Shelters / Rescues: News, Articles and Guides for your pets

Everything You Need to Know About TNR, the Practice That’s Saving Cats’ Lives

Monica Weymouth — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 15:38:14 +0000

If you’re an animal lover who’s noticed feral cats in your community, you might be wondering, “How can I help them?” After all, feral cats are rarely adoptable, so taking them to an animal shelter (or taking them in yourself) isn’t a solution. But there is one proven, humane way to improve the lives of outdoor cats, while helping to stop the cycle of overpopulation. Trap-neuter-return programs (TNR) capture, sterilize and vaccinate free-roaming cats, then return them to their environment.

While widely practiced in the United States and abroad, TNR remains unfamiliar to many people outside the rescue community. In fact, according to Best Friends Animal Society, a nationwide animal rescue nonprofit based in Kanab, Utah, the majority of people (67%) are unfamiliar with the practice.

Have we piqued your interest? Read on for everything you need to know about TNR services, including how you can get involved and help your community’s kitties!

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What Is TNR?

Also known as trap-neuter-release or trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR), TNR is an effective method of community cat colony management that is endorsed by leading animal welfare organizations, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

“Community cat programs are the most effective way to save lives, reduce the burden on shelters and improve save rates by about 80 percent,” says Richard Angelo, legislative attorney for Best Friends Animal Society’s who focuses on the organization’s cat initiatives.

It’s important to note that TNR programs vary from rescue to rescue, and community to community. While some programs strictly focus on trapping, neutering, vaccinating and releasing unowned cats, others provide more holistic veterinary care and work to find homes for socialized cats who were once pets (aka strays) and have little chance of surviving outdoors. Shauna Frye, operations director at Philadelphia-based nonprofit The Cat Collaborative, refers to their TNR strategy as “trap, neuter, respond,” as release is not appropriate for every outdoor cat they trap.

“Our first goal is always to get the cat fixed to help reduce the overpopulation problem,” says Frye. “But if it’s a friendly cat who could live as a pet, we want to do right by that cat and find them a home. It’s certainly harder work, but it’s work we’re really proud of.”

TNR relies largely on volunteers to trap and release the cats. Interested in learning more? From start to finish, here’s how TNR works:

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Trap

First things first: Volunteers set humane traps near cat colonies baited with tempting treats (such as cat food, meat-based baby food, canned tuna or cooked chicken). Cat traps should be large enough for adult cats to comfortably stand and turn around in, and lined with materials such as layered newspapers, cardboard or towels to increase comfort. Many shelters and rescues provide these traps free of charge to volunteers.

Transport

Once trapped, the cats must be transported to a local rescue or veterinary clinic participating in TNR initiatives. (Many vets offer spay/neuter surgeries and other wellness care at low-cost or for free to TNR programs.) Traps are placed securely in volunteers’ vehicles and transported to the facility, with measures being taken to keep the cats as calm, comfortable and anxiety-free as possible.

For example, at Philadelphia-based nonprofit Whiskers of Love Cat Rescue & Sanctuary, volunteers immediately cover the traps to allow the cats to decompress during transport, says founder Denise Reiner. At the clinic, they keep the lights dimmed and spray Feliway calming pheromone spray to help them stay calm.

Neuter (or Spay) and Other Veterinary Care

Once at the veterinary facility, cats receive:

Spay/neuter surgery (neutering for males, and spaying for females) under sedation
Rabies vaccines
Scanning for a microchip, to determine whether the cat already has a home (and to help reunite the family)
Ear-tipping, a quick procedure done under anesthesia that removes a small portion of the ear to indicate that the cat has already been sterilized and doesn’t need to be re-trapped

Some programs also vaccinate for common diseases like feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.

Some TNR programs, including The Cat Collaborative’s, provide more comprehensive care to the cats while they’re under anesthesia, such as dental procedures. “For many of these feral cats, this is the one and only time they’ll ever see a vet, so we want to do as much for them as we can,” says Frye.

Recover

Recovery time varies, depending on the sex and health status of the cat. During recovery, cats need to be kept caged inside in a warm, dry space. The recovery process can vary, depending on the cat:

Male Cats: Most healthy males can be released 24 hours after they are neutered. TNR and veterinary staff ensure the cats are fully awake and back to normal before releasing them back to their area.

Female Cats: Because spay surgeries are more invasive, females need longer to recover. Whiskers of Love brings their female cats to foster homes to recuperate for approximately a week.

Sick or Injured Cats: These cats need additional recovery time, and may or may not be candidates for re-release. At Whiskers of Love, all sick or injured cats recover fully indoors with a foster family. Then, depending on their injuries, staff decide whether it’s safe for the cat to be released outside. If not, the organization works to find a farm where the cat can live the rest of their life as a barn cat, or a sanctuary placement where they can continue their outdoor lifestyle in a safe environment with a dedicated caregiver.

Return (or Rehome)

After the procedure and recovery, most cats are returned to their outdoor home, aka place they were trapped. Cats are transported in the traps, which are then set in a quiet area away from roads during a quiet time of day (early morning is ideal).

In some cases, the original trapping area may be unsafe, and the cats will need to be relocated. For these last-resort circumstances, volunteers work with their local rescue and community leaders to ensure that the new location is safe and appropriate.

The “release” aspect of TNR is ideal for feral cats, who have never lived in homes and are closer to wild animals than pets. When a socialized, adoptable stray cat is trapped, some TNR programs work to find the cat a home.
“If I have the opportunity to give them a home that they want, why would I not do that?” says Frye. “If a cat can live in a home, we’re going to find that cat a home.”

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How TNR Saves Lives

TNR improves the lives of outdoor cats, as well as the neighborhoods they call home. Here are a few of its benefits:

Cats’ overall health improves.

Spaying and neutering improves cats' health, leading to healthy weight gain, improved coat condition, and less straying from their communities. Additionally, spaying and neutering decreases the chances of some types of cancers, including mammary, uterine, ovarian and testicular.

Cats are protected against rabies.

TNR programs provide vaccination against rabies, a fatal disease that can spread to other animals and humans.

Fight-related injuries decrease.

When competing for mates, male cats will fight, and can become injured. A London study found that feral male cats fought less and were more sociable with each other after neutering.

Cat lifespans increase.

The average feral cat has a lifespan of 2 to 5 years. (We know that’s a shockingly short amount of time compared to the average housecat lifespan of 9 to 17 years.) But TNR efforts can add years to feral cats’ lives. An 11-year study by the University of Florida found that 83% of cats managed in TNR colonies had been living in those colonies for more than 6 years.

Community cat populations stabilize.

More spay-neuter surgeries mean fewer new cats in a colony over time. TNR-managed colonies will see feral cat populations stabilize, then eventually decline as fewer and fewer cats are capable or reproducing. That means more resources for the existing feral cats, and fewer litters of newborn kittens suffering without a home.

Mating behaviors decrease.

Males looking for mates are known for yowling, fighting, and spraying–which is disruptive to humans living nearby and generally not great for the public opinion of feral cats. TNR leads to more peaceful cats with fewer nuisance behaviors, which in turn leads to more peaceful neighborhoods.

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Is TNR Safe?

When practiced correctly, TNR is safe for both cats and humans. For cats, while trapping and transporting can be stressful, the wellness benefits outweigh the risks. Plus, volunteers try to make the experience as calm and smooth as possible. Measures such as covered traps, bedding, quiet recovery spaces and, of course, anesthesia during the procedures keep stress as low as possible. “We really try to make their time with us as good as can possibly be,” says Frye.

