Emergency Adoption Day in Hamilton County: $10 Adoptions Available
The Humane Society for Hamilton County needs your help finding homes for several animals in urgent need, and they're making the process easier by holding a $10 emergency adoption day.
The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
"Dogs in their care are deteriorating mentally and emotionally after months – and in some cases, over a year – of waiting for homes," said Humane society leaders, explaining the crisis that has led to an "unthinkable decision" – euthanizing adoptable animals.
“With intakes surpassing adoptions and space long exhausted, the shelter now faces an unthinkable decision: the euthanasia of adoptable animals – not because they are unsafe or because HSHC is giving up on them — but because some of these animals have waited so long for someone to come that THEY are giving up,” they said in a release.
Rebecca Stevens, humane society president, says dogs at the shelter are waiting 70 – 80 days on average for a home, but some wait much longer. "Some of the longer, and most at-risk, residents have been living for months–24 hours a day, 7 days a week — bombarded by stress, noise, fear, and yes, the depression that comes with losing the people they loved," Stevens said.
The $10 fee isn’t the only benefit of the event. All adoptions will include spay/neuter surgery, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming, flea & tick treatment, a wellness exam at a participating vet, a starter bag of food, and post-adoption support and resources.
Adoptable animals can be previewed and applications submitted early on the Humane Society's website. Prospective adopters are encouraged to bring their dog to meet adoptable dogs, ensure all household members are present, renters must bring pet policy documentation, and government-issued ID is required.
Fur babies in urgent need of adoption
All of these pets have been spayed or neutered.
Luna Lovegood is a 4-year-old pit bull/terrier mix who the shelter says “hasn’t known the gentle side of life yet.” She is described as a tender-hearted attention hound whose love language is DEFINITELY physical touch – be prepared for hugs, kisses, and bedtime snuggles. She’s also housebroken and knows the basics like “sit,” “come,” and “down.”
Hamilton Humane says she’s smart and eager-to-please but is also an introvert at heart, preferring to stick with her close circle of adults. Other dogs, cats, and kids are a “no, thank you” for Luna.
Marley is an old boy, being a 10-year-old, 63-pound retriever/Labrador mix. But don't let his age fool you – you can absolutely teach this old dog new tricks! The shelter says though Marley is slowing down, he must be sneaking espresso shots in his water because he still has plenty of energy to go around. This energy is often dedicated to long walks in the sunshine and wrestling his squeaky toys, followed by a belly rub to wind things down.While Marley will gladly pass on encounters with cats, he does well with kids 14 and up. Hamilton Humane suggests setting up meet & greet with other dogs. Marley is housebroken and knows how to “sit,” “come,” “down,” “paw,” and “stay.” (And he will do all of these in succinct order if deli meat is on the line.)Constantly dressed to impress, Marley dons bowties that match his shining gentlemanly personality.Sammie loves to be pet, if she could be pet all day she would. One of her favorite routines in the mornings is to sit on my lap on the couch while I drink my coffee,” Sammie's foster said. Sammie likes couch cuddles, sure, but Hamilton Humane says she's also down for a little adventure: “hardware stores, pet shops, and drive-thru pup cups are right up her alley.” She also does best in a home where someone is around most of the time – smaller, calmer dogs and older kids are ideal company. She is not a fan of cats.Though she started off unsure of the world, you will soon see her silly side. She even has a signature move: wiggles and “tooth chomps.”Hello.I'm speaking to all those folks who are entirely content to have one primary love of their life. I am that kind of kitty and hope to find my person who agrees with me. I am 8-years-old and lived with my first family for six years. My owners thought I was standoffish because I spent most of my time in their son's room. But we were besties, and I preferred his company to anyone else. He and I were always together until the family got a kitten.My world turned upside down, and I wanted to give the little furball a knuckle sandwich. Instead, I channeled my inner namaste, choosing peace over violence. But I was still insecure about being replaced with a younger, fluffier feline.So, I displayed some behaviors triggered by my jealousy and stress. I was surrendered to HSHC in January 2023. I moved into a foster home, where I flourished. My foster family gradually introduced me to my new surroundings and provided me with a private space to decompress while I got to know them. My foster mom let me approach her on my terms, making me much more comfortable. I spent time on her lap, head rubbing, chirping, and politely requesting attention. She enjoyed watching me blossom and loved my sweet sassiness.I was adopted again in July of 2023, but unfortunately, my new owner didn't understand that I was only happy with his company, not his new partner. So, after 1.5 years, I am back at the HSHC. I am an affectionate girl, and once I trust you, I will become a one-woman-one-person kind of cat.I prefer to be the only cat in my household, but I will eventually tolerate another cat's existence if you introduce us very slowly. I'll be the ideal companion for someone who is low-key, patient, and can accept my need for a monogamous relationship. I am looking for a loving home where I can be the center of attention.
