Community
Furbabies, Not So Furry Babies Provide Unconditional Love
Post-pandemic pet surrenders at higher rates than adoptions.
When governments mandated that people shelter in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees who could do their jobs from home were doing just that. Kids were put into virtual learning environments and pets were wondering why their humans never left the house.
Some of those humans without furry companions decided it would be great to have animal companionship to fill the void of no water cooler gossip or lunches with coworkers. Furthermore, dog walking remained an accessible form of physical activity. And people may have sought out pets to reduce levels of stress, anxiety and loneliness caused by the pandemic and the lifestyle changes it necessitated, according to a report from Best Friends, a pet advocacy organization.
Several studies have reported that public demand for acquiring or fostering a new pet grew shortly after March 2020. Despite people commonly spending more time at home during the pandemic and many reports indicating that the demand for pets grew as a result of COVID-19, shelter data shows that raw numbers of adoptions from shelters and rescues were actually lower in 2020 than in 2019.
Planned PEThood
Nobody knows that better than Laura Frost, Director of Organizational Development for Planned PEThood of Georgia.
“During the onset of the pandemic, when everybody was closing down, there was this amazing surge of animal rescues. You saw stories on every news outlet about how shelters were emptied, and everybody adopted a cat or a dog… you know, it was just wonderful,” said Frost.
“It was something that had never really happened before, because [now] everybody was at home and had time for the pets, and they wanted companionship.”
While most people who had been in animal welfare for a long time were celebrating this unprecedented swell of love for strays, they knew that the other shoe would drop eventually. But Frost said that, like her, they tried to be hopeful and optimistic.
“We knew it was probably going to hit the fan at some point. I think that’s what everybody is starting to see now, as people begin to enter the workforce again and they are not at home,” she said. “Families and kids went back to school, the world shifted, maybe people lost jobs or moved or whatever it may be. They are starting to surrender the animals to shelters.”
Now that the humans are gone a good portion of the day, those pets that were lavished with attention may have separation anxiety, Frost explained. “The dog or the puppy that gave so much love during the pandemic maybe wasn’t trained really well…” and now they’re ripping up the carpet and becoming a problem.
While many dogs and cats are coming in, not nearly as many are going out. “We’ve got animals being surrendered on a larger scale than we were accustomed to because, sadly, those animals would have been euthanized. A lot of the animals that were adopted during the pandemic would have never made it out,” Frost said.
She added that she believes some people are concerned about inflation and their finances and may not be willing to take on a new financial obligation.
“The shelters are kind of stuck. They’re lowering adoption fees and getting creative,” Frost said. “They’re using social media and doing all these things to try and get the animals adopted, but it’s a supply and demand issue. Right now, the supply is really high and the demand is really low.”
Furkids
Another non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare, Furkids was founded in 2001 when Atlantan Samantha Shelton discovered a hungry mother cat and her three kittens quivering on her porch. Local animal control told Shelton the family would likely be euthanized, as they did not have space, but Shelton was determined to save the felines.
What started out as a cat rescue has now found homes for more than 50,000 animals in the metro area. Headquartered in Cumming with an adoption center in Peachtree Corners, Furkids has partnered with Petco and PetSmart to offer adoptions at several retail outlets in the area.
Help is available
Both organizations work with the community to the benefit of our furry friends. Offering low-cost spay and neuter clinics and other pet assistance, they strive for a world where no pet is euthanized.
“For a lot of people, it might be a struggle to care for their animals, whether it’s at the beginning stages of adopting the animal and needing to get it spayed or neutered or vaccinated, or just learning what they need to do to be a good pet owner,” Frost said. “Maybe they have a five- or seven-year-old pet and it’s gotten an ear infection and they’re strapped for cash and they’re struggling,” said Frost.
Frost wants pet owners to know that there is help. Many organizations in the area offer training and low-cost solutions that can help pets and their people get through the rough patches — and many food banks offer pet food.
“Those are the kinds of programs that we really strive for,” said Frost. Planned PEThood has a rescue and adoption program that places 1,000 to 1,200 animals a year and its low-cost spay and neuter clinic has performed close to 80,000 surgeries since it began offering them.
“Where most clinics maybe do two or three a day, we’re going to do about 60,” said Frost, adding that the clinic doesn’t handle more specialized surgeries.
The Charity Run/Walk will be part of Curiosity Lab’s annual Criterium event
Expect a day of thrilling races and family-friendly fun at the inaugural Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk followed by the Curiosity Lab Criterium on Sunday, April 27.
The day-long community event will kick off at 8 a.m., when registration opens for the 5K. The race will start at 9 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., and the Criterium will begin at 11:15 a.m.
In addition to the running and cycling events, there will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, a DJ spinning tunes and more fun throughout the day.
The Charity 5K Run/Walk
Presented by Werfen and Sidel, with additional support provided by Atlas Collaborative and the City of Peachtree Corners, the Charity 5K Run/Walk will benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and 100% of the registration fees will be donated.
While no prizes will be given for the race, bib timing will be used for those who would like to see their times. And each registrant will receive a Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk t-shirt for participating.
