At Dane County Humane Society (DCHS), we believe everyone should get to enjoy the love of a pet, regardless of income or other difficulties. That belief is at the heart of our Pets for Life (PFL) program, which embraces the joy pets bring into people’s lives, no matter what path life has led them down.
So when Juanita reached out to our PFL team seeking assistance in adopting a cat, we understood how important this was to her well-being.
Juanita had been through a difficult time. Some family struggles had left her feeling very alone in her apartment. She felt a cat would help her process her grief, give her companionship, and find the motivation to get through each day again.
DCHS’s PFL program works in the 53713-zip code and Allied Drive neighborhood. Families in these areas work hard to support their pets, but they often face extra challenges. With a high proportion of residents living below the poverty line and a lack of pet stores and veterinary clinics, these areas are considered “resource deserts.” With the cost of pet supplies and veterinary care already highly impacted by inflation, families in these neighborhoods have an even more difficult time finding and affording the care their beloved pets need.
When we confirmed Juanita qualified for PFL assistance, we got to work. We secured full coverage of her adoption fee, and began gathering everything she would need to welcome a new kitten into her home: a litter box, litter, food, toys, a collar, food bowls, and other helpful pet items.
When we called Juanita with the good news, we heard it in her voice. Tears. Gratitude. Hope.
We knew that whichever cat she chose was going to a very loving home.
When Juanita came to the shelter to look at cats, she met with the only kitten available for adoption - a tiny tuxedo kitten named Chicken. Chicken was the first kitten of our spring “kitten season,” an adorable and busy time in the animal sheltering world. As soon as Juanita gave the tiny kitten a treat, something magical happened. The tiny kitten crawled onto Juanita’s shoulder and stayed there throughout the entire appointment, not interested in anyone else in the room.
Chicken had chosen her.
Juanita put Chicken on adoption hold right away, but since the kitten had arrived at DCHS as a stray, Juanita had to wait out Chicken’s stray period before taking her home. Juanita called our team regularly to check on how her new family member was doing.
At the end of Chicken’s stray period, DCHS’s Animal Medical Services team performed Chicken’s spay surgery, provided her with a final round of core vaccines, and gave her a microchip.
Finally, Chicken was ready to go to her new home with Juanita.
On adoption day, Juanita came to the shelter overjoyed, practically shaking with excitement. Our PFL team had one last surprise for her; we had managed to find a backpack carrier that we knew had to go with a person and cat who would truly appreciate it. As soon as we showed it to Juanita, she jumped with excitement. She said she had been searching for a safe way to bring her new family member on her walks with her but everything she had found was too expensive. This carrier meant she and Chicken could explore the world together.
Our PFL team loaded her car with supplies and our Adoptions staff reviewed her adoption paperwork, Juanita was overjoyed when we finally brought out Chicken in her new carrier. When we asked Juanita what her new family member’s name was, she said she wanted to get to know the kitten first.
The kitten formerly known as Chicken is now lovingly known as Missy, and Juanita and Missy have been inseparable ever since.
Missy is living her best life with Juanita! DCHS’s PFL team still sees the two of them every few weeks when we deliver pet supplies to her neighborhood. Missy has her own special room in Juanita’s apartment with lots of toys and a cozy bed. Juanita beams with pride when talking about Missy. They go out to eat together with Missy safely tucked in her travel backpack, they cuddle on the sofa, and, of course, the two spend lots of time playing together. Most importantly, Missy is always there, offering love and comfort when Juanita needs it most. Juanita says, “I’ve been struggling lately, and she really makes things a lot better, so thank you.”
Juanita and Missy are a heartwarming reminder of the love and purpose a pet can bring into our lives. Thanks to the PFL program, Juanita can continue to provide care and a safe home for Missy, while Missy continues to bring smiles to Juanita’s days.
Gwen Callahan is the Pets for Life Outreach Coordinator
