Month: August 2023

Should You Adopt a Puppy When You Have an Older Dog?

By Julie Zeilinger

Puppy and older Labrador Dog playing in the grass together
Samantha Gehrmann / Stocksy
It’s a thought many pet parents of older dogs have: Should I adopt a puppy for my dog? It’s a well-meaning and valid question, but one that should be carefully considered. While bringing home a young dog or puppy might “liven up” your older dog and help them stay young, this is not always the case. Sadly, the reverse is often true.

If you’ve started to ask yourself this question, consider these important factors when choosing a new companion for your home.

What are the benefits of getting a puppy with an older dog?

There are benefits of getting a puppy when you have an older dog, including:

  • Providing your senior with companionship and mental stimulation, which can help prevent cognitive decline and reduce stress.
  • Giving your senior a reason to be more active, which can help keep them mobile and deter the onset of certain health conditions.

Your older dog could very well benefit a puppy as well by helping guide them through their training by modeling the rules of the house.

How to decide if you should get a second dog

First and foremost, carefully consider your older dog’s health, energy, and temperament before bringing a new dog into your home. Your dog is an individual, and nobody knows them better than you. Have they reacted well to puppies and/or other dogs in the past? Are they naturally social? Do they struggle with being alone?

It’s also important to remember that if you decide to bring home a second dog, you must be prepared for all the responsibilities that come with a new family member, including the financial responsibility and time needed for training and taking care of them. You should only bring a second dog into your home, therefore, if you want one — not only because you think they might benefit your resident dog.

If you decide to go for it, you’ll want to know how to prepare for a second pet. Here are some questions to consider:

Will a new puppy be welcome in the home?

If your dog is not naturally social and has shown aggression or even disinterest towards other dogs or puppies, they likely will not welcome another dog in their home. It’s also important to consider the puppy’s temperament and breed: If your resident dog is a breed that tends to be more sedentary, it’s best to avoid adopting a large-breed or high-energy puppy.

How far apart in age are they?

Your senior or adult dog might be spry now, but think ahead. Will they still be a good match for an adolescent companion in two or three years? And will you still be able to manage a young dog and an older dog who may need more intense care?

Will a puppy help my older dog stay young and active?

A puppy may help your older dog stay active, but an older dog will likely not be able to match a puppy’s energy at all times. You should plan to be able to separate your older dog from your puppy throughout the day to give your senior time to decompress.

Will a puppy affect my older dog’s routines and comfort?

A puppy could very well affect your older dog’s comfort and even cause stress. Senior dogs already experiencing cognitive decline or who have demonstrated difficulty adjusting their routine in the past probably won’t take well to a new puppy’s routines.

Will my older dog need more attention after bringing in a puppy?

If your older dog has been the only pet in the home for most or all of their lives, and they are happy as an only pet, they may prefer all your attention. If you bring in a new dog, remember to make sure your older pet receives extra one-on-one time with you every day.

Tips for raising a puppy with an older dog

Before you begin to consider how you’ll raise your new puppy alongside your older dog, it’s crucial to properly introduce them. Make sure your puppy and resident dog are vaccinated, neutered or spayed, and in good health (if either is ill, they may need to be kept separate from the other while being treated). Once everyone is healthy, follow these steps:

Introducing your puppy and older dog

Your new puppy and resident dog’s first introduction should be outside in neutral or unfamiliar territory, with both dogs on leashes. Note that if your puppy is very young and hasn’t completed their vaccinations, they shouldn’t be in a public place, so consider asking a neighbor or friend to use their yard.

The resident dog should approach the puppy first, and the puppy should be restrained from jumping or sniffing. If there are no signs of aggression, the dogs can spend five or ten minutes together. If there are signs of aggression, separate the dogs; you may need to walk them instead, with the adult dog leading and the puppy behind.

Once home, you may want to keep the puppy in a “starter room,” ideally one your resident dog doesn’t use for sleeping or eating, at least at first. Then, the dogs can start going on leashed walks together and build up toward being off-leash together in a contained area while supervised. You can slowly increase the amount of time they spend together.

When introducing dogs, it’s important to try to model calm behavior yourself, as dogs respond to humans’ emotions and behavior. You should also keep all initial meetings short and closely monitor both dogs’ body language.

