Every year, many people purchase pets from a variety of places: registered breeders with kennels, pet stores or backyard breeders. Every year, hundreds of animals are euthanized in Beaufort County for a variety of reasons: there’s not enough demand from potential adopters or there’s not enough room to house the many animals turned in to the shelter.

Every summer, the population of cats and dogs grows because people either do not have the funds to spay or neuter their animals or they simply choose not to spay or neuter their pets. Choosing not to spay or neuter is not the responsible option. Even if a pet is kept indoors, or in a yard, it can escape and take off on a walkabout, in which another pet, or a stray animal, might just end up impregnated. The result could be a mother cat or dog and a litter of kittens or puppies landing in the shelter — a shelter that could run out of room when the next litter comes in, then the one after that.

This month, the Betsy Bailey Animal Control Facility is offering reduced rates for canine adoptions: puppies, juveniles and adults — every dog in the shelter. Many are there through no fault of their own. Some are strays, others are owner surrendered. Some have left their homes behind, and past owners haven’t questioned where they went. But they all desperately need homes.

Take advantage of this month’s offer of $55 for a canine adoption, where it would normally be $85. The adoption fee includes vaccines, microchipping, worming and being spay or neutered.

Right now, six adult dogs and five puppies are awaiting adoption at the animal shelter. It sure would make a dog’s day to get sprung and get a new home this October.