Animal Shelter has dogs for half-price adoption

The Monroe County Public Library will get a visit from several furry patrons looking for good homes Saturday.

Bloomington Animal Care and Control is bringing “adorable adoptables” to meet local families and individuals as part of Adopt-a-Dog month.

“We offer our dog adoptions at half price,” said Laurie Ringquist, director of the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter.

“Throughout October, this means the cost is $37.50, compared to the usual fee of $75. The shelter does the same for cats during Adopt-a-Cat month in the summer, but until next year, cats will be regular price.”

She also said they’ll bring four or five dogs and three to five kittens to play with locals and hopefully to be adopted.

While the mayor’s office supports the event, director of communications Danny Lopez said not to expect any speeches.

“We really didn’t want it to be political,” he said, “but just an event to promote the shelter. Our shelter is really the shelter for the county.”

Ringquist said the local shelter, in fitting with the national theme of “Adopt a Shelter Dog, Be a Superhero,” employees have put up superhero decorations and given several pups superhero names.

A showing of the Disney cartoon “Bolt” will begin at 3 p.m. in the library auditorium. The 2008 movie, voiced by Miley Cyrus and John Travolta, is free and open to the public, but organizers request a contribution of pet food from those who attend, similar to a canned food drive.

Evan Kendrick, adult services intern at the library, encouraged anyone to drop in between 2 and 4 p.m. to meet the potential pets and get information about pet care and adoption.

She said from individuals to families, “anybody who would provide a good home for an animal” is welcome. Kendrick counts herself among the ranks of loving pet owners.
“I have a pit bull, but she’s not a killer,” she said with a laugh. “Her name is Babe.”