Welcoming your new puppy

As important as it is to make sure your new puppy is properly introduced to and eventually gets along with your resident dog, it’s also crucial to pay attention to everything you need to do to welcome your new dog to your home.

For example, especially if your new dog is an older puppy or young adult, remember the “3-3-3 rule”: expect your new dog to feel overwhelmed or nervous for three days, take three weeks to settle in, and three months to build trust and bond with you. They may also express some anxiety symptoms, like a reduced appetite or hiding. Just show your new dog patience and understanding and establish a consistent schedule so they feel secure.

Training your puppy

Training a new puppy is crucial whether you have a resident dog or not. After puppy-proofing your home, employ positive reinforcement training to reinforce good behavior. The good news is your older dog may help train your puppy by modeling positive behavior.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

Should I get a second dog?

When deciding whether or not to get a second dog, you should take your individual pet into consideration. For example, if your older dog is experiencing health problems, they likely won’t be able to keep up with a puppy’s rambunctiousness.

Julie Zeilinger is a NYC-based writer and editor whose writing has been published in Marie Claire, Vox, HuffPost, Forbes, and other publications. She is also the author of two books: College 101: A Girl’s Guide to Freshman Year(2014) and A Little F’d Up: Why Feminism Is Not a Dirty Word(2012). She is the mom to Baloo, a two-year-old Bichpoo and foster mom to dogs via Badass Animal Rescue.

Adopting a Dog

Find a Dog to Adopt

Search for adoptable dogs and puppies near you. If you don’t see the perfect pup right away, sign up with your email address in the New Pet Alerts box to get email notifications for new adoptable dogs once a day. Get started. Thank you for adopting a pet!

Below are some articles to help you when you’re getting ready to adopt or have already adopted a dog.

Dogs breeds

Small Beagle dog breed licks person
Small Dog Breeds That Make The Best Rescue Pets
woman and husky giving paw in front of blue background
Medium Dog Breeds Ready for Adoption

Large Dog Breeds That You’ll Love

More Dog Breeds

Choosing the right dog to adopt

White rescue dog's face rests upon sofaWhat is a Rescue Dog?
Woman with adopted senior dog
Why Senior Dogs Are the Best
Woman reading body language of mixed breed dog at animal sanctuary
Decoding “Shelter Speak”

Cute pet name ideas

Little old dog sitting on vintage sofa
Old Lady Dog Names With a Vintage Vibe
Cute dog with flowers on her head
Beautiful Flower Names for Dogs
happy black dog white blue eyes on grass
Black Dog Names That Are Anything But Basic

More Pet Names

Before adopting a dog

shelter working playing with dogs
Debunking Common Myths About Pet Adoption Shelters
family introduces child to newly adopted pitbull dog
Preparing Children for Dog Adoption
woman with puppies
What is the Average Cost to Adopt a Dog?

Help with adopted a dog

Dogs with other dogs and cats

Specific for puppies

Helpful articles for all pet adopters

Single Kitten Syndrome: Symptoms & Treatments

Thinking of adopting a cat? Learn more about the risks of single kitten syndrome before choosing an adopted friend.

single kitten being held by foster mom
Melanie DeFazio / Stocksy
If you adopted a single kitten under the age of six months, you may begin to notice some troubling behavior over time. If your kitten is excessively vocal, destructive, and/or aggressive, they are likely experiencing “single kitten syndrome,” a condition that can develop in kittens who are not raised with other kittens or cats.

Though it’s not a recognized medical condition, “single kitten syndrome” is an anecdotal grouping of behaviors that can be detrimental to both a cat and their pet parents. In fact, it’s the main reason that many shelters and rescue organizations encourage or even require adopters to bring home kittens in pairs.

Not every single kitten adopted alone will experience this syndrome, but if your lone kitten is exhibiting signs of it, there’s hope for help. Read on to learn more about single kitten syndrome and how you can help a cat experiencing it.

What is single kitten syndrome?

Single kitten syndrome, also known as “only kitten syndrome” or “single cat syndrome,” is a condition that can develop in kittens who are not raised with other kittens or cats. Kittens are almost always born in a litter with multiple siblings, and along with their mom’s care, those litter dynamics play an important role in kittens’ social development.