For humans, TNR safety is all about learning best practices from experienced volunteers who know how to safely trap cats. If you want to get involved in TNR, work with a local organization to learn the ropes, including tips like never touching the cats during the trapping, transporting or releasing process.

“It’s really a matter of training and not taking shortcuts,” Frye says. As a TNR expert, she says, “I have what I consider a very healthy fear [of outdoor cats]. Even a friendly cat can hurt you.”

How Can I Help?

The best way to get started with TNR is to work with a local rescue, alongside an experienced group of volunteers. Many shelters and rescue groups run programs that train people in TNR, says Angelo, who notes that Best Friends has nearly 4,000 network partners across the country that interested animal-lovers can connect with.

If your area doesn’t have an established TNR program, Best Friends also offers online resources for those who want to get started helping their neighborhood cats.

Another way to help: Offer financial support. Most TNR programs are entirely volunteer-run, and while many veterinarians offer their services at low cost to TNR initiatives, those costs do add up over time. Your donations can help cover fees for spay/neuter surgeries, vaccines and other healthcare for the cats, as well as related expenses like humane traps and cat food.

So, if you want to make a difference in the lives of the cute kitties you see outdoors, TNR is a solid place to start. Looking for more ways to help outdoor cats in your community? Get more tips here.

The post Everything You Need to Know About TNR, the Practice That’s Saving Cats’ Lives appeared first on BeChewy.

How Orphan Kitten Club Reunited These Newborn Kittens With Their Mama

Howard Hardee — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 17:48:29 +0000

Life on the streets can be hard for any cat—but for newborn kittens, who need a safe shelter and frequent feedings to survive, it can be especially dangerous. So when Orphan Kitten Club (OKC), a non-profit focusing on neonatal kittens based in San Diego, heard about a litter of kittens in Southern California who had been found without their mother, they sprung into action.

First, they took in the kittens, and gave them names based on Nepalese foods:

Momo, a black and white cat with adorable white “socks” of fur, is named for a type of dumpling.

Dal, a brown tabby cat with white paws, has a name inspired by the Nepalese lentil dish.

Aila, a charmer with brindle fur, is named after a fermented drink created by the Newari, the indigenous people of Nepal.

OKC also provided all the care an orphaned newborn kitten needs: regular bottle-feedings, teaching them to go potty, screening them for diseases and more.

But rescuing neonatal kittens from the streets is only part of the work to build a safer world for vulnerable kittens. Whenever possible, kittens should stay with their mothers until they’re weaned, so they can bond with and nurse from their mama. That’s why, as OKC founder Hannah Shaw explains, “as part of our Orphan Kitten Club Full Circle Program, we always go and search for the mama.”

So, the OKC team traveled to the location where Momo, Dal and Aila were found and began canvassing the streets. They spoke to residents who confirmed that they had seen the mama cat in the area—and that she was still caring for one last kitten. With another kitten at risk, OKC team members were more determined than ever to find the mother.

The Search for Mama Continues

Weeks passed without any sign of the mama cat, and during that time, the neighborhood endured massive storms and flash flooding, as well as a drop in temperatures that made conditions especially dangerous for a newborn kitten. One neighbor had spotted the mama cat on her security camera, but OKC team members knew there was a strong possibility that the missing kitten had not survived. Still, they held out hope and continued to canvass the streets.

Then, one day, a pest control specialist found the missing kitten hiding behind a wooden board on a local resident’s property. With guidance from OKC, the resident took in the kitten while the search for the mama continued.

“When we got the call that a neighbor had spotted the kitten, we couldn’t freaking believe it!” Shaw recalls.

The neighbor was able to lure the mama cat into a humane trap, using both the newly found kitten and “stinky food” (aka wet cat food) as bait.

Both cats were transported to OKC’s San Diego facility, where the team continued the Nepalese food theme of the family’s names:

They named the mama cat Thali, after a platter on which Nepalese food is often served.
They called the kitten Aamli, after the Hindi word for tamarind, a tree that produces a brown pod with edible fruit that’s popular in Nepalese cuisine.

Thali and Aamli were quarantined together at OKC for two weeks. Then, it was time to reunite them with their long-lost family.

It’s not uncommon for mama cats to reject their young if they’ve been separated for too long, so team members at OKC were prepared for the worst. But thankfully, Thali quickly accepted all her kittens as if they’d never been apart—or perhaps her eagerness just shows how much she’d been missing them.

How OKC Saves Lives

The dramatic search and rescue that saved Thali and her kittens isn’t unusual for the OKC team, who are devoted to protecting the most vulnerable kittens. Orphan Kitten Club runs a small but mighty operation. Its physical space has just two rooms, one for quarantining and the other a kitten socialization playground that the staff fondly refer to as “Disneyland for kittens.”

But despite their small digs, OKC’s impact has reached far and wide. They offer MightyCat grants to organizations across the United States to support the care of neonatal kittens throughout the country. And their trap-neuter-release (TNR) efforts in Southern California are helping to reduce feral cat populations and keep newborn kittens off the streets.

“The approach of our TNR program is to end the cycle of kittens being born outside by sterilizing all the community cats in the neighborhood where our kittens came from,” says Sonja Lueschen, OKC’s Program Director. Mama Thali herself has benefitted from the rescue’s TNR program, receiving spay surgery to prevent her from having more kittens. “This work is so important and provides a lasting impact in the community.”

A Bright Future in Their Forever Homes

Thanks to OKC, Thali and her kittens have a new lease on life—and they’ve also changed the lives of the very lucky humans who now call them family. Each of the kittens, and even mama Thali, have been adopted thanks to OKC’s adoption listings. Aila and Aamli were adopted together by a family whose previous two cats passed away in 2022. Momo now lives with a former OKC adopter and her cat, another “graduate” from the organization.

And as for mama Thali? She and Dal have found a forever home, too, joining the family of Jeisel Morales, her husband Daniel Dunkel and their two teenage children in the Pasadena area. The family had never been “cat people,” Morales says. But after the death of their 15-year-old Shih Tzu last year, Morales heard about OKC through a friend and decided to check them out. Soon after, on January 7 of this year, she brought home the dynamic mother-and-son duo.

It’s uncommon for adult feral cats to become good household pets, but Thali (who the family has renamed Doty) has been the exception, Morales says—she snuggles with her new family like any other loving cat. Dal, whose new name is Jack, spends his days acting exactly like a kitten should: full of energy and mischief.

“He’s a curious little guy, but at the same time he’s the biggest cuddle lovebug,” Morales says. “He’ll just fall asleep on your chest for a few hours.”

The family is officially head-over-heels for their new felines—so much so that the teenagers often bicker over who gets to snuggle with which cat at night.

“Having cats is a different experience, but we needed it,” Morales says. “Having Doty and Jack has brought so much life into the house. We didn’t realize how much we needed pets in my family.”

Make a Difference for Homeless Pets

There’s no furry family quite like Thali and her kittens—but their story isn’t unique. Thousands of homeless pets across the country are looking for forever homes. If you’re inspired by their story, consider adopting or fostering a cat in your community. You can search for adoptable cats at shelters and rescues in your area. Not ready to take in a cat? Shop Orphan Kitten Club’s Chewy Wish List to send the lifesaving supplies they need right to their doorstep.

The post How Orphan Kitten Club Reunited These Newborn Kittens With Their Mama appeared first on BeChewy.

