While sitting in shelters, animals wait to find a forever home. With the help of the Animal Adoption Rescue Club (AARC), animals in need around Hamilton County receive support. Each month, the club sponsors an animal from the Hamilton Humane Society and puts posters around the school to promote the adoption of the animal.

The animals sponsored by AARC have medical conditions or old age which makes getting adopted more difficult. The club works with the Hamilton County Humane Society by putting up adoption posters and raising money through fundraisers such as Dine to Donate nights.

“Animal Adoption Rescue Club is important because we promote adoption rather than shopping for pets at a pet store,” AARC officer sophomore Kiernyn Cassady said.

The club’s success rates have varied. According to AARC president junior Keely Bayley, sometimes animals get adopted fast, while other times they remain in the shelter the following month.

“Through adoption, an animal gains a home in which it can be nurtured, loved, and cared for in a world where it would otherwise be seen as a burden,” Bayley said. “Adoption also gives an animal a second chance, a chance at a better life or life in general.”

Going beyond volunteering at the Hamilton County Humane Society, AARC hopes to make a larger change in the state. They plan to write letters to government officials, urging them to pass legislation that protects wild and domesticated animals.

“My favorite part of the club is probably just feeling like I’m doing something positive,” Bayley. “AARC really pushed me to get involved with the Hamilton County Humane Society and has allowed me to be a volunteer with them. The club, while small, really strives to make as big of an impact as possible.”

During club meetings, they discuss volunteer opportunities, sponsors and upcoming events. Other activities include making dog toys and having guest speakers, such as a representative from the National Humane Society of the United States come to talk about animal rights. Their next meeting is Dec.12.

“Overall, the club is very much a service group in which one can find friends in people who share their love of animals and an avenue to bettering the lives of the fuzzy creatures around them,” Bayley said.