‘Clear the Shelter’ day sees 26 animals in ‘forever’ homes

Above, one lucky cat is about to find its Forever Home; as is Arya the cat, below, with her new mom. Royal Examiner Photos/Roger Bianchini

The Julia Wagner Animal Shelter in Front Royal came within a whisker or two of its target on Saturday, August 17, by adopting out 26 animals on the annual “Clear the Shelter” Day, a result Executive Director Meghan Bowers said was “highly satisfactory.”

Bowers had set a high watermark for the special day with extended hours and a full staff on duty. In an interim report to me when I dropped by in early afternoon, she told me of six adoptions.

At the end of the day, when another Examiner staffer, Roger Bianchini, had stopped in to take photos, the totals stood at 15 “forever homes” for dogs and 11 for cats, just short of the target of 30 overall. Adoption fees were excused for the event.

And there was good news for Ginger the dog and several others whose adoptions were pending

Looking backward, then forward, Bowers reported a net total of $16,794 for last month’s “Waggin’ for Dragons” popular fundraiser.

“It’s not as much as previous years,” she said, but a healthy total since the event was dropped last year and the number of competitors – eight boats, 160 paddlers – last month was down by half.

She expects “Waggin'” will be back to a full complement of competitors in future years.

Looking forward, Bowers announced “Putt for Paws” at the Bowling Green Country Club on October 11. Teams of four compete on the 18-hole golf course, followed by dinner and door prizes. Price of entry for another key fundraising event is $400 per team.

Then the Humane Society of Warren County, headed by Ellen Aders, will stage one of its biggest attractions: “Tales & Ales,” a dinner – the 8^th annual – with silent auction, cash prizes including $1,000 that goes to a lucky $35 entry ticket holder. “Tales & Ales, usually a sellout, is scheduled for November 16. More information on both these events will be reported here as they approach.

And remember, not all the shelter’s animals were adopted – some are still waiting for that special, loving person to take them home too…

There was much excitement among the Wagner Shelter tenants as people came to find their newest family members

Saturday’s event at the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter was part of a yearly nationwide ‘Clear the Shelters’ event…

But not everyone was adopted – and everyday can be a ‘Clear the Shelter a Little More’ each day for those looking for grateful, loving and kitten-playful animal companionship.