Several animal shelters call Franklin County home and in November, during Adopt a Senior Pet Month, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau asks all to consider bringing a new four-legged friend home with them. The county is home to pet-friendly festivals and has plenty of shopping to benefit local animal shelters. As well, Franklin County has many local and state parks to explore together. Consider visiting Franklin County to adopt a senior pet and enjoy it with the pets already part of the family.
The Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter in Chambersburg, The Antietam Humane Society in Waynesboro and Better Days Animal League in Shippensburg, all provide care for animals in Franklin County who are looking for a permanent home.
“Adopting a senior pet can be beneficial to both the pet and the person,” said Jennifer Vanderau, communications director for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter. “You’d really be helping out a sweet animal to adopt a senior pet. One of the biggest advantages I think for adopting a senior pet is they are often already trained and they tend to be a bit calmer than their younger counterparts.”
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that 6.5 million animals enter shelters every year. Vanderau said the senior cats and dogs spend the longest in the shelters but are loveable and just want a chance for a forever home.
If adopting a senior pet is not an option, Vanderau said donating helps but also spending time with them as volunteers can be mutually beneficial as many of them want nothing more than a “lap or friendly pat.”
“Volunteering to snuggle with our older guys and gals could help not only the animal but you as well,” she said.
Other ways to support the shelters, include shopping at the local thrift stores that help in the care of their four-legged residents. Several stores are located throughout Franklin County, each with donated clothing, houseware and other gently used items whose purchase then goes to benefit the shelters.
Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites all to enjoy a fun-filled weekend in Franklin County as days countdown to Halloween. The leaves are at peak, and the air has a nice chill. It is the perfect time to enjoy one of Franklin County’s corn mazes and hayrides.
The Great Outdoor Festival is a great chance to see the fall beauty of the Tuscarora Ridge. The event at Whitetail Ski Resort in Mercersburg is slated for Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29. Take a chair lift ride over the mountain, enjoy music, catch and release fishing, barnyard buddies, plus a ski swap.
At Stoner’s Dairy Farm in Mercersburg, wander the 5-acre, sea-themed corn maze, open noon to 10 PM on Saturday and noon to 5 PM on Sunday. Enjoy a hayride, petting zoo, and play area. Add some more fun with the corn cannon or scarecrow making. The 2017 season has one remaining haunted maze event on November 3, 7-10 PM.
The Red Run Express is running on Saturday, October 28, with a free Halloween train ride celebration. Train rides are offered 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Red Run Park in Rouzerville, just off Route 16. It is a hidden gem of Franklin County.
Country Creek Farm Produce is featuring hayrides, pick your-own pumpkin, and an Oregon Trail corn maze. Saturday, October 28, 7-10 PM, is the final flashlight maze of the season. Enjoy a little pumpkin chuckin’ and some hot apple cider, too. Celebrate Halloween in downtown Mercersburg with the 73rd Annual Mercersburg Halloween Parade at 7 PM on October 30. It is a tradition since 1941. This year’s parade has plenty of themed floats, twirlers, bands, classical vehicles, tractors, cheerleaders, football players, fire trucks, and more. Bleachers around the square ae available for a $3 fee.
The Capitol Theatre in downtown Chambersburg is bringing back psychic and clairvoyant William Stillman on Halloween night at 7 PM. Tickets are $28. It is an evening with goosebumps, chills, and some thought-provoking moments.
