By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
The Etowah County Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption Center is offering extended holiday hours, gift certificates and two events this December.
The Humane Society is offering extended hours on December 21 and 22 as part of the Home for the Holidays initiative. To help working families make it in before the holidays begin, the Humane Society will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on these two days. Home for the Holidays hopes to give local homeless animals a forever home for Christmas. To cut down on time, visitors are encouraged to fill out the adoption form available at www.hsprac.com beforehand.
“We do encourage giving the gift of life for the holidays, but we want to make sure the animals are compatible,” said Christi Brown, Humane Society Executive Director.
The Humane Society often has an influx of animals returned after the holidays. To combat the returns, the Humane Society has begun to offer gift certificates. These certificates can be for any amount and can go towards a $25 microchipping for a current pet or a $100 pet adoption fee. This allows those receiving pets to pick the right one for them. If recipients do not wish to use the certificate, they can donate the money to the Humane Society.
On Saturday, December 12 at 9 a.m., the Humane Society is hosting Mutts and Butts with the YMCA. Mutts and Butts invites people to bring their leashed pets for a walk through some of Gadsden’s scenic trails. This month Mutts and Butts is meeting at the bird sanctuary behind the Gadsden Mall. The event is held the second Saturday of every month. The point of the event is to get people moving while socializing their pets. Although it can be a workout, it doesn’t have to be.
“We have people of all fitness levels,” said Brown.
The Humane Society is also hosting the 5th annual Reindeer Run on December 11. The 5k run starts at 9 a.m. with registration beginning at 8 a.m. Registration is $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. There will also be a Woof Walk. Pets are welcome, and costumes are encouraged. The runs will be held on Broad Street in Gadsden. The starting point is Blackstone Pub and Eatery. After runners return to Blackstone Pub and Eatery, awards for race winners and best costume will be given. All money raised by the fundraiser will go to support the Humane Society.
After the holidays, the Humane Society will be closed for deep cleaning from January 3 to January 11.
