Sometimes it Happens

A handful of times each year we have a pet returned. Even though we have the lowest animal return rate in the city, it's still hard to see the pets come back. But, we'd rather have them brought back to us than stay where they are not wanted.

This happened to Abby. She was adopted last year and lived with her family for nearly a year or so. Unfortunately things weren't working out for everyone involved and she's back at the shelter.

When she came back she definitely seemed to remember our kennel caretaker and several of our longtime volunteers. Hopefully it won't take too long to get her adopted again. She's a sweet girl and definitely deserves a great family to love her.

Bernie's Special Day Finally Arrives

Bernie, my foster dog, was adopted this week with another senior shelter pet, Sam. Bernie and Sam now have two older siblings, a Poodle mix (HSGKC alumni) and a terrier mix.

The couple that adopted Bernie were originally looking for just one senior pet to adopt. They had lost one of their dogs a few months ago due to old age.

When our volunteer manager heard about the couple coming in to meet Sam, she suggested to our shelter director to talk to them about adopting Bernie too. Our shelter director then spoke to the couple about this idea and they said they had seen Bernie on the website and would consider it.

On Saturday, Bernie got ready for his big day and took a bath. He really wanted to make a good first impression with the potential adopters. And I guess it worked -- because they fell in love with both Sam and little Bernie! Bernie immediately took a liking to the husband and Sam fell in love with the wife.

We've already received a report from the adopters about Bernie and Sam's first night in their new home. Bernie followed the husband around the house like a love-struck teenager. Sam went around the house and tried every dog bed at least once (like Goldilocks) before choosing one!

Of course after fostering Bernie for three months, we are sad to see him go but also happy he's found a home. He was a very special little guy with lots of personality.

Good Bye Newton

More great cat news -- Newton was adopted today by a very nice couple. They first saw his photo on the hsgkc.org website. Then on 2/13 The Kansas City Star ran his photo and biography in their Pet of the Week segment. Once they saw him in the paper they knew he was the one for them.

Newton has been at the shelter a very short time. Congrats Newton!

Dottie is Featured in Extreme Home Makeover

Look very closely in the basket and you will see Dottie, a recent HSGKC shelter pet. Next to Dottie is Ty Pennington, the exuberant TV personality of Extreme Home Makeover.

A few weeks before the taping of a Kansas City, KS Home Makeover Show, I received a call from the show's producer. He asked to see if we could provide a Toto-type dog for the taping of the show's opening. They were planning to spoof a scene in The Wizard of Oz and have Ty play the role of Dorothy.

We were happy to provide Dottie for the taping, with our volunteer coordinator providing supervision. If you were able to catch the February 10 show, you'll see little Dottie did a terrific job sitting in the basket as Ty pedaled the bicycle. (She had lots of treats in the basket.)

Great news about this TV star -- she was adopted several months ago and is doing great!

Hattie Heads Home

I forgot to share the exciting news of Hattie's adoption. She went home with her new family on Saturday. Hattie loved to spend her days lounging in the cat hammock in Cat Room 1. The hammock was below a window -- prime real estate in Cat Room 1 with the sunshine pouring in on it. When Hattie first came to the shelter she did not especially like being in a cat room with 30 other cats. Over time, she adjusted and became a very comfortable with her roommates. Hattie was probably the cleanest cat at the shelter. She was meticulous about keeping her beautiful white coat perfectly groomed. We're happy she found a home, but we'll miss seeing her in her hammock!

Kingsley & Frannie Find a Home Together

Attention cat lovers -- we've got great news today to share. Kingley and Frannie, two longtimers, were adopted by a really nice lady! Kingsley and Frannie may look like siblings, but they aren't. They both have been at the shelter for more than a year waiting to be adopted. Kingsley was the official greeter of Cat Room 2. Frannie enjoyed the one-on-one attention of our volunteers in Cat Room 1.

Adult cats stay the longest at the shelter. Most people choose to adopt a kitten rather than an adult cat for various reasons. Adopting an adult cat has many advantages. Our shelter staff work individually with potential adopters to find the right match for the both people and pets.

A Longtimer Finds a Home

Keaton, a six-year-old German Shepherd, was adopted last week. He was probably the smartest dog at the shelter. The kennel caretaker had been working with him for months on commands and Keaton had mastered them. Most pets at the HSGKC are adopted within a few weeks or months, but some do stay longer. Keaton had been at the shelter for two years waiting for his forever family to adopt him. Before coming to the HSGKC he lived on a chain and was teased by the neighborhood children. I'm happy to share that he's been adopted by a very loving couple and everyone is getting along great.

A Busy Day for Adoptions

Our shelter director had a busy day with four dog adoptions -- Peanut, a Jack Russell Terrier, Jackson, a Westie, Betsy the Beagle and Miley the Boxer Mix. All four of these dogs were at the shelter a very short time. Small dogs typically get adopted quicker than the larger dogs. Shelters and humane societies are a great place to find purebred pets. About 25 percent of the pets in shelters are purebreds.