ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI - FOX2now.com)—
The Missouri Humane Society hosted the area's first pet speed dating night on Tuesday in hopes of taking a bite out the number of animals that need to be adopted. Jeane Jae, Director of Communications for the Humane Society of Missouri said, "Speed dating is a current way to get to know people and we thought we would apply it to the pet arena."They put their best paw forward in hopes of going to a new home.
"You never know who you'll meet or who your next best friend might be," said Jae.
The Klingler family came ready to fall in love. Speed dating gave them a chance to get to know as many animals as they wanted.
Karen Klingler said, "That's what appealed to us and we usually just see one dog because we don't want to take up everybody's time but they like to see all the dogs and spend a little time with them make them happy and pick the one we want."
But after just losing one of their dogs, it's a decision that will take a little more time.
"Both my boys birthdays are in spring and they've been grieving the dog we lost so this would be a nice birthday gift for both of them. We are considering a rat terrier," said Klingler.
The adoption events are critical to helping the Humane Society take care of animals in need. Just in the last month two raids brought in more than 100 rabbits and 50 dogs and soon those animals will need a loving home.
"Every animal that gets adopted helps us open up space to let in another animal that may be neglect or abused," said Jae.
The medical care they receive doesn't come cheap. Donations from speed daters help to cover some of those costs.
"That let's us give the extra care for animals that maybe we would be be able to give," said Jae.
A few weeks ago more than 100 rabbits were rescued from Franklin County. The rabbits have been nursed back to health and more than 30 breeds will be available for adoption Sunday March 28th at the Macklind Headquarters from Noon until 4pm,
