Some very loving people in Crestview want to find forever homes for abandoned, neglected and abused animals.
Feline Friends of North Okaloosa regularly offers kittens and cats for adoption. The next event is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at Ace Hardware in Crestview. Specials include adopting two cats for one fee, and senior citizens over 60 years old may adopt an adult cat free until May 5. Call 682-7273 or see www.felinefriend.org for more information.
Panhandle Animal Lovers rescues homeless dogs — including some from "kill" shelters, which means certain death — and offers them for adoption. You can see the pictures at www.panhandleanimallovers.com/ and call 683-4104 for more information.
The kindness of people who run these shelters is overwhelming, but their supplies are limited. Both groups always need dry dog food; dry Purina cat and kitten chow; canned Friskies cat food — no beef; puppy pads; clay cat litter; towels and blankets; paper towels and drawstring trash bags; monetary donations for spaying, neutering and heartworm treatment; and foster homes.
I realize many people want a puppy or kitten, but there are so many advantages to adopting an older pet. My husband and I prefer older pets, as they are usually housebroken or litter-box trained, and the rescue organization knows whether they get along with other cats or dogs. All of our pets are rescued; they are absolutely delightful and we love them dearly; they provide so much love and companionship.
It seems to me that taking care of helpless pets, especially those who are abandoned, neglected or abused, is part of what we, as Christians, are called to do.
Kindness toward animals is one way of tangibly showing our faith in the Lord. He created animals, and we are to be good stewards of God's creation.
Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her brother, Robb; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
Email listings of upcoming events to NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Crestview pet rescues offer forever homes