Pets often brighten and enrich people's lives and I am pleased to inform residents that the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is hosting a PAWS (Pioneers for Animal Welfare Society) Adopt-A-Pet Day on Saturday, May 18.

PAWS is an all volunteer organization dedicated to the humane and compassionate treatment of animals. The organization has been in existence for 27 years and has done a wonderful job promoting the adoption of shelter animals and the neutering and spaying of thousands of dogs and cats over the years. Throughout this time PAWS has also taught children from Pre-K through high school that animals require kindness, compassion and love.

There are many shelter animals that are looking for compassion and love and the goal of the Adopt-A-Pet Day is to match these animals up with owners who are looking for the same things.

A pet can lift your spirits when you are down or share your joy when you are happy. You will be able to choose from the many pets at the Adopt-A-Pet Day and find the one that is just right for you.

Adopt-A-Pet Day will take place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on May 18 at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, 3320 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh.

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter boasts one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. In addition, the shelter offers educational programs for primary and secondary school age children. There are also programs on pet responsibility. Pet therapy visits to nursing homes and other health-related facilities is another wonderful service offered by the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.

I encourage all town residents to consider a visit to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter for Adopt-A-Pet Day or at another time to see the many animals waiting for a good home.