Puppy & Kitten Season Keeps Welfare Groups Busy

May 2012

Good Shepherd Humane Society volunteers are shown with various adoptable felines at the PTC Petco. Pictured left to right are Lisa McDonald, Vicki Gusler, and Richard Bandel. Photo: Lee Dodds.

The Cat’s Meow Adoption Program

A major part of The Cat’s Meow adoption program of The Good Shepherd Humane Society (GSHS) is its seven-day program at Petco in Peachtree City. There’s a wide selection of both cats and kittens, all “pet ready.” Among them are felines from the GSHS shelter rescue program, in which the group visits county animal control facilities in the area and takes the pets that have been there the longest — and so are most at risk for euthanasia.

Cathy Thompson and Lisa McDonald of the GSHS (respectively coordinator of cat adoption and assistant coordinator of shelter rescue) are among the volunteers at Petco. “We couldn’t ask for a more supportive, caring store to partner with,” notes Thompson. The GSHS has been hosting with Petco since the store opened in 2006.

The cats and kittens stay at the store in spacious “kitty condos.” Volunteers are always needed to help keep the living quarters clean and to play with the pets. “Volunteers can sign up for one day a month, one day a week, two days a month, or just be on standby if they prefer. We provide training and all supplies needed,” says Thompson. “We also need foster homes for cats before they are ready to come to Petco.”

Founded in 1993, the GSHS serves Fayette, Coweta, and Clayton through pet adoptions, anti-cruelty efforts, and humane education. For more information, visit thegoodshepherdhumanesociety.org or call 770-652-3683.

Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

In June, the American Humane Society promotes Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. Since spring and summer mark “kitten season,” there’s an even wider selection of available pets than usual. And sadly, the difficult economy has also meant an increase in owner-relinquished pets. It’s a great opportunity for anyone ready to take home a new cat or kitten. On the other hand, the kitten boom puts added pressure on animal rescue groups and shelters. (A similar situation, not quite as extreme, exists with dogs and puppies.)

Not ready to adopt, or already at capacity? Cat lovers can still provide very welcome support by volunteering, providing foster homes, or donating funds, food, or supplies.

For example, Sharon Marchisello of the Fayette County Humane Society (FCHS) reports that “We have a serious need for more foster homes, since we don’t have an actual shelter. The more fosters we have, the more pets we can save. It’s as simple as that.” A foster volunteer provides temporary housing and care for a deserving pet or pets, and the FCHS covers food, supplies, and medical care.