For the staff, volunteers and supporters of Animal Allies Humane Society having 10,000 cats and dogs means finding loving homes for each and every one of them. And, indeed they have.
On Thursday, Animal Allies celebrated its 10,000th adoption since the Muriel Whiteside Shelter opened in 2009.
Prior to the opening of the state-of-the-art facility on Airport Road, the organization operated out of the city of Duluth shelter and volunteers' homes.
"We are ecstatic to have reached this milestone," said Rick Sailstad, executive director of Animal Allies. "Not long ago, the Twin Ports community was regularly euthanizing cats and dogs for lack of space, but we have witnessed a great change since opening the doors of the new facility. Maintaining zero euthanasia since 2010 and achieving ten thousand adoptions in five years would not have been possible without the generosity of our community, the hard work of our many volunteers, and the dedication of staff and board members in implementing best practices for the animals in our care."
The 10,000th adopter was Bethany Innis who traveled from Two Harbors to adopt Grapefruit, a four-month-old grey tabby kitten.
ADVERTISEMENT
"We had recently suffered the loss of our 16-year-old cat and were looking to find a way to fill the hole that was left," said Bethany. "Our friend, a volunteer dog walker at Animal Allies, suggested we visit the shelter and choose from the adoptable animals seeking a home. We had only been in the building once before, and were again struck with how inviting and comfortable the shelter was. We saw Grapefruit right away, and after visiting with the rest of the cats, went back to get to know her better. She was just so cuddly, mellow and happy. We feel in love."
Animal Allies awarded Bethany and Grapefruit a goody basket of toys and treats to celebrate the milestone.
"We have so many wonderful cats and dogs available for adoption at Duluth and Superior adoption centers," said Sarah Ojard, adoption program manager at Animal Allies. "Consider stopping by to visit; you can start us toward finding forever homes for the next 10,000 cats and dogs."
For more information about cats or dogs available for adoption, visit www.animalallies.net or stop by the Duluth shelter at 4006 Airport Road, or Superior shelter at 2225 Hill Ave.
