This year the “Home for the Holidays” program at the Stafford County Animal Shelter was a smashing success thanks to a wide-ranging community effort. “The fur was flying - right out of the door - as Christmas got closer. A number of stars had to line up perfectly in order to be this successful,” said Denise Spicer, Shelter Manager, for the Stafford Sheriff’s Office.
On December 15, 2016, Dr. Amanda Hurley of White Oak Animal Hospital (identified in the photo below) visited the Stafford shelter with her husband Dave and provided all animals with rabies vaccinations. This is a much needed service which facilitates the foster care for “four-legged” family members. When all the animals were vaccinated the big promotional push began.
Additionally, Megan Hubbard (identified in the photo below) professional photographer/owner of Sunflower Studios Photography (www.SunflowerStudioPhotography.com) was ready to again help the animals put their “best paw forward.” Megan uses her professional photography and design skills to produce much of the shelter’s social media messaging. The beautiful pictures she creates generate a great deal of interest and frequently lead to a shelter visit and adoption.
“The entire shelter staff worked fervently to ensure the success of the program. The campaign was wildly successful and all animals were either permanently adopted or given ‘holiday shelter’ via a foster home,” added Spicer.
The Shelter was nearly empty twice before it closed for the holidays at the end of the day on December 22. As of 12/28/2016 the adoption activity for December was robust.
DOGS:
80 Received
30 Dogs Redeemed (claimed by their owners)
36 Adopted
4 Dogs Transferred Out
11 Dogs Transferred In
CATS:
43 Received
1 Redeemed
35 Adopted
9 Transferred
(Transfers = sending/receiving dogs to other shelters to get them adopted more quickly.)
Thanks to the many families who adopted, fostered or helped spread the word about the shelter’s “Home for the Holidays” program. Because of you, these furry friends did not spend Christmas in a cage.
