As an added incentive to potential adopters, the Madison County Animal Shelter has reduced its $45 adoption fee by half for the month. The staff has some concern that the adoption rate will not be as high this holiday season because of the lingering economic problems, according to Madison County Animal Control Officer Greg Cave.

Most “kids” would be scared to trot along a 15-foot high wooden walkway. But the young goats – also known as “kids” – at Yoder’s Country Market in Pratts are natural climbers and enjoy any opportunity to ascend into the sky, according to Owner Michael Yoder.

Much of Africa provides endless miles of sand, little water, severe sunlight and unrelenting winds. But despite the harsh conditions the continent’s Arabian horses are subjected to, Madison County resident Sara Loken has always found the animals to be the most pleasant companions.

Concord, N.C. will soon be filled with the swiftest, most agile dogs in the nation: vying for the top spot at the prestigious American Kennel Club (AKC) National Agility Championship. Madison County resident Danielle Scott and her border collie, Cloud 9, and her cocker spaniel, Silk, will be among the contenders. Danielle, a junior, will compete against the top dog and handler teams in the country March 27-29.

The local animal shelter has had its share of teary-eyed visitors recently. In the past year, a growing number of local pet owners have decided to “surrender” their dogs and cats to the county animal shelter, according to Madison County Animal Control Officer/Shelter Manager Greg Cave. Many of these residents can no longer afford to care for their animals due to job loss or being forced from their homes because of eviction or foreclosure, Cave said.

While working at a Locust Dale cat rescue center, staff member Darrell Zwemke peered into a cozy cat bed atop the cages and noticed a “present” one of the felines had left behind. “Who pooped up there? That’s pretty rude!” Zwemke said aloud causing the cats in the room to scurry away, as if they were trying to remove themselves from a line-up of possible culprits.