Andrew Pitts

Special to the News-Topic

For those seeking to rescue a furry companion, there is an alternative to the county's animal shelter. The Pet Partners Network is a non-profit organization, headed by Judy Cary, that was created for the purpose of saving the lives of homeless dogs and cats in Caldwell County.

Cheryl Ciccone, a member of the Pet Partners Network board of directors, noted the mission of the organization.

"Our goal is to build a no-kill shelter for Caldwell County," Ciccone said.

Members of the The Pet Partners Network adamantly are against the termination of unwanted pets. The Network is not affiliated with the local county animal shelter, nor does it have a main shelter building at this time, though that is a future gaol of the organization. Animals that await adoption are taken care of at volunteer foster homes. These animals are available for viewing during their adoption drives or on the network's Web site.

Cary, the organization's founder, commented on the origin and goals of the organization.

"We wanted to draw attention to animal cruelty," she said. "We wanted to do something about it. This problem could be solved; education is the new tool. We want to see pets as part of the family, not as property."

Though the Pet Partners Network is a non-profit organization, adoption is not free. There is a $75 adoption fee that covers the rabies vaccine and a spay or neuter procedure. A three-page application must be filled out in order to adopt a pet. This is to ensure that the pet goes to a good home. Also, the Network must be allowed to check in on the pet in the future to make sure that it is being treated properly and living in a loving environment. These methods ensure that the pets will be kept and taken care of with love and respect.

The organization raises money through the sale of T-shirts ($10) and bumper stickers ($1). Occasional yard sales are also held as a fundraiser, as well as rabies clinics, car washes and bake sales. Pet Partners' greatest needs, as listed in its brochure, are volunteer foster families, monetary donations, fundraisers and volunteers. Donations of pet food, blankets, towels and housing crates also are needed. Monetary donations can be made directly to the Pet Partners Network or taken to Bank of Granite offices. All donations are-tax deductible and help the organization toward its goal of establishing a no-kill shelter.

"We need all the help we can get," said Suzanne Singer, a member of the organization's board of directors.

Cary added, "If you want to see changes, please write your local leadership."

Adoption drives are held as often as possible, though most are scheduled bi-monthly on Saturdays. Adoption drives are held at The Tractor Supply Company on Blowing Rock Boulevard in Lenoir. The Tractor Supply Company is currently the only host for these drives. The next adoption drive will be Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Signs will be posted outside of the store one week prior to each adoption drive. To contact the Pet Partners Network, call (828) 394-7490 or send an e-mail to petpartners@charter.net. The Web site is www.petpartners.vpweb.com.