Animals

The following animals recently were found and taken to the Humane Society of Washington County. If you think your pet is among those listed, you may visit the Humane Society of Washington County at 13011 Maugansville Road. The shelter's business hours are Monday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. These animals may be made available for adoption after five days. Call 301-733-2060 for more information.

According to statistics from the Humane Society of Washington County, which in the past have not been made public, March's total of 142 adoptions reflects an increase of 43 more than this past February and 48 more than in March 2012. The number of animals that were euthanized or died at the facility in April decreased by 12 percent, or about 335 animals, as compared to April 2012, said Michael Lausen, executive director of the Humane Society of Washington County. As of April, the euthanasia/death rate for the current year - statistics are tracked by fiscal years that end June 30 - also comes in slightly lower than the 2010-11 year, according to statistics.

When a child is sick, nothing is more comforting than a good book and a stuffed animal. It is on this simple philosophy that Hagerstown teen Brynn Dao founded Books & Bears - Comforting Sick Children and Fighting Illiteracy. "Books & Bears is a program that I started because my father had cancer, and I could not imagine another young child having to go through the same thing without comfort," said Brynn, 15, who is the daughter of Kara and Christopher Dao of Hagerstown.  Through Books & Bears, Brynn, who is a freshman at Barbara Ingram School for the Arts in Hagerstown, provides a book and a stuffed bear to sick children who are patients at Meritus Medical Center.

The Humane Society of Washington County is partnering with PetSmart Charities to participate in its National Adoption Weekend Friday through Sunday. “We are thrilled to participate in this important adoption event and are thankful to have such wonderful partners in the community.” said Mike Lausen, executive director of the animal shelter  “Through our collaboration with PetSmart Charities, we are able to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals in Washington County.” The shelter will receive $35 for every shelter pet adopted during the event, a contribution increase of more than 50 percent.