NEWS

Animals seek home at adoption event

Amanda King
aking@augustachronicle.com
Gail Ditsch (left) watches as Memphis Miller, 9, gives a treat to a dog that's up for adoption at the annual "Out Here with Animals" event at Tractor Supply in North Augusta. [MIKE ADAMS/SPECIAL]

A small group of four-legged friends gathered at Tractor Supply in North Augusta on Saturday morning, hoping to be adopted.

Team Stinkykiss, a local nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and finding homes for homeless and abandoned animals, brought a few of their 15 dogs up for adoption to Tractor Supply’s "Out Here with Animals" event. Unlike many adoption events, Team Stinkykiss doesn't allow immediate adoptions. Everyone interested in adopting must fill out an application and, if approved, must have a home visit from one of the organization's volunteers.

"We want to make sure it's a good fit," said Becky Peita, a vetting coordinator.

Until dogs are adopted, they live in foster homes. Foster volunteers must also complete an application and home visit. All medical fees for the animal while being fostered are covered by Team Stinkykiss. The only cost for foster families is food for the dog.

"We want to make sure they're always in a safe home," Peita said.

Peita said the price to adopt from their organization is higher than an animal shelter, but all dogs come fully vetted, including microchipping. Team Stinkykiss also covers the cost to spay or neuter puppies, which is required in the contract upon adopting.

The group holds meet-and-greet events to showcase some of their available pets. Events are frequently posted on their Facebook page. For those unable to attend the events, all adoptable dogs are posted on their website, along with the application to adopt. Foster families are always being sought.

"The more fosters we have, the more dogs we can save," Peita said.