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The Upson County Animal Shelter and Spay-Neuter Upson (SNUP) came together Saturday for a special pet adoption day.

While the focus of the event was to find loving homes for dogs and cats at the shelter, participants also were treated to family friendly activities including live musical performances by local artists, an inflatable, and face painting for children.

Anne Kelly, of SNUP, said her organization has developed a good working relationship with Animal Control Director Smart Web and his staff, which resulted in an event well-received by the community, with five cats and two dogs going home with new families.

“Smart’s done an amazing job working with us,” Kelly said. “We try to pull together with the shelter to coordinate the spay-neuter; we pick them up and have them vetted; and work with the rescue groups.”

Web also viewed Saturday’s event as a success, saying, “I think it went good.”

He went on to praise all the volunteer efforts at the shelter.

“I do think it’s a lot better,” he said.

Kelly also said SNUP volunteers were at the shelter prior to the adoption day to groom some of the available animals.

“There just aren’t enough hands to do it, so the volunteer group is trying to take that on for him (Web),” she said. “We’re also working really hard to educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering. There are finances available to help with that and it really needs to be done. It’s amazing how quickly one cat can become responsible for a thousand cats. It doesn’t take long.”

Kelly said the Thomaston-Upson County community seems to be embracing SNUP’s efforts.

“It’s been awesome, all the people who have contacted me since we got rocking and rolling,” she said.

Another aspect of SNUP’s efforts is the placement of animals in foster homes, and that, Kelly said, is not only a positive step to reduce euthanasia rates, but also directly benefits the local economy.

“This has really brought the community together – it’s been spectacular,” she said. “These are people who are coming into town, staying in hotel rooms, eating in restaurants and shopping. It’s good for our town.”

The Upson County Animal Shelter and SNUP will hold special adoption days every second Saturday of the month through November. The next Shelter Adoption Day will be on the square at Rescue Me Market on Saturday, August 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.