On August 18, 2018, OC Animal Care participated in Clear the Shelters, a nationwide pet drive in partnership with NBC, Telemundo and other shelters across the country. Adoptions were $20 for all adoptions.
Doors opened at 10:00 am on Saturday, after a quick introduction and talk with OC Animal Care’s new director, Mike Kaviani. Families and couple came through the doors excited to meet all the animals and hoping to find their new best friends.
On the walk out to the dog kennels, people could pick up some leashes, collars, sweaters or shirts for their family members. Volunteers walked available dogs around the area to help bring some attention to them. VCA Animal Hospital also attended giving out some totes, hats, pens, and information about their facility and pet health. Staff members were happy to talk and recommend specific pets to people and excited to say good-bye to the ones who were going home.
Adopters continued to come in throughout the day. Some were visiting the shelter for the first time, some came to stop by and check out the event, and some were able to go home with a new pet! Of the adoptions that happened during the day, two bonded pairs went home, a pair of chickens and a pair of Pomeranians. Before leaving, some adopters stopped to share what their roles in the community are. These new pet owners ranged from nurses, EMTs, business owners, Celtics fans, college students, a family band, a family who backpacks together, Uber drivers, teachers, and so much more.
As visitors and adopters alike left, they had the opportunity to take a moment and decorate a rock to include in OC Animal Care’s memory garden in dedication to Valerie and all lost pets. For those who were interested, there were Valerie’s Pledge slips that could be signed so that they could be notified of any future ways they can help or to be contacted for a future Matchmaking Team program. Staff greeted people at the table and were there to provide answers and support for those who asked.
When visits and doors finally closed, there was 120 adopted animals from OC Animal Care. Dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, turtles, and an iguana found new homes. Staff and volunteers were happy to see so many wagging tails and paws going through the front door.
