February is Adopt a Dog for Life month in Carbon County.

During the county commissioners' meeting on Thursday, the board made the move to name February in honor of dog adoptions in the hopes of finding more dogs in the shelter forever homes. The county animal shelter is located at 63 Broad St., Nesquehoning, on top of the Broad Mountain off Route 93.The commissioners also approved lowering the adoption fee from $100 to $50 for the month of February.Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard, who made the motions, thanked Tom Connors, the director of the shelter, for all his work. He also commended Tina Dittman, a part-time employee at the shelter; and the volunteers for providing a caring environment for the animals while they wait to be adopted.Connors thanked the board for supporting the shelter."I think the fact that you did this for us will help bring awareness to the fact that if you adopt a dog, it is a lifetime commitment," he said, noting that he will using February as an education month and will visit schools and other organizations to speak about the shelter operations and how to care for a dog properly."I think this will get some of the dogs that have been up there a little too long homes," Connors added.As of Thursday, there were 14 dogs available for adoption at the shelter, but that number fluctuates daily, pending on situations that arise.After the meeting, Connors was on his way up to a home in Albrightsville, where two dogs were left after a family moved out a week ago.The Carbon County Animal Shelter is operated by the county, but depends on community support of monetary and supply donations to keep the shelter doors open.Gerhard thanked the community for supporting the shelter and working together to help the dogs who need homes.For more information on the shelter or to adopt a dog, visit the Carbon County website at

www.carboncounty.com; Facebook "Carboncounty Animalshelter," call 570-325-4828 or visit the shelter between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.