Cobb County Animal Shelter Adopt a Thon

Are you looking to expand your family or finding a new best friend?  If you answered yes, I am delighted to tell you about the Cobb County Animal Control Adopt-A-Thon. This is the third year of this event.  Over 300 dogs and cats have been adopted to forever homes from this event.  It is going to take place at the shelter, located at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, in Marietta. It is going to be on Saturday, May 18, 2013.  The hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

If you are thinking of bringing a new cat or dog into your home, there are special adoption rates that day.  There will be vendors, food, police K-9 demonstrations, a fabulous DJ, and great raffle prizes.  Ed T. Payne, a local Marietta author, is going to be signing copies of his book The Daily Rounds of a Hound.  This is a children’s story about Molly’s adventures the wonderful shelter dog that Mr. Payne adopted from The Cobb County Animal Control.  Please note that he will be there from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  For more information please call 770-590-5614.

Anyone who knows me knows two things about me.  First I love animals and second music plays an important role in my life.  My best friend for over 17 years was my cat, Bogart.  He literally changed me and my life.  He died in November 2009, in my arms.  Although it was extremely difficult, I would not have traded him and our relationship for anything in the world.  There has not been one day since his death that I have not thought about him.

It has been proven time and time again that having a pet has positive effects on your health.  Having a dog, is the perfect excuse to go walking every day.  I recently heard of a young lady who was so depressed and truly wanted to end her life until she realized that she didn’t have anyone to take care of her cat for her, so she decided to get up the next day to take care of her cat and one day lead into another until she couldn’t even remember why she was so depressed.  That’s the power one cat can have on you. 

Please take note of the fact that the hardest animal to adopt out of a shelter is any adult black cat/dog. I share my home with three black cats, and I can assure you that they are just as sweet as any other cat.   

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through the comments.

Why not be a hero this Saturday and save a life. 

I had the honor of adopting Ms. Scarlett from our Animal Shelter and would like to share that story with you.  Please note that her name in the shelter was Shepherd that is why I refer to her by that name. 

On our way to the Animal Shelter my husband Rob and I could not hide our excitement.  “Today we are going to add a new family member to our household,” I blurted to Rob.  

We walked into the Shelter, knowing that we wanted to open our home and hearts to a cat that needed just that.

“Can I help you?” asked Laura, the lady that was working on that day.

“We are looking for a lap cat with a friendly disposition,” replied Rob.

She explained to us that she had just what we wanted and led us back to the cat room.  

“Where do we start?” we both thought. It was overwhelming because each cage held a beautiful, unique cat with their own personality.  

I came to one cage and it held the most precious black cat.   She had her head tilted to one side and the sweetest look on her face as though she was smiling at me. “Who do we have here?” I asked her as I opened the cage.  The minute I held her, I know she was the one.  It was an instant connection. The paper on her cage said that she was five years old and named Shepherd.  “Rob, please come here and hold Shepherd.”

She was happy and purring while we both took turns holding her.  Rob took a picture of us on his cell phone and look at my face.  You can tell I have the wonderful feeling you get when you finally meet the right pet. 

I noticed that Shepherd had been in the shelter for two months when we adopted her and Laura was kind enough to give us a lesson in adoptions.

I was saddened to learn that most people, who visit shelters, would prefer a kitten or puppy to an adult cat or dog because of their appeal.  Adult cats have the lowest rate of adoptions at countless shelters.  It’s a tragedy for the cats, of course, but it’s also unfortunate for people who don’t realize that an adult cat may be a better choice than a kitten.

You know what you’re getting with a grown cat/dog – activity level, sociability, and health.  Given time in a loving environment a grown cat/dog will form just as tight a bond with her new family as any kitten/puppy can.   Shelters are stressful places so she may need a few minutes to collect herself.  Once calm she will respond readily to your attention.

 If you adopt from a shelter, chances are that the animal has had a health exam and may also be spayed/neutered.  Nearly all shelters work with low cost spay/neuter clinics and veterinary offices to accommodate people that adopt from shelters.  

If a healthy, happy cat tugs at your heartstrings, sign the paperwork and take him home.  Happy endings are waiting to happen and are no further away than your local shelter.