From shelter to safety: The slow road to trust

Not every pet arrives at the shelter ready to greet the world with a wagging tail or purr. Some animals have experienced change, loss, or uncertainty, and they show it through cautious behavior like hiding or avoiding eye contact. These pets aren’t unfriendly or difficult, they’re learning whether the world is safe again.

Help newly adopted pets adjust when bringing them home by following the 3-3-3 rule: three days to decompress, three weeks to learn routines and boundaries, and three months to start feeling secure.

Build trust by being patient. Sit quietly on the floor, speak in a calm voice, and allow pets to approach on their own terms. Offer treats from an open hand, keep a predictable daily routine, and provide a quiet safe space. Progress may be subtle — a dog choosing to nap nearby instead of in another room or a cat deciding today is the day to finally sit near you instead of on the other side of the house. Let your new pet set the pace. With kindness, even the shyest shelter pet can learn to feel safe, seen, and truly at home.

The language of love: How your pet says, "Be Mine"

Pets may not deliver chocolates on Valentine’s Day, but they express affection in thoughtful, sometimes surprising ways. Dogs often show love through quiet closeness — following you from room to room, napping nearby, resting a paw on you, or even sharing a toy. Cats might show love by positioning themselves with their back to you, which signals safety and trust, or greeting you with a soft chirp reserved for their favorite humans.



Be mindful of subtle cues, as well. A dog who licks your face once is offering affection, not asking for continued attention; repeated lip licking or sudden scratching can signal nervousness rather than excitement. Cats may flick their tail tips or swivel their ears when they’ve had enough cuddling, even if they’re still purring. 

Paws, play, repeat: Cabin fever edition

Winter can bring out the zoomies, even in chill breeds. Try these boredom busters that offer mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.

For pups, create a scent-based challenge by hiding treats in folded towels, cardboard boxes, or muffin tins covered with tennis balls. Teach new tricks or short sequences of behaviors like spin, paw, and sit-stay combos, using clicker training or gentle positive reinforcement.

Cats tend to crave interactive play more than structure. Hide small treats inside crumpled paper balls or inside paper bags for a treasure hunt that taps into their natural hunting instincts. Move a laser pointer in unpredictable patterns or use a wand toy to mimic prey behavior — slowly, then fast, then pause.



For high-energy rabbits or guinea pigs, make a foraging playground with cardboard tunnels and paper tubes leading to safe snack hiding spots. 

SUCCESS STORIES

HELPING HANDS

Thanks to the incredible support of adopters, volunteers, corporate partners, rescue groups, and our community, 2025 was a remarkable year for the animals in our care. Our team processed 3,777 adoptions, sent 582 animals to 91 rescue groups, and returned 1,616 pets to their owners, resulting in 93.34% of animals being saved. Through our Return to Community Cat program, an estimated 7,704 kitten births were prevented, helping stabilize the community cat population.

Field officers responded to 21,656 calls, impounded 6,358 animals, and issued 1,523 citations, keeping pets safe and supported throughout the year. Our 326 dedicated volunteers contributed 337.25 hours of care and enrichment, ensuring every animal received love and attention, while 14 shelter-based events connected pets with families — including a heartwarming moment when we even held a wedding ceremony for two shelter dogs!

In 2025, we also expanded programs and online features to better serve pets and the community. We launched the Pet Food Assistance Program, introduced the Companion Pet and Paws of Service foster programs, and continued to engage the public online through Dear Tabby and Takeover Tuesday features. Every wagging tail, every purr, and every happy reunion reflects the dedication of our community. We are so grateful for your support in 2025 — and we can’t wait to show you what we accomplish together in 2026!