119 dogs flown to Georgetown ahead of BVSPCA Mega Adoption Event
GEORGETOWN, Del. – 119 dogs landed at Coastal Airport in Georgetown Wednesday, ahead of the Brandywine Valley SPCA’s (BVSPCA) Mega Adoption Event.
“It literally is over 1,000 terrific, adoptable animals looking for a home. We’re fortunate that we see thousands of people come out, looking to give these animals homes. It’s really heartwarming,” said BVSPCA’s Linda Torelli.
Helping From The North
The dogs come from Louisiana; a state that BVSPCA says struggles with spay and neuter and euthanasia rates.
“Our shelters are mostly bringing in local animals. But, we also have the opportunity to help struggling shelters,” said Torelli. “That state has a very difficult community, with low spay/neuter, a lot of homeless pets. It’s much different than in our community.”
The furry flight comes as BVSPCA has been working with Tangipahoa Parish Animal Shelter in Louisiana. BVSPCA has been working with that shelter for the past several years to try and bolster their facilities, and save animal lives.
“They’ve gone from a 22% live release rate to a 90% save rate. They did that in a little over a year, and they’ve been able to sustain it,” said Torelli. “So, what’s happening now is they’re continuing to make inroads in their community. But, they’re also now helping other shelters, and we’re helping other shelters.”
Mega Adoption Event
As that work continues down south, BVSPCA is preparing for one of its biggest annual events here at home. Saturday December 10th, and Sunday December 11th, the Delaware State Fairgrounds will play host to the BVSPCA’s Mega Adoption Event.
Torelli says prospective pet owners can expect more than 1,000 adoptable cats and dogs at the event. The adoptions will be held indoors, with dogs and cats being kept separate. Over 500 BVSPCA staff members and volunteers will be on hand to help connect humans to their new furry friends.
What To Expect
Before heading to the event, Torelli recommends running a mental checklist: Do you lead an active lifestyle? Or are you looking for a more low-key pet? Torelli also says you should consider if you’re home enough to handle training a younger dog or cat. Other key factors include whether you have children or other animals in the home.
“We recommend bringing all the family members, as well as any other dogs in the home, just to help everyone participate. We are going to have areas for dog meet and greets,” said Torelli.
When the animals do find their forever homes at the event, their adoption fees will be just $35 each. “That includes everything you would normally get at the shelter; spaying and neutering, microchipping, current vaccinations. It’s really a great value, and one of the few times you’re going to see such a wide variety of pets, and such a large number of pets available, with those adoptions fees,” said Torelli.
Torelli says whether you’re just visiting, or considering adoption, she encourages folks to come and see the outpouring of love and support for themselves.
“It’s a great time for people who maybe haven’t been sure about what pet they want to come in and really see the variety. Honestly, sometimes we see people come in who say they want a dog and they leave with a cat. It’s pretty neat,” said Torelli.
