Cats, dogs and all types of household pets have provided a much-needed source of comfort, joy and company for many area residents throughout this challenging year. And many people — in the area and beyond — have found themselves wanting to adopt a cat, dog or other furry friend amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

For example, there’s been a slight increase in adoption numbers at the Alger County Animal Shelter, Journal Intern Travis Nelson recently reported.

“Our shelter has been running really smooth lately and we have been getting most of our animals adopted out within just a few short weeks of them being with us,” Alger County Animal Shelter adoption co-manager Raynee Hildebrand said.

We’re glad to hear animals are being adopted quickly and that the Alger County Animal Shelter has been able to continue its operations with some adaptations, such as a new foster-to-adopt program.

We encourage anyone interested in adopting or fostering to contact the shelter through its Facebook page, via email at algercountyanimal@yahoo.com, or by phone at 906-387-4131.

The shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

And for those who might not be able to foster or adopt at this time, there are many other ways to help, as the nonprofit requires tremendous resources to care for the animals it houses.

“It can be a difficult task at times to give the very best care to the animals that come to the shelter. Your support will help Alger County Animal Shelter to uphold our mission in caring for the many homeless and unwanted animals in our community,” the shelter’s website states. “We offer a variety of ways to give from monetary donations, volunteering or to just stopping in and spending time with the animals. This is a great way to make a difference in orphaned animals’ lives and to take advantage of a tax-deductible donation. A donation of any amount would really help out and would be greatly appreciated. Our largest area of expense is vet bills for the care of the animals.”

We commend the shelter and its staff for their good work and hope that our readers will consider helping however they can, whether that’s through adopting, fostering, volunteering or donating. Any of these actions could make a tremendous difference in the life of an animal.

And they just might make your life a little brighter too.