Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter has already begun the Home for the Holidays foster program, and is hoping to help more families bring home, and save the lives, of their new best friends.
Through January 6, dogs and cats are available for long-term fostering. This extra time allows families to get to know a potential new pet for themselves, or to help a future adopter get a sense of their perfect match. It also gives the animals some rest and respite from shelter life.
April Peiffer, Community Programs Coordinator, explains, “Normally, we allow families to foster for about two weeks, but we open the window at holiday time to raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption. More families bring home a new pet during the holiday season than at any other time. It is our hope that some of our long-term residents will be able to find a forever home for Christmas.”
Foster dogs and cats are still available for adoption; potential adopters can email [email protected] to get in touch with foster families to learn about the animals and set up a meet and greet at the shelter. “The extended time really helps us with the ‘rule of 3s’,” April says. “We really are a safe haven for these animals, but life in a private home is what is best for all of them. When they get to a new home, for three days they will be resting in a new, more calm environment. At three weeks, they are starting to trust their humans and feeling more comfortable in their surroundings. At three months, most dogs are ready to be themselves because they start to understand this is a safe place and a new home. Long-term fostering really helps us get to know the dogs as they want to be.”
Barkley (above) has been at the shelter since June, where he is a star on the Honor Roll (and staff favorite). He is big enough to wrestle, but still fit in your lap comfortably. At 3 years old, he has good manners and is eager to play. April says he is great on a leash, will make a great running buddy, and is happiest cuddling on the couch with his person. He wants to be an only dog and is a quick learner.
When we met Barkley, he was quiet, very polite—didn’t jump or bark—and has a very gentle mouth when he sits and takes a treat. There are other dogs and cats that have been there longer, and all have a profile at WCRAS.org with photos and some videos of pups and cats at play.
The Georgetown View will be featuring more animals like Barkley, particularly “Longtime Lovables,” in future months. We hope to give readers a good look at all the possibilities that await when you adopt and save a life.