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WELLS TOWNSHIP -- It's been a special day for the Delta Animal Shelter. Sunday marked the first open house for the private, non-profit shelter in Wells Township.

Sunday also marked the annual Blessing of the Animals in the name of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church conducted the ceremony at the shelter.

Most of those on hand were man's best friend with a few feline friends also in attendance. The shelter has a lot of cats up for adoption right now. They have an open admissions policy and in their six weeks of existence, they've had a 100% adoption rate.

The shelter has started a capital campaign with a $75,000 goal. Already they have made improvements to the Wells Township facility. Shelter manager Susan Gartland says, "One of the things we did when we took over was to fence in the property so now our dogs can be taken outside and exercised. And we have a whole group of volunteers that just come and play with the dogs daily."

The shelter has 25 volunteers and is always looking for more. They're open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from Noon to 4pm. Thursday they're open Noon to 6pm and on Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

For more information you can go to their website.