Essentially, lone kittens grow up without the benefit of socializing with their littermates and don’t receive the kind of feedback from their fellow kittens that helps teach them which behaviors are appropriate and which are not.

“If a kitten from a litter of one is introduced to a kitten that has grown up with other kittens, [the lone kitten] will play more roughly than normal. Hand-raised kittens are even more inept: some turn out to be so aggressive that other kittens actively avoid them,” says renowned anthrozoologist John Bradshaw in his book Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Other kittens may become “excessively bonded” to their pet parents.

Symptoms of single kitten syndrome

Symptoms of single kitten syndrome can include:

How can I recognize if my kitten has single kitten syndrome?

If you have adopted a kitten and they start exhibiting the above symptoms, they may have single kitten syndrome.

What are the long-term effects of single kitten syndrome?

Without intervention from their pet parent, a veterinarian, or a behaviorist, cats with single kitten syndrome will continue to engage in destructive behaviors. What’s more, cats experiencing single kitten syndrome are all too often returned to the shelters or rescues from which they were adopted or otherwise surrendered by their families because of their behaviors.

“Hand-reared kittens may develop extreme personalities because they miss out on these interactions due to their lack of contact with other cats,” says Bradshaw. But providing socialization during the third and fourth months of age, even if it’s late, can be beneficial. “…it seems possible that continued interactions with their peer group during adolescence could make a major contribution to cats’ development as social animals.”

How to treat only kitten syndrome.

The best treatment for single kitten syndrome is often to adopt another cat. While bringing home one new family member can (understandably) feel like a big step and commitment in and of itself, it may actually make your life easier, and benefit your cat, to bring home another.

If you go this route, it’s best to choose a cat who is as close in age, size, and energy level as your resident cat as possible. Some cat experts recommend having cats of opposite sexes, too (but be sure to spay and neuter them both!).

If you decide to adopt a new cat, however, make sure to introduce your resident cat and new family member carefully and slowly. You’ll want to follow a multi-step process that involves isolating your cats in their own environments and then introducing each one to the other’s scent. Only when both cats seem ready, introduce them face to face.

Provide your kitten with plenty of toys and activities.

If you can only adopt one kitten, it is important to provide them with plenty of stimulation and attention. Play with your kitten at least three times a day or until they are so tired they don’t want to play anymore.

It’s also often beneficial to provide your kitten a secure “room with a view” with a cat tree or sofa backed up against a window with a view of trees and birds. Bonus points if you can hang up a bird feeder and let your cat observe from the inside.

You can also bring home new objects for your kitten to hide in, such as big cardboard boxes or paper shopping bags (with the handles safely cut off) and tall objects on which they can safely climb. You may also want to buy or make enough toys to hide some and do a daily rotation. Essentially, you want to make your kitten’s life as fun and stimulating as possible.

Provide your kitten with a secure, cozy place to sleep.

You can recreate the comforting environment a kitten would experience with their mother and littermates by providing them with a covered, heated cat bed (one specifically designed for cats — a human heating pad will get too hot) on your bed if possible, or on a chair right next to your bed. You can also give them a stuffed animal the size of another kitten or cat for company.

Consult with a veterinarian or certified cat behaviorist.

Kittens should see a veterinarian within the first week of coming to a new home for routine care, and a vet you’ve already established a relationship with is a great resource to turn to if you begin to notice symptoms of single kitten syndrome. It’s important to rule out any underlying medical issues that could be causing the behavioral symptoms that also come with single kitten syndrome.

You may also consider enlisting the help of a certified cat behaviorist, who can help you address your cat’s behavioral issues. Before hiring a behaviorist, however, make sure you ask a few key questions, such as if they’ve worked with clients with similar issues (and, if so, what the outcome was) and if they can provide references.

What if none of this works?

What if you sought out a professional and it did not help, or you are unable to make the investment in helping your cat with their behavior problems? Rehoming your cat to a family that can better address these needs may be a very kind and responsible choice. Rehome is a peer-to-peer adoption service that allows pet parents to post their pets on adoptapet.com to be seen by millions of potential adopters. If you’re in the difficult position of considering whether to rehome your pet, it’s important to take an honest look at the situation and do your homework. Rehome can help make the process easy and as safe as possible. When you’ve done all you can, it’s important to remember that pets are individuals, and sometimes your home might not be the right fit.

