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Making a Difference through Rescue Animal Adoption

Payton Smith of West Springfield has a passion for pets

Purchasing animals from stores and breeders isn’t the only way to become a pet owner. Rescuing animals is one of the best ways for pet lovers to make a difference in the lives of animals—and themselves. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.3 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year. Not included in that statistic are birds, hamsters, lizards, rabbits, and other pets that are surrendered to shelters by owners who often purchased them from pet stores.

These millions upon millions of animals need pet lovers to open their hearts and give them the homes they deserve. Payton Smith, a West Springfield native, is a prime example of someone who dedicates her life to helping animals as much as she can. Payton is currently a student at Holyoke Community College where she studies veterinary and animal science with the goal of becoming a veterinary technician. She is employed at Smithland Pet Center in Agawam, first beginning her tenure at that location in November 2020 when it was Dave’s Soda and Pet City.

Payton’s love of animals has encouraged her to care for as many as she can over the years. Her family has owned dogs, cats, and hamsters, but she purchased her own bearded dragon, Dexter, in July 2018. “I began doing research on exotic pets when I became old enough to take care of something on my own, and it’s what I’ve wanted to do ever since,” says Payton. She had dedicated much time, effort, and love into giving Dexter a happy, healthy life.

When Payton began working at Dave’s Soda and Pet City, she was given a lot of opportunities to adopt pets that were surrendered. Over the last almost two years, she has rescued a hamster, three guinea pigs, and a snake. Payton’s female corn snake, dubbed Medusa, was surrendered to a local vet to be euthanized after being bred for years, but Payton knew that Medusa deserved a happy life, and she couldn’t resist adopting the snake.

Payton is determined to continue her lifelong passion to advocate for animals by working to help support both pets and their owners. Her mission has allowed her to influence the lives of many animals already, and the reach she has will only continue to grow as she begins her professional career in veterinary care. As Payton notes, “Rescuing is important because it gives the animal a second chance, gives the family a great pet, and provides the ability for the two of them to create an unconditional bond regardless of the pet’s age.” 

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