These Teachers Helped a Homeless Pup Find a Forever Home—800 Miles Away

Howard Hardee — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 12:12:16 +0000

Is there anything teachers can’t do? They help young minds to grow, often with few resources—and now they’re saving homeless pets, too! That, at least, is what happened with Scholar, a puppy who went from being abandoned on the streets of New Orleans to finding a cozy home in the Midwest, all thanks to local schoolteachers and the help of Villalobos Rescue Center.

Here’s how it happened: Last August, Cameron Clark, a music teacher at KIPP East Community Primary School in New Orleans, found a rough-looking but extremely friendly mixed-breed puppy wandering outside the school.

“He was the cutest, sweetest little thing, and he was super skinny,” Clark tells BeChewy. “Obviously, he hadn’t been taken care of wherever he came from.”

A self-described dog person, Clark instantly fell in love with this furry friend and started planning to bring him home. But Clark’s landlord had a no-dogs policy, and threatened to evict him if he didn’t comply. So Clark turned to Villalobos Rescue Center, the New Orleans animal rescue organization made famous by the TV show “Pit Bulls and Parolees.” Hoping they could find a loving home for this sweet puppy, Clark brought him there early one morning, waiting outside the building until it opened.

There was just one problem: The rescue shelter was at capacity. That’s not unusual for Villalobos, a well-known animal organization in an area of high need. Staffers are often forced to turn dogs away.

But adoption counselor Lizzy Scollo, who was working the day that Clark came in, just couldn’t say no to this pup: “He was so sweet, friendly and happy,” she recalls. She listened to Clark’s story—how he loved this little dog but just couldn’t give him a home—and decided to make an exception.

“Today, we learned something: Not all heroes wear capes,” Villalobos owner/operator Tia Torres explained in a Facebook post about the experience. “In [Clark’s] honor, we have named this pup Scholar, and together we hope their story will change lives, enrich minds and teach that together, we can make a difference, even if just for a moment.”

It was difficult saying goodbye to the dog he’d saved, Clark says, but he isn’t sorry about the experience: “I can sleep a little better knowing there’s one less stray dog out there that deserves a home.”

Villalobos took Scholar in and began reaching out to shelters and rescues across the country to find an organization with room to care for him until he was adopted. In the meantime, Torres' Facebook post, including photos of Clark waiting with Scholar outside of the shelter, went viral. It caught the attention of a volunteer at Pet Pack Rescue, a foster-based organization in Peoria, Illinois—which just happened to have been founded by a pair of schoolteachers.

When Alyssa Emanuelson and Katie Norbutas, teachers and co-founders of Pet Pack, heard about Scholar, they knew they were meant to help.

“It was this moving story of this little dog,” Norbutas says. “I thought the story of Cameron waiting outside Villalobos—not just dumping the dog there but waiting and having that emotional connection to the dog—and with him being a teacher, it was such a cute connection to us.”

The pair reached out to Villalobos and worked out a plan: They’d take Scholar if Villalobos could get him to Peoria. That meant a 13-hour drive for Scholar, along with Villalobos’ staffer Mariah Thompson-Chock and five other pups who Pet Pack agreed to foster. A drive like that is no easy task for an energy-filled puppy, Scollo says—but Scholar handled it like a champ, waiting excitedly in his crate between naps and pit stops.

When Scholar arrived in Peoria, Emanuelson, the educator who cofounded Pet Pack with Norbutas, took Scholar into her own home as a foster when he arrived.

“He was a good fit for my home,” Emanuelson says, “and the fact that he came from a teacher was another reason I was like, ‘Let’s see how we can make this work.’”

Emanuelson found Scholar to be a playful and precious, if a little nosy, puppy, who she estimated was around 7 months old. “He was a busybody who always needed to know what was going on with my other dogs,” she laughs. “He’d be like, ‘What are you up to, I want to be a part of it, too!’”

Pet Pack staffers weren’t the only ones who noticed Scholar on Facebook. He also caught the eye of Kim Mangia, a resident of Cortland, Illinois, and longtime fan of “Pit Bulls and Parolees.”

The first time she saw Scholar on her timeline, Mangia says, she was smitten with his sweet face. So when she saw Villalobos’ update that he was being transferred to her part of the country, she just knew she had to go meet him. Mangia contacted Pet Pack and made a date to meet Scholar with her husband and daughter, driving two hours to see if they were a match.

“When he ran up to meet us, he went to each of us individually and was licking us and being super sweet to all three of us,” she says. “We looked at each other kind of like, ‘Yeah, this is the guy.’”

The Mangias adopted Scholar that same day.

Now weighing a healthy 25 pounds, Scholar—who the Mangias call Sal—is still a happy, energetic dog who’s taken well to the leash and loves long walks. One of his other favorite pastimes? Watching “Pit Bulls & Parolees” with his mom.

“If I put ‘Pit Bulls & Parolees’ on, he’s instantly at the screen,” she says. “He will also sit and watch Scooby Doo cartoons; he’s just a character.”

Make a Difference for Homeless Pets

Scholar is a one-of-a-kind pup—but his story isn’t unique. He’s one of thousands of dogs across the country who are looking for forever homes. If you’re inspired by his story, consider adopting or fostering a dog in your community. You can search for adoptable dogs at shelters and rescues in your area.

While Mangia thinks it’s a fun coincidence that her dog came from the shelter behind one of her favorite TV shows, she’s more moved by the pet rescue community that came together to save Scholar’s life.

“I think it’s really cool that so many people helped him to come such a long way—all the way from New Orleans to the Midwest,” she says. “We didn’t adopt him because he was high profile, but I think it’s important that Villalobos is raising awareness that these are great dogs—that they can come from anywhere and become part of your family.”

How You Can Help

Shelter and rescue organizations depend on support from pet lovers to intervene when animals like Scholar need their help. But here's the good news: You can support the life-saving work of Villalobos Rescue Shelter and Pet Pack Rescue with just a few clicks.

You’ll find a list of all the supplies they need on their Chewy Wish List. Just add to cart, check out, and we’ll ship everything straight to their doorstep!

Shop Villalobos Rescue Center’s Wish List

Shop Pet Pack Rescue’s Wish List

You can keep up with Villalobos Rescue Center via their new web series, podcast and more at their Patreon.

The post These Teachers Helped a Homeless Pup Find a Forever Home—800 Miles Away appeared first on BeChewy.

Yes, You Can Take a Shelter Dog on a “Field Trip” for the Day—Here’s How

Monica Weymouth — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 23:22:50 +0000

Adopting or fostering is a great way to help shelter dogs. But if you don’t have the time or space to commit to having a pet (or for adopting an additional pet, if you’re already a pet parent) you can still make a big difference! In only a couple hours, a “field trip” can change a shelter dog’s life.

That’s right: Many shelter organizations offer volunteers the opportunity to take dogs on fun adventures for the day. You get to spend time playing with a sweet shelter pup—and they get to enjoy time away from the shelter and can even gain some important socialization skills.

Interested in taking a day trip you’ll never forget? We’ve got everything you need to know about how to take a shelter dog on a field trip.

What Are Shelter Dog Field Trips?

The concept is simple: Volunteers sign up to take a shelter dog out and enjoy a day away from the shelter. What you do on your “field trip” depends on the individual dog and on your own abilities and inclinations. It could be anything from an adventurous hike to a relaxing backyard lounge session.

