Humane Society Pleads for Adopters

On Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., the Humane Society will host an emergency adoption event as it confronts a heartbreaking and accelerating crisis: dogs in their care are deteriorating mentally and emotionally after months – and in some cases, over a year – of waiting for homes.

With intakes surpassing adoptions and space long exhausted, the shelter now faces an unthinkable decision: the euthanasia of adoptable animals – not because they are unsafe or because HSHC is giving up on them–but because some of these animals have waited so long for someone to come that THEY are giving up.

“I fear our community has the perception that as long as an animal is in our care, they will be okay. After all, we embrace a no-kill philosophy of never giving up on animals as long as we can provide them a good quality of life and a forever home. So while we have certainly been over capacity, with especially dogs, nearly every day for the last 2.5 years, space never drives these unthinkable decisions,” said Rebecca Stevens, President & CEO of HSHC. “We need our community to understand that dogs are waiting, on average, 70-80 days for a home. That means some of the longer, and most at-risk, residents have been living for months–24 hours a day, 7 days a week–bombarded by stress, noise, fear, and yes, the depression that comes with losing the people they loved.” The HSHC staff and dedicated volunteers have been working daily to keep the dogs and cats who are declining as engaged and happy as possible. Urgent pleas for foster homes have given some a much needed break, but for those nearing or already experiencing an emotional shut-down, an adoptive home is the only solution–and they are running out of time.

“We feel so helpless when these animals reach the point that no amount of love, enrichment, or food inspires them to even lift their heads,” said Gina Smola, Director of Operations for HSHC. “Stella is in that place now. And it’s frustrating for us all because she is such a loving, well-tempered, easy dog. It’s incomprehensible why these dogs have gone overlooked for so long when they have so much to give.”

Smola believes there are plenty of homes out there to clear this shelter.

“Folks are making the decision to add a pet to their families right now,” said Smola. “And while I certainly understand the power of puppy breath, my hope is to inspire these families to consider an adult dog–who is already housebroken, often crate trained, knows basic commands, and most importantly–there is no guessing as to the personality they’ll develop. What you see is what you get!”

Stevens views the community coming to the shelter’s aid and adopting especially those animals who are emotionally declining as a life-changing opportunity for families with children.

“Some of the most impactful experiences I’ve been blessed to witness are when a family comes in for a puppy or kitten, but after seeing all of the adult dogs or cats we have, they decide to take someone who needs them more,” said Stevens. “The most beautiful thing is when that choice is actually driven by a child’s awareness and selflessness. There are so many learnings, many life-changing, when you allow a rescue animal to rescue you.”

HSHC is asking the community to make saving these precious lives a priority this Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

“Your choice to show up on Saturday and adopt one of our most urgent animals is their only lifeline,” Stevens emphasized. “The reality is simple: if they don’t make it out of here soon, I am afraid they won’t make it out at all.”

HSHC is offering $10 adoptions* for adult dogs and cats during the May 17 adoption event. All adoptions include:

• Spay/neuter surgery
• Microchip
• Age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming, flea & tick treatment
• A wellness exam at a participating vet
• A starter bag of food
• Post-adoption support and resources

*Some exclusions apply