Can single kitten syndrome be prevented?

The best way to prevent single kitten syndrome is to adopt two kittens at the same time. Being raised with another kitten offers cats many benefits, including keeping each other occupied (and, therefore, out of trouble) and physically and mentally engaged. Many kittens are available for adoption at local shelters and rescue groups across the United States. Start your search for a friendly cat or kitten at adoptapet.com

FAQs (People Also Ask):

How is single kitten syndrome different from fading kitten syndrome?

Fading kitten syndrome threatens a kitten’s physical well-being and involves health-related symptoms, whereas single kitten syndrome primarily affects their mental well-being and is exhibited through behavioral symptoms.

Fading kitten syndrome occurs when a kitten fails to thrive between birth and when they wean from their mother (or from a bottle, in the case of hand-fed kittens) and is evidenced by the kitten failing to meet developmental milestones and other symptoms, such as labored breathing, lack of appetite, weakness, and an inability to gain weight. This syndrome usually occurs during a period of four to five weeks and is usually fatal.

References

One Is the Loneliest Number: Single Kitten “Syndrome” Behaviors

Fading Kitten Syndrome: Factors Predisposing to ‘Faders’ and Treatment Options

Affiliative Behavior of Related and Unrelated Pairs of Cats in Catteries

Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet

Single vs multiple cat adoptions: A trade-off between longer adoption times and social bonding in shelter cats

Sociality in Cats: A Comparative Review

Social Organization in The Cat: A Modern Understanding

Julie Zeilinger is a NYC-based writer and editor whose writing has been published in Marie Claire, Vox, HuffPost, Forbes, and other publications. She is also the author of two books: College 101: A Girl’s Guide to Freshman Year (2014) and A Little F’d Up: Why Feminism Is Not a Dirty Word (2012). She is the mom to Baloo, a two-year-old Bichpoo and foster mom to dogs via Badass Animal Rescue.

12 White Dog Breeds (Big and Small) with Solid White Coats

Woman with white dog getting her paw
If you’re thinking about bringing home a new BFF and happen to have a soft spot for white dogs, you’re not alone. Loving white dogs is a cross-cultural, cross-generational experience.

While fur color doesn’t define a dog’s personality, there’s something appealing about the clean, crisp look of a white floofy coat. And white dogs stand out in a crowd, making them quite photogenic. These beautiful pups come in many different shapes, sizes, and temperaments: there are white dogs for active people, families with kids, people with allergies, and those of us who want to spend most of our time watching TV.

Just remember, regardless of fur color, each dog is a unique individual. If you’re ready to welcome a new pup into your life, focus on finding the right match in terms of temperament, energy level, and grooming needs. But hey, if you’re partial to snowy coats, here are some of the most popular white dogs, big and small.

Small white dog breeds

Here are some of the cutest white small dog breeds:

white west highland terrier in woman's lap
Irina Efremova / Stocksy

1. West Highland Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, also known as the Westie, is a small baby originating in Scotland. These white dogs have dense, wiry, double-layered coats, muscular bodies, and pointy ears. Westies are known for their lively, confident, and loyal personalities. They can be trained with consistency and positive reinforcement but are quite independent and need some patience and persistence. They need lots of daily exercise and playtime, especially chasing and digging, ideally outside — you don’t want them to try and do either inside the house.

Coton de tulear lying on side
SimonSkafar / iStock

2. Coton de Tuléar

The Coton de Tuléar is appropriately named after cotton fiber; these companion dogs have beautiful puffy white coats that need brushing to prevent mats, but don’t shed very much. They’re generally very quiet and like people and other dogs. They can be shy with strangers — their devotion is entirely for their pet parents — and can be good guard dogs. They like learning new things and take well to training. The Coton de Tuléar also only needs moderate exercise, so enjoy their company on the couch.

white bichon frise dog rests head on womans shoulder
Branko Starcevic / Stocksy

3. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a white dog breed with a big personality, bred to liven up circus performances. The Bichon Frise is playful, social, and cuddly. They love running around outside and soaking up all the attention they attract. The Bichon Frise grows a long, fluffy white coat that requires regular brushing and grooming and can be formed into interesting shapes, so that’s fun. Unfortunately, the Bichon Frise does not love being left alone and can be destructive if ignored. They also have a reputation for being difficult to housebreak. This is definitely a dog that needs your full attention.

white maltese dog
Amanda Large / Stocksy

4. Maltese

Maltese dogs have beautiful white coats that will grow into swinging silky curtains if not kept trimmed. They are surprisingly low-shed, but still need regular brushings to keep out tangles. Grooming them is drama-free, though: they will sit in your lap and absorb your attention with joy. They are easily trained and adaptable to different environments, so they can fit into apartments or big homes. They love kids, but they’re delicate, so make sure any children they’re around know how to handle them.

