Throughout the month of October Van Bortel Subaru, Subaru Loves Pets, and the ASPCA are helping to waive adoption fees for select pets to help find homes for pets facing adoption challenges. Meet pets for adoption at: www.lollypop.org/adopt.
Most adopters walking into Lollypop Farm are giddy with excitement. They can’t wait to meet the perfect new member of their family! Some will lock puppy eyes and know this is the pet they were meant to go home with, but not every pet knows just how to put their best paw forward. Some need a little more patience, guidance, and time from the family who brings them home.
In this spirit, Lollypop Farm is calling on adopters open to going the extra mile to help pets with behavioral challenges. Common behavioral challenges can include separation anxiety, timidness, high-energy, and an inability to socialize with other pets. These types of behaviors can be challenging for pet owners, but for those willing to go the extra mile, these pets can become wonderful family members.
This was just the case with Athena. Athena was brought to Lollypop Farm because she was destructive in her home, and the stress of the shelter environment was a lot for her. She would stay to the back of the kennel and wouldn’t approach staff trying to care for her. With weeks of work, Athena slowly learned to trust, but her kennel behavior still wasn’t ideal on the adoption floor. Her high energy and bark was intimidating for potential adopters, but even so something told Caitlin and her family to give Athena a chance. Now, they can’t imagine their family without Athena, and she loves playing with the kids and zooming around her large yard too! That doesn’t mean Athena is a “perfect dog,” but she is perfect for them! Because they are willing to help Athena face her fears and challenges like meeting new people by providing consistent positive reinforcement.
This isn’t to say that every pet is perfect for every home. Families come in many different shapes and sizes, and so do pets. Each pet has individual characteristics and needs. At Lollypop Farm, we evaluate every pet as an individual and help to find them homes that embrace them for who they are, are able to work through their challenges, and can provide the environment they need. A high-energy dog who needs lots of exercise won’t do well in a home where his people are too busy to provide him the enrichment he needs. A pet with separation anxiety will need a family with time and patience to help them work through this difficult challenge. Our adoption counselors work very hard to make matches that set realistic expectations and set everyone up for success.
Are you ready to help a pet in need? Now is a great time to open your heart and home! Throughout the month of October Van Bortel Subaru, Subaru Loves Pets, and the ASPCA are helping to waive adoption fees for select pets helping us to find homes for pets facing adoption challenges. Meet pets for adoption at: www.lollypop.org/adopt.
