Etowah Valley Humane Society is warming up for the Pam and Bobby Cox “South Paw Fan Fest – Pinch Hitting for Pets” Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at the Clarence Brown Conference Center.

The event is free to the public and will include live musical and comedic entertainment, veterinary lectures and informative classes, food, fun and games with up to 30 vendors, and, of course, pet adoptions.

In addition to coming face to face with some of the sweetest, most fun-loving pets in town, residents will have the opportunity to have an autographed photo taken with future Major League Hall of Fame coach and former manager of the Atlanta Braves, Bobby Cox.

All proceeds from autograph sales will go to fund the Etowah Valley Humane Society in an effort to combat the current 65 percent euthanasia rate in Bartow County, the highest in the state of Georgia.

“Hopefully this is a problem that we can fix if people would spay and neuter their animals and adopt,” said Cox. “There are so many animals put down each year and it’s heartbreaking. For people who have never visited a shelter, they need to.”

According to Etowah Valley Humane Society Director Bryan Canty, for every three animals taken in by Animal Control, two won’t make it out alive.

“The success of this event is incumbent upon animal lovers everywhere stepping up to the plate and going to bat for Bartow County’s animals,” said Canty. “This is not Animal Control’s fault, they have limited space and they take in over 6,000 animals a year. The problem is due in large part to people not taking responsibility and spaying and neutering their pets.”

Animal lovers will have ample opportunity to make a difference Saturday, whether by donating to the animal shelter or through pet adoption.

Adoption fees for animals at South Paw Fan Fest will be $175 for dogs and $125 for cats. All required shots, spay and neuter, micro-chipping, a rabies certificate for vaccination and a health exam are included in the price of adoption.

“Animals are the best companions you could ever have, it’s unconditional love,” said Cox. “They haven’t committed a crime, the only crime that’s been committed is that somebody couldn’t take care of them and they get lost in the system. We’ve had pets our entire lives and we have a soft spot in our hearts for them. People should come out and support this event. It’s fun to be around people who love pets, it really is.”

Bobby Cox and his wife Pam have been connected to animal shelters and raised money for the cause for many years, particularly Homeless Pets shelter in Marietta, where they got started. They have since joined up with Etowah Valley Humane Society.

“We thought this would be a great opportunity for us to offer our time and raise some money for the organization. I don’t have a job anymore,” Cox said with a laugh, “I’m pretty free and we’re happy to do it.”

Cox and Canty feel it’s integral for Cartersville and Bartow County to come out and support the Etowah Humane Society in whatever way they can.

“The animals can’t speak for themselves,” said Canty. “But together we can find loving forever homes for these animals.”

For more information about the Pam and Bobby Cox “South Paw Fan Fest – Pinch Hitting for Pets” or to find out how to adopt, donate or volunteer with the Etowah Valley Humane Society visit its website or call 770-383-3338 today.