The importance of enrichment for all pets! Learn about some of the best ways to keep your pets happy, healthy, and entertained! Pet Enrichment Enrichment for animals is extremely important. Enrichment allows animals to demonstrate their species-specific behavior, gives them opportunity to exercise control or choice over their environment, and enhances their physical and mental well-being. Enrichment is just as essential to animal welfare as proper nutrition and veterinary care. Enrichment can be completed using the five senses: sight, scent, touch, taste, and hearing. HSoP strives to find new and innovative ways to enrich the lives of the pets in our care. Here is some ideas and information about enrichment! Playing soft music in the background Pandora has animal-specific, calming radio stations YouTube has quite a few hour-long videos of soft and comforting music This is especially helpful for pets with separation anxiety or stress. Toys This sounds very obvious, but finding the toys each individual animal enjoys the most is key to enrichment. Find out if your pet likes toys that make noise, toys that are soft, or toys they can chew on. Always monitor your pet with a new toy. Make sure the toy is size appropriate to your pet, and that they do not attempt to eat the toy or any of the pieces. Puzzle bowls and puzzle toys There are certain bowls and toys that allow you to put the pets kibble or treats inside. This allows your pet to not only exercise and work for the food, but also gives good mental stimulation! Variety of Treats There are the usual treats that we all love to give our pets, but giving them treats that will also stimulate them mentally is best! Stuffed kongs are great treats to keep your pet happy and distracted. Visit https://www.puppyleaks.com/healthy-foods-you-can-stuff-in-a-kong/ for ideas on stuffing kongs. Frozen treats are a great option too! Freezing canned food for your pet will give them a yummy, interactive treat on a hot day! Playing videos or opening a window for sight-seeing Some animals enjoy watching videos on a TV or computer There are bird videos on Youtube for your cat to watch and enjoy Opening the blinds of your home windows allows your pets to see the outside world, from the safety of the indoors. Animals love different and new smells You can put a few drops of diluted essential oils like lavender, cherry, vanilla, etc. (Always dilute the essential oils, as animals can be delicate to strong smells. Do not put essential oils on your pets body.) Kitties love catnip! Always let your dog sniff on walks, dogs love to sniff new things. Touch Some animals enjoy soft things to lay on, try offering your furry friend a padded pet bed or fluffy blanket for them to rest on. Cats really enjoy scratching and using their nails! Offer them appropriate things to scratch on like cat trees or cardboard!

A breakdown of how many lives were saved through HSoP in 2020. This shows how many animals were brought in, how many found forever homes, and how many benefitted from our programs. Life-saving statistics It's important for our supporters to know how their contributions are used, and how many lives we save each year. Below you will find our statistics for the calendar year (January-December). 2024 Calendar Year Statistics Total animals brought to HSoP: 510 Total animals adopted: 329 Total animals returned to owner: 161 2024 save rate: 97% Total identification provided to owned pets: 70 Total owned pets fixed through SNAP : 49 Total feral cats fixed through TNR Program : 81 Total owned pets assisted through our Pet Supply Pantry : 2,236 Total HSoP volunteers : 277 Total hours spent volunteering at HSoP: 1,498 2023 Calendar Year Statistics Total animals brought to HSoP: 501 Total animals adopted: 259 Total animals returned to owner: 185 2023 save rate: 97% Total owned pets microchipped: 46 Total name tags made for owned pets: 52 Total owned pets fixed through SNAP : 46 Total feral cats fixed through TNR Program : 89 Total owned pets assisted through our Pet Supply Pantry : 2,371 Total HSoP volunteers : 264 Total hours spent volunteering at HSoP: 1,319

Engraved Pet ID Tags What is the first line of defense when a beloved pet goes missing? After finding a lost cat or dog, most people will immediately look to see if there is an ID tag on the pet's collar. Usually, these ID tags contain the pet's name and their owner's phone number. This makes it easy for the person who found the missing pet to contact the owner directly. Pet ID tags can help lost pets avoid spending the night in our facility by allowing them to be reunited in no time. At HSoP, we know that pet ID tags are extremely important. In January of 2022, we were gifted an IMARC pet tag engraving system to keep at our facility. This generous gift has given us the ability to offer customized pet ID tags as a service for pet owners throughout our region. Custom pet ID tags at HSoP cost $12.00 each and take about 3 minutes to make. This price includes the tag itself, the engraved text, and a key ring to connect the tag to your pet's collar. Our hope is that this service will encourage local pet owners to give their companions some easy-to-read identification. We want lost and escaped pets to come home ASAP, and these tags help immensely in that process! A photo of our IMARC pet tag engraving system Some of our available shapes and colors An example of our pet ID tags

Support local pets in need while walking your dog! Download WoofTrax today and select HSoP as your preferred shelter. When you walk while using the app, they'll donate to support our cause! Raise Money for HSoP on WoofTrax! Did you know that you can generate funds for HSoP and the pets we serve, just by walking your dog? WoofTrax is an app that turns your daily walks into donations that help pets in need at your local shelter. Getting started is easy, and there is truly no cost to you! Here's are the steps: Download WoofTrax from the App Store or Google Play Store. Create an account and select Humane Society of the Palouse as your preferred charity. Open the app when you take your pups for a walk, and start raising funds for HSoP! WoofTrax will make a donation to HSoP based on the distance you walked. It really is that easy! If you own a dog, you may already go on several walks per day. WoofTrax is a great way to make your outings extra meaningful. When you walk while supporting HSoP, you're helping us provide second chance to every lost and homeless pet who comes our way. Download WoofTrax today! (P.S. You can walk without a dog and still raise funds for HSoP!) You may be wondering how WoofTrax donates money to our cause with our costing you a dime. Great question! The answer is quite simple, really. WoofTrax receives money from advertisements shown on the app, and this money is distributed to shelters based on the preference of walkers who see the ads. Visit the WoofTrax Website

