Photo: Suzanne Sausville/WBZ NewsRadio
NORTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Norton police officer took initiative to raise awareness for her local animal shelter after discovering several dogs deserted at the facility.
"Angel, in particular, has been here for two years. She was surrendered at five months old, and I think one of the biggest problems we were facing were that not a lot of people knew the animal shelter existed in town."
Home to fewer than 20,000 people, Officer Taylor Cross was determined to find forever homes for the furry friends in her town with the support of Norton Animal Control.
"The guys always make fun of me, but I'm a big animal lover here. My mom also runs a rescue as well, so it's kinda in the blood."
Research from Best Friends Animal Society, one of the leading national animal welfare organizations working to end the killing of dogs and cats in shelters, shows that Massachusetts is close to being considered a "no-kill" state. The Bay State has a save rate of 89% as of 2023. While data shows that pet adoption has declined in recent years, Officer Cross is working to improve that.
"It's hard knowing that they're there; that they so desperately want to be in a home with a family, so I just do what I can to help get them some exposure."
Officer Cross knew exactly where to go to spread the word about the hidden gem in the city.
"Sharing posts here on our Facebook page has kinda helped everybody get some of that acknowledgement and the exposure that they shelter needed."
After Officer Cross's post and with the help the Facebook community, all of the dogs were adopted, including Angel.
"I am over the moon relieved. She is the sweetest dog, and she really deserves a chance at a new life."
WBZ NewsRadio’s Suzanne Sausville (@WBZSausville) reports.