White American Eskimo Dog
Nikita Korchagin / Pexels

5. American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo dog is considered an “ancient breed” that has a bit of wolf in its bloodline. That said, these dogs can come in different sizes, some of which are pretty tiny. Similar to the Japanese Spitz, all American Eskimos, have flowing white fur coats, striking, fox-like faces, and long plumed tails that curl up over their backs. Despite their elegant build, they are extremely active and energetic and want lots of activity and exercise.
Havanese dog on sofa
Vista Photo / iStock

6. Havanese

Havanese are lap-dogs with wavy coats that puff out around their faces like a lion’s mane. Instead of a majestic feline face in that mane, though, you’ll find a goofy teddy bear with floppy ears. Their coats require a lot of grooming and can be styled many ways. Havanese make great therapy dogs because of their inexhaustible need for human attention, but the other side of that coin is that they can get very loud and destructive if you leave them alone for too long. If you can bring your dog to most places you go, this is the one for you.

Big white dog breeds

Don’t forget about large dog breeds. Here are six bigger white dog breeds:

white samoyed dog jumping after ball at beach
Yakov Knyazev / Stocksy

1. Samoyed

The Samoyed is the ultimate floof. Originally from Siberia, Russia, where they grew thick fluffy white coats to protect themselves from and blend in with the harsh Arctic landscape. Samoyeds make wonderful pets but obviously don’t do well in warm climates. They love outdoor play in cool environments, especially the snow, and they need lots of daily exercise. Samoyeds like hiking, running, and playing, but should always have access to shade and water. One note is that they have a high prey drive, so only pair them with other animals their size or larger for the sake of household peace.

White german shepherd running
wolfhound911 / AdobeStock

2. White German Shepherd

German Shepherds are typically known for their black and tan coloration, but there are White German Shepherds; they are the same breed but with a recessive gene that affects pigment production. They have pure white coats, pink noses, and light-colored eyes, but their coloration is unrelated to albinism. German Shepherds are quite strong and have a reputation for fierceness, and while they tend to be protective, they can be very loving, loyal, and affectionate with their pet parents. Careful socialization is a must as are long walks and play. They will be happiest when learning tasks that challenge their skills with agility and tracking. And whatever color they are, German Shepherds need lots of brushing.

White dog Great Pyrenees on leash with woman
Petro / AdobeStock

3. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees breed hails from a mountain range bordering France and Spain, and, like their name suggests, they are big. Their long, rangy bodies are covered in a shaggy white coat that is usually white or cream, and they need lots of grooming. They were bred as working dogs set to guard sheep, have a mild temperament, and are friendly and affectionate. They can also be amazingly stubborn when they don’t feel like doing something. Invest in training, and they can make wonderful family pets. A Great Pyrenees needs lots of regular exercise and play, but they’re happy to quietly relax with you afterward.

white bull terrier sits in woman's lap
Daxiao Productions / Stocksy

4. Bull Terriers

The Bull Terrier is a muscular and athletic dog with a short, shiny coat that can come in a range of colors, including pure white. They are known for their playful and outgoing personalities and being extremely smart; they need plenty of mental stimulation. They can also be quite stubborn but will take to training with patience and positive reinforcement. Bull Terriers also need a lot of exercise and space to run around. But be cautious: without proper socialization and early positive experiences, they can get aggressive with other dogs and strangers. They’re a breed that’s best for experienced pet parents.

white standard poodle pet by owner with red hair
Marija Kovac / Stocksy

5. Standard Poodle

Poodles come in all different colors, but one of the most iconic visions people have of poodles is of a big white dog covered in sculptural curls. These water dogs also come in several sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Poodles are generally very smart, and their temperaments tend to correlate with their size: the little guys have a reputation for being feisty, while the larger they are, the more complacent they tend to be. Poodles have curly coats that are considered hypoallergenic because they are hair, not fur. Their coats can get quite long, so keep them brushed and groomed. Most of all, have fun with your poodle: they need to keep those sharp minds occupied with lots of play.

