According to the ASPCA(American Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), animal shelters receive 7.6 million animals every year. But it’s not just cats and dogs that get dropped off. According to Kate, a worker at the Dearborn Animal Shelter, they can also be committed to other animals like animals, birds, chickens, roosters, and squirrels. What responsibilities come when adopting a pet, how volunteering at local shelters can help, and tips for animal lovers looking for ways to help out furry friends.

That’s not the only kind of service animal shelter do for us, they also hold charity events. These events include pet related vendors, games, activities, and many courses. Some big events include the Mutt Strutt, Pat’s Paws-itively Pasta Dinner and more. An important event, like the Black Ties and Tails, have been raising more than 1.4 million dollars every year since 2001.

In the end, I couldn’t walk away without knowing what other potential pet owners think of the animal shelter and adopting a pet. When I was speaking with them, I would notice them get excited when they hear that the animal shelter helps find a pet that actually fits your need. “I would really like a dog and knowing that different pets have different personalities I can be sure to get a pet that my parent won’t be upset about.” Is what a Abrar Ahmed shared with me, a 7th grader here at Unis Middle School.

I was also surprised to learn that not many other people knew the amount of strays in the U.S. People like Abrar Ahmed and Yasmin Dhaifullah, an eighth grader, also wish that they could be taught more about ways we could help out these furry friends. “I’m pretty sure that out of all the ways we can help pets, everybody can actually find a job to do, all we need is teamwork.”So even if you don’t have the time to care for them in your home, you could volunteer or donate. Overall, you know that a local animal shelter is a great way to bring people and animals together.

Zainab Al-Najim

Middle school journalist