There are some descriptions in Pets of the Week that make my heart sink: “Came to shelter a pregnant stray. Her kittens adopted, but she remains.” Or, “Fido and Max must be adopted together.” Here’s another common one, “Must be only pet in the home.”
My heart sinks, because I know these phrases may mean a pet won’t get adopted right away. Many of these pets remain at the shelter for months, even years.
Kathleen came to the Humane Society of Middletown as a pregnant stray in January. She stayed with her kittens in a foster home for awhile and then returned to the shelter. Her kittens long since adopted, she still waits for a home of her own.
The 1-year-old shorthaired black and white kitty is a sweet, friendly, playful lap cat who loves people, is OK with kids and likes riding on shoulders. But Kathleen does not like other cats and dogs. She must be the only pet in the home.
Another long-timer at Middletown is Chessie, a 2-year-old bulldog-hound mix. She also came to the shelter pregnant in January. Her six pups were adopted, but she remains.
The staff at Middletown describes Chessie as a friendly, quiet and calm girl. She is a bit strong on a leash, but that can be corrected. Though she doesn’t seem aggressive with other dogs, she would probably do best as the only dog in the home.
“She is not overly aggressive with other dogs,” said shelter manager April Wood, “but I would be willing to do a meet and greet with another dog (of a potential adopter).
“Usually the larger dogs who are older than 2 years, people think they’re too old, too big. But she’s a really sweet dog, a good girl.”
Chessie is the longest-standing resident at the shelter.
“I don’t know why she’s here that long,” said Wood.
If you don’t have a pet, consider giving Kathleen or Chessie a home. Call 361-1861, visit www.petfinder.com/shelters/NY19.html or visit the shelter from noon-4 p.m. daily at 142 Bloomingburg Road, Middletown.
Ocho, a 9-year-old beagle-hound mix, has been at the Humane Society of Port Jervis since December 2010. He is neutered and housebroken, but this senior prefers a home without young kids or other dogs.
Sometimes when two pets get so attached to each other, it takes longer to find a home that will adopt both. Jack Russell terriers Jasmine and Russell have been at the Humane Society of Port Jervis since December.
Well-behaved Penny, a German shorthaired pointer, and Carolina, a brindle pit bull-hound mix, have been together at the shelter since March.
Call 856-3677, visit www.pjhs.petfinder.com or visit the shelter 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat. and 1-3 p.m. Sun. at 202 Route 209, Port Jervis.
