CHS Student's Project Results in 24 Adopted Pets

Central High School sophomore Daniel Soupiset’s Make a Difference Day project to underwrite the costs of pet adoptions from the San Angelo Animal Shelter has resulted in 24 dogs and two cats finding forever homes, with nearly $2,500 in pet vouchers still available.

To date, Daniel has raised nearly $4,500 in donations, approximately $2,000 of which has been used to adopt dogs and cats. Coupons covering the $85 cost of adopting a dog and the $50 fee for a cat will continue to be offered through Saturday, Nov. 1, unless funds are exhausted prior to that.

On national Make a Difference Day on Saturday, Daniel partnered with shelter staff to adopt 16 dogs. Because the shelter is open for only three hours on Saturdays, there was too little time to process all of the submitted applications for adoptions. Those considering adopting a pet were assured the cost-free adoptions would continue to be offered this week so decisions to adopt were not rushed.

Daniel’s mother, Mo Soupiset, said her 15-year-old son marveled at the support of the public and shelter staff on Saturday and was overwhelmed by the number of supporters, donors and potential pet owners at his event.

“It was fantastic,” she said.

The cost of an adoption includes the animal, its spaying or neutering, vaccines, microchipping and City tags.

The San Angelo Animal Shelter, 3142 U.S. Highway 67 North, is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays.

Daniel plans to enter his project in a national Make a Difference Day contest that awards $10,000 prizes. If he wins, he says he will donate the proceeds to the animal shelter.