HUNTSVILLE – The critters all agree. At least three of them do.
Spring will come early this year.
That’s according to the prognostications from local, regional and national animals known as Cosmo, Sand Mountain Sam and Punxsutawney Phil. That’s a dog, an opossum and a groundhog who each gave us the good news Friday, or Groundhog Day.
In the case of Cosmo, a mixed-breed male, it was the third annual “Ground Dog Day” at the Huntsville Animal Shelter.
According to the shelter, Cosmo, leashed by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, was initially timid as he approached bowls of kibble marked “Early Spring” and “More Winter.” He then decisively stepped toward the “Early Spring” bowl and chowed down.
It was a big day for Cosmo, who was available for adoption along with many other pets housed at the shelter. He had a bath, took a walk with the mayor and soon found a forever home after being adopted by someone who saw his photo on the Huntsville Animal Services Facebook page.
Ground Dog Day is an opportunity to promote awareness about the animals available for adoption, said Virgie Graham, Huntsville Animal Services interim director. It’s also a way to promote responsible pet ownership and urge the public to spay and neuter.
“Our mission at Huntsville Animal Services goes beyond finding homes for animals; it’s about creating a community of compassionate people who recognize the value of every rescue animal,” Graham said. “To prevent more wonderful creatures like Cosmo from ending up in shelters, we must stress the importance of spaying and neutering.”
The shelter is waiving fees on most adult animals through Wednesday.
Each pet is spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated before leaving the shelter. Pets are also treated with a three-month application of flea and tick preventative. Animals come with a City of Huntsville license and free bag of pet food while supplies last. Click here to see photos, ages and descriptions of available animals.
Animal Services is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 256-883-3782, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Animal or visit them on Facebook to learn more.
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