Click here to subscribe today or Login.
Kristell and Chris Janusz look at a dog at the Luzerne County SPCA as volunteer Renee Douglas, right, holds the dog during the SPCA’s True Love Weekend Open House and Adoption. The event, themed to Valentine’s Day, encouraged people looking for pets to visit the Plains Township shelter and adopt a pet.
Fred Adams/for the times leader
PLAINS TOWNSHIP – For volunteer Daelynn Farrell, it wasn’t just another Saturday in the Wyoming Valley.
The Valentine’s Day-themed atmosphere of the Luzerne County SPCA could be felt over the cries from both felines and canines, as many of them found new homes during the True Love Weekend Open House and Adoption Event Saturday afternoon.
“This day has gone fantastic,” said the 40-year-old Farrell of Wilkes-Barre. She has been volunteering at the shelter for nearly one year.
“It has been a great success, and a lot of animals will going to a home today.”
Farrell took part in the Valentine’s Day theme by writing the background of the dogs onto a colorful, fun and decorated heart-shaped description of the animal.
“This is great,” said Cary Moran, the educational and volunteer director for the Luzerne County SPCA “Our goal was to get many of the animals adopted this weekend.”
Moran, who organized Saturday’s event, said that many people have a misconception of the animals at the shelter.
“People won’t come through the doors because they think these animals come with baggage,” said Moran. “The only baggage with these animals is a collar and a leash.”
Beth Mattei-Miller, instructor and behavior consultant of First Class Canine, had a booth set up near where the paperwork for adopted animals would be filled out. She consulted with individuals on things they should be prepared for in taking home a new dog.
“Watch for signs of the animal needing a bathroom break,” said the trainer for one tip. “If the dog starts to smell around a lot, that’s a sign.”
She also contributed other advice to those first-time pet owners.
Several local businesses were in attendance during the Open House, including Jane Hergert of Pond Creek Candles, based in White Haven. Her son, Daniel Hergert Sr., a disabled U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was responsible for the variety and number of candles he made in their garage-turned-candle factory.
“The sales have been going good today,” said Hergert in regard to the many candles that were on display. She went on to say that all proceeds from Saturday’s sales were going to the SPCA.
Other businesses donating their time, money and materials to the event were All About Singles, Starbucks, Cork Restaurant and 105 The River radio station, along with many raffles taking place.
Moran was very pleased with the turnout Saturday afternoon, and she feels more events like this would curb the overpopulation at the shelter.
“So many dogs were adopted today – 10 dogs and multiple cats – during the open house,” said Moran. “Be prepared to see a lot more events like this in the future.”