Local pet, owner finalists in scoring big grant for Metro Animal Shelter

The Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter is up for a $25,000 grant thanks to Petco Love and the inspiring story of a woman and her adopted dog Ellie.

Mary Calhoun adopted Ellie from TMAS, and at the time Ellie was pregnant and positive for heartworms. But Calhoun, who’s a retired school teacher and responsible for the Libby Listens program in Tuscaloosa, knew Ellie’s story was far from over. In fact, it was just beginning.

She took Ellie to visit schools and talk with students about how pets are family, and even wrote a book about it.

“I’d go to schools and talk to kids about the importance of being a humane community, and that’s what we need to figure out in Tuscaloosa County,” Calhoun said.

Calhoun entered Ellie’s story into Petco Love’s Love Stories program, meaning the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter could win money from the organization if Ellie’s story gets enough votes.

Voting ends today at noon, so hurry up and click right here to read Ellie’s story and vote.