ELIZABETHTOWN — The front porch of the State Employee Credit Union on U.S. 701 South was turned into a pet adoption center Friday afternoon, with several kittens and a handful of dogs from the Bladen County Animal Shelter taking center stage.

The adoption event was the first at SECU for the Animal Shelter, and events like it are important for a number of reasons.

“These off-site adoption events gives the public a chance to see what we have available without having to to the shelter facility,” said Karen Suggs, shelter manager. “More importantly, animal shelters have a stereotype that this kind of event can show the public that the animals would be good pets and aren’t aggressive.”

Along with the chance to adopt a pet, folks also had the opportunity to get their pet micro-chipped, in case they ever become lost or taken, as well as have a rabies shot.

Suggs said the Animal Shelter has regular off-site adoption events at the Tractor Supply store near Walmart on West Broad Street in Elizabethtown, and that any business can request having an adoption event simply by calling her at 910-862-6918. The shelter, located at 506 Smith Circle in Elizabethtown, is open (except holidays) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and adoptions take place from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Suggs added that she was pleased with the visits the adoption event at SECU brought.

“We had quite a few people come by,” she said.

During the three-hour adoption event Thursday, Suggs said there were a few who were considering an adoption but held off. However, there were six micro-chips and 10 rabies shots given during the event.

“It wasn’t bad considering it was the first time we were there,” Suggs said. “We did have quite a few people come by.”

The Animal Shelter is planning a Saturday open house and adoption event for sometime in October.

W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

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W. Curt Vincent

cvincent@civitasmedia.com