Today, our community will end the killing of healthy and treatable animals, even if it just for one day.

Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter will join a nationwide effort to empty the shelters through adoption, the good way! Adorable puppies, kittens, cats and dogs — all available for adoption — will put their best paw forward to encourage residents to open their hearts and homes and adopt.

Both of the Jefferson Animal Shelters —  East Bank #1 Humane Way, Harahan, La 70123 and West Bank 1869 Ames Blvd, Marrero 70072 — will be open for this event. Adoption hours have been extended and the shelters will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A special adoption price of $30 applies to dogs and cats and includes all age appropriate vetting including spay or neuter surgery, microchip, heartworm test and vaccines including parish rabies tag and license.

Jefferson Parish Shelter director Robin Beaulieu said about last year’s event “What a difference a day makes. Our first ‘Just One Day’ event helped us to empty 76 cages.

“To walk through both shelters and see a total of 76 empty cages renewed and reinvigorated my staff.

“The thought of those 76 animals snuggling with their new owners in a home reminds us of why we work so hard every day.”  

What is a day? There are many ways to answer that question. A day is 24 hours. A day is how we measure how much time we spend at work.

A day can be something we look forward to, a celebration of some kind. But in U.S. animal shelters, a day represents 10,411 lives needlessly lost.

To most people, June 11 is Just One Day. But, June 11 is a day that could change everything for 10,411 companion animals, and a day that can change the world. On June 11, 2014, we could be a No Kill nation.

Our organization is joining animal shelters across the USA by taking a pledge not to kill any savable animals on June 11, 2014. For Just One Day, “Euthanasia Technicians” will put down their syringes and pick up cameras.

They will photograph shelter animals and post them on the Internet, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

 On June 11, 2014, shelter staff will market our animals to the public, they will reach out to rescue groups, they will host adoption events with discounted rates, they will stay open for extended hours, and they will ask their communities to help them empty the shelter through adoption, the good way.

The USA can become a no kill nation, even if it is for Just One Day. And, the shelters will be emptier than when the day started.  

For more information about our organization, please visit www.jeffersonspca.org for more information about Just One Day please visit www.justoneday.ws.