Blessed beyond measure: 17 pets find homes at Buckhannon adoption event

BUCKHANNON – The October Subaru Loves Pets adoption event led to 17 adoptions at the Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Facility.

Jen Kesling, owner of Jen Kesling State Farm and a volunteer with LUV 4 Animals, said 12 dogs and five cats were adopted during the Oct. 17 adoption event.

“Between WDTV, WBOY, My Buckhannon, Facebook posts and shares, and people simply spreading the word and encouraging others to attend, we had an incredible amount of support,” Kesling said. “We couldn’t have had that turnout without everyone helping get the word out.”

She also thanked Jenkins Subaru for partnering with the Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Facility and LUV 4 Animals, and she thanked everyone who donated supplies, which helped make the event happen.

She specifically called out several Wesleyan students who volunteered for the event.

“We cannot say enough about the West Virginia Wesleyan students; they were absolute game changers for this event,” Kesling said. “Their willingness to spend their Saturday helping these animals made an unbelievable difference, and having that many additional hands completely changed what we were able to do. We truly can’t overstate their impact on the success of the day.”

Kesling said there was a constant flow of people coming to the facility throughout the day, looking to meet the animals and socialize with the volunteers.

“I bought eight leashes, and every single leash was used between all the volunteers; they had a dog out all the time, meeting people and showing their real personality outside a kennel,” Kesling said. “Instead of choosing an animal from behind a kennel door, families were taking their time, meeting different animals, asking questions, and finding the best fit; that’s what we feel especially good about.”

She said some families arrived looking to meet a specific pet, while others wanted to meet different animals to see who would be the best fit for their household.

“We had one family adopt three cats and one dog, and they’re a well-known family. We know them, and they have a fantastic home setting for the animals,” Kesling said. “Their children are grown, so these are their babies. They came with the intention of adopting one cat. The husband found a cat, and he was not putting him down, and then they got two others out, which they fell in love with. Then they were getting ready to leave, but we had one of the dogs that had been there for a good while out, and he just fell in love with her.”

Kesling said the atmosphere around the event was different from any other adoption event she had ever attended.

“There were people everywhere; we had coffee, treats and chairs set up around, so people just sat and visited, drank coffee, hung out with the animals,” Kesling said. “They weren’t in any hurry to adopt, get their paperwork done and get out of there. I’ve never seen an event like that before; I asked God to bless the event, and he blessed it beyond measure.”

While the event was a success, Kesling said more animals are brought into the Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Facility every day, and they always need more help.

“We can’t hold adoption events all the time; volunteers are needed year-round to walk dogs, socialize cats and dogs, help with transports to rescues, and give these animals the attention they deserve,” Kesling said. “Even if someone can’t volunteer in person, sharing an adoptable animal’s Facebook post can make a tremendous difference; every share helps that animal reach more people and potentially find its forever home. Anyone interested in helping can reach out to Lewis-Upshur Animal Control or LUV 4 Animals to learn about volunteer opportunities.”

The Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Facility is located at 318 Mud Lick Road in Buckhannon and can be reached at 304-472-3865. Its hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sunday, by appointment.