Registration for the 5K is open now.
Curiosity Lab Criterium
Following the 5K, hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, part of U.S. Pro Cycling’s Speed Week.
Speed Week is a premiere week-long event on the U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit that draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions. In 2024, the professional men’s and women’s events drew cyclists from over 30 states and more than 20 countries.
Join in the excitement and watch as some of the world’s top male and female Criterium Racers tackle the most challenging track on the circuit.
The details
The 2025 Curiosity Lab Criterium & 5K will take place on a course located within the world-famous Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners — a 5G-enabled, 500-acre living laboratory ecosystem designed specifically as a proving ground for IoT, mobility and smart city emerging technologies.
Location: Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners
Date and time: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 5K starts at 9 a.m and ends at 10:30 a.m. The Criterium begins at 11:15 a.m.
Parking for the event will be located at 400 and 420 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners.
For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.
The sun is out, days are getting warmer and spring is on its way. That means more time outdoors and more fun events and activities in and around Peachtree Corners.
From movies and sports to live music and family fun, now’s the time to mark your calendar for all of the upcoming events you won’t want to miss. We’re sharing a few of our April favorites to get you started.
CrossFit on the Green
All ages and fitness levels are invited to join Terrance Fox with CrossFit PPG on the Peachtree Corners Town Green, Thursdays at 8 a.m. for a strength and conditioning workout. Bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two, and a mat if possible. Wear comfortable workout attire and good shoes. March–November. Admission: free
Peachtree Corners Town Green • 5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners
Cornhole Spring League
Come out and cheer on the teams who’ve registered to compete in this seven-week spring league. Play takes place weekly beginning March 20 and ends on May 15 with a tournament and trophy. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission: free
The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Friday Night Live
Kick back and groove to the smooth sounds of live music from favorite local artists every Friday night on The Plaza, April–October. Concert schedule will be announced soon. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: free
The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Kids and Parents Gardening Workshop
This gardening workshop presented by nonprofit group DFOWW will share basic gardening information for youth ages 5–12 and their parent or guardian. Seeds, plants and a catered lunch will be provided. Register online. April 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 per adult; $10 per adult for low-income families
Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center • 10 College St., Norcross
Forum Flicks
Forum Flicks are back for 2025. Gather on The Plaza and enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen on the second Tuesday of each month. Movie schedule will be announced soon. April–October starting at 6 p.m. Admission: free
The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Spring Plant & Pot Sale
Kick off the spring gardening season with this four-day sale of plants and pots. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers and more will be available for purchase. April 19, 21–23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday; 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Wednesday.
Peachtree Farm • 356 Research Ct., Peachtree Corners
Earth Day Celebration
Learn about the origins of Earth Day and create seed bombs to take home with you at this all-ages workshop. April 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: free. Registration is not required.
Peachtree Corners Library • 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners
Mt. Carmel Spring BBQ
Enjoy pork BBQ, Brunswick stew, slaw and desserts. The event will continue until items sell out. Dine in and take out are available. April 25 starting at 11 a.m.
Mount Carmel United Methodist Church • 5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners
Wesleyan Artist Market
This annual two-day market showcase features a curated selection of artwork, handmade goods, jewelry and more, with offerings from professional artists as well as student artists. April 25–26 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Wesleyan School • 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners
Spring Fest!
Welcome spring at CtK’s annual Spring Fest! Families are invited to join in for a day of free family fun, food, face painting, a petting zoo and more. April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: free
Christ the King Lutheran Church • 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Curiosity Lab Criterium and Charity 5K Run/Walk
This day-long, family-friendly event on April 27 will feature an inaugural charity 5K Run/Walk to benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Following the race, guests are invited to hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, a U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit Race. The 5K starts at 9 a.m.; the bike race begins at 11:15 a.m. There will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, DJ and more throughout the day. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners
Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April
Why Patient Experience Matters: A Conversation with Dr. Aristo Shyn
Burn The Ships: Alex Wright on Committing to Success & Helping Businesses Thrive
Expanding Horizons: How KGM Technologies Balances Defense, Medical, and Precision Manufacturing
Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk
Mike Schleifer to Leave Alliance for Lincoln Center Theater
Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck
Inside the Solicitor General’s Office: Lisamarie Bristol on Justice in Gwinnett County
Expanding Horizons: How KGM Technologies Balances Defense, Medical, and Precision Manufacturing
Mike Schleifer to Leave Alliance for Lincoln Center Theater
Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck
Inside the Solicitor General’s Office: Lisamarie Bristol on Justice in Gwinnett County
Why Patient Experience Matters: A Conversation with Dr. Aristo Shyn
Burn The Ships: Alex Wright on Committing to Success & Helping Businesses Thrive
Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk
Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April
Light up the Corners [Video]
Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]
Cliff Bramble: A Culinary Adventure through Italy
Top 10 Brunch Places in Gwinnett County
A Hunger for Hospitality
THE CORNERS EPISODE 3 – BLAXICAN PART 1
Top 10 Indoor Things To Do This Winter
The ED Hour: What it takes to Remove Barriers from Education