Many animal shelters and rescues offer these programs, with names ranging from “dog for the day” to “doggy dates” and beyond. No matter what they’re called, these field trips are popular among both humans and canines, according to Finnegan Dowling, the program manager at Mutual Rescue, a nationwide nonprofit animal welfare organization based in Milpitas, California. Mutual Rescue’s Doggy Day Out program is used at shelters across the country. (You can find a directory of participating organizations here.)

Flexible and fun, field trips attract volunteers who are unable to commit to regular shifts or cannot have their own pets. “So many people genuinely love dogs but can't have one, and this fills a need for them,” Dowling says. “They can get some doggy time and enjoy that while doing something good at the same time.”

Why Shelter Field Trips? 5 Benefits for Dogs

It’s easy to see why humans love dog field trips. But the trips are just as fun for the dogs, and can even be life-changing—and they’re needed now more than ever. Many shelters and rescues across the country are at or over capacity, says Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, the nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals based in Kanab, Utah. That means that more animals in shelters are staying for longer periods, and causing increased strain on shelter staff, she says.

So how do doggy field trips help? While the benefits are immeasurable, here are five ways these programs improve dogs’ lives.

1 Stress Relief

Field trips provide dogs with much-needed breaks from noisy shelter environments with lots of commotion. Long stays in shelters can lead to anxiety and behavioral issues, Dowling says—both of which hurt pups’ chances of being adopted. Field trips to calmer or more enriching places can alleviate that stress and even cut down on problem behaviors. “It can literally be a life-saver,” Dowling says.

2 One-on-One Attention

Shelter workers are some of the hardest working, most dedicated animal lovers around. But in a crowded and busy shelter, extra cuddles and playtime can be tough to squeeze in. That’s where volunteer “field trip directors” come in. The extra attention and care they provide to dogs on a one-on-one basis is immensely valuable, Dowling says—it helps the dog feel loved, and also lets them practice bonding with humans for when their forever family finally comes along.

3 Better Adoption Matches

Information about a dog’s likes, dislikes and personality can be tough to decipher in a stressful shelter environment. But when you take a dog out of that setting and into a more natural, fun environment, you can really see how they’re likely to behave in a regular home with a family of their own. A shelter might ask you to report on your dog’s behavior after your field trip—things like, how they reacted around children or other pets, or in crowded settings. This information leads to better adoption matches and success rates, explains Dowling.

4 Better Pics of the Pups

Pictures taken in the kennel rarely do a dog justice. But a portrait at the park? Priceless! “Finding a home for a dog who has been out and about on day trips is so much easier,” says Dowling. That’s because, instead of an unflattering “mug shot” taken inside the shelter, field trip volunteers can take pictures of the dogs smiling in the grass at the park, eating a puppacino, snuggling with them on the couch—whatever shows off their best selves. “Those are the images that allow potential adopters to relate to a dog,” Dowling says. Find out more about how photos can save shelter pets’ lives.

5 Shorter Shelter Stays

Sometimes, field trips turn into forever trips. Many dogs meet their new families while out with volunteers, or shortly after thanks to the exposure. “It's the amplification effect,” says Dowling. “Everyone who takes a dog out on a day trip becomes an advocate for that dog. They're posting pictures on their own social media. They're telling their friends. So now that dog is being seen by people who don't even follow the shelter—and it's coming with a personal recommendation from someone they know that this is a good dog.”

How to Take a Dog on a Field Trip

Interested in being a doggy field trip chaperone? The first thing you’ll want to do is contact your local shelter and ask if they have a field trip or “doggy’s day out” program. (You can also check Mutual Rescue’s directory of organizations, too.) Once you’ve found a shelter, their volunteer coordinator will set you up with any necessary paperwork. Some organizations require training or onboarding sessions, to make sure volunteers know the basics of caring for a dog, too. Once you’re registered, you can work with the coordinator to schedule an upcoming field trip.

As you prepare for your first adventure with a shelter pup, consider these expert tips:

Brush Up on Your Leash Skills

Shelter staff will pair you with a dog who matches your experience level, whether you’re new to dog handling or a seasoned pro. If you’re not confident about leash skills like knowing how to safely deter pulling or manage interactions with other dogs, consider working with a trainer first. “Most trainers will provide discounts to rescue volunteers to teach these skills, or even work with the shelter themselves,” says shelter volunteer and certified dog trainer Blythe Neer.

Prepare Your Car

If your field trip plans include driving in your car, make sure you have a dog-safe car setup. Depending on the breed of dog you take out, and how active (aka distracting) they tend to be on the road, you may want to invest in a crash-tested seat belt, dog car seat or backseat barrier. It’s also a good idea to use a car seat cover to protect your upholstery from fur, drool and other messes.

Choose Your Location Carefully

When planning your day, consider the individual dog you’ll be taking out, advises Brooke Greenberg, a certified dog trainer and field-trip volunteer with the SPCA Tampa Bay. “It's important to take into account the dog's temperament,” Greenberg says. “A shy dog is likely to prefer a less crowded location like a community park, mid-week. A trip along the waterfront with a stop at a cafe is better for a dog that doesn't mind other dogs in close proximity.” Staff at the shelter will be able to tell you what they know about your dog’s personality and offer suggestions for field trip activities.

Take Time to Stop and Smell the Roses (and/or Hydrants)

Wherever the day takes you, allow your four-legged friend plenty of time to partake in can’t-miss dog activities, like sniffing. Smelling the outside world is a rare and valuable treat for shelter dog. In fact, it’s good for their health! Studies show sniffing decreases heart rates, among other benefits.

Take Notes

While out and about, take note of the dog’s personality, quirks, likes, dislikes and special qualities. How do they react to children or other pets? Do they like crowded environments, or do they prefer more personal space? Shelter staff can use this information to find a fitting forever home.

Spread the Word

Field trips present adoption opportunities, so make sure you’re prepared to tell people about your new buddy. Consider bringing flyers with the dog’s information or the shelter’s business cards. Who knows—you just might find your pup’s future forever family!

Field trips are one of the many ways you can make a difference in a shelter dog’s life. Within a couple hours, you can provide valuable enrichment and life-saving adoption opportunities to an animal in need—all while making a new friend. Now that’s what we call a win-win.

Looking for more ways to help pets in need? You can donate supplies to your favorite shelters and rescues via Wish List, or browse Chewy Adoptions to find a dog to bring home. Check out these other ways to help:

Everything You Need to Know About Animal Fostering
The 10 Pet Products That Animal Shelters and Rescues Need Most This Winter

Expert input provided by: Thomas Bohne, founder of Kennel to Couch, a pit bull advocacy organization; Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, the nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals; Finnegan Dowling, program manager at Mutual Rescue, a nonprofit animal welfare organization; advises Brooke Greenberg, a certified dog trainer and field-trip volunteer with the SPCA Tampa Bay; and shelter volunteer and certified dog trainer Blythe Neer.

The post Yes, You Can Take a Shelter Dog on a “Field Trip” for the Day—Here’s How appeared first on BeChewy.

Thanks to You, Over 1 Million Pets Were Adopted This Year

BeChewy Editors — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 17:10:32 +0000

Pet lovers, you really stepped up this year. You brought over 1 million pets out of shelters and rescues and into your homes in 2022, giving them the love they need and deserve—and removing them from the risks of homelessness.

“It was a banner year for life-saving,” says Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, a nonprofit animal welfare organization with a network of shelters and rescues across the U.S.

