The reasons are not always so obvious. Perhaps they are older or not as eye-catching. They could be shy or nervous in a setting with so many new smells, sights and sounds. They may need help polishing up their manners.
While DCHS’s adoption guarantee means all healthy or treatable animals can stay at the shelter for as long as it takes to find a loving home, the goal is always to find a new home as quickly as possible. To help those pets who have been at DCHS for 30 days or longer, the Lonely Hearts Club (LHC) launched in January 2019 thanks to a generous grant from Maddie’s Fund.
Members of the LHC can be identified in the shelter by a logo hanging on their kennel or cage and on a special page on our website. These pets may have adoption incentives to encourage adopters to take a closer look, such as reduced adoption fees, free supplies or DCHS dog training classes.
In its inaugural year, the LHC helped 162 members, like Sassy, find loving families. Sassy was having a hard time finding a new home after being surrendered when her owner developed health issues. She was unhappy in a cat condo, so she moved to a staff office where her personality began to blossom. Maia decided to adopt Sassy because she was an LHC member. “I’ve had cats since I was a baby, so I don’t mind taking on a slightly more unusual cat,” explains Maia.
Sassy, now Pancake, has settled into her new home well. Maia reports that while Pancake still enjoys her alone time, she will hang out with Maia every evening while they watch hockey on the TV together.
If you are the type of person who, above all, wants to help those most in need, please take a look at our LHC members. A new best friend could be waiting just for you!
