WYOMISSING, Pa. – Some local first responders are going to great lengths to help dogs find permanent homes.
They have teamed up with the Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL) to pose for photos with dogs in the hopes that their efforts will help get these furry friends adopted.
“Many of our officers, myself included, are dog lovers. Some of our officers have adopted dogs from the ARL, and others who have been involved in this program have taken home the dog they served as an ambassador for,” said Chief John Phillips of the Wyomissing Police Department.
During a photo shoot at the firehouse, Wyomissing rescue workers got cozy with some furry friends to promote animal adoption.
“Use the fire and police trucks as a backdrop to encourage the adoption of these dogs,” said Chief Ethan Holmes of the Wyomissing Fire Department.
“We only have 70 kennels at the shelter, and despite our foster homes and adoption calls, we always experience a population surge in the summer,” said Ashley Mikulsky, CEO of ARL.
Eight dogs were part of the photo shoot with the first responders, but many more are now available for adoption at ARL.
“Currently, we have our Bissell Pet Adoption Program where any large breed dog is completely free. It is sponsored by a funder, so any dog that is here today is eligible for this promotion, and anyone who has been at our shelter for more than two weeks is also eligible for free adoption,” Mikulsky explained.
The animal shelter has currently suspended admissions to free up space.
“So we’re trying to do everything we can to alleviate the overcrowding. The only way that that ends up helping us is if we get another stray dog, because then we’d have to keep it in our office, and we’re really not equipped to do that,” said Chief Phillips.
“It was a good opportunity to get involved in something good here in the community,” added Chief Homles.
