Finding "forever homes" for homeless domestic animals, mainly dogs and cats, is the mission of the Partnership for Animal Welfare, a Greenbelt-based nonprofit organization.

To help the pets find their perfect human matches, the group puts on pet adoption shows six or seven times a month at area Petco and Petsmart locations, said Vicki Korobkin, fundraising coordinator for the group.

On Jan. 23 at the Petco, on Old Dobbin Lane, in Columbia, the group had about 10 dogs at the store for prospective owners to meet.

"It's a chance to see how the dog reacts to people, take the dog out and walk him on a leash and see if there is a connection there," Korobkin said.

If there is a good connection, the prospective owners then fill out an application form and the animal's shot records are verified. After that, a home visit is made to make sure it is pet friendly and secure as well as an application review by a PAW committee. If all checks out, the pets get a happy ending with a permanent home.

Though this show was dogs only, felines get their time in the spotlight, too. The group sponsors cat adoption shows in the area as well, sometimes merging the two in the same event, Korobkin said.

Korobkin, who has been with the group for two years, said PAW formed in 1996 and is funded by tax-deductible donations and run by volunteers.

The next dog adoption show is Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Petco location in Bowie, 15461 Excelsior Drive. The next cat adoption show is also Jan. 30, at the Columbia Petsmart, 9041 Snowden Square Drive.

For more information on PAW, volunteering opportunities or a schedule of upcoming adoption shows, go to www.paw-rescue.org.

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user comments (2)

user suzannem says...

Correction: next DOG adoption show is Sat, Jan 30, Bowie Petco (,15461 Excelsior Drive), 12-2 pm; next CAT adoption show is Sat. Jan 30, Columbia Petsmart (9041 Snowden Square Drive), 12-3 pm. SM, PAW

Posted 8:46 PM, 01.28.10 | Permalink

user independent says...

After a stressful day, arriving home to dogs who are thrilled to see you is a blessing. The events of the day disappear and you become a member of a peaceful world where exercise, discipline, and affection (Millan) produce predictable results, comforting and safe. When stressed, hug a dog (or view photos if at work). Does wonders for the human condition.

Posted 7:16 AM, 01.29.10 | Permalink