Learn about the process of adopting an animal from our shelter. This page will walk you through the steps of our adoption process. Our Adoption Process Shelter animals are often special needs cases. We very rarely have “perfect” animals. Due to the needs of our available pets, not all adoptions can be same day adoptions. Taking the time to get to know the pet is key to a successful adoption. Our adoption process is aimed at matching you, your family, and your current pets with our available animals. If you have any questions about our adoption process, please give us a call at (208) 883-1166 . Adoption Requirements Pet Supply Checklists Once you have met the companion animal you would like to adopt, the staff member assisting you will share any information about the animal's history, behavior, and needs. After you have had a conversation about the animal, a staff member will walk you through the following steps: Step 1: Screening Application ***Completing an application DOES NOT guarantee an approved adoption.*** Upon completion, a staff member will confirm that you are in good standing with the Humane Society of the Palouse, and that the provided housing information is correct. If applicable, a staff member will call your landlord to confirm the animal is being adopted into a welcoming environment. If you are a homeowner, the staff member will request to see proof of homeownership. This can be provided easily with a copy of a water or sewer bill. The screening process includes: Completed Application Proof of Address Legal Form of ID Rental Agreement or Proof of Homeownership If there is already a canine in your home, we require an introduction between your current dog and any dog(s) you are interested in adopting prior to approving your application. Step 2: Adoption Contract Once your information has been confirmed and your application is approved, the staff member will have you fill out our adoption contract. We will also have you fill out the microchip registration form for your pet. Each adoption comes with one year of free registration. HSoP uses Home Again microchips for all of our animals. You do not need to re-register after the free year is over, your pet's information can still be accessed with a microchip scanner when needed. Step 3: Review Medical History Next, staff will review your pet’s current health history and discuss proper care, along with any special needs. Each pet adopted from HSoP receives the following care prior to adoption: Spay or Neuter Microchip Implantation and Registration Rabies Vaccine (if old enough to receive) Dewormer (Strongid) DAPPVL Vaccine (for canines) Bronchicine Vaccine (for canines) FVRCP Vaccine (for felines) *Effective 2/23/2024, HSoP will only test felines for FeLV or FIV when warranted by symptoms. We recommend working with your veterinarian to determine necessary testing and vaccinations for your newly adopted cat. Step 4: Pay Adoption Fee Adoption fees vary by type of animal. Our adoption fees include immunization, microchipping, deworming, sterilization, and any other medical care required prior to adoption. Below are our current adoption fees: Feline Adoption Fee (0-5 years old): Feline Adoption Fee (6+ years old): Second Feline Adoption within 6 Months: Canine Adoption Fee (0-5 years old): Canine Adoption Fee (6+ years old): Second Canine Adoption within 6 Months: Small Animal Adoption Fee: $100.00 $50.00 $50.00 $135.00 $67.50 $67.50 $50.00 Adoption Fees Step 5: Take Your New Pet Home! Bring your furry friend home with you! We offer a seven-day foster period with all new adoptions to ensure they're a great fit at home. These seven days also act as a health guarantee. If any veterinary concerns come up during the first week, please give us a call at (208) 883-1166 before seeking vet care so we can assist you. After seven days, we'll mail you your pets’ rabies certificate, rabies tag, and microchip tag. If you have any questions or concerns during this foster period, please do not hesitate to call. We're here to help! Requirements Our Adoption Requirements HSoP reserves the right to refuse adoption to anyone and for any reason. Adoptions are based on a “best match” basis, not first come first serve. Adopters must have a completed and approved application. Adopters must be 18 years of age or older. If the adopter still lives at home, they must have permission from the homeowner (parents, etc.) in order to be approved for adoption. Adopters must provide government-issued identification. Adopters must provide proof of address. All adoptions must take place in person. All cats and kittens must go home in a secure pet carrier. Adopters are welcome to bring their own or borrow an HSoP carrier for a small fee. HSoP will not approve an adoption until receiving confirmation from the adopter’s landlord. HSoP will not adopt out pets who will be “outdoor-only”. HSoP will not adopt pets out as “gifts” for friends or family members who have not met the animal in person. We do offer gift certificates which can be purchased in any amount and applied toward the fees of future HSoP-approved adoptions. HSoP reserves the right to deny adoption if the adopter plans to declaw an adopted feline. HSoP will only place an animal on “hold” for up to 24 hours if there is an approved application on file. We will not place animals on "hold" if they are less than one year of age. HSoP encourages all members of the household to interact with the pet before adoption is finalized. Pet Supply Checklists Checklist Recommended items for dogs: Food and water bowls Food (wet and/or dry) ID tag with phone number Hard plastic carrier or metal crate Nail clippers Dog bed Brush or comb Poop baggies/pooper scooper Doggy Shampoo and conditioner Variety of treats Small biscuits, milkbones, etc. Variety of toys A ball, rope, chew toys, puzzle feeders, etc. Owned dogs in the city of Moscow are required to have a City License. We recommend licensing your dog at HSoP or the Moscow Police Department after your seven day foster period. Recommended items for cats: Food and water bowls Food (wet and/or dry) ID tag with phone number Hard plastic carrier Nail clippers Cat bed Brush or comb Litter box and scooper Kitty litter Variety of treats Variety of toys Crinkles, stuffed toys, bells, wand toys, cat nip, etc.

