Pet adoption drive comes to West Edmonton Mall

By Erin Cripps-Woods

EDMONTON — As the years progress, animal adoption shelters in Edmonton and surrounding areas see a rise in the number of animals they care for.

The Pedigree Adoption Drive teamed up with the local Edmonton Humane Society in an effort to promote adopting numerous dogs looking for new homes on Saturday, Sept. 24, in West Edmonton Mall.

“The Edmonton Humane Society has seen an increase of about 1,000 animals more per year since 2007,” says Shawna Randolph, the Edmonton Humane Society spokesperson.

The Pedigree Adoption Drive in West Edmonton Mall was the kick-off event promoting animal adoption in Edmonton year-round.

The Edmonton Humane Society cares for approximately 13,000 animals every year.  The society took in 1,431 dogs between January and April 2011, Pedigree said in a news release.

“The society has 100 staff members plus 700 active volunteers who work with the animals,” says Randolph.  Some people become foster parents for a short period to help the animals adapt to living in homes while others help in all areas of animal care within the society building located on 13620 163 St.

There are also three other Alberta shelters working with the Pedigree Adoption Drive: Peace River SPCA, Grande Prairie and District SPCA, and Pincher Creek.

On the society website the mission statement is: “Through partnership and innovation, The Edmonton Humane Society (a registered charity) is committed to helping homeless and abused companion animals, enlightening people, and enriching lives.”

The main point the Edmonton Humane Society and Pedigree Adoption Drive wants to get out to the public is that shelter dogs are good dogs.

The fourth annual Paws & Claws Gala, hosted by Coventry Homes at Northlands Expo Centre on Oct.1, is another chance for the people of Edmonton to donate to the Edmonton Humane Society and support an organization dedicated to finding animals good homes to go to.