Adoptions dropped in 2020, Castle says (thanks, pandemic), but began to rebound in 2021—and this year, they've continued to rise. That’s not the only good news: Adoptions of adult dogs and adult cats, who are traditionally overlooked in favor of puppies and kittens, are also on the rise.

“When I first started in this field, [finding homes for older pets] was a big hurdle,” Castle says. “Now, people are really welcoming those types of animals into their homes.” That might be because people are waking up to the benefits of older pets, she says, many of whom are already well-behaved and potty trained prior to their adoption.

“Having a puppy or a kitten can be a lot like having a human baby—and that’s really hard!” she points out. “To me, adopting an older pet just makes sense.”

While there’s plenty to celebrate for shelters and rescues, there’s still plenty of work to be done. Adoption numbers still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. (Contrary to popular belief, adoptions actually dropped during the pandemic, due to decreased shelter operations and fewer animals being admitted into shelters, Castle says.) Plus, the recent economic downswing has left some families without the means to care for their pets, which has led to an increase in pet surrenders to shelters and rescues. All of that has led to overcrowding and increased strain on staff.

So, what can you do to help? The number one thing most rescues need, Castle says, is foster volunteers. When you take a pet into your home, it frees up space at the rescue for another animal, she points out. Plus, fostering can be easy, especially with cats.

“I always say, if you have a spare bathroom, you can save a life,” Castle says. Cats tend to prefer having their own enclosed area as they acclimate to a new environment, which makes a space like a bathroom perfect for them—and simple for their foster parents, too. “You can host a cat for 2 or 3 weeks, and it’s a very containable, easy thing,” Castle says.

Not able to foster? There are so many other ways to help. Rescues need volunteers now more than ever, Castle says, and not just for cleaning cages.

“Virtually every skill set can be used for a rescue group or a shelter—data management, marketing, photography, accounting, customer service,” she says. “Any skill can be used to help a shelter because right now they’re so incredibly short staffed.” Many shelters even have "field trip" programs that let you take dogs out of the shelter for fun experiences (or just one-on-one snuggles with you) for the day.

Another way to support your local rescue? Donate the things they need to stay in business. “A lot of shelter and rescue groups are working from a shoestring budget,” Castle says. “If you have a few spare dollars in your wallet, or even can make a monthly commitment, it goes such a long way.”

So let’s keep the good news coming—join us in supporting your local shelters and rescues, and we’ll look forward to celebrating even more shelter and rescue wins next year!

Rescue Support Made Easy

Donate using Wish List, and Chewy will send the supplies your neighborhood pet organization needs right to their doorstep. Find your local shelter or rescue here.

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Find a Wish List of an Animal Shelter or Rescue Near You

Chewy — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 02:27:24 +0000

We’re deeply committed to helping shelters and rescues find forever homes for every pet. You can help by donating items from their wish lists.

The post Find a Wish List of an Animal Shelter or Rescue Near You appeared first on BeChewy.

How Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary Saved This Dog Duo

Howard Hardee — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 16:28:50 +0000

Like most bonded pairs of pets, Rose and Ebenezer, two dogs at Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, do pretty much everything together. But that doesn’t mean they have much in common.

“They are a very odd couple,” laughs Cherie Shannon, an assistant manager at the sanctuary. “They definitely balance each other out.”

Rose, a 6-and-a-half-year-old, 60-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback, is both high-energy and high-anxiety. She’s fearful of strangers, but jumps up and down and barks for attention around loved ones, and twirls around excitedly before going for a walk. Once she knows a person, she’ll happily lay across their lap.

Ebenezer, on the other hand, is an 11-and-a-half-year-old, 20 pound beagle who fits the “grumpy old man” stereotype to a tee. He prefers to find his own private place to lie down, thank you very much—and don’t even think about asking him to go for a walk, or you might be met with his distinctive, loud howl.

No one knows for sure how these two became inseparable BFFs. But staff at Old Friends say they’re not just besties—they’re soulmates who simply can’t live without each other.

Ebenezer arrived at Old Friends on Jan. 31, 2020, thanks to the efforts of the Rural Animal Rescue Effort, which had removed Ebenezer and Rose from a hoarding situation. But he arrived alone, and the staff could quickly tell that something wasn’t right. Ebenezer had no confidence and was skittish on a leash.

“A couple of days later we got a call [from a shelter] and they said, ‘We have this other dog who’s too young for your program, but we think they were bonded because she’s freaking out without him.’” That other dog, of course, was Rose.

Old Friends is dedicated to helping senior dogs; their residents include older dogs with serious illnesses and mobility issues who require extraordinary care. But staff knew that it’s not unusual for dogs to bond in the tight quarters and traumatic day-to-day reality of living in a hoarder’s house.

So, they made an exception to reunite Rose with Ebenezer, taking in 6-year-old dog—and instantly improving both their lives.

“Once we got them together, the confidence difference was so amazing,” Cissell says. “They’re definitely a bonded pair.”

With each other’s support, both dogs began medical and behavioral therapies to help them get healthy and learn to accept love.

Rose, for example, was terrified of walking on leash and even wearing a collar. Today, she’s able to walk on leash in private with a person she trusts, though she’s still working on getting comfortable in public. She also remains shy around strangers, though she becomes extremely affectionate once she gets to know you.

“She’s come a long way,” Shannon says. “She’s to the point now where somebody might come along and say, ‘This dog is a little hyper and a little nervous, but if you have patience and understanding, then she’s simple.’”

Ebenezer, for his part, has had his own struggles: Since he arrived at Old Friends, he was treated with chemotherapy for a mass on his prostate, and underwent surgery for a torn cruciate on his right hind leg.

His recovery from both was excellent, staff say. He’s now in remission—and no one at Old Friends would argue that Rose’s presence is at least partially responsible for his good health.

Energetic pup Rosie is thriving with Ebenezer by her side.

Old Friends staff describe Ebenezer as a lovable "old man."

Rose and Ebenezer are just two of Old Friends’ many success stories.

Between 110 and 130 senior dogs live at Old Friends’ facility at a given time, and more than 400 are living with “Geezer Guardians” (aka aka pet parents who take in senior-age dogs and make sure that whatever time remains is comfortable) within a 100 mile radius of the sanctuary.

Like many of the rescues at the sanctuary, each had medical or behavioral issues that would likely have made it difficult to find a forever home. In fact, some of the lifetime residents at Old Friends would likely be euthanized due to behavioral issues if they hadn’t been taken in, Shannon says. Most resource-scarce shelters are forced to prioritize the most adoptable dogs.

Old Friends, on the other hand, accepts dogs for life. Their network of “Geezer Guardians” helps them save as many senior dogs as possible. Old Friends provides and covers the cost of these fosters' medical care and offers ongoing support throughout the fostering process.

“We’re able to keep track of the dogs in a partnership,” Cissell says. “They get to keep the dog forever and we also keep in touch; they go to see our vets, they see our physical therapists. They’ll get all of the resources they need to take care of that dog.”

That means more dogs like Ebenezer and Rose get to live long, happy lives, with all the love and support they need.

Today, Rose continues to cope with anxiety, but she’s making progress and overcoming her fears every day. Now, she can even enjoy short periods apart from Ebenezer—though the two are always excited to be reunited afterwards.

With Rose by his side, Ebenezer’s demeanor is confident, maybe even a little cocky. But he hasn’t lost his grumpy old man edge. His legendary bay starts low and crescendos to a piercingly high pitch that echoes throughout “Barkley Suites,” aka Old Friends’ doggie living quarters, letting everybody know he’s feeling a bit prickly.