Learn about our shelter's policies and procedures regarding feral cats in Latah County. Feral Cat Information What is a Feral Cat? Feral cats have multiple definitions. There is the definition used in a 2003 article published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, that says a feral cat is “untamed and evasive; they either were born in the wild and lack socialization or were returned to the wild and became untrusting of humans.” Wolf, Peter J. "What Is a Feral Cat?" Petfinder. Petfinder, n.d. Web. 22 June 2017. What's the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat? It is not always easy to tell the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat. Both are pet cats. Stray cats are cats that were once owned and have strayed from home. Stray cats are homeless tame cats. Over time, without humane socialization, stray cats can become feral cats. Feral cats are pet cats that have never had human contact, and will not willingly interact with humans. Check out this PDF from Alley Cat Allies to learn more. What are feral cats classified as in the State of Idaho? Feral cats are not classified by Idaho Fish and Game as wildlife, they are feral pet animals. Is it legal to kill feral cats in the state of Idaho? According to Idaho Fish and Game: “The killing of feral cats is so much more than a simple legal question and answer. It may be legal when protecting your property, such as feral cats engaged in the taking of your livestock or even pets. Taking a feral cat in the wilds of Idaho would require a valid hunting license. However, there are other considerations to keep in mind: Are you in a city limit that prohibits the discharge of a firearm? Does the county have a no shooting safety ordinance for your neighborhood? Is the cat actually Feral, or has Muffy escaped their yard and the 8 year old owner out looking for their pet kitty?” Click here to learn more about Idaho Animal Laws; Title 25 Animals, Chapter 35 Animal Care. Who is responsible for the care of feral cats in the state of Idaho? In the eyes of the State of Idaho, the responsibility falls on the property owner unless the county or city they reside in has their own specific ordinances for feral cat care. Latah County does not have any animal control or regulations for cats. The city of Moscow does not have any specific animal code for cats or feral cats. The responsibility than falls on the property owner. According to Idaho Animal Code, control and responsibility of feral cats fall on the property owner. https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title25/T25CH35/ Does the Humane Society of the Palouse take in feral cats? The HSoP is unable to take in wild, free-roaming cats because the shelter does not contain facilities conducive to the care of untamed animals. Though HSoP wants to have the ability to take in feral cats, we have limitations. Feral cats require safety equipment that HSoP does not have, nor can HSoP afford at this point in time. In order to take in ferals, HSoP would also need to expand enough to take in additional animals that are not companion animals, which at this time is not financially possible. For 40 years HSoP has served Latah County and the City of Moscow’s needs for companion, tame animals. We do not have the labor, training, equipment or expertise to take care of wild animals. Though HSoP is unable to take in feral cats, we do offer a program that helps to limit infectious diseases and unwanted births among feral cats in Latah County. Our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program works to safely trap feral cats so our vet partners can vaccinate and sterilize them before being released where they were found. This program is offered for all residents of Latah County and helps immensely with reducing the homeless cat population. HSoP will cover all costs associated with feral cats who benefit from our TNR program. For more information, visit our TNR page . How can you help feral cats? One way you can help feral cats in Latah County is to get them involved in the HSoP TNR program . This ensures that they are properly vaccinated against infectious diseases and spayed or neutered to prevent any future litters of homeless cats. Visit: http://animalhouseferals.com/ to learn more about how you can help local feral cats! HSoP Position on Feral Cats For 40 years, we have served local animals under our mission statement: “The Humane Society of the Palouse is a no-kill animal shelter located in Moscow ID, founded in 1978. Our mission is to ensure the humane treatment, welfare and safety of companion animals in Moscow and Latah County. We strive to prevent cruelty to animals, to ensure companion animals are adopted by responsible and caring owners, to promote spaying/neutering, to educate the public regarding responsible pet ownership, and to minimize euthanasia.” We are acutely aware of the feral population in Latah County, the city of Moscow and the UI Campus and are doing everything within our means and ability to help. We are locally operated with a small staff and dedicated volunteers. There are currently no regulations or ordinance for felines in Latah County. We recommend that this be the starting point for containing this issue. Without regulation, feral cats continuously have unwanted and uncared for litters. If there were enforceable animal code regarding responsible ownership of cats in Latah County, we would see a decrease in unwanted animals. We are actively taking measures to find a solution for ferals. We are looking into grants for funding a feral solution program, and re-organizing our own operation in order to help alleviate the feral burden without jeopardizing the animals in our shelter. In our mission statement, we state that we will find homes for companion animals. There are many reasons for this. To provide services for feral animals, we would need a new facility with up to date kennels for the safety of the staff and animals, we would need more funding for specialized training and gear. At this time, those needs cannot be met with current funding or facility. In the past, HSoP partnered with the FCS program. Where we engaged in doing a TNR providing preventative care as well as euthanization for those with HIV, or those with extremely poor health. Our FCS program was able to make ends meet by charging $50 per cat. The FCS clinics were a “win win” for cat owners, WSU vet med students, and HSoP. FCS has since dissolved. Humane Live Traps Tips and Tricks to Trapping Feral Cats Trap entrance This is where the feral cat will enter Weight lever Once the cat steps on this, the door will close trapping the cat inside. Place food here to entice the cat to walk into the trap and put weight on the lever. 