The "Pick Your Price" Adoption Episode.

Paris and new mom

Your spcaLA just concluded a five day "Pick your Price" adoption event, where adopters chose their pet and paid what they thought was reasonable, be it one, or one million dollars. Though many thought I had lost my mind, and I did not actually disagree, the results were positive, and downright astounding. Over ninety animals were adopted during this few day period and, remarkably, most adopters paid close to or over our regular adoption fees. Also interesting, was that people did this at a time when the government shelters and a few private ones were giving away their pets for free during the same period!

Pepsi,Sprite,Fanta and new mom

I chose a few highlights to illustrate the mindfulness that went into these decisions. Sapphire, a dog diagnosed with cancer, and a more difficult path to a home, was adopted for one dollar by someone wanting to care for her and give her the opportunity to live out the remainder of her life in a loving home. Paris, was with us for several months. She had medical issues which made her difficult to adopt. She was adopted for virtually twice our  fees as her new family wanted to thank us for all the care and efforts expended locating a suitable home for her. Finally, someone adopted a set of triplet kittens, Pepsi, Sprite and Fanta, that the new family did not want to separate and offered our customary special price for two!

The fees proffered were deliberative, caring, tailored to each animal and fair which, in my book, is a testament to the greatness of human nature in general, and, specifically to the kindness of our constituents. Speaking, of the "kindness of strangers", Chadwick, a dog who was with us for over a year, and Frank, a dog who was with us a few months but was deaf and had medical issues, benefited from random acts of compassion, "paying it forward", as their adoption fees were already paid in advance by others who just wanted to help.

Allow me to be the first to say "thank you".