Help local pets find a new, loving family; check them out on Facebook

If you’re not on Facebook, there’s a great reason why you should be. It involves a lot of cute kittens, puppies and dogs of all ages and a random baby chick or two.

A Perfect Day Photography

Nelson is a sweet 5 month old lab mix. He already knows how to sit and is working on other basic commands. He is so sweet and loving.

It’s the Brunswick Sheriff’s Animal Adoption Page, and it’s completely adorable.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office took over operations of the former Brunswick County Animal Services last month. In doing so, the department was renamed Brunswick County Sheriff’s Animal Protective Services.

The goal, Sheriff John Ingram said, was, among a lot of priorities, to increase the number of adoptions from the shelter.

We’ll do a more in-depth story in the coming weeks. At Monday’s board of commissioners meeting, it was reported the shelter placed 114 animals in the month of July, up from the same time last year when 84 animals were placed.

The Facebook page is great because it gives would-be pet moms and dads a chance to see all the adorable faces looking for homes right here in Brunswick County.

A Perfect Day Photography is providing some too-cute-to-believe photos of the dogs and cats that are up for adoption. This gives you a quick glance at a pet’s personality (it’s right there in their faces!) and can start you on the path to become a new pet parent.

Once you spot a furry friend that might be right for you, you can head out to the shelter to meet a pet. There is even a new fenced-in area where you can socialize with a dog or you can pet and purr inside with one of the many kitties that need homes.

And part of the great news is animal services is once again open to the public on Saturdays. Monday through Thursday office hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; viewing hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Friday, office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., viewing hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, office hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m., viewing hours are 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The facility is at 429 Green Swamp Road in Supply.

The Facebook page is so cute I’ve told people I have to caution myself on going there. I have a heart that wants to take all of these babies home. However, my life is already a zoo.

I have three dogs and two cats. All but one are rescues. The non-rescue is my 14-year-old Min Pin Thor. He was the first pet I owned (or rather let own me) as an adult. I got him from a woman who was a friend of someone. I had the chance to get to know Thor’s mom and dad (pet and people versions) before I brought him home.

He was the runt whose tail had been cut too short. His legs were too short. His eyes were too buggy. From the pedigree he came from, I worried no one would want him. I couldn’t pass him up and think in some ways I rescued him, too. He certainly rescued me.

Since then my pet-family has grown to include Periwinkle—a Tabby missing part of her tail. She wandered up to my home in Kentucky.

Then there is Beeper. She is my blind feline companion I found chasing former staff writer Caroline Curran around the Beacon parking lot one day.

I took Beeper to the Brunswick County animal shelter after I trapped her in a box. I wanted to leave her for someone to adopt, but was told because she was blind (and sounded horrible and appeared sick) she would be put down. I couldn’t leave her, so I carried her in the box to a local vet.

After a test for feline AIDS and leukemia, she was spayed, given antibiotics and all of her shots, then I took her home.

Beeper was followed by an adoption of a boxer/Lab mix from Paws Place. Knowing Thor was aging, my husband suggested we get another dog that, heaven forbid when the time comes, would help the house not feel empty when Thor’s time here with us is done.

We named her Ripley; as in believe it or not I just got another pet.

Ripley was timid and shy. She hid each time we drove out to Boiling Spring Lakes to visit with her. She’s still shy, but she’s a great addition to our zoo.

Our most recent addition is Nate. He is a Chihuahua/Min Pin mix. He was a lost dog who found his way to us. We posted fliers, put his picture in the Beacon, called animal services and local vet offices. After no one claimed him, he was such a big part of our family we couldn’t bear to part with him.

Furever friends are unconditional loving companions. There are so many waiting to be loved and to love you back. Help Brunswick County Animal Protective Services help these animals.

Search for Brunswick Sheriff’s Animal Adoption Page on Facebook. See all the animals that still need homes. Celebrate those who’ve already been saved. You can also click here.

And, read the story on page 1A today about how the sheriff’s department broke up a puppy mill. There are likely many more pets that will need homes. Have space, even if your life is already a zoo? Open your heart and your home to those who will forever love you unconditionally.