Residents can make a difference in shelter animals’ lives this Saturday

It was love at first sight when Matthew Cowie found his four-legged best friend.

Cowie’s wife, Sherry recalls the moment.

” He picked her up. Took a picture of her. Sent it over to me and said ‘Look what I found’. And then it kind of just went from there. ”

The Cowies brought Bently home after no one claimed her. They’ve also opened their home to close to a dozen shelter animals.

Matthew said, ” Especially us being realtors, we help families get into homes. We think the same thing about the animals. Of helping the animals find homes. And a place to feel comfortable in. A place to call their own. ”

Matthew said anyone can be a shelter animal parent but it’s a serious decision.

” It’s a commitment. So make sure you are committed to the decision. Cause when you bring in this animal into your home, They’re expecting it to be their forever home too. ”

But the humane society has become overcrowded. Residents can help them clear the shelter this weekend.

Devon Apodaca , Executive Director of the Humane Society of Imperial County, said, ” Our humane society is only built to house about a hundred animals at a time. And we currently have almost 300 animals in our care. ”

For the staff members at the humane society, it’s rewarding to help shelter animals find a loving home.

Apodaca added, ” It makes us feel really good to see that happen that you know we provided to the best of our abilities for so long. And now this animal’s going to an even better place. ”

As for Bently , she came with a surprise.

Sherry added, ” We ended up birthing her…helping her birth her five pups and finding them loving homes. And we still keep in contact with one of the owners of two of her babies. Even to this day. ”

If you or someone who you think can offer a forever home for a shelter animal, come out this Saturday to the Clear the Shelter event at the Humane Society of Imperial County, Petco , and PetSmart. The event begins at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Cowies will be doing a raffle and drop off for a wishlist made by the humane society of items needed for the shelter from pet food to cleaning supplies.

Residents can drop them off at Prince & Associates Realtors on 343 South 8th Street Suite B in El Centro.