The East Ridge Animal Shelter will provide free adoptions for 16 dogs thanks to a grant from the Pedigree Foundation.

The second annual "Paws for Hearts" event runs from Friday, Feb. 11 until Monday, February 14. During the event the shelter will waive its adoption fee of $85 and cover the costs of a spay/neuter, health check and rabies vaccine, according to a news release.

"These animals are in desperate need of love," said East Ridge Animal Control Supervisor Carl Zagona. "I'm glad that the grant we received will allow us to provide them with the kinds of homes they deserve."

The Pedigree Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to helping dogs in need of loving homes, said the release. Through a grant application process it provides monetary aid to breed rescue organizations and animals shelters across the country. In 2008, the foundation spent over $1 million to help several different shelters.

Anyone interested in adopting a dog is invited to visit the East Ridge Animal Shelter at 1015 Yale St. in East Ridge, Tenn. Shelter hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about this event, please contact Carl Zagona at 423-664-0271.

A list of pets up for adoption can be found at:

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/eastridgeanimals.html

http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter71540-pets.html

http://www.pets911.com/organizations/adoptable.php?org_id=19733