The Dunwoody City Council will welcome a new kind of visitor to their meetings – a four-legged one.
Mayor Lynn Deutsch, at the council’s Feb. 9 meeting, introduced a new agenda item, an appearance each month by an adoptable dog from LifeLine Animal Project.
“There are hundreds of animals in DeKalb County on any given day that need a home,” she said. “I thought I could do my small part by inviting Lifeline to bring a dog in.”
This month’s featured pet, Griddles, is a three-year-old dog- and child-friendly female who has been in the shelter for 209 days, according to DeKalb County Shelter employee Jessica Davis, whose husband is a Dunwoody police officer.
“She loves giving kisses and jumping, as you can see,” Davis said. “She is a staff favorite, and we hate that she’s been in the shelter so long.”
Griddles’ description on Lifeline’s website says she “is very friendly and listens well. Griddles is easy to walk and easier to love.”
Davis said 462 animals are currently in the facility that need homes, with about 500 more in foster care.
“That’s close to 1,000 dogs in our care,” she said.
The organization is running a Valentine’s special from Feb. 13-15, with the cost for adoption being discounted to $14.
Deutsch mentioned that Chamblee City Mayor Brian Mock runs a similar promotion, and that every animal that has been featured by the city has been adopted.
“I am a very competitive person – so Dunwoody, step it up, everyone,” she said.
The City of Brookhaven has also partnered with LifeLine to highlight an adoptable pet at its meetings.
Davis said that those who aren’t ready to adopt but want to help can participate in Weekend Warrior or Dog for a Day programs.
LifeLine Animal Project, according to its website, has as its mission “ending the shelter euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals.” Lifeline is the largest animal welfare organization in Georgia, and manages both the Fulton and DeKalb County animal shelters.