Why Reduced Fee Adoptions

   Back in June of last year, three of our board members, and three volunteers travelled to Kanab, Utah, to visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Best Friends is world renowned, perhaps you've seen the "Dog Town" series on National Geographic.

   I first saw this series in 2009. I was so impressed with what they were doing, and with the scenery, that I planned my next vacation around a visit to this small western town. It was well worth it! I spent two days volunteering at the Sanctuary and two days, before and after, visiting Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon.

   Since then, I have made four more trips to Best Friends, including the one in June of last year. One trip was with Terri Esther, where we attended a week long workshop on "How to Start Your Own Sanctuary." The other two visits were to attend the first two parts of a three-part dog training program. I go back this Fall to attend the third part. Can't wait!

   Terri and I learned so much at the workshop, and Best Friends has been phenomenal in steering us in all the right directions with our own Sanctuary. One of the things they recommend is having reduced fee adoption events for select pets. Many have asked us, "Why reduced fees?"

   I can say right off, offering reduced fees on select pets is not our way of trying to unload a less desirable pet! In most cases, it is the opposite! Like our upcoming special reduced fees for Valentine's Day. We are promoting our beloved Beagles in this promotion. And when I say beloved, I mean, they are our dearest pups! Ike and Annie are a senior, bonded pair, and they have been with us since we first opened the doors of the Sanctuary. Spend two minutes, or less, with these two, and you can't help but smile! Their love for each other is contagious, and they are the sweetest, gentlest, most adorable couple you can imagine.

   So why reduced fees? Studies show that the long term care and love of adopted pets is not affected by the amount of the adoption fee. Reduced fees draw attention to a pet, who might otherwise be overlooked, because of its age, breed, special needs, or even because of its color (black dogs and cats are continuously overlooked in Shelters and Rescues).

   Best Friends, and Southern Friends, offer these reduced fees to highlight these special pets.

   So this month, we'd like for you to take a second look at these wonderful pets:

      All cats over 6 months of age, $10 adoption fee, Feb. 13-16 only
      Ike & Annie, our beloved Beagles, $10 adoption fee, Feb. 13-16 only
      Trail, the misunderstood breed of Staffordshire Terrier, $10 adoption fee, Feb. 13-16 only
      And Charlie, our little feral pup who has come so far, $10 adoption fee, Feb. 13-16 only

   These, and several of our other adoptable pets, will be at Hollywood Feed, Olive Branch, Feb. 14th, 10am-1pm, for a special Valentine's Day Adoption Event. Stop by and say hi, and bring your pet for a Valentine's Picture!

   Be a part of these special pets' Rescue Story. Rescue - Foster - Adopt!

Tara