tracy said. “ That was the motivation behind it, just tradition, and we’re always looking to get these critters into homes and who gonna love you better than a dog so why not one for Valentine’s Day.”
Tracy said adopting a dog is absolutely a big commitment. She said evaluating finances, lifestyle, and available time is essential before making a decision. Tracy said she wants to see that long-term commitment, but that will not happen without proper research beforehand.
“What would be a good fit for the adopter’s lifestyle, and trying to direct them towards the dog that may not be the dog that caught their eye on the website or the Facebook page,” Tracy said. “But ultimately would be a better fit for what their wanting in that relationship.”
Tracy said that while the event is happening this week, the shelter will remain open six days a week from 12pm to 5pm, except on Tuesdays and Thursdays when hours extend to 6pm.
“It gets very busy in the afternoon hours when people are getting out of school and off work,” Tracy said. “That’s when we get the surge of people during these events so if you can make it in a little bit earlier, it’s a little less hectic.”
Tracy said adopting a pet from a shelter or a rescue group ensures the dog’s best interest remains the priority. Tracy said there is no reason to pay an absurd amount of money for a dog unless the plan involves entering competitions.