Cream Golden Retriever
Samantha Gehrmann / Stocksy

6. Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are well-known for their eponymous golden coats, but they can also have pale cream, nearly white fur color. They have broad, open faces that look like they’re always smiling, and those faces match their friendly, outgoing personalities. Golden Retrievers are known for being great, affectionate family pets who are fond of kids. They’re also very active dogs who need lots of regular exercise and playtime, including swimming, fetching, and going on long walks or hikes. They also love training that requires focus and makes them feel useful. Try teaching them to get the newspaper in the morning as a nostalgic throwback.

Caring for white dog breeds

Grooming white dog breeds and keeping their coat bright demands regular maintenance and some elbow grease. Not literally of course — grease will only make things worse.

Brushing and bathing

Brush your white dog regularly to remove any dirt, debris, or dead hair dulling their coat. Slicker brushes or combs can help gently remove tangles and mats. Regular baths with a mild dog shampoo and conditioner are also important; rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any soap residue and dry thoroughly afterward with a towel and a blow dryer set to the very lowest setting so dust doesn’t turn into mud in your dog’s newly washed locks.

Sun exposure

A somewhat controversial fact is that overexposure to the sun can cause a white dog’s coat to yellow or become discolored. Bringing your dog inside during the hottest parts of the day will help, but don’t forgo outdoor time just to keep your dog brighter. They deserve play and sunshine, too, and will likely get a little yellow with age anyway. Besides changes in fur color, dog breeds with white fur are more likely to get sunburned than other breeds, so be sure to use sunscreen on any thinly covered areas.

Shampoos

There are whitening shampoos that can help brighten your dog’s coat and remove any discoloration, but make sure to choose a high-quality product that is specifically designed for dogs. What doesn’t harm our scalps could irritate their skin. Check with your veterinarian to ensure your shampoo of choice is suitable for your dog.

Healthy diet

You can also treat your dog from the inside out with a well-balanced, nutritional diet that helps keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

What are the biggest white dog breeds?

Some of the biggest white dog breeds are Great Pyrenees, Samoyed, Akita, Irish Wolfhound, and Siberian Husky which all can have completely or partially white coats.

What types of white dogs are there?

There are over 12 breeds of dogs that can come in solid white — they can range from small to large, some are smooth coated while others are fluffy or curly.

What breeds of white dogs have pointy ears?

There are several breeds of white dogs with pointy ears including American Eskimo, Japanese Spitz, Samoyed, Bull Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier.

Are all white dogs deaf?

No, not all white dogs are deaf. Certain breeds of dogs have a greater likelihood of being born with deafness, particularly those with a white coat. Dogs with albinism, merle or dapper coats, or spots are at a higher risk.

Which white dog breeds are really fluffy?

Two of the most well-known white dog breeds that are really fluffy are the Samoyed and the American Eskimo. With big floofy snow-colored coats, these pups are sure to melt your heart.

Are there any big white dogs that don’t shed?

All dogs shed, but the Standard Poodle is known for being a low-shedding dog breed that comes in many colors, including white.

Are solid white dogs rare?

Nope, unlike solid white cats, there are several healthy and common dog breeds specifically bred for their luscious white coats.

References:

Sunburn and Dogs

West Highland White Terriers History

Dog Breeds With Reported Congenital Deafness

Breed-Specific Deafness Prevalence In Dogs

Largest Dog Breeds

16 Largest Dog Breeds

Why White Dogs are White

7 Surprising New Discoveries About Dog Traits

Harley Belle from Humane Educational Society of Chattanooga

Harley Belle’s adoption story: I’m a neonatal and critical care kitten and puppy foster mama. Last summer, I got a call (from the Humane Educational Society in Chattanooga, TN) about a mama and her 6-hours-old babies who had been left in a cardboard box on the side of a major road. The cardboard box had no air holes and was so incredibly taped up, it took animal control officers over 10 minutes to even open the box.

