Award-Winning County Shelter Dog Kicks Off $100,000 Challenge
Posted on: May 31st, 2013 | News and Announcements
A Mobile County Animal Shelter dog that has gone on to win multiple awards and medals from national associations will be the featured performing artist at the kickoff of the shelter?s summer adoption campaign to win $100,000. Cinnie, a 9 ½-year-old Australian Shepherd, will be performing during a press conference set for 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 31 in the Atrium of Government Plaza, 205 Government St. Mobile County commissioners and a parade of costumed animas from the Mobile County Animal Shelter will be on hand to introduce the $100,000 challenge sponsored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Rachel Ray. Named as one of only 50 shelters to compete, the MCAS will be striving to save as many animal lives as possible this June, July and August, through adoptions, rescues and owner returns. To qualify for a number of financial awards, the Mobile County Animal Shelter must adopt out at least 300 more animals this summer than last summer, or a total of 862 adoptions. The Challenge kickoff will start with an adoption event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the next day, June 1 at the Mobile County Animal Shelter, 7665 Howell?s Ferry Road, one block east of Schillinger Road. Cinnie and another award-winning shelter dog will be performing on-site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ?This gives everyone an idea of how great these animals are,? noted County Commission President Merceria Ludgood. ?They just need a chance to get into a loving home.? Other adoption day events for the day include animal CPR instruction, a rabies clinic and a microchip clinic. The shelter will host numerous other adoption events through the summer, including Manic Mondays, Wacky Wednesdays and Feline Fridays. Special events and discounts on adoptions will be offered. With an ambitious goal set, the shelter?s motto for the challenge is ?Filling Happy Homes?One Pet at a Time.? ?Shelter animals make the best pets,? noted Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl. ?These abandoned animals will repay their owners many times over with loyalty and companionship.? ?We hope people will consider a shelter animal first when they want a pet. It will save a life and bring joy to family,? said Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson. Contest winners can earn anywhere from $5000 to $100,000 in grant money from the ASPCA. The county will use winnings to buy a transportation adoption trailer that will allow the county to travel and hold adoption events throughout Mobile County. Other projects would include upgrading the kennels and developing and implementing a microchip program for the shelter. ###