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Clay animal shelter aims to win community grant

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — For some people, adopting a pet is just for companionship, but for animal lover Ashley Land, giving them a home means much more.

"You don't want to see any animal put down, and they really need more awareness to raise as much money as they can. It could be sad, because you could think any of these dogs here could be put down, and you just don't want that thought in your head,'" said Land.

Clay County Animal Care and Control Division Director Jennifer Boardhurst said last year, the shelter's euthanasia rate was 36 percent. But this year, she said, it has taken a massive drop to 10.9 percent. She said that number is getting the shelter closer to no-kill status.

"We've made a big difference this year in the number of animals we're adopting and the number of foster parents we've gotten and the number of volunteers and just increasing our reputation," said Boardhurst.

This summer, the shelter adopted out more than 1,100 animals, but more than 400 still remain in the shelter or foster care. The organization is trying to win a $25,000 community-engagement grant from Rachael Ray's ASPCA fund drive to get more materials for care and to keep the animals alive.

Land said she is hoping the shelter gets the support it needs.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONTEST, CLICK HERE