Return of ‘Rescue Me:’ Huntsville Fire & Rescue teams up with Animal Services to encourage shelter adoptions
Published on March 7, 2018
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 again partnering with Huntsville Animal Services to help rescue dogs and cats in need of adoption.
Firefighters are advocating “rescue” for a host of adorable and adoptable dogs by posing with their pet partners through a series of photos found on the Huntsville Animal Services and Huntsville Fire & Rescue Facebook pages.
Over the past 10 years, Huntsville Animal Services has dramatically increased its live release rate, saving upwards of 90 percent of animals that enter the shelter each year. 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 nearly consistent basis.
“A shelter dog can bring so much joy to a family,” Huntsville Animal Services Director Dr. Karen Sheppard said. “We hope this effort raises awareness for the many shelter dogs and cats at Huntsville Animal Services – and at shelters everywhere – that are waiting for a happy ending. We are so fortunate to have great partners at Huntsville Fire & Rescue who are willing to help us in this effort.”
Interested adopters should visit Huntsville Animal Services, located at 4950 Triana Boulevard. The Huntsville Animal Shelter is open Monday through Saturday for adoptions. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Rescue Me” Featured Dogs
Fran loves to sit in your lap and is a little shy, but she’ll loosen up when she gets to know you. She is a two to three-year-old spayed female. She’s a white and chocolate colored Pointer and Labrador mixed breed, weighing in at about 50 pounds. She is positive for heartworms, but Huntsville Animal Services will treat at no cost. Animal ID #A488040.
Jazzy, a tan and white one to two-year-old spayed female is energetic, always playful and is good with cats. Jazzy loves to play with other dogs her size. She weighs about 40-45 pounds. Animal ID# A488416.
Stephanie Pinto, Driver-Engineer with Huntsville Fire & Rescue
A Huntsville native, Stephanie Pinto has been on the Huntsville Fire & Rescue team for seven years. She is a UAH graduate and proud athlete, having played softball at UAH. Stephanie recalls, “I’ve made several rescue pets part of our family over the years.” When she was growing up, Stephanie fondly remembers always having cats and dogs around the house.
Cory Green, Firefighter with Huntsville Fire & Rescue
Cory, who is married with two children (ages 6 and 4), proudly includes the family dog – a nine-month-old German Shepard – in his description of his family unit. “I love dogs, and we plan to adopt more in the future,” says Green. Cory enjoys working out, playing basketball and spending time with his family. He has three siblings and a twin – Tory Green – who works as a Huntsville police officer. Cory is currently working to become a Driver-Engineer with Huntsville Fire & Rescue.
Those who can’t adopt but are interested in supporting Huntsville Animal Services can do so through volunteering, fostering or donating pet toys and supplies.