“I’ve never heard anything like it,” Shannon says. “Everybody in the facility knows what he sounds like.”

Both have come so far in their rehabilitation that they’re up for adoption—together, of course.

Ebenezer and Rose, together forever.

“They just need that little bit of comfort from each other,” Shannon says.

Thanks to Old Friends, no matter what the future holds, Rose and Ebenezer will always have each other by their side. It’s hard to imagine a happier ending to their love story.

Make a Difference for Senior Dogs

Rose and Ebenezer are just two of the thousands of senior dogs across the country who are looking for forever homes. If you’re inspired by their story, consider adopting or fostering a senior dog in your community. You can search for adoptable senior dogs at shelters and rescues in your area.

Interested in adopting Rose and Ebenezer? Find out more about the pair here.

How You Can Help

Shelter and rescue organizations depend on support from pet lovers to intervene when animals like Rose and Ebenezer need their help. But here's the good news: You can support the life-saving work of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary with just a few clicks.

You’ll find a list of all the supplies they need on their Chewy Wish List. Just add to cart, check out, and we’ll ship everything straight to their doorstep!

Shop Old Friends' Wish List

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Bringing Home a Cat From a Shelter or Rescue? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Chewy — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 10:23:54 +0000

Thinking of adopting a shelter or rescue cat? You’re not alone. Hundreds of thousands of cats joined new families last year, and at shelters and rescues across the country, even more more furry felines are waiting for their forever homes.

If you're envisioning an adoptable cat in your future, read on: We've got your complete guide to cat adoption, from deciding to add a furry friend to your family, to the adoption process, everything you'll need for your new cat, and beyond.

Should I Adopt a Cat?

How to Adopt a Cat

Cat Adoption Supplies

FAQs

New Cat—Now What?

More Ways to Help Adoptable Cats

Should I Adopt a Cat?

Sure, you’re a cat person—but are you ready to become a cat parent? Adopting any animal comes with responsibilities, and it’s important to make sure you’ll be able to take good care of your cat for the rest of their lives. Ask yourself these questions before you decide to bring home a cat or kitten:

Do I have time
for a cat?

Cats are relatively low-maintenance companions, but they still require your attention and care. The amount of time you’ll need to devote to them will vary, depending on their age, personality and other factors.

Learn More

Can I afford
a cat?

Cats are not the most expensive pets you can choose—but there can certainly be exceptions. You should adopt a cat only if you’re ready for both routine and unexpected bills. Find out what expenses to expect.

Learn More

Is my home cat-friendly?

Your landlord and those you live with should all agree to adding a cat to your household. Consider how your children and/or other pets will react, too. And remember to cat-proof, especially if you’re bringing home a kitten.

Learn More

Still not sure if cat adoption is right for you? These resources can help you decide, whether you're considering adopting a kitten, adding another cat to your home, or figuring out which animal would make the best pet for you. Click the links below to learn more.

Should I Get a Cat?

Veterinary experts weigh in on everything from cat-friendly homes to hectic work schedules. Learn more.

6 Signs You’re Ready to Adopt a Kitten

8 Signs You're Ready for Another Cat

What Pet Should I Get? Take Our Quiz

How to Adopt a Cat

OK, so you’re ready to add a cat to your life. Where to start? Follow these steps to find your perfect feline companion.

1 Locate a cat shelter or rescue near you.

Where can you find adoptable cats? Try these options:

Online adoption listings: For many adopters, the search for a cat begins online. Chewy’s adoptable pets service allows you to search thousands of available cats and you can even filter by location, age, sex, breed, color and more.
Your local shelter or rescue: When it comes to adoption, shelters and rescues are the experts. In addition to housing a variety of adoptable pets, these organizations can provide valuable information and support throughout your pet parenting journey. To find a shelter or rescue near you, click here.
A specific breed rescue: If you have a particular breed or type of cat in mind, rescue groups can be a good place to start your search. Google the name of the breed along with “rescue” and the name of your city or town to find nearby organizations.
In-person adoption events: Shelters and rescues often “pop up” at local shops and events, letting community members meet and greet animals who need homes.

When can kittens be adopted?

At most shelters and rescues, kittens can be adopted starting at 8 weeks old. This lets them get valuable nutrients and behavioral lessons from their mothers while they're very young.

Learn More

2 Learn more about the cat you want to adopt.

Before you commit to adopting, there are some important questions you should ask your organization, including:

What is the cat’s temperament?
What is their medical history?
Do they need any special care, such as a particular diet?

Asking these questions will help you understand how that shelter cat will fit into your life. Depending on your lifestyle and budget, they may not be the right fit for you—and it’s better to find that out before you bring them home.

3 Submit an application.

Ready to commit? Apply to adopt! Depending on the organization, you may submit your application online or in person.

Remember to be honest when answering any questions your shelter or rescue asks—they’re there to help shelters and rescues ensure that the animals in their care are going to the right home. Common questions include:

Do you have other pets?
Do you have children?
Do you own or rent your home?

What was the most popular cat name last year?

Luna!

Bella, Oliver and Lucy also made the top 10. Are you looking for cat name inspiration? We've got hundreds.

More Cat Names

4 Bring your cat home!

Your application was approved? Hooray! You can pick up your new furry family member and bring them home. Welcome to cat parenthood!

Cat Adoption Supplies

What does your new cat need to live their best life? Make sure you have these essentials at home to start your cat parenting journey on the right foot.

Adopting a kitten? View and download our New Kitten Checklist.

Yep, cats need lots of stuff. Not sure where to begin? Start with the most essential basics: cat food, litter boxes and scratchers that will keep your new cat entertained (and save your furniture). Click the links below to find out how to choose the right products for your pet.

Cat Adoption Checklist: Everything New Cat Parents Need

Click here to go shopping with our comprehensive list of new cat products.

How to Choose the Best Litter Box for Your Cat

Your Complete Guide to the Best High-Quality Cat Food

How to Choose the Best Cat Tree for Your Kitty

Cat Adoption FAQs

Q:How much does it cost to adopt a cat?

The average cost to adopt a cat is between $50-$175, but this will vary depending on your organization and location. Some shelters and rescues offer discounts at different times of year, too. Ask your local organization how much they charge for cat adoption.

Q:When can kittens be adopted?

At most shelters and rescues, you can adopt a kitten after they reach 8 weeks old, which is usually when a kitten is fully weaned from their mother. Read more.

Q:How do I prepare my home for a new cat?

Make sure you have new cat supplies like food, toys, and litter box. New pet parents should also scan their home for any potential hazards, such as loose wires or houseplants that are poisonous to cats. Learn more.

Q:What behaviors should first-time cat parents expect from their cat?

In general, cats are playful and active. You can expect to hear them purring when they’re content, and they may even knead pillows, blankets or your own lap when they’re in an extra cuddly mood. Some cats like lounging in high places like bookshelves or the back of your couch; others prefer to be nestled inside a cave-like space (such as that empty box from your recent Chewy order). Find out more.

New Cat – Now What?

Your cat adoption adventure is just beginning. From choosing a name to your first vet visit and beyond, we’re here to guide you each step of the way.

New Cat: A Guide to Kittens, Adults and Senior Cats

No matter how old your shelter or rescue cat is, we have the answers to your most common questions. Learn more.

