Albany Humane Society has potential New Year’s companions in stock
File Photo: Alan Mauldin
By Alan Mauldin
[email protected]
ALBANY — In a few days, it will be the traditional time of year to bring in the new. For some people, a new animal companion could be a positive addition for 2024 that could also help establish or reinforce some other new healthy habits.
Pets can help individuals meet fitness goals by providing more opportunities to exercise, get outside and to socialize, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For the end-of-year holiday season, the Albany Humane Society is asking individuals to consider a “PAW-liday” adoption. The shelter has almost 100 cats and dogs who are looking for a new forever home heading into the new year.
In addition to offering the incentive to participate in more outdoor activities through walks, pets can help owners lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels and help reduce loneliness, anxiety and depression, according to the CDC. Pets aren’t for everyone, the agency said, and precautions should be taken before adopting pets.
As Jan. 1 approaches, the Humane Society is working on a goal of its own: raising money needed to care for the new animals that will find their way to the shelter. The no-kill shelter receives dogs and cats that have been abandoned or lost or that have been brought in by the city of Albany and Dougherty County’s animal control officers.
For December, donors provided a $5,000 matching gift, and after raising an equal amount in donations form the public, donors have made an additional matching gift available.
“We’re just pushing for these last three days of the year, if people are willing to help us get to that ($10,000) goal,” Humane Society Development Director Samantha Threadgill said.
She asked those who are looking to make an end-of-year donation for income tax purposes to consider the shelter for giving.
For the effort, the Humane Society introduced the community to Delta the “Ambassadog” for its fund drive to kick off 2024. If all of the donors’ money is matched, it would mean a total of $20,000 available to help the shelter’s mission.
“Each year, Albany Humane rescues more than 2,500 animals all over south Georgia,” Threadtill said. “But, truthfully, we cannot do it without donations and, during Giving Tuesday and for the rest of the year, every donation made will directly help care of these animals, including, but not limited to, providing food, shots, spay or neuter, transport costs, or even extra special care for animals like Delta.”
Matching gifts can be made online at albanyhumane.org, at the 1705 W. Oakridge Drive shelter or mailed to 1705 W. Oakridge Drive, Albany, Ga. 31707. Donors are asked to include “PAW-liday Giving” in the reference field.
Author
Related Articles
Georgia’s Trinity Turner, Mia Woolfolk named to SEC All-Freshman team
Georgia is the only school to have two players on the list.
