In January, the Betsy Bailey Nelson Animal Control Facility made great progress in finding homes for the many animals that have a temporary home there. Because of the number of people who walked into the shelter prepared to adopt a new pet, more than 90 animals were saved from euthanasia.
Shelter officials credit a few sources for the jump in adoptions, one of which was the Daily News’ Pets of the Week feature, in which select animals’ pictures and brief biographies are highlighted. They say it has worked wonders, spurring interest and adoptions, even if the pet pictured that week had already been adopted.
The difference is in the pictures — no description can capture the personality of potential pet like an image, and the Daily News is glad to offer a select few an opportunity for the spotlight. However, a group of dedicated volunteers are taking the marketing of adoptable shelter animals to a new level: social media.
This week, those volunteers launched the Facebook page ENC Shelter Dogs. On the page, you may see pictures of recent arrivals: a litter of black labs thought to be purebred; another litter is tri-colored, thought to be Australian shepherds; yet another, yellow labs. There are pictures galore — and plenty of opportunity to fall in love with a puppy to call your own.
We appreciate those who are making the effort to save those lives, clearing the shelter of animals who are there through, more likely than not, no fault of their own. And a reminder: though “Fix ‘em February” is now over, that’s no excuse not to do the responsible thing. Spaying or neutering your animals means fewer litters of unwanted puppies and kittens end up in the shelter.
Those interested in adopting a pet should inquire at the Betsy Bailey Nelson Animal Control Facility, 3931 U.S. Highway 264 East, from 1 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturdays. All adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis. To see more animals available for adoption, visit www.petango.com/beaufortcountyNC or call 252-946-4517 for more information.