1 2 3 Disguise the trap to look like a cozy den. This will help the fearful ferals feel more comfortable going into the trap. What tasty food to put in the trap? Canned cat food Tuna fish Sardines (no additives) Gerber baby food (ham or turkey) Other Trapping Information: You must own the property you are trapping on. If you rent, you must have the land owners verbal consent to set a trap. If you catch any kind of wildlife, call Palouse Wildlife and Rehabilitation for instructions on humanely releasing the animal. (208) 614-2273 Helping that stubborn feral get into the trap If a cat is reluctant to enter the trap, you may need to help them get more comfortable with it. Clip the trap door open, so it will not shut when weight is on the lever. Leave the door open for a few days, so the cat can come and go as it pleases. This will create a routine for the cat. After four-five days, remove the clip and prepare to catch the cat. Create a food trail leading into the trap. Place some food outside the trap door, and drop pieces every few inches to entice the cat to walk into the trap. Cover the traps like the photos above. Feral cats like to find covered hidey holes or dens to stay in. This makes them feel protected against predators. Try covering the traps with a blanket, or some leaves and twigs. Try different locations. If the cat is reluctant to enter the trap where you have it, try relocating the trap to other locations on your property. I've trapped the cat...now what? Great job! The toughest part is over. Now that the cat is in the trap, place a blanket or towel over the top. This will help them stay relaxed, and protect you from any claws or teeth if they panic! Take your cat to the vet to have it spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped. Once your feral has been taken care of at the vet office, it's time to release them back to their home. Releasing a feral cat back to the same location has a lot of great perks for the cat and the property owner! Feral cats do not like people, which means they won't bother you. They just need a nice place to sleep, and maybe a little cat chow! Feral cats will reduce your pesky rodent population! Fixed feral cats will not be inclined to allow intact cats to come onto the property. They will keep other feral cats from coming to your property. One feral cat is perfect...but nobody wants ten! You saved a homeless pets life!

Santa is coming to town early this year just for the four-legged friends! Bring your friendly pets to visit Santa on December 5th and December 6th to get your holiday photos taken. Santa loves meeting all of the pets, so don't hesitate to bring your pocket pets, feathered friends, and reptiles. For just $15 you will receive two digital photos of your pet(s) and Santa Paws. We hope to see you there! Thank you to Latah Credit Union for sponsoring the credit card fees during this event, which means all proceeds from the event benefit the Humane Society of the Palouse! Photography services donated by Safe Sax Photography

Check out some of the success stories from people who have adopted animals from our shelter! We love to hear these happy "tails"! HSoP Success Stories "Hattie" Hattie arrived in February of 2023 as a terrified and extremely under-socialized stray dog. She was found near Spring Valley, and was described as emaciated and semi-feral upon intake. We had no idea what could have led Hattie to her situation, but we were confident that she had been braving the harsh world on her own for at least several weeks. Hattie was placed on a feeding schedule to help her reach a healthy weight, and surprised our staff by perking up in hardly any time at all! Hattie took to our shelter staff in just a few days and seemed truly content with human company. As time went on, it appeared that Hattie hadn't received any sort of training. She was struggling to go potty outside instead of in her kennel, and didn't show any signs of basic obedience. Hattie upon arrival in February 2023 After about a month in our care, Hattie was spayed and received the all-clear for adoption! We hoped she would catch the eye of someone immediately, who could take her home and nurture the skills we saw her building early on. Unfortunately, Hattie waited nearly a full year before she was able to go home for good. She was briefly adopted in August, to a home with cats and another dog. She adored the other dog but the adoption didn't work out since Hattie had a tendency to chase the cats in the home. While this may seem like a sad outcome, it actually helped us narrow down the right home for Hattie. We now knew that she needed a home with no cats, but would actually prefer a home with another dog! We updated her home preferences, and the hunt for Hattie's forever home resumed. Hattie waited, and waited, and waited. While she didn't receive many interested adopters, she became a fast favorite among our volunteers! Hattie displayed excellent leash manners on her walks, which is a huge bonus to share with adopters. She developed a tendency to spin in her kennel after a few months, and always seemed much more at ease when she was outside of the loud dog kennels. Her potty training didn't improve much, as teaching an adult dog where to potty can be extremely difficult in the shelter environment. Months passed by and Hattie continued to be overlooked by adopters. Our staff began to worry that the longer she stayed at HSoP, the lower her chance of being adopted. Still, we kept our fingers crossed for a good outcome. In late February of this year, we heard from someone who was interested in Hattie specifically. She didn't have any cats, but did have a dog, and was interested to meet Hattie despite any of her challenges! We introduced Hattie to the adopter, and it was truly love at first site. Hattie was on her absolute best behavior, showing off what an affectionate and sweet girl she could really be. All that was left before Hattie could go home was to meet the adopter's current dog, Gus. Gus is a large breed senior dog, who grew up around other canine friends. The two started their introduction with a walk, and ended in the side yard for some play time. Gus didn't seem to mind Hattie much at all! There were a few points where she annoyed him, but what younger sibling doesn't? After a successful meet and greet, the adopter was ready to take our beautiful Hattie girl home! On February 26th, Hattie officially left the building. It's been over a month since then, and Hattie has quickly solidified herself as a member of the family. We checked in with her adopter for an update, and here's what she had to say: "Hattie is very smart and alert... she has learned 'shake' and 'leave it' and I am trying to teach her 'down.' She is highly food motivated, which should make training a little easier. I bought an indoor camera so I can watch her and Gus while I am at work. They only get on each other's nerves when I am home--like jealous toddlers." "Hattie is a true velcro dog. She loves to cuddle and follows me everywhere. And if she has to wait for me, she sits very patiently on her own." "I can understand why others have had difficulty with Hattie, but she just needs an attentive, patient, and