El Paso Animal Services is collaborating with the El Paso Veterinary Medical Association (EPVMA) and local veterinarians to bring love and light through pet adoption to 23 new families in honor of the 23 victims who were killed on August 3, 2019.

Beginning today, August 7, all adoption fees will be waived and basic veterinary care will be sponsored for the first 23 pets that are adopted.

The memorial event, titled “The Luna Project,” is in honor of Arturo Benavides and the 22 other lives that were lost in last year’s tragic mass shooting.

Anyone that has had a pet in their lives knows the unconditional love they bring and how they can bring a sense of peace or put a smile on your face even in the darkest of times.

Luna, a former El Paso Animal Services shelter pet, found her forever home and brought the Arturo Benavides’ family some joy during a very dark time in the family’s lives. “The Luna Project” was created so that more families can benefit from the love of a shelter pet.

The EPVMA and 13 local veterinary clinics have stepped up to sponsor basic veterinary care for one year for the first 23 pets that are adopted, to include; vaccine boosters, heartworm, flea and tick treatments and dentals.

Adopters interested in adding a new member to their family are encouraged to visit www.elpasoanimalservices.org to view available pets and call the Adoption Line at (915) 212-8705 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. El Paso Animal Services will also be showcasing adoptable pets on the department’s Facebook page starting at 11 a.m.

Special thank you to the EPVMA and the veterinary clinics that are sponsoring these pets:

• Crossroads
• Northeast
• Montana
• East El Paso
• Dr. C’s
• TLC
• Adobe
• Coronado
• Sun Valley
• Southwest Animal Care Center
• Vista Hills
• Mesa
• The Veterinary Care Center of Texas