Sponsors to cover fees for upcoming shelter event
Published 6:14 pm Friday, June 9, 2017
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Canines and felines galore will be available at no cost to the public from June 16–24 thanks to sponsorships from local residents. Pictured, Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter Shannon Posada and Cashmere welcome the down the shelter to adopt animals for their forever homes.
As the summer heat begins to hit the region, why not enjoy the weather with a brand new furry companion?
That’s the message the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter is providing with next week’s “Dog Days and Cool Cats of Summer” event officially kicking off June 16. The event is scheduled to last until June 24 and will allow the public to stop by the facility and adopt an animal free of charge thanks to sponsorship provided by citizens.
“We’re looking forward to our adoption event,” said Shannon Posada, shelter director. “We’re especially looking forward to our furry friends finding their forever homes. Our event has been sponsored by two wonderful sponsors. The shelter has a large variety of animals to choose from. We have many, many cats and several dogs that would make perfect additions to any family.”
During the spring and summer months, shelters across the country typically see a rise in their intake. The local animal shelter is no exceptional with multiple animals currently residing in the facility.
Dallas Knight, representing the Glenda Taylor DeLawder estate, and Mike Barnett, Friends of Elizabethton/Carter County representation and chairman of the shelter’s advisory board, both contributed $500 each to cover spay and neuter cost and adoption fees.
The shelter is governed by the county, which means the facility can solicit funds being individuals are able to willing provide donations groups like the Friends of the Shelter and DeLawder estate.
“The estate was more than willing to sponsor animals for the event,” Knight said. “There are so many animals at the shelter and isn’t good for them to be in cages for a long period of time. There are so many animals that need a family and this is something (Glenda) felt passionate about. We feel as if God put animals on the earth to heal people and provide happiness and we want to see animals at the shelter be happy in their new homes.”
Barnett thanked the DeLawder estate for the sponsorship and their continual support of the shelter.
“Mrs. DeLawder and her family have shown a real passion for the animals,” he said. “They’ve already provided a tremendous amount of donations to the shelter from the estate and have even donated out of their own pockets. It’s a testament to their dedication to the animals of the community.”
The chairman added he provided sponsored to make sure the animals were able to have a leg up on having a forever home.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to make sure these animals find homes,” he said. “There shelter is at its capacity and this is a perfect way to help these animals get a leg up to find their homes. All of us that have pets or had pets know the joy and pleasure they bring.”
Groups like the Friends of the Shelter and the Carter County Humane Society are looking to make an impact locally and Barnett added that anyone that wants to get involved can do so.
“There are certainly opportunities with either organization,” he said. “They can either contact me at Big John’s in town or come to an Advisory Board meeting. The meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Carter County Courthouse.”
Individuals also looking to provide sponsorships can do so by making donations out to the Friends of the Elizabethton/Carter County Shelter with the tag line stating for “spay and neuter”. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 1583 Elizabethton, TN, 37644.
Knight added that the estate will be periodically sponsoring adoptions and looking at ways to help at the shelter. Along with the sponsorships, Knight encouraged the public to get involved where they can and look at the possibility of making donations to help sponsor animals through either the Friends or the Humane Society.
For more information on shelter activities, or to donate before or after the event, visit the facility Monday through Saturday during regular business hours or call (423) 547-6359.
