‘Name your own price’ pet adoption successful

Tara Jackson, a D.C. resident, was the first to complete an adoption. She took home ''Calise,'' a hound-mix. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
A 2-year-old Saint Bernard puppy named Yepperdoodle wants to be adopted. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
A group of puppies is grouped together at the Washington Animal Rescue League's 2nd Annual adoption event. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
This cat is one of the many animals that was up for adoption at the Animal Rescue League's Adopt-A- Thon. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
Arabella Rathbone holds Almondine, one of the cats up for adoption. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
A dog offers his paw to a prospective owner at the Washington Animal Rescue League during the adoption day. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
This mix named 'Pantalones' smiles for prospective owners at the 2nd Annual Adopt-A- Thon. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
Tara Jackson smiles with her new puppy who she is naming after a 'Game of Thrones' character. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
(1/8)

WASHINGTON – As part of its 2nd Annual Adopt-a-Thon, the Washington Animal Rescue League decided to let new owners name their own price when taking home a furry friend.

“I’m trying to persuade my aunt to get a dog,” says a young boy, first in line at the adoption event.

More than 150 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in need of permanent homes were available for adoption at the Adopt-A-Thon from noon to 5 p.m. at Ogelthrope St. Northwest in D.C. Saturday.

The shelter waived the application fee for each animal, normally $50 to $250, as part of the special offer. All animals have been spayed and neutered and are up to date on their vaccinations, according to staffers.

Many were rescued from dangerous and unhealthy situations, says Matt Williams, communications director for the Washington Animal Rescue League. Some come from crowded shelters or puppy mills, Williams says.

It costs the shelter about $800 to bring in one animal, according to Williams, but the incentive will mean more pets finding homes. “The idea is to get as many people here to adopt as many of these animals as possible,” he says.

Tara Jackson was the first to complete the dog adoption process. She bought a 2- month-old hound mix. She is naming it “Calise” after a Game of Thrones character. Jackson arrived early to call dibbs on the puppy, “I woke up at 7 a.m. It’s like Christmas Eve. I’m so excited!”

Young Arabella Rathbone says she wants a kitty, “So I can snuggle in the night so I don’t get scared in the night.” If they adopt the kitten, Arabella says she wants to name hers “Marshmellow.”

Veterinarians and animal trainers were on-site to answer questions about pet ownership.

WTOP’s Jamie Forzato contributed to this report.

Follow WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up