Dogs and cats at least four months old looking for forever homes
Published on Page 1 of the August 21, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Marty Cheek
Bentley, a German Shepherd mix, is available for free adoption this month.
On a toasty August afternoon, Bentley, a German Shepherd with an unknown second breed mix, waits in his large kennel, his tail wagging eagerly as he sniffs through the chain-link gate the outreached hand of Susan Bukus. Around him, other dogs in their own individual kennels yelp and bark for human attention.
For dogs like Bentley, as well as a number of cats, the San Martin Animal Shelter is a last refuge in the South Valley to have a place to wait until an individual or a family finds them and takes them into their lives. And until the end of August, the shelter is making it relatively easy to adopt a pet companion by providing many of dogs and cats free of the usual adoption fees. This special adoption offer is only for animals at least four months old.
A volunteer with the shelter, Bukus recalls meeting Bentley’s former owner who came by the shelter once several weeks ago and grew emotional when he was reacquainted with the dog. The owner, who did not share his name, had to give Bentley up because he was moving to San Jose and the new residence he was moving into wouldn’t allow pets. “He was standing out there sobbing, it was really sad to see,” Bukus recalls.
The shelter is providing adoption free of charge through August because it needs to clear the many older cats and dogs who are waiting for homes, said Brigid Wasson, animal shelter supervisor.
“Hundreds of kittens are born in the spring and summer months, making this the busiest time of year for animal shelters,” she said. “Adorable kittens are often chosen over adult cats, leaving the adults to wait weeks and months for a new home. We decided to make adult animals — those older than four months of age — free to adopt as an incentive during this busy time. We decided to include dogs in the special because we also have many wonderful canines waiting for forever homes.”
Animals adopted from the shelter are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and have an ID microchip implanted under their skin as part of the shelter’s adoption service.
One pet purchased from a breeder would not come with all of these services, which would cost hundreds of dollars at the veterinarian, Wasson said.
Wasson has worked as the Animal Shelter supervisor since 2008 and enjoys working in the South Valley, a place she calls an “animal-loving community” from which the shelter receives great support. Most adopters are looking for a companion animal and are not overly concerned about the dog or cat’s breed, she said.Many people also believe that mixed breeds make better pets.
Susan Bukus plays with Bentley outside the San Martin Animal Shelter.
Bukus has seen many families find great animal companions.
“I would strongly encourage everyone to go to a shelter for a pet,” she said. “These pets may have had some bad experiences and are just looking for a forever home. Some have lost their owners due to a death in the family or their owners having to move and can no longer keep their pets. Shelter animals make some of the greatest pets and are very thankful for a new start in their lives.”
The animals that come to the shelter are all vet checked and any and all issues have been taken care of before the animal is put up for adoption, she said.
“I have strong compassion for all animals and I want to see as many get adopted as possible,” Bukus said. “It is extremely rewarding to get these animals into a loving home where I know they will be well cared for and loved. Since I have been volunteering, I have adopted out many cats, kittens, puppies, and dogs. I have been volunteering since June 1, 2013 and I can honestly say, I have enjoyed every minute I am at the shelter.”
HOW TO ADOPT
Interested in adopting Bentley or any other available pet companion?
Visit the shelter at 12370 Murphy Ave, San Martin, or call (408) 686-3900.
