Find a (Furry) Friend at the East Haven Animal Shelter

I started writing this blog because of a deep desire to help homeless and abandoned animals.  Compared to the many amazing and dedicated volunteers that I meet, my contribution is small. There is great need for adoptive families and foster homes as thousands, yes thousands, of pets sit in Connecticut shelters waiting and waiting.   

Animals become homeless for a variety of reasons:  owners die or become disabled, lose their homes, pets runaway, and people choose the wrong breed. In addition, there is a problem with overpopulation and overbreeding because of puppy mills and owners unwilling or unable to spay or neuter their pets.

My hope is that after reading this you to will be moved to adopt, volunteer or donate.  Or that you will encourage your friends, family or neighbors to act.  You can help by simply liking or forwarding this post which will get the photos and stories in front of many more possible adoptive families.

This week at the East Haven Animal Shelter I met some wonderful cats and dogs looking for love and forever homes. The East Haven Shelter is run by incredibly dedicated animal control officers and volunteers. 

Kathi one of the volunteers introduced me to several pets who've been there a while. The shelter has a nice room where you can meet and get acquanited with the cats and a run or nice quiet street to walk a dog. 

Dogs

Tank a handsome 4 year old, 45 lb., brindle Staffordshire Terrier has been at the shelter a while.  He is friendly and energetic, but doesn't get along with some other dogs.  He loves playing ball and has not been cat tested.  

A good fit for him would be a family without other pets.  He was so happy to get out of his kennel. I pet and hugged him and fed him milk bones.  It saddened me when he was led back to his cage--he is a bit depressed having been there so long. 

Finely an energetic, 3-year-old beagle weighs about 25 lbs. and is brown and white.  He is super friendly, great on the leash and fine with other dogs.  Typical of that breed, he needs a decent amount of exercise and would make a good running or hiking companion.

Avery is a tall and lanky, 4-year-old, greyhound mix weighing about 55 lbs.  This happy, friendly guy is high energy but typical of that breed after some exercise calms right down.  Avery knows all the basic commands and with a little love and training will be great on a leash.  Another plus, he is good with cats.  I really liked him and it pained me when he hesitated being lead by to his kennel.  

Cats

Misty, a beautiful grey tabby with huge yellow/green eyes. is about a year old.  Upon first meeting, she is very shy and will need someone who is going to be patient.  After trust is established, she comes around. The volunteers suggest a quiet house without other pets or young kids. 

Luke is a handsome grey and black tabby.  He is friendly, loves attention and purrs upon first touch.  Luke is about 2 years old and is good with other cats.  Like all the other animals he enjoyed being out of his cage and enjoyed the attention I gave him.  He loved being pet and scratched under his very white chin.  His reluctance to be put back in the cage stabbed at my heart. 

Mooner is a pretty grey tabby about 18 months old who only has 3 legs.  But he got around just fine and loved being held and pet and just wanted to explore.  Also he is ok with most dogs. 

Please stop by the shelter to meet these (and many other) pets and the wonderful volunteers, I bet you won't go home empty handed.  While I was there, a local man stopped by with Seymour, a dog he had adopted a year ago.  They wanted to say (and bark) hi, and both man and dog were glowing with health and happiness. 

Give one of these cats or dogs a happy ending, stop by the East Haven shelter TODAY!

East Haven Animal Shelter, 183 Commerce Street, East Haven, CT 06512
Phone: (203) 468-3249

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CT32.html

Hours of operation:  Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm , Saturday, 8am-Noon