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Local Woman Paying For Adoption Costs Of Senior Dogs

EAST LIBERTY (KDKA) - Ginny Merchant has volunteered thousands of hours at the Animal Rescue League in East Liberty. If she hasn't already given back enough, today, June 27, on her birthday, she has decided to pay for the adoption cost of senior dogs at the shelter.

"The older dogs are passed up for the younger pups," said Merchant. "It just breaks my heart to see this happen. So, if I can do something to help and I'm happy to do it."

The adoption cost averages around $150 for a dog at the shelter, but that will be waived until 7:30 p.m. for any dog over the age of 6. It's a birthday wish that many older dogs will find a home.

"I hope a lot of sweet dogs get adopted today," Merchant told KDKA, as she gave a treat to an 11-year-old dog.

Animal Rescue League Executive Director Dan Rossi says the problem with older dogs is that they tend to stay in the shelter longer and it can become very stressful, since they're used to being in the comfort of a home.

"You can equate it to a senior citizen going into a nursing home, or a hospital, or having to leave their home. It's just a very stressful situation," Rossi said.

Merchant also joined KDKA Radio's Robert Mangino and told him she is "the happiest person on earth." She got to spend all day helping people adopt dogs.

She said that a lot of young dogs and also some older dogs got adopted too with her help. Hear the whole interview here.

Ginny Merchant

For more information, you can go to the Animal Rescue League's website: http://www.animalrescue.org/

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