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You can adopt an animal to join your next Zoom meeting. Here's how

Posted at 4:53 PM, Apr 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-22 18:53:22-04

(WXYZ) — After weeks of using Zoom to communicate with friends and co-workers, why not add a furry friend to make it fun? How about man’s best friend?

A rescue group is offering an adoptable animal to join your next video conference.

The organization in Pontiac is continuing to find their pets forever homes and raising crucial funds.

Michigan Animal Rescue League is expecting folks to have a positive reaction when they invite a furry friend on a video conference call.

“If you have pets at home, you know how much joy they bring to our lives,” Audrey Blaylock of Michigan Animal Rescue League said.

She says the organization is open and adopting animals out by appointment-only. But how do you spotlight the many cats and dogs looking for homes when your doors are closed to foot traffic?

“We are just trying to brainstorm ways to connect people during this time and with Zoom being kind of the buzzword lately, a light bulb went off,” Blaylock said.

They came up with a plan – for a donation of $50 for 15 minutes or for $100 for 30 minutes you can add a dog or cat to join in on a call.

“My personal recommendation would be kittens," she said. "The world is just so big and exciting for them. They are always getting into little antics.”

The money raised will help pets in the shelter.

M.A.R. League also offers community outreach with pet food and supplies for families having financial trouble. With the unemployment rate at an all-time high, they expect more folks needing help with their pets. That’s why this donation will help the community.

Video calls can also put the pet front and center, helping them find a home.

At the very least, it’s fun for a good cause.

“Animals are very unpredictable," Blaylock said. "They do what they want in that moment and it’s just kind of a fun way to lighten up the mood a little bit.”

If you want to video conference with the cute pets go to this link: https://www.marleague.org/marl-video-conference/

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