‘Secret Santa’ donation to cover adoption fees of 308 Valley dogs
Dec 8, 2017, 12:39 PM
(Facebook/Maricopa County Animal Care & Control)
(Facebook/Maricopa County Animal Care & Control)
PHOENIX — The holidays are right around the corner, but for those who have not started shopping for presents yet, a Maricopa County animal shelter has one idea for you: A free dog.
That’s right, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control has covered the adoption fees for 308 dogs, thanks in large part to a generous donation from someone the shelter is calling a “Secret Santa.”
According to Jose Miguel Santiago, a spokesman for the shelter, a good Samaritan donated $5,300 after seeing a Facebook post that explained how overrun the shelter is with “bully breeds.”
The post said most “non-bully breeds” are adopted within days of becoming available, while “bully breeds” stay in the shelter for an average of 45 days, with some dogs being left in the shelter for upwards of 90 days, despite the fact that adoption fees for them are just $17.
The so-called “Secret Santa” said they decided to come forward after seeing the post because they have rescued two pups of their own — named Chelsea and Sadie — and want others to “experience the love you can get from your rescued best friend.”
Santiago said 154 dogs from both Maricopa County Animal Care and Control shelters will be able to find “fur-ever” homes for free, thanks to the donation.
