Culver’s Garden Center teams up with Humane Society for adoption event

Marion, IA – The patio at Culver's Garden Center is going to the dogs Saturday, August 4th with the help of the Cedar Valley Humane Society (CVHS). The Dog Days of Summer adoption event is free and open to the public from noon to 3pm at Culver's Garden Center and Greenhouse off Highway 151 E. Marion. Ready-for-adoption dogs will be available, and adoption applications can be filled out on the spot. Families are invited to bring their dogs, enjoy hot dogs fresh off the grill, and purchase raffle tickets to win prizes, all proceeds benefit the CVHS.

"Events like this are a great way to meet our adoptable dogs," says Bob Citrullo, executive director of the CVHS. "You can turn in an adoption application at the event, and then our adoption counselors will review your application to make sure the dog is a good fit." The review generally happens the following day, so if applicants change their mind, they still have time to withdraw their application before making the commitment to bring the animal home.

"Our selection of adoptable animals is always changing, because as we adopt animals into loving homes, we move more from our holding area into adoption," adds Citrullo. "Our animals are listed on www.cvhumane.org as soon as they become available for adoption, so that's a great way to keep an eye on what breeds we might have at any given time."

Not ready for a pet? The Dog Days of Summer is a great way to support the CVHS through raffle ticket sales and purchasing hot dogs. This and other community adoption events give families the opportunity to interact with a variety of different dogs, and the dogs also benefit by socializing with people.

Animal welfare organizations track a statistic called the "live release rate," which includes adopted animals, animals reunited with their owners, and animals transferred to other shelters and rescue groups. Nationally, the live release rate hovers at a dismal 44%. In May 2012, the CVHS live release rate was 84%. In June, it jumped to a remarkable 90%. Community adoption events like these help the CVHS attain this outstanding live release rate.

Established in April of 1998, Culver's Garden Center & Greenhouse is an extension of Culver's Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc. In addition to the garden center, nursery, greenhouses, and outdoor event space, the business offers complete residential and commercial landscaping; lawn care and maintenance, and more. Information about Culver's Garden Center & Greenhouse and Culver's Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc. is available online at

www.culversgarden.com or by calling (319) 377-4195.