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Adoption fees are going to the dogs — and cats — with an outpouring of support for the Top of Ohio Pet Shelter coming from all directions. The most recent being an offer from a private Lima-area shelter that will make adoptions free during the Paws N Claws Skate & Adoption Day fundraiser from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Indian Lake Rollarena, Russells Point.
Officials at Deb’s Dogs animal shelter offered to pick up the other half of the $50 reduced adoption fee during the event after learning about rink owner Kevin Moore’s offer to pay half. Both dogs and cats will be available, and free, on site Sunday.
Mr. Moore had already planned to return all $3 admission sales to TOPS, but added the fee-reduction incentive Tuesday after learning the possible fate of the organization. He then was contacted by Deb’s Dogs officials to match that offer.
“I have received several calls and e-mails about the shelter closing,” said Deb Helser, shelter founder. “This is very upsetting and I am concerned about the animals welfare. I wanted to offer to help with the adoption fees in the hope that the shelter could get the animals adopted to good homes before they closed.”
The Lima-based organization, with assistance from Allen County area shelters, also will make efforts to find homes or shelters for the remaining pets, who officials say could be euthanized if not adopted upon the shelter’s anticipated closure June 9.
Deb’s Dogs, an all volunteer 501(c) rescue started in 2007, taking in injured and sick rescues or when the owner is sick or passes away, mostly from Allen County. The shelter does not have a facility so it relies on foster homes and its cooperative prison program at Oakwood Correctional Facility for housing rescues.
Since TOPS’ closure announcement, adoption fees at the shelter have been discounted 30 percent. Prices vary depending on species and age, and all animals will still be spayed or neutered before going to an adoptive home. For more information on Deb’s Dogs, visit debsdogs.org or www.facebook.com/debsdogs.oh/timeline.
The shelter remains open from noon to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and by appointment by calling 593-4277.