A Rutherford County couple has paid for almost all adoption fees of the cats and dogs at the Pet Adoption & Welfare Services (PAWS) shelter.

PAWS Animal Specialist, Baileigh Back, says the couple came up to her and simply wanted to help all the pets at the shelter find homes. “I went over the adoption fees of all the pets, and without hesitation they requested to pay for the fees of all the pets that were currently up for adoption,” says Baileigh Back. “They informed that they did not want something as silly as cost to effect the pets finding homes… since they can not take them all with them, they will sponsor their fees.”

Back and other staff member, Tiffany Weir, says they were fighting off tears, as this was such a sweet gesture.

The couple requests no recognition, but PAWS staff and volunteers hopes they know how appreciative they are for this generous donation - PAWS can’t wait to find forever homes for all the shelter pets.

Those who adopt from PAWS receive a free bag of pet food and an adoption packet to get them started with their new furry friend. Additionally, all available pets are already spayed or neutered and up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Some pets under this sponsorship have already found homes. Others who have become available since then, will have regular adoption fees.

For more info and to view all current pets up for adoption, contact the shelter at 615-898-7740, or visit: www.paws.rutherfordcountytn.gov.

Photo features current shelter pet up for adoption, “Duchess”, 1-year-old Border Collie Mix, whose adoption fee has been sponsored.