Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month: An October worth celebrating
By Hans Wohlgefahrt, Outreach and Event Specialist, Manatee County Animal Services
Every October, Manatee County Animal Services (MCAS) turns our focus to helping the many dogs at our shelter find new homes. With over 3,000 pets coming into the shelter every year, there is never a shortage of dogs to choose from.
During Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month, MCAS works diligently to place as many dogs as possible into loving new homes. While there are many happy adoption tales to relay, I would like to personally tell you why this topic is special and important to me.
In 2016, when I was still relatively new to my position, I adopted my dog (and best friend) from MCAS. My dog, now named Augy, was picked up as a stray in Palmetto by an Animal Services Officer. He was friendly, though scared, and appeared healthy but very skinny.
The officer brought him to the shelter and eventually he was placed in a kennel for a 3-day-hold to see if he would be claimed by an owner. When an owner didn’t come forward, the officer went back to check on him in his kennel. The 2-year-old dachshund-beagle mix was shaking and scared.
That’s when the officer decided to bring him to my office for some rest and relaxation — and that’s how I met one of the best dogs I’ve ever had.
Augy and I immediately had a connection. He was brought in my office, jumped on my chair, and looked me straight in the eyes. It was a deep stare, one that conveyed trust and understanding. After only a few hours together, I decided to foster him so I could bring him home for the night.
One night was all it took. I adopted him the next day.
Like many of the stray dogs that come to the shelter, Augy was heartworm positive. The Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FoMCAS) fund heartworm treatments for all the dogs suffering from this disease. Since 2017, they have helped treat 358 dogs from MCAS so that these pups can start their new lives happy and healthy in their homes. FoMCAS also provides additional medical funding for procedures that fall outside our budget. They’ve truly been a game-changer and have allowed us to provide above-and-beyond medical care for every pet.
Augy received his heartworm treatment and clean bill of health, and he’s been my sidekick ever since. After 5 years together, he’s still my office mate and accompanies me to outreach events, schools, and even hospice visits. After work, we beach together, dine together, and take long walks together.
Adopting a dog has brought me so much joy both at work and in my personal life. That is why this month is so important to me.
MCAS has close to a hundred dogs at the shelter, and they all deserve the simple chance for an exciting new beginning. Having the opportunity to both give and receive the joy of companionship — now that’s worth celebrating!
Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month at MCAS runs through October 31. All dog adoption fees are $10. Manatee County residents are required to license their new pet for an additional $20 tag fee. All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and micro-chipped — a value over $300.
To see all adoptable pets and make your appointment to visit, go to mymanatee.org/pets.
