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Pet portraits will be available at the Animal Welfare League Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Money raised from the portraits will benefit AWL. There is a $7.50 sitting fee, with half of the cost going to the AWL. Picture packages will then be available for purchase. No appointment is necessary and everyone in the county is invited to have their picture taken with their pets.
"We hope to get a lot of response," said Lisa Barber, a full-time AWL employee. "This kind of thing is what we depend on to raise funds for the organization."
The AWL also will be open for visits and adoptions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Barber said there are about 150 to 200 cats and dogs at the shelter suitable for adoption.
Another project the AWL hopes to start is the Hope Fund.
Barber said a dog named Hope recently was turned in to the shelter after being hit by a vehicle. Hope suffered from a broken leg. A local doctor fixed Hope at cost and Barber paid for it herself, she said.
"I think Hope's had to fight for food and whatever else she got, so she's not ready to share any of it," Barber said.
Hope was also found to have been shot. The dog is available for adoption and Barber said it was recommended it be a one-pet home.
The Hope Fund would be established by donations specifically for the care of animals in conditions like Hope's. There are also two animals at the AWL who need veterinarian care. Barber said they shouldn't have to euthanize an animal just because of a broken leg.
AWL hopes to establish the Hope Fund through a benefit weekend held at the Blue Lion Coffee House in Pierceton.
On Feb. 13 and 14 from 8 to 11 p.m., the band "Homespun" will perform. All proceeds of the weekend will benefit AWL. Donations also will be accepted all week.
"We've had wonderful support as far as donations go," Barber said.
A website has been set up by AWL at www.awlwarsaw.org. The site will be used to inform the county of pets available for adoption or fostering and what's going on at AWL.
