Adoption on the Lawn helps animals find loving homes
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| Messenger photo by Tara Figurski |
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Volunteer Lydia Mack sits with her canine companion, Abby, at Mars Petcare’s 5th annual Adoption on the Lawn on Sept. 9. Fifteen pet shelters and rescues were in attendance to find new homes for dozens of animals in need. |
Mars Petcare held its annual Adoption on the Lawn on Sept. 9, where more than 80 dogs and cats found new homes.
According to Gregory Creasey, senior corporate specialist, nearly 1,300 people attended the event and the first adoption happened within five minutes.
Melissa Muth, flexible operations manager, said Mars Petcare began hosting the event five years ago.
“There were so many dogs and cats in shelters,” Muth said. “We have a great front lawn.”
Fifteen pet shelters and rescue organizations participated in the event, including the Humane Society, Ohio Pug Rescue, Ohio Rottweiler Rescue, Pets Without Parents and Cozy Cat Cottage.
Mars Petcare covered $50 in adoption costs and donated a large bag of pet food to anyone who adopted a dog or cat.
“I love doing this,” Muth said. “The whole thing is about getting dogs and cats adopted.”
According to Bill Ballis, a volunteer for the Humane Society of Madison County, animals are abandoned for numerous reasons.
Ballis received a call about a beagle who was surrendered due to fleas. Another beagle was dropped off after his owners divorced.
Ballis has a 5-acre farm and fosters 14 beagles. He owned a beagle through college and fell in love with the breed.
“They are only in their cages to feed them,” Ballis said.
Fostering dogs allows him to learn each animal’s personality. When someone is looking for a beagle that does not dig, he knows which animal to recommend.