Looking for a furry, four-legged companion? The Leflore County Humane Society can help.
The shelter will hold an adoption drive from 1 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
“We are overflowing with puppies and cats,” said Debbie Clark, director of the Leflore County Humane Shelter.
The event will be held at the shelter, located at 601 Ione St., off Grenada Boulevard.
The shelter’s regular adoption fees will be reduced during the two-day event to $25 for a dog and $10 for a cat. Certain puppies, kittens, dogs and cats will be available to go to their forever homes. These animals will be either spayed or neutered and up to date on their shots, except rabies.
Clark said many of the dogs are what she calls “teenage dogs,” about 4 to 7 months old.
“People tend to overlook dogs in that age range, because they want puppies,” she said.
On Wednesday and Thursday, however, dogs and cats in various age groups will be available.
During the summertime, the shelter usually sees an influx of homeless cats and dogs.
“First, we had puppy season that started about mid-March to April, and last month we had kitten season,” said Clark. “Of course, in a few more months, puppy season will start again.”
The Leflore County Humane Society works with three different pet rescues that have been making pickups since February. Clark said that if the rescues take about 15 cats or dogs, the shelter will receive at least 25 to 30 more.
“We’ve gotten to the point where we are overcrowded,” she said.
The adoption requirements will still apply Wednesday and Thursday. Those include the adoption fee, a fenced yard (dogs cannot be chained outside) and a current vet history.
During the event, volunteers and Humane Society board members will help by walking the dogs and showing them to those interested in adoption. Several of the dogs will be in the play yard, where they can be viewed by those visiting. Many of the dogs are already leash trained, are very people friendly and get along well with other animals.
“I think some people would be surprised to see what types of dogs are at the shelter through no fault of their own,” Clark said.
The shelter features a few pure breeds and many mixed with popular, family-friendly breeds.
“A lot of people don’t realize that you can find dogs like that at a shelter,” Clark said. “Also, I have rescue dogs at home. To me they make the best pets, because they are so grateful that you chose them. And a lot of times, you don’t pick them; they pick you.”
Clark is encouraging anyone interested in adoption or just interested in viewing the animals at the shelter to stop by.
“I hope everybody would just come out, look around and visit. The animals here are all happy, healthy and loved,” she said. “I think that even if they’re not looking, they may just find one that will steal their heart.”
Also, for those who would like to make a donation to the Leflore County Humane Society, the shelter needs puppy food.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
