Black Friday:

The Animal Shelter Society is hosting a week-long Black Friday event to promote their cats, more specifically black cats, which Jody Murray, the Executive Director, said are often overlooked. Last year on Black Friday, the shelter held a last minute event and had about 40 adoptions. All cats housed at the shelter will have their adoption fees reduced to $15 during the event.

Additionally, on Black Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24, the shelter will have 50 percent off adoption fees for about 10 dogs that have been with the shelter for a little longer than others. Photos of the dogs up for a reduced adoption cost will be posted on the shelter’s Facebook Page.

Holiday Specials

A ‘Giving Tree’ is located in the lobby of the shelter with cards to help people shop for items the shelter needs. Much like ‘Angel Trees’ to help people shop for a child during the holidays, the Giving Tree helps guide people through purchasing donations for the shelter.

“If you’re trying to find something for that person that has all the ties and all the sweaters that they want, you can take one of those cards and go shopping for the shelter and then (donate) it on behalf of the person you’re shopping for,” Murray said.

Another gift idea for the person who may have all they need, is sponsoring a kennel in honor of someone. Kennel Sponsors get a plaque that is displayed in the lobby of the shelter throughout the year and is publicized on the shelter’s social media. Sponsoring a kennel is $100, and plaques can be in memory of or in honor of a person near and dear to people’s hearts.

Upcoming events

• On Dec. 1, the shelter is hosting its Christmas Open House. Cookies, punch and special priced adoptions will be available during the event. People are encouraged to come in and visit the animals even if they don’t intend to take one home. The event is from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• On Jan. 12, the shelter will be having a comedy night fundraiser at Bryan’s Place. Tickets go on sale Nov. 24, and the shelter’s directors encourage people to purchase their tickets early as they usually have a packed house. The past two years, the comedy night has sold out. Doors open at 6 p.m. and 100 percent of the profits from the event will be donated to the shelter.

Past fundraisers

On Oct. 27, the shelter hosted its largest fundraiser of the year the Paws and Claws Fall Benefit. The auction drew a crowd of over 200 people. About $19,000 was raised from the event, which Murray and Assistant Director Russ Denny said was amazing. The duo extended another thank you to all of the sponsors of the event.

One business sponsor was recognized for their efforts, Terry and Diane Goss were this year’s Guardian Angel recipients.

“We recognize individuals or businesses that go above and beyond the normal support of the shelter,” Murray said.

Extending gratitude

Recently, a family came into the shelter wanting to make a donation that would make a difference for the shelter.

The Kappes family donated a large LED sign to the shelter. The sign will go on top of the sign the shelter already has on State Route 146.

“It’s going to be great because we’re going to be able to promote animals out there, events, all of those kinds of things,” Murray said. “So, we’re really excited.”

The sign has been purchased and the electrical wiring is in the works. Murray said he hopes to see the sign up within the next couple of weeks.