For the Reporter

A total of 417 homeless cats and dogs found new homes during Pawsitive Alliance’s fourth annual Statewide Shelter Open House last Saturday.

Thirty-two shelters throughout the state participated, from Bellingham to Walla Walla, Spokane to Tacoma, Auburn to Yakima. An estimated 4,000 people visited the shelters during this one day event.

The goal of the event is to help the shelters grow their adopter, donor and volunteer bases while raising awareness of the good work they do on a daily basis for animals in need.

“We are thrilled with how much this event has grown each year,” said Yolanda Morris, board president and co-founder of Pawsitive Alliance. “Seven shelters participated during the first Open House in 2011. This year we had 32 shelters participate, including nine new shelter partners. But most important, 417 animals found their new people and homes, and 984 shelter animals were provided additional exposure and opportunity to be adopted.

Pawsitive Alliance also had its Most Fun Shelter Contest and awarded cash prizes in three categories to Homeward Pet Adoption Center, Grant County Animal Outreach and Spokane Humane Society.

Event sponsors included Healthy Paws Pet Insurance; MudBay; Best Friends No More Homeless Pets Network; Addiction Pet Food and Animal Surgical Clinic

Since 2005, Pawsitive Alliance has helped more than 5,613 homeless pets find homes. To learn more, visit www.pawsitivealliance.org.