Burlington County animal lovers and baseball fans can enjoy both during a special grand slam adoption event at the Burlington County Animal Shelter.
In honor of the start of baseball season, the Burlington County Commissioners will team with the Burlington County Animal Shelter and Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter to host the Field of Dreams Open House on Sunday, April 7. From noon to 4 PM visitors will be able to tour the shelter and meet many of the dogs and cats available for adoption or foster, as well as play baseball-themed carnival games and snack on hot dogs and other concessions.
The Philadelphia Phillies game against the Washington Nationals will be shown on the shelter’s big screens.
There will also be a special simulated baseball game between the Burlington Strays and the County Cats for shelter bragging rights. All adoption fees are being waived that day and each team’s honorary mascot will circle the bases every time their team scores an adoption!
The game’s first pitch will be tossed out at noon, and the teams of dogs and cats will take the field.
“The Burlington County Animal Shelter has had a great start to the year so far finding adopters for many of our deserving dogs and cats, so we want to keep the momentum going with events like this one that can make a difference,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell, the liaison to the animal shelter. “Even if you’re not looking for a pet, you can still help our animals by showing up and taking photos of our adoptable pets to share with family and friends. Every dog or cat we help find a loving home is a run, so come out and root for your favorites.”
All-Star Pets available for adoption
Among the All-Star pets visitors can meet and cheer for is Bella, a 4- to 5-year-old Cane Corso who was surrendered to the shelter last summer. Bella is an older dog but still loves to play with toys. She is a strong walker and knows basic commands. She will captain the Burlington Strays.
Joining Bella on the dog side is Rusty, a 6-year-old Pit Bull terrier mix who was brought to the shelter in November as a stray. He knows his basic commands and is full of love.
Captaining the County Cats is Chuckie, a dapper 7-year-old Domestic Shorthair who was originally adopted from the shelter three years ago but was surrendered in February after the owner could no longer afford to keep him. Chuckie is active and will fetch toys. He loves people of all ages.
Another standout on the County Cats team is Colette, a 2-year-old calico who was found in Burlington Township and never claimed. She is sweet and talkative.
“Bella, Rusty, Chuckie and Colette are each All-Stars who would make perfect pets for the right family,” said O’Connell. “We’re hoping to send them home on April 7 along with several more of their teammates.”
The Burlington County Animal Shelter is located at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton. Information and photographs of all the shelter’s available dogs and cats can be found online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1446/Available-for-Adoption .
More than 310 dogs and cats have been adopted from the shelter so far this year, including Chief, a 10-year-old Pit Bull terrier mix who found his forever home on Feb. 11 during the shelter’s special Super Bowl Sunday Open House.
Animal lovers can volunteer their time to help with shelter tasks, make financial donations or gift the shelter needed supplies. For more information, including a wish list of items, visit https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1290/Donation-Wish-List .
“The Burlington County Animal Shelter is one of our most important services and the shelter’s staff and volunteers do an amazing job giving the animals there the love and attention they need,” said O’Connell. “What we want most is to give them loving homes, so please come out and visit the shelter on April 7 and help us score some homeruns for these animals.”