By Mike Armstrong
Reporter, Carbon County Comet
The Rawlins-Rochelle Animal Shelter is offering an opportunity for dogs and cats to have a happy holiday if only for a short time, although Leah Ketner would be very happy if it turned long-term.
Currently, nine dogs and seven residing in the shelter have a shot to be in a foster home during the holidays. The idea is to let the pups and kitties have a bit of time with humans who can give them love and attention.
“I saw this being done about four or five years ago in another shelter,” Ketner said. “I realized it could work here too, so we tried and it was successful.”
She calls it “Home for the Holidays”.
Although Ketner would be happy if after the time was over for fostering a pet, the person doing the care, would want to keep the homeless little buddy forever.
But at the very least, the animal gets attention and love as does the person taking care of the new arrival.
“When we get the animals in the homes, it allows the staff to spend a little more time with their loved ones during the holidays,” Ketner said. “Hopefully this also creates more adoptions, but it is okay if the foster person doesn’t want them after the holidays. The time these pets get attention is special to them.”
She said the ultimate goal is to find the pets a really good home, but if not a home, a good foster situation.
“The idea is that by doing this, you can really make a difference in an animal’s life,” Ketner said. “We know people get busy during this time of year, but it really can make a difference for the pets in our shelters who could use the day-to-day attention.”
The shelter encourages people to foster before taking on a pet all year round. Kitner said she prefers to have people foster a pet before taking on the actual responsibility.
“It helps the owner and pet know if it is going to work,” Ketner said. “With Home for the Holidays, it doesn’t have to be a very long time, although it can be if a person wants it to be. We just like the pet gets a chance to be in home.”
Ketner said the foster program is available all year round, but there is something special about the holidays and giving love to a pup or kitty that has been in a cage for a bit of time.
The shelter can help a person find the right type of pet. When describing the type of disposition being looked for, the staff can help find the right pet.
This time of year, stockings are hung up for people who can’t take a pet, to donate a chewy toy for dogs and some catnip for cats. Whatever a person donates is put in a little stocking. Checks can be put in the stockings too. They also ask for the pets to get treats In their stockings.
Ketner said the idea was for the pets to get an enjoyable break from their cages.
Rawlins Police Chief Michael Ward praised the animal control group for taking care of the pets.
“Animal calls in Rawlins are always in the top five for calls coming in for Rawlins,” Ward said. “Daria Hooper has really been doing a good job, They do an excellent job reuniting pets to their owners.”
Ketner cautioned people who were thinking about getting a pet as a gift for Christmas. She said fostering a pet is a smart way to go. She recommended doing this all the time before taking on a new pet.
“You don’t want to find out getting a pet was a mistake and then abandon it,” Kentor said. “It really is smart to foster first whenever getting a pet.
“Too many times a person finds out they are not suited to take out a pet,” Ketner said. “And then the poor thing ends up here.
Ketner is happy when pets do end up staying with their adoptive masters.
“Most of these animals are so sweet,” Ketner said. “They just need a good home. Home for the Holidays provides just that, even if it is for a short time.”
