Trainer's Corner

Special Pets Finding Their Way Home
By: Rescue/Behavior Department


August was a good month for long-time residents of the Connecticut Humane Society!  For many different reasons, some animals are overlooked in the kennels; either they don’t grab your attention, or they do, but for the wrong reasons.  During the month of August, thanks to our hard-working adoption staff and the open hearts of some wonderful adopters, we found homes for many of our long-term residents.

Teloulah suffered from an all-too-common misconception that older dogs face; they don’t have as much life left to share with a family.  If ever there was a dog to disprove that belief, it was Teloulah!  At 8 years old, she had been with CHS for over 3 months before someone was able to look past her age, and saw how much love she had to give.

DJ and Cecelia were passed over time and time again because of medical conditions that did not limit, in any way, the love they had to give.  DJ, at only 2 ½ years old, languished for 4 ½ months after being treated for a skin condition that left him with some temporary hair-loss.  Luckily for DJ, he was adopted by a family who wasn’t looking for a runway model.  Cecelia was only 4 years old when she came to us, but spent 5 months in our care.  When she arrived, she had such painful and chronic ear problems that the most humane course of action was to perform a surgery that would relieve all her pain, but leave her permanently deaf.  While she awaited a new family, the staff at CHS worked with her to help her adjust to a world without sound, and to train her to respond to visual signals.  She was adopted by a CHS volunteer, and we continue to receive regular updates on her progress. 

Nanna, a very affectionate 4-year-old, suffered from what is sometimes the worst detriment of all; she was a Pit Bull.  Shelters and rescues across the country are filled beyond capacity with sweet and loving Pits whose only crime is possessing a reputation that has been created, to a large degree, by misinformation.  Her breed, coupled with a short-lived and easily treated skin condition, kept Nanna in the shelter for 6 months.  There were mixed feelings when Nanna finally found her forever-home;  the staff was overjoyed to see her go, but her ear-to-ear grin and sweet disposition are sorely missed by all. 

All animals require the bare necessities of food, water, and shelter.  What creates an environment in which an animal can thrive is the addition of affection, mental stimulation, and relaxation.  Although we all know that the best thing for any homeless dog is to find a good home, we do our very best to help the canines thrive within the shelter environment by providing them with the following things:  1. The dogs at CHS are given daily walks, for physical exercise as well as mental stimulation.  2.  Many of the dogs also receive basic obedience training, which not only provides mental stimulation, but also makes them more adoptable.  3.  Another important facet of an all-encompassing approach to animal wellbeing is the often-overlooked value of quiet time.  Especially for dogs that have been with us for long periods, it is essential to have a “break” from the commotion of kennel life.  A long walk can be both physically and mentally stimulating; ending the walk with ten minutes of gentle ear rubs can complete a therapy session by providing the dog a calming and relaxing break. 

Probably the best chance any animal has of being adopted is to be seen by as many people as possible.  To this end, the Connecticut Humane Society utilizes several approaches to introduce animals to their potential families.  Transferring animals between the three branches of the Connecticut Humane Society ensures that every animal is seen by as many different people as possible.  A great deal of visibility is provided by the MAC (Mobile Adoption Center) which is part animal transport, part moving billboard.  The MAC can be seen at various events all across the state such as farmer’s markets, the annual CT Pet Expo and the annual Norwalk Oyster Festival.  The MAC not only finds homes for the animals on board, but spreads the word that Adoption should always be the First Option.  Finally, all of our shelters have relationships with local radio and TV stations as well as newspapers that provide free pet of the week promotional opportunities. 

Of course, there are still many animals in need at each of the Connecticut Humane Society shelters.  Remy, a 4-year-old Pit Bull in our Newington shelter, has been with us for over 1 year.  Unfortunately, this is because she has some fairly serious medical conditions that, although manageable, will remain with her for the rest of her life.  Fortunately for her forever-family (we know you are out there somewhere!) her medical conditions do not diminish, in any way, the love she has to give.  She has been in and out of foster care during her medical treatments, and everyone reports that she is unbelievably sweet and affectionate.  She needs someone who is dedicated to keeping her healthy and happy, and we are dedicated to helping find that person…no matter how long it takes.

To adopt your next pet, visit any of our locations.


Learn more about how to adopt from CT Humane.


Learn more about the CT Humane dog training classes.


Visit the CT Humane Animal Care Library for more training tips.