Veronica Green, 14, loves playing with pets and has been volunteering at the
Claiborne Animal Shelter since it opened in May 2012.
Green said, "There's nothing that will happen that will make me not
like coming out here." She added, "Whenever I see somebody take home an
animal and if I know that it is going to a good home where I can tell they are
going to be good people I get really excited because that's one less animal we
have to take care of.
At the time Veronica was interviewed with WBIR, Lindsey Noble of Maynardville
was filling out paperwork to adopt a dog that caught her attention.
Noble said, "He's just so fluffy and has the black snout. He's
cute."
Over the last five months, the Claiborne Animal Shelter has averaged an
intake of 145 animals and the adoption rate has increased. In September 2012
the shelter saw an adoption rate of 28 percent. As of January 2013, the shelter's
adoption rate was 57 percent.
Executive Director of the Claiborne Animal Shelter, Liza Martz, said the
increase in adoptions is partly because they're partnering with shelters in
other states. She said, "People just can't wait to get their hands on
them. They get snapped up. The day they go on the adoption floor they're all
adopted."
Because of the high adoption rate, the shelter's euthanasia rate has slowly
declined. In September 2012, the Claiborne Animal Shelter's kill rate was 77 percent.
As of January, that number was at 35 percent.
Martz attributes the shelter's success rates aggressive programs to spay and
neuter the animals and find them good homes.
On Saturday, March 2, there will be the 3rd Annual Doggie Dash 5K at
LMU DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway,
Harrogate, TN). All proceeds for the event will be donated to the Claiborne
Animal Shelter.
Also, the Claiborne Animal Shelter will participate in the Humane Society of
the Tennessee Valley's Cat Scratch Fever spay / neuter weekend on March 14 -
16. On those dates the Claiborne Animal Shelter will have extended hours
and offer special prices.
For more information, call the Claiborne Animal Shelter at 423-489-3389.