WOOF! Pet Adoption Fair speaks animal lovers' language
By: Andy Marquis Staff Reporter Published: 08/21/2004, 07:17:06
• Jill Dolon is the President of the Unconditional Love Foundation, which is putting on the Pet Adoption Fair. (NLI/Kevin Carnes)
MUNCIE, Ind. (NLI) - Cute animals in need of some love and a warm home are the big draw at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on Saturday afternoon when the Pet Adoption Fair opens its doors from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Unconditional Love Foundation will be holding the fair in an effort to find quality homes for pets from the Muncie Animal Shelter and other animal welfare groups from around the region.
Jill Dolon is the President of Unconditional Love and said the fair is being held in honor of National Homeless Animals Day.
"Our goal is to find some wonderful homes for the animals, educate people especially about spaying and neutering, and to show that rescue organizations can work together," Dolon said.
Dolon said more than 20 shelter and rescue organizations will come to the Memorial Building at the Fairgrounds with cats and dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
Some organizations will allow visitors to take home animals that day. But Dolon and fellow worker Rachel Hawke said it is important to find out what kinds of homes the animals will go to before they become part of a family.
"I think some of the shelters will let their animals go at the time of adoption; but some of the more in-depth rescues do home visits, applications, reference checks, as we do," Hawke said.
The education and adoption work of shelter and rescue organizations is important, according to Dolon, because millions of animals are killed each year due to overpopulation. They are working for the day when every pet is wanted and has a loving home.
Dolon decided to hold the adoption fair because of people's interest in animals and how many truly need a home.
"I wanted to do something more fitting for Indiana and still educate the public on spaying and neutering, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of breed rescues," Dolon said.
During the fair, there will be two raffles with prizes like T-shirts, books, and dog beds. The proceeds of the event will help fund the Prevent a Litter program and also the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program.
For more information on the event, those interested should call Dolon at 877-332-7377.
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