ISSUED: 12 July 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Dana Costa
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The Shepherd University Alumni Association and Shepherd University 150th Anniversary Committee is hosting a Paw-sitivity Party and Adoption Fair on Friday, July 30, from 4-7 p.m. on the front lawn of McMurran Hall. The event, which is free and open to the public, kicks off a 150 Acts of Kindness campaign encouraging everyone to participate in the sesquicentennial celebration wherever they live by performing 150 acts of kindness in their communities.
No preregistration is required and food and drinks will be available. Pets that attend should be friendly with people and other animals, good in new environments, and up-to-date on vaccinations.
Participating organizations will include PurposeFull Paws, a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs, which will bring rescue dogs and information regarding their program and services; Briggs Animal Adoption Center, which will showcase its mission and offer interactive activities; Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County, which will bring adoptable pets for a meet and greet; Rescue Me WV, an organization that rescues shelter dogs at risk of being euthanized, which will bring adoptable pets; and Happy Tales, an all-in-one pet stop for grooming, training, and boarding services for dogs of all sizes.
Throughout the month of July, the Shepherd University Alumni Association is coordinating a donation drive to collect pet food and supplies. All items donated will be shared between the attending organizations. Donation drop-off locations are at McMurran Hall and the Shepherd University Wellness Center. Items can also be donated during the July 30 event.
In addition to the animal rescue organizations, Relay For Life of Shepherd University will offer free dog toys and host fun activities for dogs and their owners, including making painted paw prints. All Relay For Life activities will be by suggested donation with proceeds benefitting the 2021-2022 fundraising goal.
The Paw-sitivity Party and Adoption Fair is the first of many events planned throughout the 2020-2021 school year to celebrate Shepherd’s 150th anniversary. The Shepherd University Alumni Association and Shepherd University Foundation will host a sesquicentennial kick-off event October 23 during Homecoming on the Midway after the football game. It will include music, socializing, lawn games, and light refreshments.
For more information about the Paw-sitivity and Adoption Fair, email Jessica Gill at or Hannah Brumbaugh at, or visit the 150 Acts of Kindness webapge.
For information about the sesquicentennial, visit the 150th Anniversary webpage.
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