In a Power Point presentation at its Open House on Saturday Feb. 22, Animal Care Services Manager Ted Stevens told an audience of roughly sixty people that in 2013, dog and cat adoptions increased 33%+ and rescues/transfers increased by 30%.

Power Point slides displayed the number of overall euthanasias (5,183) in 2013, and when asked by an audience member for a breakdown by dogs, cats and others [mainly wildlife], Mr. Stevens said just under 1,200 dogs (roughly 1,198) were put to death, about 800 "others" (wildlife, etc.) and a little over 3,000 cats (including feral cats and underage kittens without a mother.)

Mr. Stevens said euthanasias have been trending down for about eight months and the agency has "some really dramatic things going on this year, and I think we're going to see a really big decrease in euthanasia for 2014."

Animal Care Services presented awards to volunteers who'd distinguished themselves in their efforts at the shelter. The honorees included professional photographer Sara Cozolino -- who was first spotlighted locally last year by Dave Wielenga on GreaterLongBeach.com. Ms. Cozolino travels roughly 40 miles each way from her home outside Long Beach at least once a week to capture the expressive faces of shelter animals awaiting adoption. Her photos, placed on the Animal Care Services Facebook page and website, pack an emotional punch and have brought results.

"She works red carpet events, photographs famous people and in magazines [she's not a "pet" photographer]...She's able to catch that inner beauty of these animals...We've had so many people that come down here and say 'I came down here because of the picture.'

In accepting her award, Ms. Cozolino made eloquent remarks. For VIDEO, click the icon to the right.