[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ayward animals across the nation found assistance in finding a forever home during the Aug. 19 “Clear the Shelters” event sponsored by NBC.
NBC and Telemundo-owned stations teamed up to host the event which took place with more than 900 shelters across the United States in a dual effort to find lasting homes for animals while also raising awareness of animal abuse.
Over 70,000 animals have been adopted nationwide as a result of the event, a significant increase from the 50,000 that were adopted in 2016.
PAWS Shelter of Central Texas in Kyle, a non-profit organization, was one of the many shelters that participated in the event.
Sonni Standefor, a PAWS volunteer for three years, said 11 animals had been adopted at the shelter within the first hour of the event. A total of 30 animals found their forever homes during the 24-hour period, according to PAWS.
“There are definitely more adoptions during an event like this.” said Standefor.
Standefor added seven animals moved to PETCO, a sponsor of PAWS, were also adopted within the first hour.
According to PAWS staff, this year’s event was better organized than in 2016, helping to generate more awareness.
Potential pet owners were allowed and encouraged to interact with the animals, even taking them for walks outside of the shelter.
PAWS volunteers and staff stressed the importance of allowing the dogs to be able to interact outside of a kennel.
“When the dogs are in the kennel it’s bad energy,” said Standefor speaking on the stress and anxiety a dog may experience while being in a kennel. “Once you take them out they can completley change personalities.”
Other volunteers, like Brianna Hudson of Kyle, showed their support by selling lemonade to thirsty guests to raise money for “Strutt Your Mutt,” an upcoming event also meant to raise awareness for animal shelters.
“I love seeing the dogs and helping the other scared dogs,” Hudson said.
Brianna and her parents, Chris and Jessica Hudson, say they have been volunteering with PAWS for more than two and a half years by helping to walk dogs every weekend.
Additional information for those interested in volunteering or adopting an animal from PAWS Shelter in Central Texas is available at pawsshelter.org.
