While the majority of pets in our care unite with loving new families in less than one month’s time, we do have some special dogs and cats who take a while longer to find a home. Many of them are senior pets or those with chronic medical needs or behavioral challenges. These wonderful dogs and cats often get passed over by potential adopters whose home isn't the right match, and they stay in our care longer than most of their fellow four-legged pals.
As a no-kill shelter, we have guaranteed these animals a safe place in our care as long as it takes to give them the loving care and training they need while they await their match. While they remain in our care, our team gets to know them and their personalities even better, which means we have great information to share with their new families once they do go home. And when they do walk through our doors on their way to an even brighter and happier future, our team will be here as a resource for their adoptive families, so we can help the transition go smoothly.
Our expert trainers are well-equipped to prepare pet guardians with the tools necessary to care for their new companion and his needs. If potential adopters are willing to put in the time and patience, we are ready and able to set them up for success. Our veterinary staff is equally capable and eager to help new guardians care for cats and dogs with medical needs ranging from special diets to post-injury management. Our adoption counselors can help potential adopters determine whether or not their home would be a match for the pets who are long overdue for their move to a permanent home.
Want to be a hero to a special dog or cat who needs you? The following pets have been in our care for more than five months and are available for adoption today at the Robins-Starr Humane Center. Some of them are also eligible for our Foster to Adopt program, where people can take them home into foster care first to determine if a lasting match can be made. Give these terrific pets, who so desperately want your love and attention, a try. It just might be the best decision you ever make!
Long-term dogs
Amy is an active 2-year-old Australian Shepherd and hound mix who weighs about 43 lbs. She is smart, sweet and spunky, making her a wonderful companion. She makes an awesome running partner and is a regular of our Running Buddies program, where volunteers take dogs out for extra exercise and attention. She also loves playing with toys and will flop over for a belly rub when the game is over. Amy is looking for an adult-only home where she is the only pet. She would do best with someone who wants a canine sidekick to keep up with their active lifestyle.
Dwight is a 3-year-old pit mix who weighs about 52 lbs. He is a sweet and bubbly butterball who loves playing and cuddling. He loves hanging out with his friends, going for walks, and crashing on the couch at the end of the day. It takes him a while to warm up to new people, but once he’s your friend, he’s one of the most loyal and loving dogs around. He would do best as the only pet in a home without children or many visitors so that he can feel safe and secure in his routine.
Rina is a 7-year-old Bluetick Coonhound and Walker hound mix who weighs about 47 lbs. She is a calm, cool and collected lady looking for a quiet home where she will be comfortable. She loves cats of all ages and wouldn’t mind sharing a home with feline family members. She does need to be the only dog in the home and needs an adult-only household. Although she prefers peace and quiet, she isn’t just a lazy hound dog! Rina makes a great running buddy and enjoys outdoor adventures. Please also note that she is eligible for our Seniors for Seniors program, which allows any guardian over the age of 60 can adopt any pet over the age of 5 for a reduced adoption fee and receive a free starter kit from the Lora Robins Gift Shop.
Long-term cats
Summer is a 10-year-old cat who spent many years of her life without a guardian. Because of her background, she is shy at first, but warms up quickly and loves attention! She gets along well with other cats. She will not compete with them for attention, so sometimes is hard to tell just how loving she is when there are other cats around. Summer will make a wonderful companion and is eligible for our Seniors for Seniors program.
Tuesday is an 11.5-year-old kitty who is the definition of distinguished. She likes to be treated like a queen and doesn't enjoy the company of other cats. She is quiet and calm. Her personality is a wonderful balance between independent and affectionate. She has some allergies that require a special diet, on which she has done well in our care. Tuesday will make a great companion for anyone looking for an only cat that likes attention and alone time. She is also eligible for our Seniors for Seniors program.
Brenda is a 3-year-old cat who is awesome company for cats and people alike. She loves being petted and being close. She is happy to hang out with you or do her own thing if you’re busy. Being a black cat, Brenda has been overlooked despite all of her awesome qualities. She does well with people of all ages and happily greets visitors as they enter the catillion. She would do well in a home with or without other cats where she can get attention, then sneak away for alone time when she wants to take a cat nap.
Hannah is a 3.5-year-old cat who has been living here almost her whole life. She is very sweet, and although she doesn't like being held, she loves sitting in your lap and being petted. She has some anxiety issues which are much improved with medication. Due to her anxiety and her resulting behavior, she would likely do best as an only pet so she doesn't get too nervous and upset herself or other pets. Hannah is looking for a patient and understanding guardian to help her feel comfortable and happy.
Brandy is a 5-year-old cat who is our longest resident. She has an adorable face you can't help but love. She loves playing with toys and knows how to sit on command. She is an independent gal who gets along well with other cats, as long as they're okay with her being in charge! She has been waiting for a home for years and it would be wonderful if she could ring in the New Year in a real home. She is eligible for our Seniors for Seniors program.
If you would like to learn more about adopting one of these pets, the adoption process in general, or our Foster to Adopt program, please visit our website at http://www.richmondspca.org/adopt or call 804-521-1307 to speak to an adoption counselor today.
Linley Beckner is the coordinator of community relations for the Richmond SPCA. To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.
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