UNITY — Operators of Wiggles and Whiskers Pet Supply store located in Unity are active pet adoption advocates.
April 30 was National Adopt-A-Pet Day, so owner Shannon Heitt decided it was a great opportunity for an adoption event at her store. She contacted Brilyn, the woman behind Prairie Pooches Rescue Inc. and arranged an adoption event.
Six puppies from the foster home in North Battleford, plus two personal hedgehogs were brought in for the afternoon’s adoption event.
“After adopting my own dog from Prairie Pooches Rescue, I took a greater interest in their mission and how they do things," says Heitt.
"They have a very thorough adoption process, which results in less dogs being returned to the shelter. They do a lot of work on reserves, taking litters into care and they also offer a spay/neuter and return program to help with the overpopulation.”
Wiggles and Whiskers store opened Aug. 4, 2020 on Main Street. Heitt was commended for her courage in launching the venture during the height of a worldwide pandemic.
Heitt says she is committed to pet causes in the community. She was a multi-year volunteer with KC Rescue, as well as sat on their board for three years. Her business provides toys for the Paw Park in Unity and, as a dog owner, she is a park supporter and volunteer. Wiggles and Whiskers makes donations of food and other supplies to KC Rescue and Prairie Pooches Rescue Inc.
Pet owners have often voiced their appreciation of her knowledge and advice when it comes to pet products and pet care.
“The turnout was better than either one of us expected," Heitt says of the adoption event.
"Brilyn commented that she has not had a turnout like that to any adoption event before. The community really rallied around the rescue and purchased donations such as toys and food when they were visiting the puppies. The hedgehogs were a huge hit as well.”
After seeing numerous potential adopters at the event, Heitt said she is happy to say there have been applications for at least three of the pups. She plans to host another adoption event again the future and she is thankful to the community for coming out to show their support.
You can learn more about Prairie Pooches rescue at www.prairiepoochesrescue.com.
