Featured Photo by Anna Kaserman
Story by Anna Kaserman
The days leading up to being able to get adopting a new best friend with four legs are some of the most exciting times.
Imagine pulling up to the Murfreesboro PAWS brick building without knowing who may be there, but prepared for the big responsibility of possibly coming home with a pet. This is how a family found themselves on April 15th, 2023.
“We are looking for a cat or a dog,” the father said.
“One or both, doesn’t matter,” the mother said. They radiated excitement as the doors to the event opened.
The event was hosted at the PAWS shelter on 285 John R. Rice Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Around 20 animals were featured at the event. Three adoptable cats greeted attendees when they walked in and one bunny stole stole the hearts of many children; It hopped up to the glass to meet everyone who walked through the doors.
A few businesses such as Tractor Supply Co, Hot Topic and Wag It Better sponsored the PAWS adoption event with tents full of games, goodies and dog gear for the new pet parents when they walked out with their forever friend. Five sponsor tents popped up, and everyone was eager to start the event.
“Our goal is to empty the shelter as much as we can. I wanna see all the cats, dogs, and bunny we have to find the best homes.” Gracie Martin, PAWS public relation specialist said.
Hot Topic had a sponsorship goal of five animal adoptions, which they met in the first two hours. They promised to give a free care package with dog food, a toy, a collar and a leash to the first five people.
Food trucks showed up with barbeque. An ice cream truck came to help the people and their new animals beat the heat.
Sponsors like Wag It Better provided training services for new pet parents with many toys, treats and enrichment-based training tools.
“We do all kinds of stuff for dog training,” said Heather Moore, the owner of Wag It Better. “We really like to partner with PAWS. I am really big into rescues and helping dogs find their forever homes.”
The PAWS Murfreesboro website shows animals ready for adoption and ways to support.
To contact Lifestyles Editor Destiny Mizell, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com. For more news, visit www.mtsusidelines.com, or follow us on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines or on Twitter at @Sidelines_News.