loving human. She lets me know when she wants something whether it's food, love, or fresh air. She runs back and forth in the backyard and makes me laugh. Hattie seems happy to be here. " It's safe to say that our beloved friend Hattie is thriving in her new home! We're incredibly grateful to her adopter for giving Hattie the safe, loving, and patient space she needed all along. We're also very appreciative to each of our volunteers who spent time with Hattie during her stay here! You truly helped prepare her for her forever home. We hope you can feel good knowing she's finally in the loving home of her dreams! Enjoy these photos of Hattie loving life after adoption. We couldn't be happier! "Queenie" Some of the most special and memorable pets who come through our doors are the longer-staying pets who require a little extra time finding their adoptive homes. Queenie certainly fits into this category, and today we're thrilled to share her adoption story! Queenie was originally adopted from HSoP in September of 2021. She and her adopter got along well, but she returned to HSoP in April 2023 due to her owner's health. One thing you need to know about Queenie is that her life motto is "my way or the highway". She's always been great about setting strong boundaries, and never hesitates to tell you how she's feeling. Our shelter staff describe Queenie as regal (hence her name), sassy, and selective. She's selective about how she receives attention, who she receives it from, and when she receives it. When being pet without her say-so, Queenie was not afraid to strike or bite. She always gave warning signs, but stood her ground nonetheless. Outside of her two-story cat condo, Queenie was a whole different cat! Having the freedom to walk around and explore larger areas really excited Queenie, and even brought out her affectionate side. She would constantly rub against our shelter staff's legs when outside of her condo, and even accepted some under-chin scratches. We learned that Queenie thrives on having the freedom and choice to approach a human friend, or not. Queenie required a home with people who understand her desire for personal space, and have the self control to respect her boundaries. The best situation for Queenie would allow her to be the only pet in the house, and would ideally not involve young children. Queenie waited for adoption for several weeks, and then the weeks turned into months. By November, Queenie still didn't have any interest. That wouldn't be the case for long! In late November, our staff received an email from someone who was interested to learn more about Queenie, her personality, and her needs in a new home. The adopter had plenty of great questions, and was looking for a more independent cat to share her living space with. She decided to come meet Queenie in person. When they first met, Queenie wasn't overly excited. The two spent about an hour getting to know each other in the adoption room, moving at Queenie's pace. Over that hour, her adopter worked to build the foundation of a long and trusting relationship with Queenie. By the time their visit was over, the adopter was certain that Queenie was the cat for her! She adored Queenie's dignified personality, and had a home with no other pets or small children for her to enjoy. Queenie has been in her new home for about 4 weeks now, and all seems to be going well! We checked in for an update, and here's what her owner had to say: "Queenie is doing absolutely fantastic and has completely settled in! She has been such a joy to have around, and I’m very happy that it ended up working out! It didn’t take long for her to warm up to me, considering that she started sleeping on my bed only within a couple days of bringing her home. She has also gotten more 'relaxed' about her boundaries, and I can pet her almost whenever I want to. Her favorite things to do are sunbathe, watch TV, cuddle and tell me all about her day as soon as I come home from work!" If you visited HSoP in 2023, chances are that you recognize Queenie! She became a favorite amongst visitors and volunteers who respected her self-assuredness and strong boundaries. Queenie's story is proof that every adoptable pet has a loving home waiting for them, no matter how long it takes them to find it. If you're looking to adopt a cat in the future, we urge you to not overlook the more independent cats! Building a relationship with these cats may take an investment of time, but it's truly so rewarding when they do decide to show you love on their own terms. We're incredibly happy for Queenie and her new owner! It certainly seems that her adoption was worth the wait. Take a look below at the beautiful Queenie, who we still think about each and every day! "Froggy" In March 2023, a handsome and dignified 6-year-old German Shepherd mix was surrendered to HSoP. We decided to call him Froggy! When he first arrived, Froggy was anxious of his new surroundings. It took him a while to warm up to new people, but he settled in after a few short weeks. Froggy previously lived with children and other dogs, but needed a home with no cats or small animals due to his high prey drive. We figured Froggy would be adopted in no time with how easy-going he was! It turns out that he needed a little extra time before finding his perfect match. Fast forward all the way to November, and Froggy was still waiting for adoption. After being featured in the news, on our website, and all over social media, we weren't sure how long it would take for Froggy to be adopted. He had become really comfortable in the shelter by this point, knowing all of our staff and regular volunteers well. He was a favorite for our volunteer dog walkers, and became very accustomed to making new friends. On November 10th, the tides changed for Froggy. A hopeful adopter came to the shelter asking to meet this big guy by name. Our staff was elated! The man met Froggy, and absolutely loved him. All that was left before Froggy could go home was a meet and greet with Cleo, the adopter's female German Shepherd. Froggy met Cleo, and the two were mostly indifferent toward each other. Froggy pushed her buttons one too many times, and Cleo quickly reminded him of his manners. After Froggy learned to respect Cleo's space, the two seemed to have a mutual understanding of each other and quickly settled down. Things worked out so well between the two of them, that Froggy was able to go home that very same day! Our staff was absolutely thrilled to see him leave the shelter for his forever home. Froggy (now named Rocky) has been in his new home for several months now, and he seems to be loving it! He has plenty of space to run outside, and has grown to really love his sister Cleo. Froggy's story is just one example of our adoptable pets waiting months before their perfect match comes along. We're thrilled that Froggy was able to find his owner, no matter how long it took! Many of our pets find their homes within a