Pet adoption program was a success

Norfolk County residents, from left, Neelie Mills, Addilynn Lamky and Hope Lamky play with the puppy they adopted through the North Bay Humane Society’s Animal Relief and Rescue Transport. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The North Bay Animal Rescue and Relief Transport assisted with finding new homes for several dogs and cats through a unique partnership with Pet Valu.

Run by the North Bay and District Humane Society, the transport is a trailer designed to bring animals up for adoption to other locales. It was at the Pet Valu store at the Norfolk Mall on July 25 and 26.

“One of our primary goals is to ensure every healthy, adoptable animal has an opportunity to find a loving home as quickly as possible. While our local community is incredibly supportive, adoption demand can vary significantly from one region to another,” said Liam Cullin, executive director at the North Bay and District Humane Society. “By joining forces with Pet-Valu stores and rescue organizations across Ontario, we're able to connect animals with families in communities where there is often a greater demand for adoption.”

“It helps our animals get seen by more people,” said Katelyn Asselin, an animal care attendant with the society.

There were 14 dogs and six cats available for adoption. Mid-morning on July 26, there were only three dogs and three cats left. Those wanting to adopt pets had to pay a $495 fee to cover the society’s costs for vaccines, spaying or neutering, and microchipping with puppies. Adult dogs are less, and cats even less.

Asselin said many of the animals in the North Bay shelter were transferred in from Thunder Bay, some were local strays, though, and one was even from Kentucky.

Pet Valu doesn’t sell animals.

“It’s all based on supporting rescues, said Allison Diagre-Grubb, who owns the location with her husband Michael Grubb.

“When a pet finds a loving home, its life is changed, and it also creates much-needed space in the Humane Society’s shelter so they can continue to accept and care for animals in need from North Bay and across Northern Ontario,” Michael said.

Diagre-Grubb was impressed with the turnout for the event.