227 Cute, Funny and Unique Cat Names for Your New Feline Friend

Kitten Stages: What to Expect at Each Developmental Milestone

What To Expect During Your Kitten’s First Vet Visit

More Ways to Help Adoptable Cats

You can’t bring every shelter cat home—even though you want to!—but there’s so much more you can do adoptable cats in your community. Here’s how to make a difference.

Donate

When you donate to your local shelter or rescue’s Chewy Wish List, Chewy sends the products the need straight to their doorstep. It’s easy for you, and life-changing for pets in need. Find your local shelter or rescue’s Wish List here.

Foster

Can’t make a long-term commitment? Temporarily taking in a cat or kitten helps them get the love and care they need until they find a forever home. Find out more about fostering.

Volunteer

Animal shelters and rescues often need the support of pet-loving volunteers who do anything from cleaning to pet photography to simply playing and cuddling with pets. Learn more about how to help your local shelter or rescue.

The post Bringing Home a Cat From a Shelter or Rescue? Here’s Everything You Need to Know appeared first on BeChewy.

These Former Racehorses Are Helping People Overcome Anxiety and Find Community

Howard Hardee — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 17:27:59 +0000

Science has shown that when you pair horses and people, wonderful things can happen. (“The Horse Whisperer,” anyone?) At Nature Heals ranch in Boulder, Colorado, horses get to do what they do best: roam, graze, form herds, all the things horses naturally do. That’s also the basic idea behind the place’s equine therapy programs: encouraging people to feel comfortable in their own skin.

“Our goal is to create a community in a space where people can feel like they can just show up and be accepted for who they are and as they are,” says Liese Solotov, who founded Nature Heals in 2016.

Liese and her sisters Brittany and Ellie Foust run Nature Heals, a nonprofit organization that provides wilderness-based equine therapy, which uses horses in outdoor settings to help people grow and heal. With programs focusing on women, youth, LGBTQ+-identifying individuals and other groups, Nature Heals makes the calming, welcoming benefits of horses accessible to people who need it most—often at no cost.

“We focus on everything from kids with trauma, to queer youth, to adult programming,” Liese says. “The whole point is to bring people back outside into nature, to really focus on their mental health because nature actually does help us heal.”

The organization is home to about 30 horses, who serve as co-therapists or facilitators alongside human professionals at Nature Heals’ roughly 40-acre property. Therapeutic sessions often involve catching (putting on a horse’s halter and leading them where you want them to go) and grooming horses, guiding them through obstacle courses, or simply watching them graze in the pasture. Sometimes there are journaling or writing prompts involved, too, but the foundation of the program is bonding with horses in the great outdoors.

Research has shown that a horse’s presence can be calming and reassuring to people living with trauma, anxiety and depression, similar to the way therapy dogs and service dogs help their humans. In fact, spending mindful, intentional time with horses reduces levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol in young people—a phenomenon Liese has witnessed firsthand.

“Sometimes, we have kids or teens come out and they'll be super wound up and tight and anxious or worried, or even angry sometimes,” Liese says. “You get them grooming and taking care of a horse, and you can just see their muscles slowly relaxing, and then eventually you can see them take a really big sigh or a deep breath.”

And the benefits seem to go both ways, she adds: “Usually when that happens, the horse takes a big deep breath or blows out through their nostrils, too.”

The horses at Nature Heals have often gone through a challenging transition of their own. The nonprofit works with organizations such as the Center for Racehorse Retraining in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to help former racehorses move on from their careers and find new homes. Right now, about 10 of their horses are off-the-track thoroughbreds.

“When they come here, they have to learn different skills and tools so that they can have a successful second career,” says Ellie, the executive director of Nature Heals.

The Foust sisters grew up on a 100-acre farm in Virginia that was home to horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and llamas. Brittany, a therapist at Nature Heals and the oldest of the three siblings, got hooked on horses at an early age and pleaded with her parents for riding lessons until they agreed. Ellie and Liese followed in her footsteps.

But in order to ride, the girls had to learn to take care of the horses—grooming, feeding and training the animals, along with mucking fields (aka cleaning up horse poop), clearing rocks, painting fences and any other chores that were necessary.

The experience had a profound effect on each of the sisters throughout childhood and young adulthood. Ellie thought of the barn as her “safe space,” she says, adding that horses “were able to help me through a lot of really hard times at various points”—most notably when she got sober at age 21.

For Brittany, horses have helped her battle anxiety ever since childhood. “[The barn] is the place that I would go when I was having a bad day or having problems at school or had a lot of problems with being bullied as a kid. It was the only place where it felt like all the pieces fell into place … where I felt like I had friends and connection.”

Liese, who often felt ignored or overlooked as a child, felt that connection, too. “Going out to the barn, even if it was just sitting on a hammock and reading my book with my dog, always made me feel that the animals actually could see me and could be there for me whenever I needed it,” she says.

Though equine therapy benefits people of all ages, Nature Heals has been particularly successful with kids and teenagers, Brittany says. For many in that age group, the hands-on sensory experience of hanging out with mares and foals can be more appealing than sitting through a traditional counseling session in an office.

“We find that equine therapy can be a really effective form of therapy for people who maybe don't want to sit inside and have somebody stare at them and ask them about their deepest, darkest secrets,” Brittany says. “They can come here and they can be with the horses and be outside and actually just talk and relate and spend time with a being who has zero judgments for them.”

The organization’s Becoming A Herd program is an equine-based support group for LGBTQ youth. It promotes exploring oneself and self-acceptance in a group context and is intended to show people that they’re not alone, says therapist Sam Field, who identifies as queer.

Becoming a Herd is about “getting people together with horses to build community,” Field says. “It’s offering a momentary pause and a counter to what [may be] happening in the rest of their lives.”

One student who rides regularly at Nature Heals, a high schooler named Audrey, credits the Foust sisters and horse Mulligan — nicknamed “Magoo” — with helping her cope with the stresses of high school, especially during her parents’ divorce. Riding at Nature Heals has taught her confidence, how to better recognize her emotions and to “grow into who I am as a person,” she says.

Like Ellie, Audrey has found a safe space with the horses. “What I mean by a safe space is to have people who will support you,” she says. “I can talk to any of the Foust sisters about whatever I want. We can have normal conversations; they are my family. Everyone here has become my family, too.”

Field counts young people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance use, lack of support from family and homelessness among her clients at Nature Heals—people for whom access to horses is typically financially out of reach. It can cost as much as $1,000 per month to feed and properly care for a horse, Brittany says, not to mention the space required to house them, which has made riding and interacting with horses inaccessible to those without much disposable income.

“[The cost] makes accessing these beautiful, majestic creatures really, really hard” for the average person, Ellie says. So part of Nature Heals’ mission is to make equine therapy available to everyone, operating on a sliding scale, pay-what-you-can model and using grants, fundraising and private donations to cover the rest.

“[We’re] trying to provide that access so that anyone who might want to come out and experience a horse can do so.”

After all, Brittany adds, there’s so much more to horses than just riding and grooming—it’s about coming together as a community where you can feel confident and be accepted as you are.

“Finding a place where you feel like you can belong and fit in is incredibly important for your own self-discovery and your own self-worth.”

Want to Support Nature Heals?

Check out their Wish List, where you can send the pet products they need directly to the group.

Click to Donate

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Darryl Roberts Is on a Mission to Save Special Needs Cats

Howard Hardee — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 16:18:21 +0000

At animal shelters and rescues across the world, cats with special needs face an uncertain future: a lower likelihood of adoption, and higher rates of euthanasia. But Darryl Roberts, founder and director of SNAP Cats, is on a lifelong mission to save as many special needs cats as he can.

