Ellington

Growing up on his parents' farm in Hampton, Tenn., Landon Lingerfelt spent his entire childhood around critters of all sorts, which he credits as the inspiration for his lifelong love for animals.

Today, as the store and marketing manager of the newly opened Petsense (315 Crossgates Blvd., Brandon) and regional manager for the franchise's nine other stores in Mississippi and surrounding states, Lingerfelt, 31, devotes himself to local animal rescue and adoption efforts. On October 3 and 4, Petsense in Brandon will host its Adoptathon event in conjunction with Jackson Friends of the Animal Shelter, Rescue Revolution and other Jackson metro animal rescue groups.

Before working at Petsense, Lingerfelt served as a military police officer in a K-9 unit stationed in Afghanistan, having joined the U.S. Army in 2000. He worked alongside a German shepherd named Gauge on apprehension and suspect control work.

While serving in the military, Lingerfelt started online classes for Clemson University in South Carolina in 2002 and earned a bachelor's degree in animal science. He retired from military service in 2005 as a staff sergeant and continued his education, earning a master's degree in animal science in 2008.

The year he left the army, Lingerfelt began working at a store called Tractor Supply Co. as a manager in its pet department. He later worked at a Petsmart store for a year before coming to work for Petsense in 2012. Lingerfelt also volunteers for animal rescue groups such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in his spare time.

"I'm working hard and doing what I love here, but I don't really consider this 'work,'" Lingerfelt said. "This is just what I love and want to be doing. Discussing pet needs and services with other people and helping animals is my calling. I don't know what else I would do other than this. I can't even imagine anything else."

The Petsense Adoptathon takes place Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. About 50 to 100 dogs and cats will be up for adoption, as well as a few reptiles. The event also includes face painting for kids, and volunteers from participating animal shelters will serve hot dogs and drinks. Petsense will hold a Halloween costume contest for dogs and cats with judging at 2 p.m. both days of the event. All proceeds from donations to the Adoptathon will go to the participating rescue groups and shelters. For more information, call Petsense at 601-591-7502.