Even though the adoption numbers don’t reflect the numbers the Cobb County Animal Control shelter had hoped for, the three special adoption event days have been tremendous fun for all who have come; and many dogs and cats have found homes who otherwise would not have. In lieu of that, I would call the effort a tremendous success.
The hope is that this last Saturday event will be the best yet. Each of the previous events yielded 61 and 63 adoptions respectively…ah, to double those figures and have 124 adoptions; that’s the thing that dreams are made of. Well, I’ll tell you, I’m dreaming that dream.
The animals at this shelter will stand up to any out there – that I can promise you. The variety of breeds, personalities, and characteristics cover the spectrum. They do have one thing in common though, and that’s a desire to be a part of a family - to be loved and to give love.
Come out and see for yourself. The comment I hear over and over, isn’t, “I don’t see one I like.” It’s “I can’t decide which one I like best. I want to take them all home.” And, that’s it in a nutshell.
All the animals are fully vetted and available for an $80 adoption fee. All except the hand chosen dogs and cats, they will be "blue light specials." These "blue light" animals are volunteers and staff favorites and their adoption fee will be specially priced at $40.
Take a look at the photos to see some of the sweet faces you will find at the shelter…this is just a small sampling; come see all of them for yourself.
Once these animals are at the shelter, they have only two ways out - adoption or death. Help make it adoption.
Kuranda beds make the shelter stay a little bit more comfortable for the dogs and cats - allowing every dog and cat to have its own bed to sleep on. These beds can be purchased and donated to the shelter by ordering them online (they will be sent directly to the shelter) www.cherokeeanimals.petfinder.com or ask about ordering them when you are there.
All donations are tax deductable.
My blog: A cat in a dog’s world
To see more available animals at the shelter.
Friends of Shelter Cats - FB page
Tips on Bringing Home a Shelter Animal
Bringing Your Shelter Cat Home Courtesy of About.com
Your new cat will probably be stressed by the time you bring him home. He is most likely used to the close environment of a shelter cage, so it would be best to keep him confined in a small safe room for the first few days, especially if there are other cats in the house.
Let your cat set the rules at first. Don't be surprised if the cat hides under the bed for several days. As long as he or she has food, water, a litter box, a place to sleep, and a toy or two, he will be okay. Chances are when you are not in the room, he will be coming out to eat, use the litter box, or explore.
Gradually increase your together time. Talk to your cat when you are in the safe room. You may want to sit in a chair and read a book. He'll come around when he finally feels safe with you, but don't rush it. Count your victories in small increments: the first time he peeks out at you from under the bed; the first time he plays with a wand toy with you; the first time he takes a treat you offer him. When he finally jumps up and settles in on your lap, you'll know that he is now your cat, and no longer a shelter cat.
For more tips, see here at About.com
Bringing Home Your Shelter Dog Courtesy of PetFoodDirect.com
Adopting a dog that’s been in a shelter for some time is not like adopting a grown dog from a loving home. A shelter dog may have acquired a few bad “shelter habits.” Your dog may have forgotten basic commands – if it ever knew them. And, the dog may simply be stressed from being in a shelter so he’s “not quite himself” when you first bring him home.
The first month may be rough.
It takes about three months for the dog to really be him/herself.
Start your training right away.
He’s not your old dog. Expect differences.
Have patience, you will get comfortable with your new pet!
