Community Gathers for Adoption Fair

Though the weather was gloomy and threatening, it did not dampen the spirits of the animals and people at the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter. With the help of local Girl Scouts and Western University students, the shelter opened its gates to the public for an annual adoption fair. People from throughout the community came inside in search of a new furry friend to take home with them. Brian Sampson, Office Supervisor at the shelter, revealed that they had over forty animals available including puppies, full-grown dogs, and cats. Sampson shared that the animals available are strays that have been brought into the shelter by the community. Several small dogs and puppies were outside near the main gates, where people could interact with them. Sampson shared that these animals have already been spayed or neutered and could be taken home that very day. The puppies, many of which are very young, are kept in foster care with families and bottle-fed until they come of age. The cats were kept in a separate building, so that they wouldn’t get too excited by the noise of the event. Melissa Neu, a Western University student, has helped at past events. According to her, the last event hosted by the Shelter managed to help sixty-five animals find new homes. She also revealed that this was the Shelter’s first time hosting the event on their own. Other groups held events there and the shelter simply played host, until this year. Another student of Western University, Alyssa Bryce, mentioned that they had also brought “toys we handmade, called kickeroos.” Kim Drewry, leader of Girl Scout Troop 341, and her group were on-hand, watching over the animals and managing booths. Drewry shared that the girls there were “learning the importance of giving back” as they made steps towards earning their badges. For them, helping at the event was both for fun and a part of their community service; for the animals, it was a chance to find their family.