Adjusting To Life In A Kennel
- Nov 11, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Welcome to Pet Talk, an occasional column about homeless pets and related topics. Last month we discussed so-called long-timers—that is, dogs that have been at the Flathead County Animal
Shelter for quite some time now.
Well, how about Shortimers, what’s it like for them?
Dogs, like humans, are creatures of habit. That is, they have strong bonds to their “packs,” whether they be human or other dogs (or even cats!). And they develop strong attachments to physical environments (i.e., their homes).
So what happens when those bonds are shattered, such as when a dog or cat suddenly finds itself having to adjust to the confines of a strange new animal shelter?
There are many reasons for such misfortunes. For example, perhaps a longtime pet owner recently died, or financial hardship has impacted an owner. Of course, there are also cruelty cases, such as when dogs and cats are abandoned by irresponsible uncaring owners—which occurred with my 2 adopted dogs years ago.
Just imagine spending long days and nights in a kennel measuring just a few square feet in size. It would be bad enough spending just a night or two, like strays often do, but how about being incarcerated for weeks on end!
So if you’re seeking one or more loving companions please schedule a meet-and-greet by phoning Flathead County Animal Shelter at (406) 752-1310.
And did you know about the low adoption fees and other incentives at Flathead County Animal Shelter? For example, Flathead Shelter Friends offers a Senior Pet Voucher, which pays up to $350 toward veterinary care for 7+ year-old adopted pets. For more information please contact Flathead County Animal Shelter at 406-752-1310 or visit https://flatheadcounty.gov/department-directory/animal.
Pet Talk is produced by Flathead Shelter Friends Inc., an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information visit www.flatheadshelterfriends.org.
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