Tails were wagging, kitties were meowing, and children and adults happily snuggled with their new companions – it was a good day all around at the fifth annual Clear the Shelter event at the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County.
A total of 33 dogs, 50 cats, two chickens and one rooster found loving homes and, while slightly shy of their goal, the number was higher than last year, and some people expressed an interest in returning. In addition to waived fees, the animals had all been chipped, vaccinated and spayed/neutered, and adopters went home with goodie bags.
The first dog adoption was Piglet, a lovable mixed breed of pit bull, bulldog and who knows what.
“My husband and I brought our other dog to meet Piglet two days ago,” said Evelyn Sumatra, adding that their other dog was also a pit mix.
“We saw his profile online and he was so adorable we wanted to meet him. When we brought our other dog in, they started playing so I knew they would get along. I wanted to make sure nobody else picked him, so I was here at 9 o’clock. I wasn’t the first in line, but I was No. 2!”
Liz Smokowski, who was hired as CEO last December, said she had participated in the national event at other shelters and was excited to do it here.
“It’s very similar; it’s quite a process. Everyone’s goal is to clear the shelter and get as many of them adopted as possible. We’re just thrilled to be able to get these animals into forever homes. We have been at capacity all summer long and so the timing is excellent,” she said.
Steve Smith, development director, reiterated the importance of making room for the never-ending number of animals coming into the shelter.
Over the past two years, he said many of their dogs were of the larger variety, the result of restrictions at HOAs and apartments to either disallow pets or limit their weight, despite the gentle nature of larger breeds.
He said the shelter also needs to set aside space for dogs entering with medical or behavioral issues.
“So we will work with those animals and try to find a fit. Some of them just need to be worked with,” said Smith.
For example, Eddie, who found his forever family at the event, had received months of care and attention at the shelter. He had arrived as a severely malnourished, flea-ridden stray, whose sweet disposition, despite obvious mistreatment, melted hearts.
There were also plenty of kittens and cats of all ages being adopted.
“Kitten season is in the spring, but we’re still having them come in,” said Smith.
As with dogs, they often arrange for foster families to work with cats that might have anxiety or socialization issues.
To discourage cost-related surrenders, Smith said their Pawsitive Impact program connects people with resources such as food and low-cost veterinary care.
Although it’s more difficult to do on this busy day, he said that they still take the time to question and to counsel potential pet adopters.
“We’re not skipping any processes here today. And what we found last year at this event, I believe it was just five that came back total, so out of all the adoptions that’s a success,” said Smith.
“It’s one of our favorite events. We really need it this time of year. We need a breather.
It’s not going to last very long, but at least a week of a breather is nice,” he added.
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Photos by Joshua Kodis
