adoption
Our guide to animal adoption; learn why, where, and how to prepare to adopt a cat, kitten, dog or puppy from an animal shelter or rescue group.
Rescued
It was a rainy, cold afternoon, the wind was blowing, and it was definitely not a day that I wanted to go grocery shopping. It was one of those days that I could have stayed in bed all day, like many days. The struggle was real. Major depression was a part of my life, but I had to keep going, pushing myself to do even the smallest of task. I pulled myself together and headed out. What I didn’t know was a little miracle would come into my life that day.
By Shawna Kinley6 years ago in Petlife
Squee’s New Home
The trip "home"—time has no meaning for cats like us—not like humans. We eat when our tummies say we’re hungry, we sleep when we’re tired, we play when we have bursts of energy... I can’t tell you exactly how long or how short the time was to the next visit that the people that smelled similar to our caretakers was, all I know is that I was taken away from my siblings and never saw them again—or at least not in the same light anyway. I was picked up, placed on a lap, and stayed there the whole trip—might have even fallen asleep for a bit. The trip there wasn’t unpleasant, but it was rather jarring to be introduced to a new environment, minus all my siblings. I was put in a room, why I don’t know, and I protested... loudly. I escaped first chance I got—but wait, who was this? Not one of my siblings, for certain, but it was certainly another of my species; at that moment I didn’t really care. I hissed at him, and hissed back at me; I was mad—how DARE they take me away from the only family I knew and drop me in a strange place, with a stranger? I was closed in the room again, unhappy and confused. Time wore on, and I got to meet this other member of my species, this time having decided to make the best of my situation.
By Laura Gieg7 years ago in Petlife
My Job Sucks
I just started a new job as the kennel manager for an animal rescue group called Pawsafe. From the moment I met my boss and heard her talk about this rescue, I knew it was the right fit for me. I could hear the passion in her voice, and it sounded like what I at least think I sound like when I talk about helping animals. By the end of the interview, not only was I offered the job, but I also accepted it and immediately started brainstorming ideas for the kennel. However, as much as I love my job, and no matter how excited I am to be doing it, there are some hardships that come with working in animal rescue.
By Hannah York 7 years ago in Petlife
Shorty
After working for years in animal shelters and rescue, I have seen things I wish I could forget. Sometimes, we need to focus on the positive and learn from the negative. We MUST educate the public and tell the stories of those with no voice to ensure that future generations can make better choices.
By Lori Brizius7 years ago in Petlife
Adoption Number Three
Well, folks, we've expanded our family again. We have another boy in our midst. He came to us by way of a family whose cat had kittens and they couldn't keep the babies. It was a spur of the moment decision to bring him home, but once we made the decision and given him his name, it was all we could think about until the day we picked him up. In the true nature of our naming practices, my husband named the new baby. I wasn't quite sure about the name he chose at first, but once I met him, I knew it was perfect. My husband got the name from a radio host on a local station. Apparently, the man's last name is Brutus, and he got hooked on the name. Eventually, so did I.
By Jessye Gould7 years ago in Petlife
Animal Shelter Staff Worker
I used to work at an animal shelter. I know what you’re thinking, “you’re so lucky, you get to play with puppies and kitties all day.” If by playing you mean cleaning litter boxes, spraying out kennels, and having kittens using you as a scratching post, then yes. It was a lot of work taking care of all the animals: making sure everyone has fresh food and water, changing litter boxes, letting all the dogs out, mopping all the floors, etc... but I loved it anyway.
By Laura Jelsma7 years ago in Petlife
Why You Should Actually Support 'Kill Shelters'
I know, I know... am I crazy?! Support places that murder healthy animals? It sounds ridiculous when you say it like that, but hear me out. First off, we need to dive into what a "kill shelter" even is. The term "kill shelter" is given to places that euthanize healthy and adoptable dogs, cats, and everything in between. This means the animals can be completely adoptable. As in, they're not just healthy, but sweet, friendly, and playful; puppies and even kittens, too. Yes, the perfect family pet in a lot of cases, but why? Why would anyone do such a thing and how on earth could I support that? Well, we have to go even deeper into why euthanizing a healthy animal is even an accepted thing in the first place. It seems rather barbaric but is, in fact, a requirement for these organizations. They don't enjoy doing it and the workers are just as sad as you are, trust me.
By Mollie Underwood7 years ago in Petlife
Baby
One day while I was at work, I received a text from my fiancé. It was a picture of a dog. When I asked whose dog it was, he replied with, "I found her on the side of the road and spent an hour trying to coax her over to me." He snapped the picture before heading over to the police station so they could try to find her owners. He called the next day to check in on her and was directed to the local animal shelter since she had no chip. The shelter said she was quarantined for two weeks while they tried to locate her owners and make sure she had no illnesses.
By Brandy Letourneau7 years ago in Petlife