month of being available, and the longer-staying friends always hold a special place in our hearts. We're so grateful to our supporters for allowing us to give Froggy and other adoptable pets the time they need to find their families, with no limit on how long that may take. "Marshall" This is the story of Marshall, a sweet, loving, and very vocal Treeing Walker Coonhound who found his perfect forever home from hundreds of miles away. Marshall arrived at HSoP as an owner surrender in June of this year. His previous family loved Marshall dearly, but they lived in the middle of the city which wasn't ideal for Marshall's passion of singing to his heart's content. In an effort to save his neighbor's ears and find Marshall a better-suited home, this floppy-eared 3-year-old boy was brought to the shelter. Upon arrival, Marshall seemed very unsure of his surroundings. He was nervous around our staff for the first two weeks until he finally began to show his true self. After about three weeks at the shelter, Marshall seemed like an entirely different dog! He was friendly with all of our visitors and volunteers, and no longer held himself back from singing his hound songs throughout the dog kennels. This boy was outgoing, sweet as can be, and well tempered. All that was missing was his perfect home and family! He received interest from several local pet-lovers, but it wasn't until a couple from 300+ miles away saw his listing online that the stars began to align for dear Marshall. The couple who found his listing was from Western Washington. They loved hounds dearly, and were actively seeking a rescue hound who was available for adoption. Being so familiar with the breed, this couple felt they should open their home for a hound in need. In their search, they found Marshall! The couple reached out to HSoP to learn more, and then made the five hour drive across Washington to come meet him in person. It was love at first sight and Marshall went home with his new family that day! Marshall has been living in his new home in Washington for a full month now, and seems to be absolutely thriving. His new parents live on several acres of land and even have a dedicated music room, so there's no shortage of places to sing! There are also some horses on the property which have been very interesting to Marshall so far. This wonderful guy gained two canine siblings in his new home and they already get along great! We truly couldn't have dreamed of a better home for Marshall. Please enjoy these updated pictures of Marshall enjoying life in his new home: "Scrumpet" In late December 2021, a sweet senior pup arrived at HSoP after her owner unfortunately passed away. This gentle girl was named Scrumpet, and we were determined to find her a loving new home to live out her golden years. Though Scrumpet was clearly loved by her owner, she did have some health concerns that needed to be addressed before adoption. One of her eyes was large, cloudy, and bulging from her head, and her bad breath told us that her teeth needed to be cleaned. We brought Scrumpet to our good friends at Animal Clinic and Hospital to see the full extent of her medical needs. It was revealed that her cloudy eye had lens-induced glaucoma with uncomfortable corneal abrasions, and her vet team recommended the eye be removed. The exam also showed that Scrumpet needed several tooth extractions along with an intense dental cleaning. It was discovered that Scrumpet also had two benign masses - one on her chest and one on her stomach - that needed to be removed. Finally, Scrumpet needed to be spayed Her vet team opted for two separate surgeries, to allow Scrumpet the time needed to heal in between. The first surgery included her eye removal and dental assessment, followed by the mass removals and spay during her second surgery. Scrumpet handled both surgeries with grace, and healed beautifully. With her sweet and gentle demeanor, Scrumpet stole the heart of her adopter in no time and is now living out her golden years in comfort. The total cost of Scrumpet’s medical care was about $2,100. We are very grateful for our supportive community members who have contributed toward the Merlin Fund , which ensured that Scrumpet could receive all of the care that she needed to thrive in her new home. Please consider making a donation to the Merlin Fund , where your contribution will directly fund the medical treatment for a homeless pet in need. Take a look below at some photos of the beautiful miss Scrumpet after her medical treatments! "Argos" When pets become available for adoption at HSoP, they can sometimes wait weeks, or even months, to meet the right person. This is the story of Argos; an Australian kelpie mix who patiently waited 10 months before finding the forever home of his dreams. Argos arrived to HSoP after nipping a family friend in October of 2021. This was a documented bite, which meant that Argos now had an official bite history. After being impounded, we held Argos on a 10-day bite quarantine to ensure he did not have rabies. Once this quarantine period came to an end, his family decided to relinquish care to HSoP. This began Argos' long journey to adoption. Upon intake, it was clear that Argos was in distress. He was fearful of our shelter staff, and it took several days before he would relax and begin to build trust in us. Stranger danger and barrier reactivity were big hurdles for Argos, so he was kept in the employee-only area of our dog kennels as a "hidden gem" to reduce the stress this brought him. Given Argos' bite history, we were as transparent as possible when speaking with potential adopters. If anyone was interested in Argos, we made sure to explain his situation in-full before introducing them. Argos was the type of dog who approached people with caution and took his time building trusting relationships. When meeting a potential adopter, Argos would take a walk with shelter staff and avoid making contact with the interested party. This helped him get used to a person's smell, demeanor, and overall presence before getting to know them through pets and play. Despite his reluctance to trust strangers, Argos did show a strong preference for women. After a few months of working with our shelter staff, Argos met a potential adopter who loved him with all of his difficulties. After a few meetings with this adopter, Argos was able to go home. Unfortunately, this was not the right match for Argos. He was brought back to HSoP after showing aggressive behavior and lunging toward his male adopter in the home. Several more months went by, and Argos met a few potential adopters who decided not to take him home. In the kennel next to Argos was a sweet, shy, and incredibly timid dog named Nugget. She's typically very nervous and prefers to spend her days wrapped up in a snuggly blanket. After seeing Argos walk by her kennel for so long, Nugget actually showed interest in Argos by walking up to the front of her gate! This was a huge step