The Potomac Highlands Dispatch - the online newspaper

'Presents for Paws' turns into
paws for presents for 9 families
Christmas Eve morning program benefited cats, dogs with treats and affection

By The Potomac Highlands Dispatch
CUMBERLAND, Dec. 24 -- A new program designed to bring gifts to animals temporarily housed at the Allegany County Animal Shelter did just that - and more - during a half day's work less than 12 hours before Santa Claus hit the Mid-Atlantic region.

"Today's been excellent," said Jodi Sweitzer, of Queen City Animal Rescue and a volunteer at the animal shelter.

Five dogs and four cats were adopted, Sweitzer said. Another dog was selected for the shelter's foster program - which means Lady will be at someone's home until she is adopted. In addition, five feral cats - animals that are determined as not being adoptable - were taken in by the Cumberland-based Citizens Animal Rescue Inc.

"This week has been really good," she said. "Thirteen dogs altogether this week that have been fostered or adopted out."

Both Sweitzer and Dick DeVore, division chief of Allegany County government's emergency management that oversees animal control operations, credited the large number of adoptions to the work of volunteers. Those volunteers started being accepted only about two weeks ago.

Volunteers, Sweitzer said, are "the reason why the cats and dogs are actually getting adopted and foster. It's helped them with socialization."

DeVore said many of the volunteers become fond of the animals while cleaning kennels or walking the dogs. They go home and, through personal conversations and social media, make connections and try to find the animals new homes.

Of the volunteers' work, DeVore said, "so far, it's paying dividents."

For more information on volunteering, call the shelter at 301-777-5930 or email Sweitzer.