Adoption process begins for abused pets

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - Pet owners that boarded their pets at Purple Hearted Puppies had until midnight Monday to claim their pet, but only a few people contacted officials.

"There were several people actually looking for dogs that had been missing for a period of time," said Adoption Coordinator Deneen Balistere.

The Baldwin County Humane Society, also know as BARC!, said considering the number of animals it's taken in it is right at it's limit, but it's ready for the long haul.

"We have processed, since January 26, 73 foster applications, 80 dog adoption applications and five cat adoption applications," said Sonja Presley, Baldwin County Humane Society executive director.

All of the applications were submitted for a Summerdale pet. Requests are flooding in for the abused animals and dozens of donations have been mailed to the office.

Officials still need about a month to prep the animals for new families, and they have to be the right families.  

"Just because you see it on TV, it's cute and cuddly; we want to make sure it's the right energy match in your household," Presley said.

Rescue officials said the abused pets will need a special home, and they will take their time to find the right match. Baldwin County Humane Society said it will be updating it's site with pictures and profiles of each pet soon. Saturday, Febuary 18 BARC! will hold it's first fundraiser for the Summerdale animals.

The Mystic Krewe of K-9 Kritters Royalty will be chosen Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the fifth annual fundraiser for the Baldwin County Humane Society at Magnolia by the Gulf Small Animal Clinic, 19930 Baldwin County 6 in Gulf Shores. 

Donation of $20 per family goes towards medical care for the 58 dogs and 51 cats who defied the odds and survived mass animal cruelty at the Purple Hearted Puppies Shelter in Summerdale and the Dueitt’s residence in Robertsdale.

Registration is at 10 a.m.; costume judging starts 11 a.m.  Parade participants will be scored on costume creativity, originality, behavior and showmanship.

Royalty crowned will be King, Queen, Prince, Princess and Court Jester. Judges will also select Honorable Loyal Royal canines to be part of the Krewe.

Each member of the royal court will walk in the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parade Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at 10 a.m.  Dr. Lee Ann McGill, the owner of the only veterinary clinic in Gulf Shores, has been selected as the Grand Marshall and wants the Mystic Krewe of K-9 Kritters to lead the parade with her.