Every Sunday, tucked inside the Washington Daily News, are images of someone’s potential new best friend. They vary from week to week — some are black, some are white, old, young, big, small; they come in all varieties. But the one thing they all have in common despite their differences is, for them, time is running out.

They are the Pets of the Week. Every week, dedicated animal lovers volunteer to take pictures and get to know these animals in hopes that in the space of seven days, those animals will find a new home before it’s too late. Every picture published that inspires someone to visit the Betsey Bailey Nelson Animal Control Facility (also known as “the shelter”) and to take home a new canine or feline companion is considered a success.

When many people consider becoming a pet owner, often the default is to gravitate toward the purebreds — animals that, when purchased, come with “papers.” But anyone who’s ever rescued an animal from a shelter will probably tell you that what you get in lieu of that piece of paper is unwavering loyalty.

To be a pet owner means constant companionship and an unconditional human-animal bond. That comes with any animal, whether it arrives with papers or not.

The county animal shelter is crowded with strays and owner-surrendered animals and each one has a story as to why and how they ended up there, likely through no fault of their own. If you’re in the market for a new pet, consider those in the shelter first. They deserve a second chance.

The shelter is located at 3931 U.S. Highway 264 East, Washington; hours are Mondays through Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.