2020 pet magazine

2020 PET MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS JANUARY 23, 2020 Page 49 saddled with a bad reputation because of its breed, the dog was not top on anyone’s list, and notably no one had drawn the Pit’s attention either. Then one day it happened. A fellow walked into the back kennel room, the dog looked up and the change was instantaneous. The dog knew this was her person, and responded immediately to him. The two spent some great time together and when it was all said and done, the fellow said he wanted to adopt this sweet little gal and give her a new forever home. Burbage said that the dog was so thrilled by the adoption and it was clear. When he returned to take her home she responded to her human immediately. It was such a joyful time for the volunteers as they watched her happily accept the lead of a new leash and head for her human’s car. When he opened the door she jumped into the front seat and sat proudly, happily, ready to go home. Burbage said the last they saw that day was that lovely happy dog with her head sticking out the window headed for a new chapter in her life. The moments like these are the reward that the volunteers live for each day as they care for animals and get them ready for adoption. Understanding loss and the hard transition Burbage said that the time spent getting pets in the shelter ready for a new home is important because the pet has gone through trauma losing their home and family with no explanation. Reasons a loved one is no longer able to care for a pet vary. It may be due to relocation to a home that won’t permit pets, a human health or even a death. For the animal the trip to the shelter is frightening and unsettling. When the owner is going through emotional distress it transfers to the animal. They know something is very wrong, and that somehow involves them. Volunteers show the animal copious amounts of love, and groom each to be a good pet in the future. Trust must be rebuilt. Dogs are particularly wary of what is going to happen next and confused by their new surroundings. Making them feel loved goes a long way toward reestablishing that trust in mankind. New home and owner preparation The HSLC does some investigation if the person involved will be a good pet-parent. There is an automatic 24-hour waiting period after someone decides on a pet. This gives the human a chance to really think about his or her decision and be confident that it was the right one. If there are other pets in the home, HSLC requires a meet and greet at the shelter. Burbage said, of course the hope is that after a little ‘sniffing” and ‘hissing’ that the new family member will be welcomed. HSLC also gives fair warning to folks as they look for a new pet. Prospects are informed during the first visit whether or not a dog will get along with other dogs or if it has an adversity to cats. If there are other pets in the home, HSLC asks for a veterinarian referral about how well the other pets in the household are cared for and Continued