“Some people might say, ‘What’s wrong with that cat?’” Roberts says. “And I would say, ‘There’s nothing wrong with these cats. They’re loving and they sit in your lap and they do everything a non-special-needs cat does. They just happen to be blind or deaf.’”

Plus, they’re just as deserving of love, he adds.

That’s why Roberts founded the SNAP Cats rescue and sanctuary—to give special-needs cats the love and care they deserve until they find the perfect forever family. The Sonoma County, California, nonprofit organization houses just 50 or fewer cats at a time, with conditions ranging from blindness and deafness to paralyzed, incontinent and “wobbly cats,” who have a neurological disorder called cerebellar hypoplasia that causes jerky movements. But though SNAP’s size is small, they’ve made a big impact, finding homes for over 500 cats and taking in cats from as far away as Egypt and Syria. SNAP is committed to providing everything a cat needs—things like high-quality food, medical treatment and daily snuggles—to ensure each kitty gets to live their best life.

“These are perfectly great cats,” Roberts says. “If you keep them happy and healthy, and you get them regular vet checkups, they can live long, happy lives.”

Roberts wasn’t always an advocate for special needs cats. He first fell in love with a pair of 10-week-old kittens named DJ and Blanche, whom he adopted from a friend whose cat had just had a litter. Neither cat had special needs, he says, but the experience of cat parenthood was life changing.

“To have animals that are dependent on you gives you a whole new perspective on what life’s really about,” he says. “It's hard to describe. It's like explaining rain to somebody that doesn't know what water is. These cats look at you and you know that they need you, but they give you so much in return. All of a sudden it hits you in the face and you go, ‘Wow, I never knew an animal could care so much for a person.’”

When DJ once went missing, Roberts looked for him at a county shelter and was struck by the sight of sad-looking cats in cages. After DJ was found about a week later, Roberts began volunteering for a local cat organization. Inspired by his care and concern for the animals there, he left his careers in film production and publishing to become a vet tech.

Through working at the shelter, he saw firsthand that cats considered to be the least “adoptable”—like those with medical issues—were the first to be euthanized to make room for incoming animals.

A pivotal moment came when Roberts was asked to euthanize the overcrowded shelter’s four special-needs cats: one who was blind, one who was deaf, a wobbly cat, and a cat with a missing limb. He refused to carry out the order, and was asked to leave.

“I said, “I will,’ and I took the cats with me,” he says. “[I thought], I know what I want to do now. I'm going to save these cats. I'm going to save all the special needs cats that I can.”

Two weeks later, in December of 2012, SNAP Cats was born, its acronym announcing Roberts’ foundational belief: Special Needs Are Precious.

I'm going to save these cats. I'm going to save all the special needs cats that I can.
— SNAP Cats Founder Darryl Roberts

Today, SNAP Cats operates two campuses in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, taking in cats with a wide range of conditions.

“We have wobbly kitties. We have tripods [three-legged cats]. We have sight-impaired cats. We have incontinent cats. We have paralyzed-in-the-rear-end cats. So we have pretty much all of what you would normally consider special needs,” Roberts says.

SNAP Cats is a rarity among West Coast rescues in that it cares for cats with compromised immune systems, such as those with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Cats living with FeLV must be kept in an isolated room to prevent transmission to other shelter animals.

“Rescuing leukemia kittens is a big part of what we do because not many other places do it,” Roberts says, “and we want to try to save as many as we can.”

Watching the animals grow tumors, develop lymphoma or other complications isn’t easy, Roberts says: “We know that they’re only going to be here a couple years at most, and it’s really hard.”

But SNAP is committed to giving all cats the best life possible, no matter their illness. Plus, if FeLV-positive cats survive to 1 year old, they have a much higher chance of shedding the virus, Roberts says. To provide more sick animals the opportunity to live full lives, SNAP Cats is fundraising to build a separate facility entirely dedicated to leukemia cats and kittens called Lukie House. Roberts hopes the facility, which will house 20 to 25 cats, will open sometime next year.

These cats have a place to live for the rest of their lives.... I just feel this calling to give them a great life until it's their time.
— Darryl Roberts

Because there are so few sanctuaries for special needs cats in the world, SNAP often fields requests from rescue organizations in far-away countries. Roberts and his team have taken in cats from countries such as Egypt, Mozambique, Lebanon and Syria, thanks to partnerships with rescue organizations in those regions.

Anna, a black cat with hazel eyes and a splash of white across her chest, is a SNAP rescue from Kuwait. She’s paralyzed in her back legs after suffering abuse in her home country. But in many ways, Roberts says, she’s a typical cat: curious and personable, with a quirky streak that shows when she begs for attention then unexpectedly darts away. Since arriving at SNAP, she has come out of her shell and let her personality shine, Roberts says. After about a year of recovery, she was finally considered ready for adoption (and she’s still waiting for a forever family today).

“I look at SNAP as a prepping ground,” Roberts says. “We give them the training to help them come out and display their personality for us to get to know them, what they want, what they need and then find the perfect home for them.”

Adoption is the ultimate goal for all the cats at SNAP, Roberts says. But once a cat is in his care, they’ll have a home no matter what happens. The sanctuary is a place where the animals can be themselves during the time they have — a place where each cat’s dignity is important. If the cats never get adopted, that’s OK, Roberts says: “They have a place to live for the rest of their lives.”

Here, the staff and volunteers are their families, each committed to Roberts’ mission to give each animal the best life possible. Tawny Brunetta has volunteered at SNAP Cats every Saturday for about five years. She’s a “cat cuddler” who sits with the cats and pets them, in addition to keeping their living space clean. Being around the cats helps “get them acclimated to human attention and human touch and human love, so when they do get adopted, they’re comfortable with humans—they’re ready to go,” she says.

Special-needs cats change adopters’ lives for the better too, Roberts says. “They’re connecting with cats they probably normally wouldn’t connect to,” he explains. “It’s changed their outlook to viewing them not as special-needs anymore.”

Yes, many of these cats will need care that’s a little different—and potential adopters need to be aware of the unique commitment that comes with each cat—but where it counts, they’re still a typical cat who deserves the love, care and stability a family can provide.

How You Can Help

Inspired to make a difference for special needs cats? Here’s how you can join SNAP Cats’ mission:

Adopt: Most of the cats at SNAP are adopted by California locals, but the organization has found homes for cats all across the country, and even internationally. You can see cats available for adoption and fill out an online application at their website.
Shop Their Wish List: It takes a lot of gear to support 50 cats! Check out the products on the rescue’s Wish List, then add a few to your cart and check out to have them sent right to SNAP Cats’ doorstep.
Sponsor a Cat: SNAP Cats offers sponsorship packages that allow you to contribute cash toward basic necessities, medical care and more.
Spread the Word: From sharing SNAP Cats’ social media posts to putting a promotional magnet on your car, sharing SNAP Cats’ story makes a huge difference, Roberts says.

While they’re at SNAP, Roberts is their family. “Every adoption, for me, is very emotional. These are like my kids, you know? Once they’re adopted, it’s really hard to let them go.”

But each adoption also gives Roberts the chance to provide a brighter future for another cat—and that’s the ultimate goal.

“We’re trying to rescue as many special needs cats as we can,” Roberts says. “I just feel this calling to give them a great life until it’s their time. I can't save every special-needs cat, but we can sure try.”

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