Finding the pet of your dreams might seem to be a daunting task for many, but the Butler County Humane Society has many great animals looking for their perfect match and their “fur-ever” homes.

Choosing to Adopt

The humane society states that choosing to adopt a pet is “a big decision, and it's always best to think about what type of dog or cat would be best for your household.”

“For example, if you have a lot of people coming in and out of your home, an animal that gets frightened easily or doesn't like meeting new people wouldn't be a good match,” according to information provided by Debbie Aglio, assistant executive director.

That includes establishing if children and other dogs or cats are present, and in the case of a rental property, if pets are allowed.

Once a type of animal is selected, the humane society suggests paying attention to the behaviors of the dogs and cats in the shelter.

“Sometimes the pet you end up adopting seems like the complete opposite of the pet you came into the shelter looking for,” according to Aglio. “Remember the benefits of adopting a senior pet; you often times know what you're getting into with them as far as behaviors go more so than you do with puppies or kittens.”

Herman-area resident Molly Wilbert said she and her husband, Keith, intended to only adopt a single pet, but came home with three.

Daisy, Duke and Nina (now known as Katie) came home with the Wilberts after Molly said they were looking for a companion for their Shepard Healer Keisel. The family's Chihuahua, Frito, died in February.

“We went out with the intention of adopting one dog, and we fell in love with Nina,” she said of the 5-year-old beagle mix. “She just needed a good home and this was our chance to give her a good life.”

But then the couple came across Duke and Daisy, 2-year-old Boxer twins that were rescued from West Virginia.

“We couldn't pass them up either,” she said. “They are bundles of energy and bundles of joy.”

Adoption Process

During the process, the humane society said, adoptees above all else should be asking questions.

“Our staff knows all of the animals in the shelter and would be happy to discuss whether or not they'd be a good fit for your home. Any decisions they make regarding placing animals are based off behaviors we've seen at the shelter, with the best intentions for both the animal being adopted and the family trying to adopt them in mind,” Aglio said.

Aglio said the adoption process typically takes 48 hours, and involves four stages: meeting with a pet outside of their kennel or cage, filling out an application for that pet, checking adoptee references with the kennel director approving or denying the application, and a second visit with the pet.

“We require all members of the household to meet with the pet before they may go home with their new family. All current pets must be up to date on their rabies vaccinations, and if you are looking to adopt a dog and currently have a dog, you'll need to provide the vaccination certificate and do a dog introduction at the shelter,” Aglio said.

Holly Ehrman of Center Township said her daughters, 7-year-old Baylee and 5-year-old Alana, both picked out kittens — Aslan and April — after their previous pet, also a rescue animal, passed away.

She said the family visited with their prospective pets before being approved to take them home.

“We were back there probably four days in one week,” she said.

During the process, staff at the organization contact references for a potential adoptee, to discuss history with pets and recommendations for adoption.

Wilbert said she appreciates the background checks, as it ensures animals are going to good homes.

The organization does not, under any circumstances, adopt out pets that will be living outdoors. All pets adopted from the shelter must be indoor pets. Adopters must be 21 years of age with a valid photo ID, or 18 years of age with a co-signer that is over 21 years old.

The organization also does not allow college students living in student housing, on-campus homes, or multi-student houses/apartments to adopt “due to what can often be a constantly changing living environment.”

Adjustment period

Once pets are placed in a home, an adjustment period begins, acclimating those pets to their new environments.

“The first few days in your home are special and critical for a pet. Your new dog will be confused about where he is and what to expect from you. Setting up some clear structure with your family for your dog will be paramount in making as smooth a transition as possible,” according to PetFinder.com.

This change can bring stress, and it is important for them to learn their new environment and those around them.

“Training your dog will start the first moment you have him. Take time to create a vocabulary list everyone will use when giving your dog directions. This will help prevent confusion and help your dog learn his commands more quickly,” PetFinder.com said.

Keeping a calm environment for the first few days is important.

“Not only will this allow your dog to settle in easier, it will give you more one-on-one time to get to know him and his likes/dislikes,” PetFinder.com said.

This period may take several weeks.

“People often say they don't see their dog's true personality until several weeks after adoption. Your dog may be a bit uneasy at first as he gets to know you.

“Be patient and understanding while also keeping to the schedule you intend to maintain for feeding, walks, etc. This schedule will show your dog what is expected of him as well as what he can expect from you,” PetFinder.com said.

Ehrman said when her family brought Aslan and April home, April hid for most of the first day, before slowly coming around and socializing with the family, while Aslan “acclimated immediately.”

She said April is “definitely adjusting.”

Wilbert said Daisy, Duke and Katie met with Keisel and the pack took to each other almost immediately. She said the dogs play together, share toys and follow Keisel, the alpha-male.

“There really aren't any issues,” she said. “You just need to give each dog individual attention and give attention all together in a group. We are now one big happy family.”

Statistics

In 2017, the county humane society said 281 dogs were adopted, while 282 cats were adopted.

The organization cared for 200 stray dogs, 299 stray cats, with 37 cats and dogs returned to their owners from the stray population. Forty-seven dogs were transferred in from kill shelters that were scheduled for euthanasia, and 12 cats were transferred in from other local rescues.

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