Studies have shown, children raised with pets are healthier kids and will have less problems with allergies, which is why the Devoted Friends Animal Society Inc of Ortonville invites you to their Pet Adoption and Fun Festival on Sept. 15.
The event will take place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at New Beginnings Church located at 985 N. Lapeer Road.
‘This is both an adoption event, and fundraiser,? ‘We will have a small garage sale, a bounce house, food and snacks and those types of things, said Linda Muiter-Carmean, president of Devoted Friends Animal Society. ‘Mostly were hoping to get people out to look at pets we have for adoption and talk to people about the proper way to care for a pet.?
Muiter-Carmean said they will discuss such things as why owning a pet is good for children and teaches them both loyalty and responsibility, as well as not leaving them tied up outside, making sure they have food and water and that they are spade or neutered. In their explaining of pet care, they also address vet bills and how to understand them. As for dogs and puppies, Muiter-Carmean said they help possible adopters to understand that certain breeds are better for different lifestyles of families.
‘I am amazed by how many people who have pets but don’t really care about them,? she said. ‘They just have, but don’t realize the loyalty and unconditional love that a pet has to offer them.?
Muiter-Carmean added that pets are not only good for children, but for senior citizens as well.
‘It’s been proven pets for seniors can add up to seven years of life,? she said.
As for the adoption process itself, Muiter-Carmean said they have pretty strict guidelines and interview everyone who wants to adopt to assure that they get a person who will give the pet the kind of life they want.
‘Small kittens that have been socialized, they sign a contract they will be indoor kitties, not to de-claw and we explain why and offer other options for some of those things,? she said. We also explain the goods and bad about vaccinations, either over or under vaccinations and some of the dangers of some vaccines.?
Muiter-Carmean noted that it’s still kitten season and they will have a ton of kittens at the adoption, along with many other animals.
We’re just hoping to have an event where people can see just about every adoptable animal available all in one place,? she said.
There will also be a display by Dog Aide, which aides dogs in distress, either medical or vet stress related.
Muiter-Carmean said all the Devoted Friends Animal Society is unpaid volunteers from all over including, Lake Orion, Grand Blanc, Flint, Madison Heights and Ortonville. Just as they have strict guidelines for adopters, they have guidelines for volunteers too who have to have a plan when they take a pet in.
We encompass any area where there is a dog in need if there is not a place or a rescuer to help them if we can,? she said. ‘We are limited by amount of funds we’re able to collect through adoptions or donations.?
Devoted Friends Animal Society also said they hold adoptions at Pet Supplies Plus, Harvest Time, Tractor Supply.
‘Our interest is getting any homeless pet a home. We just want to see a family matched up with the right pet,? she said. We also network with other rescues and other groups.?
Devoted Friends is always seeking people willing to foster animals in order for the cat or dog to find a safe haven before their lasting home is found. If fostering is not an option, donations are always accepted which helps pay for pet food, vaccinations, adoption fees, and spaying or neutering.