for Nugget, so we began a slow introduction to see how they would do with one another. The results were amazing! Nugget and Argos became fast friends, and he was great at helping her build confidence to come out of her shell. We could tell that this relationship was good for both of them, and it showed that Argos could be neutral around other dogs. The duo started having supervised play time once per week and seemed so happy whenever they were together! Just a few months later, an adopter arrived at HSoP and asked to meet Argos specifically. They started with his typical walking-introduction and agreed to come back multiple times to help build his trust. A few more meetings went by, and Argos appeared happy and comfortable with his new friends. It was finally time for him to go home! Argos was adopted on October 7th of this year, and our staff truly could not be happier for him. His family has sent us updates about how he's been adjusting, and it's clear that this is the home he was waiting for! Argos is still thriving in his new home and enjoys being showered in love by his humans. Argos' journey to adoption was long and filled with plenty of challenges for staff, adopters, and Argos alike. It may have taken a while to reach his happily ever after, but we are so thrilled that Argos and his family found each other. Take a look at some adorable pictures of Argos down below! "Li Shang" In April of 2022, a very special dog named Li Shang arrived at HSoP. He had been spotted at a campsite for several days, but nobody was able to get close enough to actually catch him. Finally, a live trap was used to catch Li Shang so he could be examined and hopefully reunited with his family. He was brought to HSoP and our staff tried their very best to track down his family. Unfortunately, Li Shang was never claimed by an owner. Upon his arrival, it was very clear that he had stranger danger. He was extremely nervous around new people and needed lots of time to settle and feel comfortable. It took him several days to warm up to our staff, and several weeks before he truly trusted them. Li Shang was a fiercely loyal dog, and we knew that the right adopter for him would need to be patient and willing to take things slow in creating a lasting bond. Li Shang waited many months before the right person came along. He had met several people looking to adopt, but it never felt like the right fit. Finally, our shelter staff received a call from somebody asking to meet Li Shang specifically. It took multiple meet-and-greet appointments before Li Shang was able to trust the adopter. Thankfully, this adopter had experience interacting with dogs similar to Li Shang and knew exactly how to take things at his own pace. Over the course of several weeks, the adopter made frequent visits to Li Shang until the bond they had was completely solidified. After 12 meet and greet appointments with the same adopter, and after meeting everyone he would be interacting with in his new home, Li Shang was finally ready to go home with his people. He had been at HSoP for nearly five months, and our staff was elated to see him go home with such a dedicated adopter and friend. Li Shang is now loving his new life, and we have been grateful to see some happy updates about he and his family! Take a look at this photo of Li Shang and his adopter, the day that he finally left HSoP for his new home! "Groot" This is the story of a very special pup named Groot. On New Year's Eve before the start of 2022, Groot was found by a Good Samaritan in Latah County. The finder saw that Groot was in need of medical care, so he was taken to WSU to have some injuries treated. Groot was transferred into our care on January 4th since he was found within Latah County. Upon his arrival, we immediately saw that this sweet pup would need some extra help. His front left leg was bent at an awkward angle and seemed to stick out in front of him when he walked. We took Groot to get some X-rays at Animal Clinic and Hospital , and this revealed that he would need an amputation. His leg had healed incorrectly from a prior injury and no longer had any feeling, function, or muscle mass. In addition to the amputation, Groot had a large mass on his back right foot that needed to be removed. Below you will see photos of Groot prior to his surgery. Groot had his surgery on February 4th, and everything went according to plan! He was very happy to see staff again and was standing on three legs in no time. He absolutely rocked his recovery and had a smile on his face the entire time. His mass was also removed and found to be benign! Groot was now happier, healthier, and ready to find his forever home. The process of getting Groot ready for adoption was not as easy as some of our other pets. His surgery was quite expensive, in addition to all his other medical treatments. To ensure he was able to get the care he needed, we deployed our Merlin Fund for lifesaving medical care to cover the costs. Our Merlin Fund is designed to pay for extreme and lifesaving medical care in extraordinary circumstances. Groot is definitely an extraordinary pup, so we are very happy to have helped him with the generous support of our community. Groot became available for adoption on March 7th and found his forever home on March 22nd. We are over the moon for Groot and his new family! "Mango" Mango was brought to HSoP as a stray in April of 2021, along with three of his siblings. The group of four were found running down the road and were extremely nervous when they first arrived. When we took a closer look at Mango, it appeared he was suffering from entropion in both of his eyes. There was a thick white goop coming from his eyes, and he seemed to keep them closed more often than open. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward instead of outward like it usually would. This can cause pain, scratched corneas, and impaired vision. It appeared Mango had been living with entropion his whole life and had to deal with the pain it caused him all on his own. Mango's wonderful veterinarians at Animal Clinic & Hospital suggested he receive a surgery to fix the entropion in each of his eyes. We deployed our Merlin Fund for lifesaving medical care to cover the cost of his corrective surgery. After a short healing period, Mr. Mango was feeling and looking good as new! We imagine it must have been a huge relief to finally see clearly. In addition to his improved eyesight, we saw a bigger and brighter smile come from this lovable guy. Mango met his new family in May of 2021 and was so excited to go home with them! This sweet boy got the sweet outcome he truly deserved, and we couldn't be happier for him and his new family. "KC the CH Kitty" This special wobbly boy was surrendered to HSoP in July of 2021. His family loved him dearly but felt that he would benefit from a different home set up and that he needed a family who could spend more time with him. You see, KC was born with a congenital