In Thursday’s edition of the News-Gazette, staff writer Fallan Patterson wrote a story about Oscar the Chihuahua.

Oscar was born with deformed front legs five weeks ago, his original owners took him to Osceola County Animal Control in St. Cloud to be euthanized.
But Kennel attendant Jessica Buffington took the then palm-sized puppy to the back room and realized the only disability the dog had was physical. Determined to save the dog, Buffington conferred with veterinary technician Vickie Dryer about the pup’s survivability. After getting a clean bill of health by the contracted veterinarian, Oscar – who was named after Australian double amputee Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius, who competed in the London 2012 games – was adopted by Animal Control clerk Carrie Hardy.
It was a heartwarming article, but we hope the story spotlights the bigger story – there are many more animals at the Animal Control’s shelter that need permanent homes. We’re talking about dogs and cats who have been seized from homes because of animal abuse; pets that have been surrendered by their owners because of hardships or had to move; or animals that have been found roaming the streets alone. And remember, the shelter generally only holds animals from three to seven days before they are euthanized.
Each week, the News-Gazette features a pets of the week listing, often found on the Community Events page. Adopting a rescued dog or cat is cheaper than purchasing them at a pet store and these animals need good homes. The adoption fee is $60 for a dog and $50 for a cat. All dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and tested for heartworms or before leaving the facility.
Just think about that the next time you’re in the market for a furry friend.
The Osceola County Animal Control Shelter, 3910 Old Canoe Creek Road, is open Monday, from noon to 5 p.m.; Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
There is a searchable database of adoptable animals on the shelter’s website at www.osceola.org/animalcontrol/home.cfm.
For more information, call 407-742-8000.