Mama and her babies came to stay with me where she raised them all to be the sweetest babies who all got adopted out into our community. Mama stayed in foster care with us after her babies got adopted and we quickly came to realize that she was a missing piece of our family that we never knew we needed. She cuddled our dogs, played with our resident cats, and cuddled up on my boyfriends chest to sleep every night.

We officially adopted her and haven’t looked back since! #catdaysofsummer

About Humane Educational Society of Chattanooga: Our mission at Humane Educational Society is to provide a safe haven for homeless, injured, abused and neglected animals in our community and advocate on their behalf. We believe that each animal deserves a second chance and a loving forever home.

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Penny from Lowell Humane Society

Penny’s adoption story: Penny was love at first sight! We found her in a big cage all by herself in the back of the Lowell Humane Society. She had been napping, but noticed us there and quickly came over to the cage door and started pouring love all over us! She’s incredibly talkative and friendly and follows us around all the time. Penny is a super social cat, she meows and purrs and trills constantly as she’s just so very happy! She loves us so much, always coming up to us looking for petting. She loves her face and ears being rubbed along with her belly! We got very lucky to find Penny as she has brought so much happiness to our lives and honestly is making us better people.

About Lowell Humane Society: Founded in 1873, the Lowell Humane Society is one of the oldest humane organizations in the state of Massachusetts. The purpose of the Lowell Humane Society is to prevent cruelty to animals, provide care for homeless and distressed animals and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. The shelter is a private not for profit organization and does not receive any city, state or federal funding. Operations are supported through the generous support of individuals, businesses and foundations. Our services include:

* Pet Adoptions
* Humane Education
* Information Services
* Lost and Found Service

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Spartacus from Happy Paws Kitten Rescue

Spartacus’ adoption story: My husband and I were celebrating our 26th anniversary in Greece. One evening we heard what sounded like a kitten crying in distress, so we began searching for it and found an abandoned kitten just hours old. We couldn’t reach him, but after some quick thinking we were able to carefully extend a selfie stick and balance him on the end that holds the phone while slowly pulling him up until we were able to reach him.
Lucky for him we foster neonatal kittens so we already knew what to do with a kitten that small, however, since we weren’t home, we didn’t have any of our usual supplies (bottle, formula, blanket, etc). Knowing time was of the essence for kittens this small, we frantically tried to gather supplies but had difficulties finding what we needed; pet stores were closed, the nearest vet was closed, and the grocery store only had goat’s milk, which we bought as a last resort, however, we had to find a pharmacy to get an eyedropper to feed him.

As we rushed to find a pharmacy that was open, we happened to find a vet that only opened in the evenings. Thankfully he had one box of kitten formula which included a bottle and nipple. We quickly made a bottle and fed him right there; this was just the beginning of our journey…
We tried to find a rescue that could take him, but the few we found would not take a kitten that young. Knowing that we couldn’t just leave him to die, we altered our plans to only include events that we could take the kitten (now named Spartacus) with. I kept him warm by keeping him in my sports bra. We fed him every 2hrs and took him everywhere with us- the subway, tourist events, restaurants, a ferry to the next island, and yes, even the plane back to Athens. When the time came to return to the States, we packed up a little “diaper bag” for him and off we went. The flight was long, and we were happy to be home where I had all my supplies on hand in the nursery we had set up for kittens.

We placed Spartacus, who was now roughly 1.5 weeks old, in the incubator to provide him the best environment so that he could continue thriving. After just a couple of days in the incubator, he started showing signs of separation anxiety, so we decided the best thing for his well-being was to continue taking him everywhere with us since that’s what he was already accustomed to, so that’s what we did.

Our intent was only to foster him, like all the other babies we take in, but we ran into some health issues which included FCKS (Flat Chested Kitten Syndrome), only one working lung, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency). Any one of these are life threatening, but to have all of these at one time stacks the odds against him. Not knowing what his fate would be, we worked closely with the vet to try and overcome these things. He’s now 3-months-old and has beaten the odds, proving to be a true Greek warrior! He’s now part of our family and still goes everywhere with us, including out of State trips.

About Happy Paws Kitten Rescue: Happy Paws Kitten Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for, providing medical treatment, and re-homing homeless, abandoned, and abused cats in East Tennessee. We are also dedicated to promoting proper care of animals through community education and to strengthening the human-animal bond.