Piper
Piper is a 4-year-old pit bull/terrier mix who "brings the sparkle" everywhere she goes. She's already housebroken and crate trained, and is a basic command master! Though she's a little shy in the beginning, a family who can offer her guidance and lots of love will soon get to meet the playful companion she truly is. She is anti-dog and anti-cat, but pro-teens and older.
Tyson
Tyson is a "big charmer." If he had a dating profile, it would look something like this:
- Age: 28 (in dog years)
- Height: 3’0″
- Star sign: “Big Dawg”
- Hobbies: Social outings with canine AND feline friends; learning new tricks; window shopping for toys
- Likes: Naps in the sunshine and exploring the world around me☀️
- Dislikes: Car rides😨 (and kids – I prefer adults)
- My best traits: Smart, loving, playful, and respectful
- Review from a friend: “Probably the easiest puppy you’ll ever meet.”
Stella
Stella is a 4-year-old pit bull/terrier mix who had her world turned completely upside down before coming to the humane society. She is looking for a second chance and has a heart full of love that’s ready to be shared. Hamilton Humane says Stella thrives with confident people, is deeply loyal, and loves fiercely. She may park at unfamiliar people, but with plenty of patience, she will warm up. “While she’s reactive to dogs outside of her home, she shines when she’s surrounded by people who make her feel safe and loved,” the shelter says. Stella’s delightful around kids of all ages, prefers meet & greets with other dogs, and will gladly pass on meeting with cats.
Bentley
Imagine being born and raised in one home by one person for all 12 years of your life. You only visited the veterinarian once when you were spayed as a kitten. The only human you spent time with was elderly; then she passed away. I was surrendered to the HSHC in late January 2024 and believe me when I say I was TERRIFIED. Because I was so upset, confused, stressed, and depressed, I moved into a foster home, where I have lived since February 2024. It took me eight weeks before I would approach my foster parents without hissing, growling, or nipping. Remember, I only knew one human being! Life had turned upside down for me. I have now lived in my foster home for 445 days!I am now 13- years-old, and my foster mom reports that I am eating and drinking just fine. I love my window seat on a sunny day. My behavior advancements have been rubbing against FM’s legs, I no longer growl at her and enjoy sitting closer to her. Don’t tell her, but I like my foster dad and the kids more than my FM. I will let them pet me, and sometimes, I even lie next to them on the bed. They love me from a distance now.I would benefit from a patient and loving home that will introduce me to new environments and people very slowly and carefully. I crave a quiet home with minimal foot traffic and not many visitors. The shelter recommends that everyone in the house be 18 or older and that I be the only pet. A solid routine and Churu sticks (a delicious squeeze cat treat) are the way to my heart.By the way, I am a beautiful Calico girl.
Mia has mastered her literacy and writing skills during her stay at the Humane Society for Hamilton County, and has written an introductory letter. Here's what she has to say:"Well, I think we've finally figured me out based on the information gleaned from two owners, three foster moms, and all the cattery staff & cat volunteers at HSHC.I was first surrendered to HSHC on December 10, 2023. My owner said I didn't play well with others. In hindsight, they were probably right. I admit I have difficulty living with other cats. And because I am the kind of girl who startles easily, I can overreact if I hear a loud noise, you accidentally touch me when I don't expect it, or someone interrupts us if I'm sitting on your lap. I guess I like to feel prepared for life's little events. Never throw me a surprise party without telling me about it first!I lived with my owner for five years before I came to HSHC. I have now lived at the shelter or in a foster home for a total of 437 days! Good grief! I am 6-years-old and just now have an idea of my personal needs.I need a cat-savvy owner in an all-adult home who understands cat body language and can recognize when I become overstimulated. They will know that it's time to end our interactions. I will do my best in a low-traffic, quiet household.While you help me transition to your home, always make your presence known and approach me slowly and calmly. Give me access to enrichment activities throughout the day, such as treat dispensing and battery-operated toys, to help me tire myself out!I currently reside with a fantastic foster mom (FFM) who reads my mind! She reports that I am doing GREAT in her foster home! She says I make biscuits on her lap, sleep on top of her, and will roll over to show off my fluffy belly! She knows that I will be a great companion to the right owner. Maybe that's you!"
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