Sarge's Animal Rescue Foundation found homes for 479 pets rescued from the County animal shelter in 2011 versus 412 in 2010.

"We set (and reset) our all-time record for number of adoptions in a single month three times," said Michael Ritter who, with his wife Diana, coordinate the adoptions each Saturday. "This December was the latest with 60 adoptions of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens."

To see photos of pets still available for adoption, visit Sarge's website at www.sargeandfriends.org.  The adoption center is located at 256 Industrial Park Drive.  The phone number is 828-246-9050.