There’s a constant and desperate need for people — families, couples and individuals — to consider adoption in Beaufort County. Like the Beaufort County Detention Center, our county animal shelter operates at maximum capacity, always. Our shelter is overcrowded: overcrowded with lolling tongues and wagging tails and big, sad eyes that tell heartbreaking stories.

But there are those who are stepping in to help the helpless at our county shelter. October has officially been designated Dog Adoption Month at the Betsy Bailey Nelson Animal Control Facility, which is also known in plain speak as “the shelter.”

In an effort to rescue the many dogs and puppies that come into the shelter, which are always at risk for never coming out of the shelter again, adoption fees will be reduced during the entire month of October.

Whereas adoption fees normally run $65, next month that figure drops to $40. The fee includes spaying/neutering, the first round of shots, a microchip and deworming for each dog adopted. The good animal-lovers at the Humane Society of Beaufort County will foot the rest of the bill. The HSBC volunteers want those shelter pets to find homes so much they’re willing to foot part of the bill.

It’s an offer no one in the market for a pet should refuse. October’s a fine time to find a new best friend — a forever friend.