Second Chance: Kitten Season Hits Second Chance (and Lauren)

14 Jun Second Chance: Kitten Season Hits Second Chance (and Lauren)

Purrs…

Lauren

My name is Lauren, named after a local ranch owner who I am hoping might decide to adopt me soon (yes Ralph – I would be purrfect for you!).

I’m a beautiful black cat just shy of two years old and sadly, I have spent most of my entire life waiting to be adopted (and not just by Ralph).

And, sigh…it is kitten season again here at Second Chance Humane Society. Let me explain the rippling impact of that fact of my life.

First let me say that I really don’t like kitten season. Those tiny little fur balls come into the shelter and I know any chance I have of being noticed is completely diminished. I am a product of kitten season and I am a victim of kitten season. I am not complaining – just speaking my truth – and I am ready for a home.

I entered the shelter several kitten seasons ago. But if you don’t get adopted as a kitten, as the cute ones with cool markings and colors always do, then the waiting game begins. I have watched more kittens come in and out of this shelter than any cat should have to watch. I try not to let it get me down. I keep thinking – if people could only see what is on the inside of me they would whisk me away with them just like they do the kittens.

But back to the topic of kitten season…

Every spring, shelters around the country are flooded with new litters. Not all get adopted and when they do, that means another juvenile or adult cat does not. That is is why spay and neuter programs, like the low cost clinics Second Chance offers, are so vital to helping control the pet population. However, for cats like me waiting too long in shelters for new homes, decreasing our length of stay has fortunately become a top priority at Second Chance.

The first weeks and months of a kitten’s life are critical in shaping their entire outlook and approach towards the world, including their behavior towards other cats and people. For this reason, Second Chance now moves all kitten litters out of the shelter and into foster homes where they can get additional attention in more traditional surroundings. The socialization they receive on a daily basis in foster care provides for well-rounded development resulting in happier and more adoptable animals.

The same is true for puppies, and that’s why Second Chance has a similar puppy foster program.

Bowie

My friend here at Second Chance, Bowie, is a Doodle mix with wiry black hair. He is the last of his litter mates to be adopted and at just three months old, solitude can be more than just boring. So now Bowie gets introduced to all the adult dogs and has supervised play time in the dog yard with more advanced canine companions – making him more adaptable and adoptable.

Both foster programs have been a great addition to Second Chance’s animal care enrichment focus. I have already noticed healthier and happier kittens returning from foster care ready to be adopted. The kittens are prepared to transition right into Second Chance’s communal rooms, allowing them to retain their cage free existence and become adopted more quickly.

As for me, I am happy to see kittens spending less time in the shelter, and I’m still hopeful that my family will arrive soon. So Ralph, or any loving family, although I am still young, I am a mature sophisticated young. As such I will settle in to your home and into your life and lap quickly.

I just need my second chance…

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff &  Magnificent Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup or get your pup (or adult dog) trained than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)

Dr. Michelle and Wallowby