Animal Shelter Full as End of Year Approaches

We’re coming down to the wire here folks. The Rohnert Park Animal Shelter is full and many of these animals have been here for quite a while. This is the last week for them to find a home in 2011! They all deserve a home of their own for the New Year, don’t you think? 

But especially some of our long-timers and special need animals. They’ve been waiting patiently for just the right person to come along. Here are a few special cases.

Which of our three available pitbulls should I highlight? They each have a special story. 

Blaze is a 1-2 year old male that was found as a stray back in August. He’s friendly, playful and has made several dog friends during his stay here. Cassie was also a stray and only about 4 months old when she was brought into the shelter.  Her fur looked moth-eaten because of demodex mange, but with regular baths and daily medication we have successfully treated that condition and she is looking quite beautiful now.

It’s always sad to see a pup grow up in a shelter and miss out on the important training and socializing that can only happen in a home — it’s a testament to Cassie's fabulous temperament that she’s still as happy and friendly as she is.

Orion was surrendered to us by a guy who had adopted him from another shelter and wasn’t as prepared as he should have been for a large dog. He was a special case at the other shelter since he had been taken from an abusive home where his leg had been so badly damaged that it needed to be amputated. He doesn’t seem to miss it at all — it really doesn’t slow him down at all. And in spite of his trials his happy, trusting demeanor has made him everyone’s favorite dog here and a true “ambassador of his breed.”

We have Molly, a tiny tan Chihuahua, who thought she was in her forever home.  She was just hitting her golden senior years when that home fell apart. 

Circumstances had changed for her family and they could no longer care for her.  So here she is, 12 years young, with many years of love left to give, in a shelter competing with adorable puppies and younger dogs for the attention of a possible adopter. How sad is that? We’ve given her a full check-up including a blood panel and she is healthy as far as we can tell. There are advantages to a calmer, mature dog so if you are in the market, please come meet Molly!

When Hobo’s people couldn’t care for her and her cat-mate, they weren’t even responsible enough to bring her in to a shelter. Instead they were abandoned by a local business in an open box with a note inside just stating the cats’ names and ages. That’s how we know Hobo, a short-haired solid grey (maybe Russian Blue?) is 6 years old. Sadly we don’t know anything else about her except what we’ve learned during her stay here which is that she is super sweet! We certainly hope that the second time around will be luckier for her.

Jasmine is an 8-year-old grey tabby and another victim of changes in the home.  Just as she was settled into a comfortable lifestyle her parents had a BABY!  Well, some things just can’t be tolerated! She and the baby didn’t get along so, sadly, the cat was surrendered to us. Jasmine is waiting for another home that’s willing to cater to the diva she thinks she is. Families with young children need not apply! A girl has to be picky about some things, you know.

These are just some of the special animals waiting for you at the shelter. Better hurry, though — there’s just one week left to make 2011 lucky for one of our deserving animals!

Upcoming events: There’s still room in our holiday vacation camp! The camp runs Dec. 27 through 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. and is open to all 4-6th graders.  The cost is just $60 for the three morning sessions. Campers will have hands on time with our shelter animals and learn about responsible pet care through activities, arts and crafts and guest speakers. Registration is limited so stop in this weekend to reserve a spot.