The Lee County Humane Society kicked off their summer fund raising events this Saturday with the first “Puppy Palooza.” During the summer, the LCHS alternates “Puppy Palooza” and “Wash and Wag” each Saturday to raise funds for the shelter and promote adopting pets.

During the “Puppy Palooza” event, which will occur every other Saturday throughout the summer, the LCHS gives discounts to people who adopt puppies. The normal adoption fee for a puppy at the shelter is $80, but during “Puppy Palooza,” the fee is only $60. Also, the shelter staff can help potential adopters arrange to have their new pet spayed or neutered, which will reduce the adoption fee to $40, but they will also be responsible for the cost of the spay or neuter.

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“The way the breeding season works, dogs breed in late winter to early spring,” said Stacee Strength, director of public relations and development for the LCHS. “So as it gets warmer we see tons and tons of litters come in, it can even double or triple our population.”

Another benefit of attending “Puppy Palooza” is that fostered puppies are brought in to the shelter for potential adopters to meet. Fostered animals are animals which, for a variety of reasons, cannot be kept at the shelter full-time, so they are taken care of by pet fosters in their homes. These animals are not usually at the shelter, so their presence at “Puppy Palooza” means a larger pool of potential adoptable pets.

“We never know how many puppies we’ll have, but I would expect anywhere from 15 to 25 or 30,” said Strength.

To adopt a puppy during “Puppy Palooza,” come to the shelter, located at 1140 Ware Drive in Auburn, during normal adoption hours between 1 and 5 p.m. If you are sure you want to adopt, you can find a printable version of their adoption application on at leecountyhumane.com.

“Wash and Wag,” which occurs on alternating Sundays from “Puppy Palooza,” is an event for current pet owners to help raise funds for the Lee County Humane Society. During “Wash and Wag,” shelter volunteers set up washing stations and wash dogs for a small donation. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their dogs out on summer afternoons for a bath. A small dog costs $5 to have washed and a large dog costs $10.

“We have a lot going on for families to come out and have a lot of fun at the shelter,” said Strength.

The LCHS is also gearing up for “Mutt Strut”, their annual 5-K run which kicks of the Auburn CityFest. This year’s run will be held on Saturday, April 24 at 7 a.m., with registration beginning at 6 a.m. You can also pre-register for “Mutt Strut” by filling out the downloadable application, which can be found on their Website. Registration costs $15 for individuals. Families can also sign up for $15 for the first member and $10for each additional family member. All participants receive a T-shirt and a prize bag.