Central Arkansas residents who are looking to add a furry friend to their family will want to reserve Saturday and Sunday on their calendars. During the upcoming weekend, Petsense stores in Batesville and Searcy will participate in the National Pet Adoption Weekend with an adopt-a-thon.
Petsense, which does not sell animals in their stores, sponsors the event annually to promote adoption of shelter animals to “forever homes,” said Carla Holt, manager of the Batesville store, which is in the Eagle Mountain Shopping Center. Holt knows firsthand how adopting an animal that has been abandoned can change a person’s life for the better. Her Jack Russell terrier, Milo, was brought to her after being thrown from a car.
“He is absolutely the best dog ever,” Holt said. She recalled that it took a while before Milo was able to trust her, but he has become the love of her life. “There are so many animals out there that need a home,” she said.
Events such as the upcoming adopt-a-thon not only help match animals with families but also serve to bring awareness to the important work that the humane society and other animal-rescue groups do to help abandoned and abused animals find loving homes.
The Humane Society of Independence County will bring 10 to 15 animals to the adopt-a-thon, said Alyssa Traw, manager of the Batesville facility. She noted that last year, the humane society in Independence County found adoptive homes for 560 of the 840 animals that were brought to the shelter.
Adoption hours at the shelter are noon to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Animals available for adoption from the Independence County Humane Shelter are up to date on their shots and have been spayed or neutered, Traw said.
The Petsense store at 3450 E. Race Ave. in Searcy will also participate in the nationwide adopt-a-thon. Shelters that participate in the Searcy event will receive a $100 donation from Petsense, said Fern Sutherland, a store associate at the Searcy Petsense.
“We hope a lot of people will come out and enjoy the day,” Sutherland said. “We will have prizes and games and will hopefully find homes for some animals because all animals deserve a caring home.”
Adoptive families will receive “goodie bags” with food and toys from Petsense vendors, and a veterinarian will be in attendance at the event on both Saturday and Sunday, Sutherland said.
According to Petsense’s website, the 2013 adopt-a-thon found homes for more than 900 animals during National Adoption Weekend.