Visit Petco in Glen Burnie on an adoption day and you'll be met with enthusiastic supporters and rescuers of cats and dogs.

Lizzie Ellis, president and founder of Feline Rescue Association, often works at the events. She projects a relaxed disposition, but don't be fooled; she is dynamic and determined.

She found a stray cat, Dolly, when she moved to Baltimore from Pikesville, and got the Feline Rescue Association up and running the next day. Ellis leads it today, with the help of an all-volunteer staff, in addition to her full-time job.

From 2007 to Jan. 24, 2011, Feline Rescue Association has found homes for 969 cats. There is no headquarters—all animals are given temporary shelter with foster family volunteers in private homes.

Permanent adoptions are facilitated through Web sites such as petfinder.com, adoption events and old-fashioned networking. Their adoption events are held at a Petco (either in Glen Burnie, 6631 Ritchie Highway, or in Owings Mills at 10383 Reisterstown Road), one day per week—on a Saturday or Sunday.

At these events, volunteers usually bring about 25 cats to meet potential new owners and take adoption applications. Often, the person fostering the cat is available to answer questions about a specific cat's habits and disposition.

During a recent event in Owings Mills, adoptable cats were front-and-center inside the store. Visitors paused to look into the cages and play with cats and kittens.

Next to the cats, artist Jerry Breen drew caricatures. A local artist who takes all kinds of commissions, notably pet portraits, volunteered his time and donated a percentage of his fee for every pastel portrait.

Lizzie Ellis said the cold months have been tough.

"Adoptions have been very slow this winter," she said in an e-mail. "And we have many wonderful cats who have been waiting for a long time for their forever homes."

Adoption event dates

The Feline Rescue Association's adoption events for February are: 

• 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Owings Mills Petco
• 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 6 at the Glen Burnie Petco
• 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Owings Mills Petco
• 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19 at the Owings Mills Petco
• 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 20 at the Glen Burnie Petco
• 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26 at the Owings Mills Petco

To find more events in other months, visit the Feline Rescue Association website.

How to help

Volunteers are needed. If you are interested in lending a helping hand weekday mornings at the association's Petco Adoption Center in Owings Mills, helping take care of the cats, please contact Lizzie Ellis for more information.