FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Myers, Florida, 4/23/01—Lee County Animal Services is teaming up with thousands of animal welfare organizations across the United States and around the world for Pet Adoptathon 2001, an event designed to unite pet-loving adopters with homeless pets that are in need of quality homes. Pet Adoptathon 2001, sponsored by North Shore Animal League and Purina, is a two-day event scheduled for May 5 & 6, 2001 that aims to link thousands of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens with good loving adopters.

Pet Adoptathon 2001 will kick off May 5^th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Animal Services will also be open on Sunday May 6^th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm for the public to view and adopt even more pets on this special weekend. The event will be held at their shelter at 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers, within Six Mile Commercial Park, off Six Mile Cypress Parkway. Animal Services takes in almost 11,000 animals each year and is faced with the task of finding homes for nearly 8,000 pets each year that are not claimed by their owners. The agency hopes to match as many homeless, but wonderful pets, as possible with new families during the Pet Adoptathon 2001 weekend.

All pets adopted during the weekend event will receive a free gift. Adoption Counselors will be available to assist all potential adopters in selecting the perfect pet to fit each individual’s lifestyle. Through Animal Services’ "Seniors for Seniors" Program, senior citizen adopting pets will receive a special adoption package for their new pet and are eligible to purchase a Microchip ID for only $10.00! The "Seniors for Seniors" Program is aimed at saving the older pets that are often passed over in animal shelters in favor of puppies and kittens by uniting them with seniors citizens in need of companionship.

For more information about Pet Adoptathon 2001, please call (941) 432-2083 or visit Lee County Animal Services’ website at http://lee-county.com/animalservices.