Though Torrey Smith signed with the Philadelphia Eagles this past winter, the wide receiver is still taking care of Baltimore.
Source: Eagles WR Torrey Smith and Wife Pay Adoption Fee for 46 Baltimore Animals | Bleacher Report
This is actually one of several “sports celebs do good” stories that I’ve run across in recent days. Not only are they great stories, but they show a side of sports celebrity that doesn’t get nearly enough press.
Yes, its great that all those pets got homes. But free adoption may not be best for the pet.
I have 2 cats I got free from the Nebraska Humane society about 4 years ago. Their first physicals and shots cost me $300. Their physicals last week cost about $400. Cat food is not free. If someone can’t or won’t pay $75 to adopt a pet will they be willing or able to spend $1000 or more each year for food and medical care for that pet?
(Nebraska Humane Society usually charges for all pets. The exception is during kitten season (spring) when adult cats are free, kittens are, I think, $75. NHS spays or neuters all cats and dogs before allowing them to be adopted,)
So, debby downer, way to kill a nice story! These animals came from a shelter. Most decent shelters neuter, microchip, examine and vaccinate them before they are adopted. Just because an adopter has a fee waived doe not mean they can’t afford a companion animal! Why deny any dog the chance for a loving home? Our shelter has promotions occasionally and some have the adoption fee waived. It does not mean the prospective adopters are not screened and counseled and it often gets one of our long-timers a new family! Kudos to this couple! They facilitated some wonderful new relationships!