INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Some people might disdain having guests during the holidays, but that’s not the case for volunteers at The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County. During this holiday season five homeless dogs have gone home with volunteers as the shelter initiates its “Home for the Holidays” foster program.
The goal of the “Home for the Holidays” foster program is to provide shelter dogs with a comfortable and secure family setting, offer them greater opportunities to socialize with new people and allow volunteers to serve as Humane Society ambassadors as they let friends and neighbors meet and greet their four-footed house guests.
It’s hoped that this greater exposure will increase each dog’s adoption opportunities. The shelter’s foster volunteers have received extensive training in dog training, socialization and behavior, with the shelter staff providing counseling to help their furry friends acclimate to new homes.
All necessary pet food, medications and supplies are provided by the Humane Society.
Volunteer John Roperta had his heart set on taking home Ella, an 8-year-old female Labrador retriever mix, so it was no surprise to shelter staff when he and his girlfriend, Linda Roberts, showed up early to pick up Ella last Saturday.
When asked why they had decided to take her in, Roberts looked at Roperta, winked playfully and said, “Because Ella needs a place to go for the holidays!”
For more information about volunteering call the Humane Society at (772) 388-3331 ext. 12.
