It’s all wags and grins from the pups and staff at the Dekalb County Animal Services. When hundreds of dogs faced euthanasia at this overcrowded facility, the shelter made a last-ditch plea for help on social media. Incredibly, 345 dogs found homes and all were saved from being put to sleep.
The Community Joins Together
After over a year-long period of slow adoptions, the animal shelter reached a critical state. As a result, Dekalb County Animal Services was faced with the difficult decision to euthanize animals if they couldn’t reach the capacity of 450 by the end of January. By Jan. 24, the number reached nearly 600.
“We are heartbroken that we are out of options to ensure the well-being and safety of the dogs, staff and volunteers,” the shelter said. “We need the community to come in, help us save lives, and foster and adopt so that the dogs can go to homes where they belong.”
What could have been a time of sadness is instead one of great joy thanks to the heroic efforts from the community.
A Time of Celebration
“Our pups and our staff are celebrating this moment with you,” the shelter shares from their Instagram account.
Following the shelter’s post, local business also owners stepped up to offer incentives to adopt. Dr. Andrew Empel, a veterinarian who owns the nearby Brookhaven Animal Hospital, offered free exams and vaccines for pets adopted from the Dekalb shelter. Stephen Ochs, founder of a local chain of social-dog parks, similarly offered a free yearly membership to Fetch.
“We’re in a space where we can actually help,” Ochs stated. “I really wanted to incentivize people to not only save a life, but find a new best friend.”
Dekalb Animal Services is offering free adoptions in February. Additional free services include spay/neuter, vaccines, microchipping, and more. Adoptable pets can be found here.
