PIERCETON — Maybe it’s the chilly temperatures or longer nights making February the perfect season to cuddle up with the one you love. The spirit of Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to extend kisses and love with man’s best friends.

If you’ve been looking for love in all the wrong places, perhaps it’s time to try one of the local animal adoption centers or rescue organizations.

The Animal Welfare League in Pierceton is a long-standing community fixture. Located at 3489 E. 100S, just off Old US 30, the animal shelter offers options for someone looking for love. AWL has increased adoptions and decreased euthanization rates, according to its website. They have approximately 10 full-time volunteers and more than 350 signed up to lend a helping hand. One of the AWL’s full-time employees, Caleb Logan, has his own success story with the organization.

Logan began working at the AWL about five months ago, and said his favorite dog was a basset hound-pit bull mix. Chelsea’s short legs and spunky spirit captured Logan’s heart. “After a few days, she didn’t want to leave my side,” laughed Logan. Many of the employees agreed it is tough to not end up with a furry friend at their own homes.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 7.6 million companion animals enter shelters each year, with an additional 2.7 million euthanized. The organization suggests several ways to assist in decreasing these numbers. Having pets spayed or neutered can help control unwanted litters of kittens and puppies. Purchasing pets from an adoption centers instead of breeders is a way to save a life and find a wonderful companion.

Some pet stores, like PetSmart, help local shelters by adopting out pets right in their store. Social media and advertisements can help spread cute photos and biographies of each pet up for adoption.

Many wonder what the benefits are to adopting a pet. Logan was all smiles as he shared his story about taking home new family member Chelsea. “She has done wonders for the morale around the house,” said Logan. His three daughters love the dog, and the dog has fallen just as in love with them.

AWL employee Tedra Rabbe recently adopted two kittens of her own from the shelter. “We all have a favorite, and they all have a favorite,” said Rabbe, noting there are some pets that just have an instant bond with shelter employees or those who come to visit.

Another added benefit of adopting from shelters is finding a pet already spayed or neutered. The AWL transports the cats and dogs for surgery as soon as possible, working with local vets for surgeries. Rabbe said the only time a pet isn’t fixed is when it is adopted before the organization has a chance. Adoption fees for each pet help cover the cost of shots, food, bedding and medical treatment of the pet you adopt.

Regardless of the shelter you choose for adoption, volunteers will be able to help match humans and other family pets with the perfect new companion. Most shelters recommend bringing in other family pets for a meet and greet session with the new adoption before taking it home. Rabbe said it is very easy to adopt out kittens and puppies, but sees older animals stay around the shelter longer.

For those looking for a certain breed of dog, but wanting to avoid the breeder, a simple web search about breed-specific rescues will usually turn up great results. Or, you can use it as an excuse to check back often with your local shelters.