It might end up being the perfect “happily ever after” for all of you.
Most pets are brought to us and other humane societies through no fault of their own. The top reasons stated for surrendering animals are “landlord issues” and “moving.” This means there are a lot of amazing, fun, loving dogs here ready to go home and have a second chance at life. There are also dogs here who have specific requirements, like being the only dog or having no young children in the home, which always makes it harder to find them homes, but they still deserve that second chance.
When an animal is surrendered to us, they are scared and unsure of what happened and why they are here. It’s heartbreaking but at least we know that while they are here with us, they will be cared for, treated medically and behaviorally, fed and loved. And, they are safe here and not out on the streets. As we start the process of getting them ready for adoption, our medical staff does a complete intake exam and if any treatments are necessary, they are done. Vaccinations are administered and if needed, they are spayed or neutered. Our behavior team works with each dog to see how they react to a number of different stimuli, including other dogs, people, resource guarding and more. There are dogs that will stay on behavior treatment if it is deemed necessary, to make sure that dog gets all the attention it deserves so that it can find a forever home. If we have information about the dog from previous owners, we use that information and add it to what is observed here so that an accurate assessment of the dog and its personality can be made.
It’s important to remember though, that in an environment like a shelter, the dogs are probably not going to show their true personalities. They are dealing with new sounds, sights, smells and routines, all of which affect their “kennel presence.” Many are just overlooked because they cower in a corner, and some are overlooked because they jump up on the kennel door and start barking. This is why it’s so important to look past some of these things when visiting a shelter in hopes of finding your new pet. It’s also extremely important that you have realistic expectations when taking home your new pet. It’s not always going to be a Hallmark movie where you bring them home and everyone settles in right away and happy music is playing in the background. We try to stress to adopters the 3-3-3 rule, which is a good, simple guideline for what might possibly happen when bringing home a new pet, no matter where you get it. In a nutshell, in the first three days, they are feeling overwhelmed, scared and unsure of what’s going on. After three weeks, they are starting to settle in, feel more comfortable and getting into a routine. After three months, they are starting to feel like they are really home and building a trusting bond with you. It takes time to adjust to you, kids, other pets and a new home. They just need you to give them that time.
Some people feel the animals in a shelter are “damaged goods,” and honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In the two-and-a-half years that I have been blessed to work here, I have met thousands of dogs that I would have gladly taken home if I were able to. Some of the sweetest, most loving animals who are so eager to love and be loved are right here at Yavapai Humane Society.
October is also Pit Bull Awareness Month and most shelters do have a big pit bull population. Again, these animals have a bad stigma attached to them and while there are many that are not the perfect family dog, there are many that are. The old adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” is really the best thing I can say when it comes to this breed. The best thing to do is realize that each and every dog is different and has a different personality, just like us. No two of us are alike and no two dogs are alike.
So, as we celebrate National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month, if you are thinking about adding a furry family member to your home, my hope is that you will make an appointment and come meet these precious pups just waiting to go home. It might end up being the perfect “happily ever after” for all of you. QCBN
By Loree Walden
Loree Walden is the marketing manager for the Yavapai Humane Society.
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