Adorable Adoptable Pets In Howard County: Coco, Riza, Cajun

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Meet Patch's Adorable Adoptable Pets of the Week available from the Howard County Animal Control and Adoption Center.

Eight-year-old Coco is a female German Shepherd searching for her forever home. She's described as incredibly sweet by shelter staff and loves everyone she meets. Since she arrived at the shelter as a stray, it's unknown how she'll do with children or cats, but interacted well with another dog. She's a vocal girl and loves to take naps.

Two-year-old Riza, an American pit bull-terrier mix, has a low energy level and loves to lavish affection on her people. She's described by shelter staff as very loyal, medium-sized and cautious at first before adjusting to new people and places. Her beautiful bright eyes beckon you to become her best friend. She's made some new pals at the shelter, but would do best in a quieter home. Due to landlord and insurance pet policies, Riza’s adoption requires her adopter to own a home. She is agile and will jump a fence to follow you, so she will require a 5- to 6-foot-tall fence to keep her safe at home.

Seven-month-old Cajun features a very uniquely colored coat that reveals he has some American pit bull terrier in him. He needs a firm, dog-savvy owner who has time to teach him his basic puppy training. Cajun also is very sensitive and needs positive-only training. He cowers when someone moves a hand toward him or raises a voice. Cajun has a big voice and alerts with a bark anytime someone new comes by his cage. Once the person introduces themselves, though, Cajun melts and wants attention. He is smart and has a very sweet and affectionate nature once he trusts you. He likes to run around with other dogs to play, too. Due to landlord and insurance pet policies, Cajun’s adoption requires his adopter to own a home. He would also do very well with a fenced yard to keep him safe at home during potty training and exercising in the yard.

Seven-month-old Luzianne is a super sweet and sensitive mixed breed female puppy who is looking for a gentle home. She appears to have some American pit bull terrier in her and will need basic puppy training. Luzianne will cower when you move your hands too fast toward her or if you raise your voice, but she has the sweetest personality and wants to please you so if you use your happy voice, she will learn quickly. Luzianne wants to cuddle and will come right up to you with her sweet face and cuddle with you once she trusts you. Luzianne likes to run around with other dogs to play, too. Due to landlord and insurance pet policies, Luzianne’s adoption requires an adopter to own a home. She also would do very well with a fenced yard to keep her safe at home during potty training and exercising in the yard.

Melia is a tiny, female, 8-week-old kitten who needs a special home. Amelia is not used to being around people yet. She is scared and wants to back away and hide. It will take Amelia some time to get used to new people and new surroundings at a home, according to shelter staff. She would appreciate a covered cat bed so she can hide and feel safe. She would do best in an adult home or a home with older children who understand how to read her behavior. If you ignore her hissing and move slowly, just give her a little scratch on her chin and cheek, and she'll appreciate it.

Summer is a young Abyssinian cat with a friendly personality. She gets nervous sometimes and will vocalize to let you know she is not comfortable. Summer was found abandoned in a cat carrier so the shelter does not have any history on her. She likes to be around gentle people who will move slowly to let her adjust to them. Once she knows you, she melts into your hand when you pet her cheeks and ears.

Nyles is described by shelter staff as a gentle and loving cat. He was rescued when he was found outside hungry and thin. He has a sweet face and if you move slowly, he will lean his head on you and closes his eyes. Nyles is comfortable around quiet, gentle people. He is about 5 to 6 years old and looks similar to a Maine Coon and a Turkish Angora. Nyles has an inquisitive nature, even when he is being shy. If you talk to him and are calm, he will let you pet him. Nyles is independent at times and enjoys exploring shelves and window sills. Once he gets to know you, he relaxes and leans into you while you pet him falling asleep next to you.

For more information about adopting these adorable critters or any others currently at the center, call 410-313-2780 or visit the center's site on PetFinder or its Facebook page. The shelter has resumed normal operating hours.