Project Pearl

Recently I wrote about The 13 Project where I told you about an amazing group called Project Pearl.

Today I want to share more information about that with you.

Why reinvent the wheel? This is from their website:

"Established in October 2011 by co-founders Fowler Ruffin and Melissa Ball, Project Pearl is a non-profit organization in Winston-Salem, NC that works with local photographers to increase awareness of and lower the euthanasia rate of healthy, adoptable animals in Forsyth County.

Working in partnership with Forsyth County Animal Control to help educate our community about responsible pet ownership (which includes licensing and rabies vaccinations) through outreach, social media and other sources, Project Pearl believes community-wide education results in better population control, lower stray intakes and reduced owner surrenders."

How did Project Pearl get started?

"The idea had its beginnings when Ruffin and Ball met an animal shelter dog named Pearl. The adult dog was housetrained and had wonderful manners but also had some minor skin allergies and was missing patches of hair, Ruffin said. 'She patiently waited almost two months for a home.' Realizing Pearl had an unflattering photo posted online, Ball went to the shelter, gave Pearl a bath and got her ready for Ruffin to reshoot her photo. "

"Less than a day after the photos were sent in a mass email to friends, Pearl was adopted to a wonderful home," Ruffin said

-Source

Basically, Project Pearl works with the Forsyth County Animal Shelter by taking professional pictures of the animals that are available for adoption. They give them baths, haircuts, trim nails, and then make them super cute. They work with local photographers to take professional pics. They have a Facebook page where they post and promote. This project has increased the animal shelter's adoption rate by 30%.  That is amazing!

I've never met these two ladies but I can't tell you the admiration I have for them. This is such a wonderful project that they have started. I'd love to see it branch out to other animal shelters.

Here are some of the gorgeous animals that are currently available for adoption at Forsyth County Animal Control.  These pics will make you smile. Such sweet faces!! :)