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Boog from McPherson County Humane Society

Boog’s adoption story: Meet Boog “aka Custard” aka Lil Booger aka Mr. Boogalou, was adopted officially on 12/2020 from McPherson County Humane Society in McPherson, KS. He was my first foster fail!! I’ve fostered for McPherson County Humane Society off and on for a few years. He came into the shelter with his mom and four other siblings. Unfortunately, Boog needed a little more attention and needed to go into a home where he could be monitored closely. He was barely one pound when I brought him home and was covered in ringworm. After having Boog in our home for a few months, we knew his forever home was with us. He was such a cuddly kitten and needed to be around someone at all times. Boog just fit into our family perfectly. I had lost my orange tabby Morris of 16 years earlier that year and I feel like Boog came along to help me heal. Nowadays Boog spends his day bird watching or participating in the Indy 500 with his brother Hero. Boog is a talker, it can be 3 am or 9 pm and he wants to make sure everyone in the house knows what he’s doing and where he is. #catdaysofsummer

About McPherson County Humane Society: The McPherson County Humane Society was founded in 1979. We promote animal welfare and work hard to prevent animal abuse and/or neglect. We constantly stress the need and benefit of having all pets spayed or neutered! We are proud to have a stellar reputation of cleanliness and calmness at our cat shelter, which comfortably houses around 100 cats at any given time. Every one of our cats is tested, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered (age appropriate) before leaving our shelter.

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Possum from REAL Cruzan Cats St. Croix

Possum’s adoption story: A few years ago my former next door neighbor from childhood, a neighbor I used to babysit with her two brothers, posted a picture of a kitten she had rescued with her local rescue after a hurricane. I commented that it was the cutest kitten I’d seen and that it would be adopted quickly! My friend fostered the kitten and was coming home and did I want to adopt the kitten? I did! I am a sucker for a kitten, but had just winnowed the herd down and had no cats and two dogs. Well, from 2,000 miles away at the R.E.A.L Cruzan Cats Rescue on the shores of Fredericksted in the US Virgin Islands via two different types of airplane and one very devoted foster mother came my little Possum. I drove to the airport in Cleveland from Erie along the shores of Lake Erie, thunder and lightning booming, I thought we should have called her Stormy instead! She quickly became the queen of the roost and commandeers the dogs to do her bidding. She is THE best cat I have ever, EVER had and I am grateful every single day that we have her! Thank you Cruzan Cats! #catdaysofsummer

About REAL Cruzan Cats: R.E.A.L. Cruzan Cats is dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats on St. Croix through Rescue Education Adoption and Love. We are committed to a single goal – to improve the lives of cats living on the island of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Explore our website to learn more about everything that we are doing to evoke a change. We are a private, non-profit organization dedicated to working with devoted volunteers and concerned individuals to help these cats in need to get neutered/spayed, vaccinated, and ultimately off the streets and into loving homes!

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Winnie from Lynn's Rescue Kittens

Winnie’s adoption story: Winnie is a kitten that was rescued by Lynn with Lynn’s Rescue Kittens in Fort Worth, TX. Her mama was a feral cat and she was rescued along with her siblings from a life on the streets! And thank goodness, considering she is a PRINCESS at home. She has a corgi best friend that she likes to play and take naps with, and spends most of her day sleeping in her hammock or playing with ice cubes (they’re her favorite). She’s very social and friendly and likes to snuggle under blankets with us. We knew Winnie was the one by the adorable videos Lynn sent us and her silly little face when she was a baby. We are so incredibly thankful for the wonderful rescue that Lynn runs (on her own!) and how much she cares for every kitten she rescues. Winnie is such a perfect fit for our home and we love her more than we thought possible! #catdaysofsummer

About Lynn’s Rescue Kittens: Lynn’s Rescue Kittens is a small, independently owned and run business that provides rescue for abandoned kittens who don’t have anyone to care for them. Little did I know that 3 years after I retired early, to care for my husband full time who had a stroke a few years prior, that my life’s purpose and focus would be changed forever by rescuing one feral kitten in my community! My focus is in rescuing kittens who are 4 to 8 weeks old. I’m now providing a great start to their lives and ensuring they find the perfect forever home. All kittens are spay/neutered, microchipped and have 1st series of vaccines.

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