Governor And First Lady McCrory's Adopt A Pet Event Preview | Eastern North Carolina Now

 Raleigh, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory and First Lady Ann McCrory will host an Adopt a Pet Event on Saturday, October 24. The event will take place on the front lawn of the Executive Mansion from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. The Executive Mansion is located at 200 North Blount Street in downtown Raleigh.

 The event is being held in memory of Ernest, a French bulldog who was rescued from a puppy mill in 2012.

 Visit http://governor.nc.gov/adoptapet to R.S.V.P. to the event by Friday, October 23. An R.S.V.P. and photo I.D. will be required to enter the event. Do not bring personal pets.

 The Office of the First Lady and the Office of the Governor are partnering with the Wake County Animal Center, SPCA of Wake County (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals), SAFE Haven for Cats, Paws4ever and The Farley Foundation to provide adoptable animals.

 See pictures and bios of some of the pets who will be available for adoption at Saturday's event below.

	Gayla is a Boxer/Border Collie Mix.  "I'm a very sweet young lady looking for a family to love. At times I may be a bit shy but I'm FRIENDLY and have very nice manners. I know SIT and DOWN. I also LOVE attention and belly rubs. I'm good on a leash and am very treat motivated, taking them ever so gently."
	Loretta is a two to three year old, spayed Australian Shepherd Mix, medium sized with a very mild-mannered and attentive disposition. She is up-to-date on all vaccinations, behaviorally assessed by a dog trainer and examined by a veterinarian.
	Mitchell is a Boxer/Shepherd Mix.  "Mitchell here! I'm such a handsome boy aren't I? I'm just a big love bug who loves to sit on my foster mom's lap and play with other dogs. I'm already neutered and ready to go home, too! I'm house trained, create trained, and up to date on my vaccines and preventatives. I have something called heartworms. But not to worry. It IS treatable, and we are in the process of getting me treated. So don't let that stop you if you find me the most gorgeous thing you've ever seen. Oh! If you have cats... I think they are a little TOO interesting, so I should probably not be in a home with cats. But they look like so much FUN! Oh well... How about you and I make an appointment to meet? You'll just LOVE me!"
	Elvis is a Coonhound/Walker Hound Mix.  "My name is Elvis because I Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog! I am a calm, mature guy who walks on a leash like a true gentleman. I love people, other dogs, and my foster mom has 3 cats who are my friends. So Don't Be Cruel, Give This Hunk O' Burnin' Love a Chance!"
	Myrtle is an American Staffordshire Terrier Mix.  "I am a total lovebug! I am a petite 37 pound "pocket pittie" and my foster mom says I am the sweetest thing! I do well here in foster with the 3 resident dogs, and I try to play with the cat. He's still thinking about it. I am also good with kids, even smaller ones, and I do well meeting new people."
	Burke is an American Staffordshire Terrier Mix.  "Check ME out!! Even though I'm just a young'un, I'm a big growing boy and everyone who meets me says I'm SO handsome. I love other dogs and am VERY playful. Mom says I'm a little clumsy though. Maybe it's because my feet are still so big! I like the kitty that lives in my foster home. He's pretty cool! I'm neutered, and up to date on all of my shots! Wouldn't you like to have me at YOUR house?"
	Scarlett is an American Staffordshire Terrier Mix.  "I'm a sweet, exuberant young thing with plenty of energy, but I also like to flirt and cuddle. I love treats and am happy to sit nicely for them. I'm very affectionate and would rather play tug than chase a stick so I can stick close to you."
	Carlos is a one-year-old Chow.  "Hi, I'm Carlos! My friends say I look like a giant Pekingese, but everyone agrees I'm one handsome pup! I'm very smart and already know "sit" and "shake" and I love a good game of tug or to have my belly rubbed. I'm also working on becoming the cutest soccer star you've ever met! With all of my great qualities, what's not to love about me?!"
	Sebastian is a five month old cat.  "If you're looking for a little guy that's spunky and cuddly, look no further! I have an adorable little personality, and some folks even say that I can hold quite a conversation. I love to play with my brothers, but I'm also very good at snuggling and would make a great companion."
	Simon is a five month old cat.  "I'm quite the attention-seeker and lovebug. I love to be held and perch on your shoulders, and if you're not careful, I'll sneak attach and jump on your back or shoulders to be near you! I do well with other kittens in the room, and most of the time you'll find me cuddled up with one of my brothers or other kittens in the room. I'm sure to warm your heart!"
	Russet and Succotash are three month old orange tabby kittens. They are brothers.
	Bodoni and Niagra are brother and sister. Bodoni is a flame pt Siamese kitten and Niagra is a torti tabby tux kitten. They are three months old.
	Dione is an orange tabby male and is 10 months old.
	Grafolita is torti female, around two or three years old.
	Claudette is a female seven month old brown tabby tux.
	Frankel is a four month old black male kitten.
	Bijou is a six month old female.

 Read a testimonial below from Lisa Frazier who adopted her dog Sam at the Governor and First Lady's Adopt a Pet Event in 2013.

 "'Researchers at Azabu University in Japan discovered that as dogs gaze into their human owners' eyes, the hormone oxytocin, the "love hormone" which strengthens emotional bonds and links to maternal bonding, releases in both the dogs and the people.'

 I fell in love with Sam the very second he looked into my eyes. He was about 2 pounds - 2 pounds of unconditional love. He brings pure joy to our home and always something to look forward to with walks, play time, and snuggling."

 Parking for the event will be available on N. Blount, Jones, Person and Lane Streets, in addition to a public parking lot at the corner of N. Blount and Jones Streets.

 Please read more about Ernest, the French bull dog and puppy mill rescue here.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov