Engraved pavers line the walkway to the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter as a permanent testament to the bond that can form between people and their pets.
It is a way to honor pets or loved ones, while helping animals that currently need loving homes and showing visitors the lasting love that develops when a pet becomes a family member.
“It’s a wonderful way to recognize a pet, animal lover, local team or organization while helping to give animals a second chance,” said ECCAS Director Stacey Heiden.
For those looking for a last minute Christmas gift or a positive way to begin the new year, a paver may be the perfect solution.
“It’s for any occasion, for those who just graduated veterinary school, or volunteered frequently at the shelter, for a pet that’s passed away, or simply to recognize or memorialize a family pet,” she said.
The pavers are six inches by nine inches and cost a tax-deductible $50. Order forms are available at the shelter.
Funds go towards the Friends of ECCAS and will support a sunroom or a “catio” as well as other projects.
“This will give the cats a visiting area to be able to free roam for better enrichment and better health,” said Heiden.
The ECCAS Facebook page is frequently updated with new arrivals, and Heiden encourages everyone to check it out and see the wonderful pets they have for adoption. The shelter is always in need of foster homes and sponsors as well. Sponsorships help pets to promote adoption by covering over half of a selected pet’s fees, lowering the price to $20 for any person interested.
To purchase a paver, sponsor a pet or to adopt a pet, visit the shelter at 253 Sycamore Shoals Drive. For more information, call 423-547-6359.