December 26, 2019 9:30 a.m.  
Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center in Roseburg is celebrating the highest number of pet adoptions in 12 years.
Executive Director Wendy Kang said as of Christmas Day, 1,399 dogs, cats and other pets have been adopted into new homes in 2019.
Kang said of those adopted more than half were cats and kittens. She said kitten adoptions in particular were on the rise in 2019, thanks in part to the Saving Grace Kitten Showers, which raise funds for and awareness about the high number of orphaned or abandoned kittens that arrive at Saving Grace in the spring and fall. Kang said about a third of their kittens arrive in May or June alone. She said “so we really make an effort to let the community knew that these sweet babies are available for adoption”. The kitten adoption fee is $80 and includes spay or neuter, vaccinations and a microchip.
Saving Grace also launched Fido Field Trips in 2019 which gives dogs awaiting adoption a chance to get out of the Adoption Center for a few hours. Kang said volunteers can take the dogs on leash to a park or on a hike, or to local businesses that welcome pets. She said the field trips are a great way to keep dogs socialized until they are adopted. Kang said time away from the shelter helps to reduce the animal’s stress, which contributes to successful adoptions. Last month, Saving Grace expanded Fido Field Trips to include sleepovers for dogs at the home of a volunteer.
The release said Saving Grace is committed to facilitating even more successful adoptions in 2020 and is asking animal lovers to consider a contribution to the non-profit during their year-end giving. To learn more about making a financial contribution to Saving Grace, or helping in other ways, go to www.savinggrace.info.