What: Lakeland Animal Shelter third annual Adopt-a-thon
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: 3 miles south of Elkhorn on Highway 67
For more information: Call (262) 723-1000 or visit www.lakelandanimalshelter.org
Volunteer Jefferson Foxen visits with Max, a year and a half old orange tabby cat, at the Lakeland Animal Shelter outside of Elkhorn. The Walworth County shelter has nearly 150 cats of all sizes on site and at an upcoming adoption event, expects to have twice that many available.
ELKHORN — Mary came from a live trap and had a rough beginning at Lakeland Animal Shelter in Elkhorn.
She wasn't sociable and had a hard time making friends.
Now, she likes people, rubbing around their legs and giving looks imploring for attention.
She also has four 10-month-old kittens: Flora, Fauna, Briar Rose and Philip.
Mary and her four kittens are among 300 cats available for adoption at the Lakeland Animal Shelter in Elkhorn.
Spring means more cats and dogs dropped at the shelter, and the down economy means fewer resources.
This weekend, the shelter will hold its Third Annual Adopt-a-thon to try and find homes for many of the animals.
The shelter receives about 1,800 cats and kittens each year, mostly during spring and summer. The majority of the animals are strays, and many females come in pregnant.
"There is often the joke about rabbits being pretty prolific," said Kristen Perry, Lakeland Animal Shelter executive director. "But cats aren't too far behind."
And then there's the economy.
Some people give their animals to the shelter because they can't afford to keep up with vaccinations and regular animal care.
"At any given time, we see surrender reasons having to do with economics," Perry said.
The economy also means the shelter has fewer volunteers and donations.
"We have to work for it to make sure people understand that, despite the economy, our cause is still important and valid," Perry said.
After taking care of Mary and her litter, Tiffini Heim, who works at the shelter, is sad about the prospect of seeing them leave.
But sometimes it's worth it.
"When you use the happiness in this family's face, that this is going to be their new pet, it kind of overwhelms you to see they (the cats) are going to be loved," she said.
"You know they are in a great home, and that's all that matters."
Adoption details
Adoption fees for cats normally are $131.50 for kittens up to 7 months old, $106.50 between 7 months old and 7 years old and $81.50 for senior cats.
Fees for dogs normally are $156.50 for puppies up to 7 months old, $131.50 between 7 months old and 7 years old, and $106.50 for senior dogs.
Adoption fees include vaccinations and medical care to cover the adopted animal's first year away from the shelter.
There is a $25 discount for both cats and dogs adopted this weekend.
To adopt, you must be over the age of 18. If you rent, your landlord will be contacted to ensure you are allowed to have pets. If you're a homeowner, bring proof of home ownership. If you already have other pets, all their vaccinations must be up-to-date.
The shelter requires 24 hours for its screening process, so if you are hoping to take home your next best friend this weekend, be sure to apply by Friday. Those dropping by during the weekend can pick out their favorite animal but will be required to wait for the screening process to finish.