People across the country are staying indoors, doing their part to combat the COVID-19 virus. Some are taking this time as an opportunity to open their doors to animals in need, through fostering and adoption.
Denve resident Bessie Rose, recently adopted a puppy. The 11-week-old labrador came from a rescue called Puppy Salvation http://www.puppy-salvation.com in Sterling, CO. After thinking about adopting for a few months, Bessie decided now was the right time.
“I thought that this was really a perfect time for several reasons, one being that I’m spending so much time at home,” Rose explained.
Rescues throughout the state have seen an increase in adoption applications. Krista Kaufmann is a volunteer and foster with Do Over Dogs http://dooverdogs.com. The group is foster-based and don’t have a physical shelter location. Virtual home visits have allowed them to continue their adoption operations. But Krista stresses, “[there’s] this idea of ‘now that we’re all home, it’s a great time to adopt a dog’, but making sure that it really is the perfect family long term is really important”
Some of Colorado's larger shelters like the Dumb Friends League http://www.dfl.org have suspended adoptions due to stay-at-home orders. They are still offering other services such as lost and found pets, pet surrender, and owner-requested end of life euthanasia for dogs.
The animals that remain at the shelters during this time are being cared for by staff. Public relations manager Maia Brusseau assures, “We have a staff that’s there everyday…and luckily since there aren’t a lot of animals in the shelters they have extra time to take them on walks, playtime…”
For people who are taking on the responsibility of adoption, rescues stress that it’s not just a ‘quarantine commitment’ but a lifelong one. Krista Kauffman encourages potential adopters to think about what happens when they go back to work. When pets are used to having their owners home all day, going for multiple walks a day, it can present challenges when that changes. “And the worst thing that can come of this,” Krista says, “is if those dogs end up back into the shelter.”
If you are ready to take on the commitment, pets can be a great source of comfort. Bessie says her happiness has skyrocketed and Maia encourages all of us to lean on our pets during this time.
Do Over Dogs
Dumb Friends League
Puppy Salvation
