by MARTHA MASIELLO

Robbie Asher, Doctor of veterinary medicine at the Brevard County Animal shelters attended an enrichment seminar earlier this year that inspired her to start a sleepover fostering program for dogs at the shelters. After debate with vet techs and her two children, the name Pajama Pups was selected as the name for the project.

"During the cold weather months, shelters are cold and dogs have little or no interaction when shelters are closed. Many become depressed, resulting in refusal to eat or interact with people. I thought it would be wonderful if there was a way to provide a warm home for these dogs, if only on a temporary basis,” she said.

It become a family project, with Asher's 15-year-old daughter designing the logo for the program.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for kids and adults to participate in helping these pups, without having a long-term commitment. It's a positive trial basis experience".

Dogs are picked up between 5:30 and 6 p.m. and returned the following morning before noon, so they may be available for adoption that day.

Robin Braswell from Satellite Beach has fostered since April, and said, "I have always wanted to help animals in some way. When I heard about the program and how it helps relieve shelter stress for the dogs, and required very little effort on our part, I thought our family would give it a try. As we take a dog for the night, we take them to the park or to the dog beach so people can see what great dogs they are. My parent’s neighbor adopted the very first dog we brought home. All of the dogs have touched our hearts, and we are happy to give them a night out of the shelter. It has been wonderful for us to do this together. Pajama Pups is something that just about anyone can do."

For further information, contact the North Animal Care and Adoption Center in Titusville at 321-264-5119 or South Animal Care & Adoption Center in Melbourne at 321-253-6608.

The Central Brevard Humane Society in Cocoa has a comparable program, Tender Loving Care. Contact Robin at 321-636-3343 for details.