SGA Encourages Pet Adoptions

Mercer County Animal Shelter currently has 103 kittens, puppies, and adult cats and dogs.
Photo Courtesy of Caitlin Knapp

During the week of April 2-6, students enjoyed a packed week of campus activities sponsored by the Student Activities Committee and other campus organizations. The week of Spring Fling brought students together as they spent time on campus enjoying the company of one another and participating in what Concord had to offer.

On Thursday, April 5, the Student Government Association (SGA) brought students a carnival-themed night. The event took place in the valley from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and students were given several activities to relieve stress, including corn hole, carnival-themed food, face painting, and a “pet”ting zoo.

SGA's Philanthropy Committee organized a booth with animals from the Mercer County Animal Shelter for students to enjoy. “We have invited the local animal shelter to bring kittens, puppies, and smaller adult dogs,” says Haley Fields, the Student Government Chair of Philanthropy. “This will provide a stress relieving outlet for students, and an adoption event for the shelter.”

The Mercer County Animal Shelter was more than willing to participate, as the animals needed a home just as much as students enjoyed seeing and interacting with the pets. The only downside was that since only service animals are allowed in campus housing, those students would not be able to adopt. For all other students living off campus or for community members, they would be able to adopt if they chose.

The importance of the adoption event was to encourage all members of the community to adopt animals. There is a large need for adoptions in the area, and the shelter encouraged anyone who possibly could to adopt. According to the Mercer County Animal Shelter website, “We strive to facilitate an efficient adoption and relocation program to preserve as many lives as possible and reduce their tenure at the Mercer County Animal Shelter.”

As of right now, the animal shelter has 103 kittens, puppies, and adult cats and dogs, but this number is constantly increasing. One of their newest, Bo, is a Shepherd and mixed breed pup. He weights four and a half pounds and has all his vaccinations up to date. Other animals like Bo are only looking for a home so that they do not have to spend the rest of their lives in a cage or without a loving family.

Buffy, a domestic short haired kitten, has also been placed in the animal shelter. She is a small female kitten weighing in at less than one pound. She is mainly white, with deep brown shades around her ears and eyes. She has all vaccinations up to date, and like Bo, she is looking for her forever home.

The Humane Society of America shares the top reasons why one should adopt their next family member from a local shelter. First, the biggest reason stated is that it will save a life. “Each year 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet.”

The list states that adopted pets will be extra great for your health. While all animals can give emotional support, studies show that shelter pets will be psychologically, emotionally, and physically beneficial to their companions. Other than receiving rewards for yourself by doing so, this is a less costly way to bring a pet home, as shelters usually only require a small adoption fee.

SGA and the Mercer County Animal Shelter have partnered together to spread awareness about these animals without a home and to encourage the community to adopt the animals. Most college students can’t adopt, but Concord's have still learned more about the animals available in the area.

For more information about Bo, Buffy, or any of the other animals currently living in the Mercer County Animal Shelter, their photos and information can be found at petfinder.com. The local animal shelter can be found at 961 Shelter Rd. Princeton, West Virginia, or can be contacted at 304-425-2880.