Pups in Need of Love

On Friday, Aug. 1, patrons on their way into Visterra Credit Union were greeted by some literal puppy eyes. The Moreno Valley Animal Services Department was showcasing some energetic pups as an initiative to help encourage adoption. There were five dogs present at the credit union, all of which had passed the five-day allowance for their owners to claim them, but there are dozens more dogs as well as cats at the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter in need of safe and loving homes. This is the fourth year that animal services has partnered with local businesses to raise awareness about adoption as well as the importance of spaying and neutering pets. In fact, Animal Services Division Manager Steve Fries, who helps coordinate events like these, explained: "They [animals] can't actually go home until they are spayed and neutered. They [owners] can do the adoption today and then pick the animals up from the clinic on Monday." Currently, prospective pet owners can adopt a dog or cat for fifty dollars and twenty-five dollars respectively. The price includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and a microchip. There is also a special going on for anyone who wants to welcome a new feline into his or her home. It's called "$5 Fridays" and allows for the adoption of cats, along with all of the aforementioned services, for only five dollars on any of the five Fridays in August. Community outreach events such as this one are important because, according to Fries, "It gives greater exposure for animals so they have a better chance of finding a home." With about 150 shelter animals in Moreno Valley right now, this is increasingly important.