Pet espousal discounts offered this weekend

Friday through Sunday, Bay County Animal Control is participating in National Pet Adoption Weekend and offering all of its more than 150 animals for adoption at almost half price. The typical adoption fee is $75, but a donation of $35 per animal adopted from Pet Smart Charities is allowing the shelter to offer the animals for $40 each to the public. Animal Control director Bill Olasin said the shelter has dogs and cats from a few weeks old to grown-up adults, and features a selection of breeds and sizes. “People have to get a pet that will fit into their household,” he said. Olasin said he encourages people to believe the animal’s size, age, energy and temperament when making a selection. Too often adopted animals return to the shelter because their new owner did not account for all the factors.

One of the many pet’s animal controls is hopeful to place this weekend is a 3-month-old female bulldog-chocolate Lab mix. The unnamed puppy was found by animal control officers at the back gate of their facility, swollen into a box that was taped shut. She was left in the 90-degree heat to fend for herself. “Thankfully one of our officers happened to be leaving by the back gate and found her. Otherwise she would’ve died of heat tiredness,” Olasin said.

The little dog trotted after Olasin for a few minutes in a playpen Thursday before collapsing into a tired heap at his feet, waiting to be picked up and carried back to her cage.

This is Bay County Animal Control’s 16th year participating in the partnership with Pet Smart Charities . Last year 32 pets were adopted and Olasin said he is positive more will find permanent homes this year. The event is typically the most popular time for adoptions each year.