Clear The Shelters Event Brings Free Adoptions To Stafford County

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — The annual "Clear the Shelters" event will bring free adoptions to the Stafford County Animal Shelter on Saturday.

The event comes at a perfect time for the shelter, which is currently at capacity and unable to accept any additional animals.

The annual event is made possible thanks to its sponsor, Ginger Walker of the Give Back Team. The Give Back Team is a group of Realtors who work together to support local causes by sponsoring events and donating money to their clients favorite causes. Walker is a local Realtor who has been a supporter of the animal shelter since finding her own beloved animals there.

Walker told Patch that she started by donating cash to the shelter when she could. She didn't ask for any recognition, but asked others to pay it forward when they could. Eventually, the donations evolved into a yearly sponsorship, where Walker and the Give Back Team cover all adoption fees for one day.

"The animal shelter needs people to come out right now," Walker told Patch. "They are very crowded with dogs."

In recent Facebook posts, the animal shelter has urged residents to adopt or foster animals if they are able.

"Our animal shelter is now officially beyond capacity. We have reached a point where we have no more space to accommodate the animals in need," the animal shelter said in a July post. "It breaks our hearts to say that we even have adoptable dogs in our stray dog holding area, which is far from ideal for their well-being."

The animal shelter noted that they have avoided euthanizing any animals in the past 6 years, but their current situation is untenable.

"This challenging situation has pushed us to the brink, and we fear that we may have no choice but to make that heartbreaking decision if we don't find loving homes for these animals soon," the animal shelter said.

This year's Clear the Shelters event comes at a crucial time.

"Whether it's tomorrow or in the next couple of weeks, we need people to come out," Walker told Patch on Friday.

Last year, the event allowed approximately 40 cats and 20 dogs to find homes, Walker said. She hopes that she can lead by example and inspire others.

"It's like the ripple effect. You throw a pebble in a pond, it creates ripples," Walker said. "I'm the pebble creating ripples, and you hope the ripples take over."

Walker noted that she hopes the event creates a lasting connection between families and the animal shelter. She noted that other families could be inspired to donate in the future after they welcome pets into their family on Saturday.

"I want to spread a little love and kindness," Walker said. "Come out and spend my money!"