Rescue a cat or dog at the Adopt-A-Thon

"Choose me," Berry, a male Chow-Shepherd mix, seems to be saying. He's a little more than a year old and up for adoption at the North Central Animal Care Center.

Like most shops in the city, the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services has slashed its prices. It's offering 60% off adoption service fees this weekend.  On Saturday and Sunday, the department is holding an Adopt-A-Thon at all six of its shelters. (Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Adoption fees for dogs will be $43 and for cats, $28. (That includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and, for dogs, a one-year license.)

There are sad reasons, though, for the sale. L.A. Animal Services, which runs the city's shelters, says it has a high number of animals partially due to the housing crisis and people abandoning their pets when they have to leave their homes.  And, in general, summer is a high volume time at the shelters -- especially for cats.

So there are plenty more feline and canine options where Muffin, pictured below, came from. 

But if you want Muffin, a female gray short hair who is about two and a half years old, you will find her at the West L.A. Animal Care Center.

Muffin's shelter ID number is A0957879.

And the North Central shelter ID number for Berry, at top, is A0943508.

-- Carla Hall

Photos: L.A. Animal Services

Comments

[Brien Comerford]

A precious dog or cat can be an invaluable companion. Unconditional affection and loyalty comes with the package. Pets reduce physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual angst and stress. They are God's creatures.

[Cynthia]

A friend had a chow-gsd mix. She was a great dog. I had a gsd-husky mix. Another great dog. Both adopted from the pound. Mutts rule.

[GEAH]

Rescuing an older animal is a great gift for both the pet and the new owner.

[Maureen Jenson]

EVERYONE!
Please adopt an animal this weekend if you possibly can....they will bring you more love and happiness than you will ever know. We have four rescues at our home. Best thing we ever did. Cannot wait until we are able to save more lives. You won't regret it!

[Davis]

How many of the animals did they kill after the event? The was almost no promotion, and each shelter is loaded past their maximum capacities.

[Bobster]

I volunteer at a shelter, and it's so discouraging that almost everybody is drawn to the kittens and puppies, leaving so many wonderful adult cats and dogs without homes. A grown-up animal has many advantages over a kitten or puppy - for one thing, their personality is already developed so no big surprises down the road. Please consider adopting an adult pet.

[San Diego Highwayman]

Shotgun Shela WAS a shelter dog.

Please DO adopt from a shelter!

You'll never know WHO you missed iffin you don't look THERE first!

I cain't imagine not havin Shela with me.

Go LOOK in the shelters FIRST folks -- you won't regret it.

[Lauri]

I adopted an adult cat for my elderly mother two years ago. After a small stroke, my dad pretty much stopped talking and my mother, his caregiver, was lonely. I went to the shelter website, found a cat I thought she'd like... and Becky, a long-haired calico cat, entered my mother's life.

My mother needed a friend. Becky turned out to be a lap cat extraordinare. But most of all, she turned out to be a great alarm system.

My dad has the habit of getting up in the wee hours for reasons he cannot articulate. My mother has him sleeping in another room, due to his incontinence. Three separate times, Becky has awakened my mother at night by jumping on her, pawing and meowing-- and when my mother has gotten up, found my father out of bed... once on the living room floor where he had fallen.

Becky is my mother's dearest friend, the best home alarm system and she has given my mother something new to talk about. All of that from a cat that might have been put to sleep at a shelter. Talk about a win-win situation!

Lauri

[Me]

I have 2 rescues. I love them both and they love me! A win-win for all!

[acc]

I have considered what my older years will be like without pets and it is unimaginable. I have planned it so that if I am given a lifespan of 70 yrs., my animals will not outlive me. (At present my cats are living 20-21 years). I would not want them to end up who knows how or where when I'm gone. As they say - even the best laid plans.. If, however, I live longer than that, an adult cat or dog would be more suitable. Two old souls at the end - how wonderful!