By Cole Brundege 10/16/19
STARKVILLE, Miss. (Take 30 News) -- Saturday was a special day for the dogs and cats at the Oktibbeha County Humane Society. Like 6-year-old dog Duke, 7-month-old Phoebe, and 2-year-old dog Birdy. That’s because that day the Society took part in the nationwide "Empty the Shelters" event. The event was sponsored by the Bissell Pet Foundation and would-be pet owners could bring home a new friend for only 25 dollars. Society worker Erica Claycomb said that Bissell did even more than just lower the price.
“What happens is Bissell will reimburse us for our regular fees and that money is going to go back to help us get our animals spayed and neutered, get them up to date with vaccinations and get them all the care that they need when they come to the shelter,” Claycomb said.
At the start of the day the Humane Society had 75 animals ready for adoption, with the goal of the event to empty the entire shelter.
“And it’s not just about getting adopted here at the Humane Society, it’s also about making sure that dogs like this get a loving forever home. We want to make sure we find our animals the absolute best home possible, and some of these animals they come from a rough start to life, some of have been strays, some of been neglected, and it’s really important for us to find them the perfect forever home,” Claycomb said.
For some of the animals at the shelter, that dream became a reality. Many people came out to get a new pet, and Claycomb said that getting even half of the shelter adopted would be a success.