condition called Cerebellar Hypoplasia (called CH for short). Often called "Wobbly Cat Syndrome", CH affects the part of the brain that controls fine motor functions, balance, and coordination. This meant that KC would often slip, fall, and lose his balance when trying to walk. CH does not cause pain or discomfort for cats, and KC seemed to have no idea that he faced challenges that other kitties may not have to face. Despite his accidental falls, KC was always back on his feet in no time to try again. It was clear that this special boy deserved an equally special home. There were a few elements of the home that would make his life more comfortable and easier to navigate. He needed carpeted floors, a larger litter box, and no access to heights over four feet (so no tall cat trees or window perches). KC met his new family in August of 2021, and they quickly fell in love with this determined little guy! He is so happy in his new space, and we are thrilled to see that KC has found his match. "Forest" Forest was found in November of 2019 after being hit by a car. Upon arrival to HSoP it was clear Forest suffered quite a few injuries. Forest was taken to the veterinarian, and we did X-rays on both of her back legs. We found two broken bones in each back leg, which meant Forest was going to have to wear casts on both back legs for roughly 8 weeks. Forest purred the entire time she was evaluated, and even after the casts were placed on her legs. She was just happy to get any attention from people. Forest required veterinary visits every four weeks for bandage changes and updated X-rays. She progressed extremely well, and after 8 long weeks of being in casts, Forest was finally free to learn to use her back legs again! Her rehabilitation took roughly four weeks of gaining back muscle and learning how to balance. The staff at HSoP worked hard to help Forest regain full function of her back legs, and were extremely proud of her determination to start walking! Forest was ready for adoption just in time for Valentines Day, and she found her forever home on February 14th! Without the generous donations we receive to our Merlin Fund, the care Forest received wouldn't have been possible! Our Merlin Fund is our life-saving medical fund, and it is designed specifically to give animals like Forest a second chance at life. "Stud and Muffin" In June of 2014, two dogs named Stud and Muffin were brought to HSoP, along with their mother, Misha, and seven puppies. The ten dogs were removed from a less than OK home, and were now in search of loving adoptive homes. The seven puppies, being as cute as puppies can be, were adopted in hardly any time at all. Stud and Muffin seemed to be a very close bonded pair. When they first arrived, Stud had some injuries from the other dogs. Muffin seemed determined to protect him at all costs, refusing to leave his side. The pair waited and waited and waited for an adopter to come in who was willing to adopt them together. Unfortunately, this day never came. The pair spent three years together at HSoP, and developed quite the following in that time. Visitors, volunteers, and staff alike all loved Stud and Muffin! They were popular on social media, too. Being in such close quarters with each other eventually led to bickering and anxiety between the pair. After consulting with their veterinarian, it was recommended to separate the duo and have them adopted into different homes. Stud and Muffin were separated for just a few short months before Muffin met her forever home! After taking a few days to settle in, Muffin was ecstatic to be living in her own home. Thankfully, Stud wasn't too far behind! Just about a month after Muffin left for her new life, Stud was adopted into his own loving forever home. The owners of each pup exchanged contact information, so they have the ability for Stud and Muffin to see each other in the future. After several long years of waiting, we are so incredibly happy for Stud, Muffin, and their new families! "Bruce Wayne" When Bruce Wayne arrived from Potlatch in the summer of 2017, HSoP staff knew he had been patiently waiting for his super hero. Bruce was brought in by the Latah County Sheriffs Department. Bruce had been abused, and was needing help. Bruce was needing a safe, warm and loving place to rest as well as an eye surgery. He was suffering from microsabatosis that was causing entropia. Thanks to the support of our local pet community, HSoP was able to provide the much-needed surgery. Once Bruce was healed, he quickly found a wonderful loving forever home. Dogs like Bruce Wayne need our help. Without a shelter to go to, Bruce would have had no other option but to stay in an abusive home and would not have received the needed vet care. Now, Bruce is living life to the fullest with his super hero! "Sissy and her Seven Dwarfs" Sissy arrived at HSoP in spring of 2017. Sissy was wandering around the Kendrick area, lost and scared. A good Samaritan found Sissy and brought her into HSoP. Sissy did not have any form of identification, and no missing reports had been filed with HSoP. Soon after arriving, Sissy’s condition was obvious to HSoP staff and the veterinarians at Animal Clinic. Sissy was homeless, and pregnant with seven puppies! The care for an expecting mother began! Staff worked quickly to find a way to help Sissy stay more comfortable during her pregnancy. High stress levels can send dogs in Sissy’s condition into premature labor, and this something the shelter staff worked diligently to avoid. Sissy received her own kiddie pool to nest in, any appropriate preventative care pregnant dogs can receive, and then we waited. Weeks later, her seven all male puppies arrived! Her puppies received preventative care, then mama and her puppies all found their forever homes in responsible and loving homes. What would have happened for Sissy and her litter had HSoP not been able to provide Sissy and her babies with their needed care or shelter? Instead of one stray dog, Kendrick would have had eight homeless, unfixed dogs that had no preventative care provided, adding to the over pet population issue facing Latah County. Who knows what would have happened to Sissy and her babies had she not been able to receive temporary housing at HSoP.

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Take a look at our shelter's financal reports over the last few years. We are committed to maintaining full transparency with our supporters. HSoP Financial Information We appreciate our supporters and donors more than we can say. Knowing where your donation goes is important, so we have attached our annual 990 forms for all to view. If you have questions about our financials, please contact us at (208)883- 1166 or email us at director @humanesocietyofthepalouse.org Thank you for helping to give the homeless pets of Latah County a second chance! 2018 990 Form 2019 990 Form 2020 990 Form 2021 990 Form 2022 990 Form 2023 990 Form 2024 990 Form 2025 990 Form