By Liz McMahan
A holiday adoption program for pets from the Muskogee Animal Shelter may have a storybook ending and result in the animals finding a permanent loving home.
That’s what city officials are hoping.
The idea for adopting out the dogs and cats at the shelter for the holidays came from a recent Hallmark movie, “A Dog Named Christmas.” It is based on the book of the same name by Greg Kincaid.
In the book, Christmas finds a home for the holidays. The family falls in love with him and makes him a part of their family. The dog and the developmentally delayed boy in the family help find holiday homes for all the other animals at the shelter.
When Muskogee City Manager Greg Buckley saw the show, he thought it was an idea that could work in Muskogee.
Pam Bush, city clerk and animal shelter supervisor, said the shelter will have about 27 dogs and 15 cats available for holiday adoption on Dec. 14. Families may keep them through Dec. 28.
The animals will all be given their rabies and other shots before going home for the holidays, Bush said. They also will have collars and leashes provided by Homeland, Munding Feed, Muskogee Farmers Association, Orscheln Farm and Home and Tractor Supply.
Monday night, the Muskogee City Council is expected to approve waiving the $25 adoption fee for families that take a dog or cat and want to permanently adopt it.
Adopting families will be required to show proof they’ve had the animal spayed or neutered. Those services are available at a discount of $45 for cats or $65 for dogs.
In addition, two adoptive families will receive free spaying or neutering being offered by local veterinarians Dr. David Helms, Dr. Tim Synar and Dr. Gloyd Miller, Bush said.
Bush said several other Muskogee-area business have helped the shelter with donation of food, including Wagoner Walmart, Homeland on Chandler Road and York Street, Muskogee Farmers Association, Tractor Supply and Kmart.
Reach Liz McMahan at 918-684-2926 orClick Here to Send Email
