Adoption events at Rockwall Petco begin fourth year

Jenny prepared to go home with the Terrill family from the Rockwall Petco.

A single trip to the Petco store in Rockwall changed Jenny’s life. The red dachshund/basset hound mix had been at risk of being put down at an area animal shelter because she had ringworm. Rockwall Pets, a nonprofit No Kill advocacy organization, rescued her and treated the fungus.

It took only one appearance at Petco for Jenny to find a new home with the Terrill family.

It was all part of an adoption program originated by Rockwall Pets volunteers three years earlier. Weekly in-store adoptions began on June 18, 2010, when Rockwall Pets took dogs and cats from the Rockwall animal shelter to Petco in the hopes of finding them new homes.

The nonprofit was the first group to attempt weekly adoption events at the Rockwall store.

Nicole Nickel admires a kitten during the first Rockwall Pets adoption event on June 18, 2010.

Three years later, the store often has as many as four shelters and rescue groups offering pets for adoption on weekend afternoons. Rockwall Pets just began its fourth consecutive year at the Rockwall Petco and now hosts adoption events every Saturday from 1-5pm and every Sunday from 1-4pm.

Several recent surveys indicate that many Americans avoid going to animal shelters because they find the facilities too depressing or too overwhelming. Rockwall Pets discovered that hosting adoption events in a friendly retail environment - “taking the pets to the people” - fostered a more positive interaction between the pets and potential adopting families.

Rockwall Pets has now adopted out hundreds of pets from the local Petco store. The adoption totals were so impressive that Petco’s corporate offices chose the Rockwall store as a host for its new cat habitat, which was installed in November 2011.

Paul the kitten checks the sign outside his kennel in the cat habitat at the Rockwall Petco.

Cats and kittens from Rockwall Pets are now available for adoption on a daily basis at Petco.

Not all pets are as fortunate as Jenny to find loving homes on their first attempt. But thanks to the partnership between Rockwall Pets and the local Petco, hundreds of dogs and cats will be snuggling with their new families by the end of this year.

Batter up!

With baseball season in full swing, your team could use some shoring up in the fielding department. Chewy is ready to take the field. There's no way a ground ball is going to make it past him. And he even handles fly balls with ease. He's the perfect teammate, because he's so easy-going and agreeable. Your games will enjoy an increase in attendance, because his face is a big draw. Add Chewy to your team, and you'll be playing in the big leagues! This team player is your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of June 24, 2013.

Hannah is a work of art!

Are you ready to unleash your inner creativity? Hannah is prepared to be your inspiration. After all, tortoiseshell cats are nature's idea of modern art. But Hannah is much more than a pretty face. Her loving personality is a work of art. And her calm demeanor will keep you on an even keel to make sure those creative juices keep flowing. You'll be able to admire your own masterpiece every day when Hannah follows you around your house. She's your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of June 17, 2013.

Annie's writing her own ad

We just discovered a piece of paper tucked behind Annie's doggie bed. It's apparently an ad she's been working on. "Wanted: a very special person. Needs a little patience and lots of love. Busy places and new people make me a little scared. But when I'm at home, I'm so happy. I love to play! But please be patient with me, since I can be pretty timid. If you're a very special person, please respond to the number listed below. I'm just looking for love and a serious relationship." Annie is your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of June 10, 2013.

An incredible young dog

This puppy has us under a full-fledged cuteness warning! And he has a winning personality to match. He's a very special young dog who's looking for a very special family. Smoochie has a broken back, a broken leg and a shattered pelvis, probably due to an auto accident. Since he's still growing, there's no way to repair his back without having to do the process all over again in another month. So he'll probably need surgery when he's about a year old. But that shouldn't stop you from falling in love with him right now. One look at that face is all it takes to fall head over heels in love with Smoochie. He's an incredible young dog! And he's your Rockwall Adoptable Pet for the week of June 3, 2013.