It had been two years of care, food, medicine, grooming and handling by the staff. She’d had her picture in every “Pet of the Week” newspaper feature that would have her. She’d been the focus of fliers and put out for show at the Pooch Parade. Finally, through the work of a single internet picture, she had a chance at a home.

Even though it was a goal everyone had been working toward for years, the transaction didn’t happen quickly. The caregivers at STHS won’t hand over Rhythm or any of their animals to just anyone.

In order to adopt a dog at STHS, potential owners must meet specified criteria. For example, unless it’s a very small inside dog, there must be a fence, and the staff goes to the home to confirm that there is one. For Rhythm, a staffer went all the way to Baton Rouge to check out her potential family. The shelter checks references, also. All other pets in the household must be current with their shots and potential owners must promise to routinely give heartworm prevention medicine.

Some people are surprised that there are adoption criteria, thinking that the shelter should be happy to give a pet to anyone who wants one. Adoption counselors know, however, that if a person does not understand the seriousness of the responsibility involved, or if they can’t provide the physical requirements to care for the pet, the adoption will end in disaster. The pet will likely be returned to the shelter six or twelve months later when it is no longer a cuddly kitten or precious puppy.

Shelter director Janice Breaux says, “People think ‘Puppies are cute. Wouldn’t it be fun to have one?’ but don’t realize this is a ten-to-fifteen-year commitment.” Sadly, some people feel that once a pet becomes tiresome or a problem (most often because of a lack of attention or training), it can be thrown away.

The shelter uses several methods to decrease the rate of returns: a thorough application process, lots of dialogue to match the best pet with a potential owner, and education. Returned animals are one of the shelter’s biggest challenges, in spite of the pre-adoption screening. STHS keeps records on returned animals; the majority of the dog returns come from people who either said they would build a fence but never did, or said they didn’t need a fence because the dog would be kept inside. Those “inside” dog owners often found their energetic puppies needed more outdoor playtime than they thought. Other owners (up to 25 percent of the shelter’s returns) return sick animals after they have neglected to care for them.

Not only does the shelter then have the burden of placing the animal again, but additional time and money are needed to rehabilitate the animal.

The high rate of animal returns strains the already sparse funding the shelter uses to survive. Personnel work long, stressful hours. Old facilities are taxed due to overcrowding, and routine repairs are often given lower priority when the choice is between funding maintenance or feeding and medicating the animals. STHS is a no-kill shelter, meaning only uncontrollable aggressive animals or those with untreatable health conditions are euthanized. All others animals are maintained and available for adoption.

The shelter does not charge any person returning an animal to them, and does not receive tax money to operate. It relies on donations to stay open, and everyone who works at the shelter is called upon for after-hours fund-raising efforts. STHS was incorporated in 1953 as a non-profit animal charity and is run by an annually elected, volunteer board of directors. The Pooch Parade, or dog walk-a-thon and festival, is the major annual fund-raiser; preparations go on all year. Also, a donation request letter goes out twice a year.

Along with their other tireless efforts, STHS staff members pride themselves on their education program. Breaux has put together an adoption kit, complete with housebreaking pamphlets; a videotape from Purina on training; a brochure on behavior modification for cats and dogs from the ASPCA; information on healthcare routines, vaccinations and heartworm prevention; and sources for obedience training. And, a crate for housebreaking is free for 30 days.

Breaux stresses the importance of spaying and neutering for all animals. The shelter maintains a vet clinic featuring low-cost spaying, neutering, and heartworm prevention. Because these functions are so critical, future plans include expanding the clinic.

“That’s the difference between us and a pet store,” says Breaux. “We help prepare you and educate you for a lifelong relationship. You can feel great about rescuing an abandoned animal. And, you can save money, too.” Breaux and her staff and volunteers keep a log of each animal’s behavior and interactions. That way, during adoption counseling, they can provide the animal’s history to potential owners and match just the right pet with just the right family. She adds, “That’s what’s great about adopting an adult dog. You know exactly what you’re getting - size, coat, temperament - and an adult dog may not need the extreme level of supervision and attention a new puppy does.”

On the day I visited STHS, I was welcomed by the excited barking of every dog in the front runs. They all eagerly beckoned me to take them home, but with the dog I adopted more than 10 years ago, and with two recent additions, I am at my legal limit. (I will return for one when the time is right.) As I opened the door to enter, I was blocked by a waiting line because, although the vet clinic is enjoying growing popularity, the expansion of the facility has not caught up with the demand.

As I squeezed my way through, some staff and volunteers were cleaning cages. Others were performing surgeries or helping with post-op procedures. Still others were showing pets to potential adoptive families. I was amazed at their efficiency, but mostly at their attitudes. Amidst the crowded quarters, the noise and the constant demands for their attention from animals and humans alike, these people work tirelessly, and many times thanklessly. Although they may be harried, you can see the light of love and dedication to these neglected and abused animals. They know these animals are special, and that, even though much has been taken from them, they still have much to offer to a home that will give them a chance. No matter how hectic it gets, there’s always time for a romp with a long-timer like Rhythm, or a scratch behind the ears for a feline friend. In spite of the present financial crisis and space limitations, the animals are the focus.

On the eve of her adoption, I’m sure Rhythm was glad the animals are the focus. She was well taken care of for two years. Now she will have eight or ten years or more to contribute to her new family. As I was leaving the shelter, I caught excited exchanges about Rhythm’s new home. Something about a huge fenced yard and three boys to play with. Rhythm seems like the lucky one now, but if she has the same effect on her new family that hundreds of STHS graduates have had on their people (including me), they will consider themselves the lucky ones very soon.

Since the writing of this article, Rhythm’s family has written to thank STHS. They report that Rhythm loves to cool off in the fish pond, play with the boys, and provides a sense of security. They do indeed consider themselves lucky! For more information about the shelter or the Pooch Parade, contact STHS, 20384 Harrison Ave., Covington 70433, 985-892-7387, www.sthsonline.net.

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