Volunteers and staff at Bay Area animal shelters and rescue organizations often work extra hours now, given that many of the facilities are at, or above, their normal capacities. There is always an uptick in adoption activity around Valentine’s Day, as couples decide to adopt a pet together. Animals that were not chosen, however, often face lonely days, weeks or longer of shelter care. Meanwhile, still more animals continue to be brought into the rescue centers.
Like Jasmine the gentle cat, who is featured in our piece from the San Francisco SPCA, many sweet pets once enjoyed the comfort and security of a stable home for years, only to wind up homeless as their owners were forced to leave long-term residences for locations that are not as accepting of pets.
We therefore encourage you at this time to consider adopting a homeless dog, cat, rabbit, bird or other animal in need of a good, loving home. Louis, the adopted San Francisco Bay Times cat, agrees! To make the process even easier, Oakland Animal Services has reduced its adoption fees to $14 until the end of February.
“We know pets provide unconditional love and the science proves pet owners are actually happier and healthier as a result,” said shelter director Rebecca Katz. “We have some amazing pets in all shapes and sizes; from puppies and kittens, to adult cats and dogs of various sizes as well as many adorable rabbits. There really is no greater love than that of a shelter pet.”
While recently visiting a local pet food store on behalf of the aforementioned Louis, we met dedicated volunteers from Greyhound Friends for Life and Maine Coon (Cat) Adoptions. Both groups also feature many playful, loving pets seeking homes. The photos here don’t do them justice–especially the photo of the gorgeous female Maine coon cat who was safer in her cage than running around the busy store.
Oakland Animal Services: http://oaklandanimalservices.org/
Greyhound Friends for Life: http://www.greyhoundfriendsforlife.org/
Maine Coon Adoptions: http://mainecoonadoptions.com/index.shtml
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