Huntsville and Decatur Public Safety Officers team up to encourage shelter pet adoptions
Published on October 1, 2017
A fundamental role for firefighters is to rescue. In addition to rescuing people from burning buildings or stranded cats from trees, Huntsville Fire & Rescue is partnering to help rescue dogs and cats in need of adoption.
In coordination with the City of Decatur’s “Law Paws” program, which pairs a shelter pet with a Decatur Police Officer to promote adoption, Huntsville’s Animal Shelter is getting in on the action by launching its own campaign, “Rescue Me: Fire Dogs.”
Similar to Decatur’s program, Huntsville’s initiative pairs a rescue dog with a member of its public safety team, in this case members of the Huntsville Fire & Rescue Department.
Featured Pets
Firefighters are advocating “rescue” for a host of adorable and adoptable dogs by posing with their pet partners through a series of photos and videos. Featured this week are Gin Gin, Mosie, Kia and Kate, each up for adoption at Huntsville Animal Services.
Kate, who paired with Firefighter DeWayne Morris in the photos and videos, has since been adopted.
Firefighter Morris, eager to help spread the word about adoptions, encouraged Huntsville residents to remember shelter pets.
“The way I look at it, these dogs didn’t ask to end up (at a shelter). Adoption gets them out of the situations they’re in,” Morris said. “Adopting dogs is awesome.”
Featured Firefighters
Suiting up to help Gin Gin, Kate, Kia and Mosie find forever homes are DeWayne Morris, Firefighter, Station Five; Trent Bennett, Assistant Fire Marshal; Brandon Frazier, Driver/Engineer at Fire Station 6 and Jeff Valdez, Firefighter at Fire Station 17.
Bios and photos for each adoptable dog can be found below.
More photos, videos and information on Gin Gin, Mosie and Kia on City Blog.
Paw-tnership
“Magic happens when cities work together,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “The more we can coordinate and find ways to partner, the better off and stronger we all are. We’re excited to collaborate with our neighbors in Decatur to help find forever homes for our cities’ shelter pets.”
“We are proud of the relationship we have with the City of Huntsville – from animal services and beyond. I hope you’ll stop by one of the shelters in our communities to find your next loyal companion,” said Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling.
Saving Lives
Over the past 10 years, Huntsville Animal Services has dramatically increased its live release rate, saving around 90 percent of animals that enter the shelter. However, according to Animal Services Director Dr. Karen Sheppard, the Shelter has seen a simultaneous increase in people surrendering their own pets, causing overcrowding on a consistent basis.
“Success, ironically, can sometimes bring more challenges,” Sheppard said. “We think Decatur’s Law Paws program offers a creative community solution and hope our ‘Rescue Me: Fire Dogs’ campaign can bring much needed attention to adopting. Our goal is for folks to think of their local shelters first when looking for a pet to add to the family.”
View all of the City of Huntsville’s adoptable pets.
View all of the City of Decatur’s adoptable pets.
Pet Bios
Gin Gin, animal ID A476566, is available for adoption at Huntsville Animal Services. Gin as she is known, is a six year old Mastiff weighing about 75 pounds. She is a gentle giant, and absolutely loves playing with other dogs, and has a passive personality. She would make a great family member with adults and children ten years and older. Her adoption fee is $50. She is housebroken, enjoys chew toys, and would prefer to be an indoor dog. The only time she indulges in the outdoors is when she is walked on a leash and, of course, for bathroom breaks. She has been bred multiple times, unwarranted, but now is spayed.
Kia, animal ID A481533, is a very easy going and calm two-year old female boxer mix weighing about 35 pounds. She is a quiet dog and well mannered. She thoroughly enjoys playing outside in the fresh air with other dogs her size. She shows signs of being house trained and being good with children.
ADOPTED – Mosie, A482238, is a beautiful two-year old female Labrador and Golden Retriever mix with dazzling eyes and cute freckles. She adores people of all ages. Mosie has an easy-going temperament with a happy attitude. A family with children, a fenced yard for play, and a warm spot inside the house would be an ideal home for her. Her adoption fee is $35.
ADOPTED – Kate, animal ID A481047 is an adorable one to two-year old female “pocket” pitbull mix. She is a super cuddly dog and loves people. She is excellent with children other dogs. She is housebroken but will need time to adjust to new routines. Kate has been at the shelter longer than any other dog, and the staff and volunteers just want her to go to a loving and caring family who will cherish her the rest of her life. She is definitely a shelter favorite!
About Huntsville Animal Services
Huntsville Animal Services is located at 4950 Triana Boulevard. Interested in adopting Kia or Gin Gin? Visit the shelter or call (256) 883-3782 for more information. Follow Huntsville Animal Services on Facebook and Instagram.
Want to help but can’t adopt? Fill out this form to volunteer for Huntsville Animal Services.
Find Huntsville Animal Services online at HuntsvilleAL.gov/animal.
Photos by Jeff White Photography
