by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know in last week’s column about who and what our organization is thankful for I neglected to include the most obvious and most important people – our ADOPTERS!
Without adopters we would at some point have to close our doors to new intakes thus becoming a sanctuary of sorts. This would be a breach of our contracts with the Towns we service and against the mission of the Society. Adopters are an integral part of an animal shelter for whom we are beyond grateful to assist in their choice of a furry family member.
Although we do recognize that sometimes the pet picks the family!
This past week, after being abandoned by his family of 7 years and then being at the shelter for the past 1 and ½ years, Jerry, the 11 year old shepherd/hound mix was adopted! The family was excited and determined to bring Jerry home the day they met him. Jerry was excited and ready to go. I had my reservations as Jerry has his issues with food and it was so near to Thanksgiving, but the family was insistent. My instinct was to delay the adoption, but I didn’t want Jerry to potentially lose a chance for a home after waiting for such a long time. I did offer several options, like waiting until after the holiday or putting Jerry in a room when company comes, but they declined. I explained the 3day – 3 week- 3 month adjustment period for shelter pets a few times for Jerry’s sake. I thought they understood. Jerry went home on Saturday. When the relatives arrived on Tuesday all went well until it didn’t. Jerry got uncomfortable at some point and started growling and snarling as Jerry will do especially if food or treats are around. The family called asking us to take Jerry for a few days until after the holiday, but the visiting son’s comment overheard on the phone “get rid of the f…ing dog” was enough to have Jerry returned and the adoption nullified. They returned Jerry within the hour at which time we explained our decision which was accepted. Jerry was happy to be back, although a bit confused. Two lessons were learned: Jerry needs a single, experienced adult home and listen to one’s instinct. We are never one to rush an adoption with any animal and this situation is an example of what not to do. With certain dogs it is important for the dog to know the person or family BEFORE going home which may take several visits to accomplish. Recently, Comet, the husky, had an approved application with a couple who had a young daughter who was terribly fearful of a big dog. Despite living 45 minutes away, this family visited quite a few times so the daughter could get used to Comet. This past weekend they came for Pet Photos with Santa and we were told that Comet sleeps with the daughter!
One of the key things we look for in adopters is patience. “The animal shelter isn’t full of ‘broken’ animals. It’s full of survivors.” Thank you, Adopters!
Pet of the Week:
