Kitten Season What is kitten season? Did you know that the feline reproductive cycle is influenced by two factors; warmer weather and the amount of daylight in a 24-hour period? In our local temperate climate, we experience the warmer weather during March-October. This time of the year is referred to as "Kitten Season". There are many cats who live outdoors and indoor/outdoor that are not spayed/neutered. These cats begin reproducing when the weather heats up causing a major influx of homeless kittens. How can you help? Spay and neuter your pets! Spaying and neutering not only stops cats from reproducing, but also alleviates some dangerous health concerns for your pet. Need financial assistance? Check out our Spay-Neuter-Assistance-Program. Do you have a feral cat on your property? Take a look at our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for feral cats in Latah County. Donate supplies! Each year, HSoP takes in roughly 150 orphaned kittens without their mom. These kittens require extra love and care while they grow up! Some needed items: heat pads, kitten milk replacement, kitten nursing bottles, karo syrup, canned kitten food, gerber baby food, and baby wipes. To check out our current needs, visit Donate . Donate money! Many orphaned kittens come to HSoP sick and injured, and need immediate veterinary assistance. Our life-saving medical fund is used most often during kitten season. To read more about this fund and make a donation, visit Merlin Fund . Volunteer! HSoP always needs kitten socializers, and we could use your help! Kittens that are unable to go into foster care need extra time with people to help them become socialized. Interested in becoming a volunteer? Visit Volunteer . Foster a litter! HSoP relies on our foster parents tremendously during kitten season! Kittens sent into foster are safer, happier, and healthier than if they were staying at the shelter. HSoP trains each foster home through an orientation, and is available 24/7 for foster emergencies. Want to help us save lives? visit Foster program .

Santa is coming to town early this year just for the four-legged friends! Bring your friendly pets to visit Santa on December 6th and December 7th 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

Does HSoP euthanize animals? The Humane Society of the Palouse is a low/no-kill shelter. HSoP will not euthanize adoptable animals due to space. We’ve stayed true to our mission for 45 years and are committed to preserving and nurturing the lives of all the rescued animals in our care. We reserve humane euthanasia only in instances when animals are suffering greatly with no potential for relief, or if an animal is so aggressive that he or she presents a danger to people or other animals and cannot be safely handled or placed. The decision to euthanize is never made lightly and done only with the best interest of the animal in mind. HSoP is committed to providing all of the animals we rescue with the individualized and compassionate care they need and deserve until they are adopted by responsible, loving people. How many canines does HSoP help per year? Each year HSoP provides temporary housing for anywhere from 200-300 dogs. How many dogs are returned to their owner, and how many are adopted out per year? For stray dogs that are found within Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 60% with their owners and 40% will remain in shelter care until adopted. Whereas stray dogs that are found outside of Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 40% with their owners and 60% will remain in shelter care until adopted. We strongly encourage all pet owners to equip their pets with accurate ID to increase the likelihood of them coming home if they ever get lost. We encourage microchip ID for all pets, and strongly recommend a collar with an ID tag containing the owner's contact number. How many felines does HSoP help per year? Each year HSoP provides temporary housing for anywhere from 200-300 cats. HSoP generally has more cats than dogs How many cats are returned to their owner, and how many are adopted out per year? For stray cats that are found within Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 10% with their owners and 90% will remain in shelter care until adopted. Whereas stray cats that are found outside of Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 1% with their owners and 99% will remain in shelter care until adopted. We strongly encourage all pet owners to equip their pets with accurate ID to increase the likelihood of them coming home if they ever get lost. We encourage microchip ID for all pets, and strongly recommend a collar with an ID tag containing the owner's contact number. Cats should wear breakaway collars if possible. How is HSoP funded? For a more detailed view of HSoP finances, visit our Financial Transparency page. How much funding needs to be donated or raised by HSoP to make up the 35% and 8% of the annual budget? Each year, HSoP has to raise over $80,000 through donations and fundraising just to keep our doors open. This is why any size donation is greatly appreciated. Without the generous and continued support of our pet community, HSoP would not be able to do what we do. Donate today! Is the Humane Society of the Palouse part of the Humane Society of the United States? No. HSoP has no affiliation with HSUS or the ASPCA. Though we do look to the national animal welfare organizations to stay current with best practices, we do not receive funding nor are we affiliated with them. HSoP does apply for grants through these large national organizations, however HSoP does not receive annual funding from the HSUS or ASPCA. Who is involved with HSoP? City of Moscow, Chief of Police City of Moscow owns the building and pays for utilities and make up 22% of HSoP yearly budget. Latah county provides 10% of HSoPs’ yearly budget. HSoP presents to the County Commissioners every year to request funding. HSoP Voluntary Board of Directors 14 members who bring a variety of expertise to the organization. HSoP has a full time staff of 5 that include: Shelter Director Animal Care Attendants Public Relations Manager Countless Volunteers Does the Humane Society of the Palouse pick up stray animals? The Humane Society does not pick up animals. Stray dogs found within Moscow city limits can be reported to the Animal Control Officer by calling (208)882-2677. If a stray dog is found in Latah County, citizens can call the Latah County Sheriff’s office at (208)882-2216 for assistance, but do so knowing there is no animal control for Latah County. There is no animal control for stray cats. Where does HSoP list stray or impounded animals? HSoP lists all stray or unclaimed animals on our Facebook page. To see the most recent stray and impounded animals, please visit our Facebook page through this link: Humane Society of the Palouse | Facebook If my pet is missing, could it be at the animal shelter? Hundreds of companion animals come into the shelter every year from Latah County. If your pet is missing, it is important that you contact the shelter as soon as possible so that a missing pet report can be completed and shelter staff can be notified to look for your pet. It is also important that you visit the shelter in-person and look for your pet on a regular basis. Please remember that it is the responsibility of the pet owner to search for their missing pet; however, HSoP will do everything possible to assist you in doing so. We also encourage posting a photo, description and information about where your pet went missing from as well as when to local lost and found groups on Facebook. What happens if my pet is brought to the shelter? If your pet is not readily identifiable by tag or microchip, your pet will be held for a stray holding period. Dogs found in the City of Moscow have a 10-day holding period. Dogs found outside of Moscow but within Latah County have a 6-day holding period. Cats found anywhere within Moscow or Latah County have a 6-day holding period. The Shelter will make every effort to contact you regarding your pet during this time. Reclaim fees apply in each situation and must be paid prior to reclaiming your pet. Unclaimed pets become the property of HSoP following the end of a stray holding period. Once this happens, they start the process of becoming ready for adoption. Please ensure that all of your pets have accurate ID to increase the chance of being reunited with them if they ever get lost. What does it cost to reclaim my pet from the shelter? Pet owners are charged an impound fee of $20.00. To reclaim a dog that lives within Moscow city limits, if the dog is not already licensed with the city, the purchase of a lifetime license is mandatory. The license is $25.00 for altered dogs and $35.00 for intact dogs. Boarding fees of $10.00 per day are charged for each day of impound after the initial twenty-four hours of arrival at the Shelter Do I have to have my pet spayed or neutered? Spaying or neutering is not required for reclaimed pets, although we encourage responsible sterilization of pets and offer assistance through S.N.A.P. Spaying or neutering your pets can prevent unwanted litters and even prevent some cancers in your beloved cat or dog. There are already so many homeless cats and dogs at the shelter, we don't need anymore! If you are in need of assistance having your pet spayed or neutered, please apply for our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP). If I witness what I believe to be an act of animal cruelty, who do I call? Humane Society of the Palouse encourages the public to IMMEDIATELY report acts of animal cruelty or neglect to Animal Control by calling (208) 882-2677 if occurring within Moscow city limits, and (208) 882-2216 if occurring in Latah County. HSoP does not have the ability to report cruelty or neglect secondhand. If we are contacted about situations of this kind, we will direct them to contact local law enforcement. Does HSoP offer veterinary services to the pulbic? Though we would love to offer spaying/neutering and vaccination services to our local pet community, HSoP does not have the ability or facilities to do so at this time. HSoP does offer assistance through our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), and microchipping services. For a list of local veterinary services, please view the Veterinary Services resource page in the HSoP Resource Library. Does it cost money to surrender an owned animal? Yes. HSoP does ask for a small donation to help provide care for owned pets that have been surrendered. Please visit our Owner Surrender page to learn more. How old do I have to be to visit the shelter? Anyone is welcome to visit the shelter during our open hours! We do have some restrictions about who can see and interact with shelter pets: - You must be at least 18 years old to enter our dog kennels or to interact with our adoptable dogs without a parent or guardian present. - You must be at least 18 years old to interact with our adoptable cats without a parent or guardian present (unless you're working a junior volunteer shift). - Those 17 and under are welcome to visit the shelter and interact will all of our adoptable pets, so long as they're accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. I'm going on vacation, can you board my pet? No. At this time HSoP does not offer boarding services for pets. There are several boarding facilities throughout Latah County and most vet clinics will also board. For a list of local boarding services, please view our Pet Boarding Services resource sheet in the HSoP Resource Library. I found a wild animal hurt in my yard, what should I do? HSoP is not equipped care for wildlife. If you've found an injured or orphaned wild bird or animal, please call Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation at (208) 614-2273. For more information, please visit their website: Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation I found a feral cat, what do I do? HSoP does not have the ability to provide care for feral cats within our facility. We do have a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for feral cats living on owned property in Latah County. The program intends to reduce feline infectious diseases and homeless cat births in our region, by providing feral cats with vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries, and ear-tips for identification. Why can’t I bring my animal to the Humane Society of the Palouse if I live outside of Latah County? HSoP does not euthanize to make space. We do not have the capacity, space, or manpower to receive animals from outside of the agreed jurisdiction we have with the City of Moscow and Latah County. We recommend contacting the shelter that services your county and they may be able to help. Adoption FAQs

Microchipping When a stray pet comes to HSoP, the first thing we do is scan them for a microchip. If they have one, this will tell us exactly how to get in contact with the owners. Microchips are placed under the pet's skin and are about the size of a grain of rice. Microchipping Engraved Pet ID Tags If your pet were to wander off and get lost, the first thing their finder would look for is an ID tag. ID tags provide contact information for pet owners, which can greatly speed up the process of getting a lost pet home. HSoP has an IMARC pet ID tag engraver that we offer as a service for local pet owners. Customized tags cost $12.00, and there are plenty of styles to choose from. City of Moscow Dog License Pet ID Tags Did you know that every dog in Moscow needs to be registered with the City of Moscow? Thankfully, your humane society is here to help! With cash or check, you can purchase a lifetime license from HSoP. "Fixed" animals, or those who are spayed or neutered, cost $25 for a lifetime license. "Unfixed" or intact dogs cost $35 for a lifetime license. Give us a call today to learn more! City Dog License

Winter Pet Safety Fur Babies Need Special Care and Attention in Winter Months Written by Jessica Brody of ourbestfriends.pet When the mercury starts to drop, it’s time to think of the best ways to keep your fur babies safe from inclimate weather. This is especially important for older animals, or those who are visually impaired. Even pets that live outdoors need a little extra TLC in the winter. Humane Society of the Palouse offers a wealth of information on best practices for animal care and husbandry. Shelter Needs It’s absolutely essential that animals have access to warm, dry shelter in the winter months. It’s preferable that they be housed indoors - but at minimum, outdoor shelters should be gated, heated, and well-insulated. Temperatures can drop unpredictably in the winter, and wind and rain can make cold weather even harsher. Consider installing a doggy door to a garage, basement, or mudroom for outdoor pets to retreat to when the weather is particularly bad. Older animals and those with compromised immune systems should not be left outside under any circumstances. Food, Water, And Feral Animals All animals should have regular access to clean, fresh water, but it’s even more important during colder months. Consider a heated water bowl for outside animals. Domestic animals also consume more calories when it’s colder, so you may need to increase your feedings to ensure they have a protective layer of warm winter insulation. If you feed strays or feral animals, Pet Helpful recommends a makeshift shelter that includes food and water and will help them brave the elements. If possible, trapping strays and taking them to a shelter may be the better bet for their health and well-being. Foot Care Many people use salt on sidewalks, roadways, and driveways as a way to melt ice and snow. While it’s an effective technique, salt can be a toxic irritant on both cats’ and dogs’ tender paw pads. According to Chewy, when your pet comes in from the outside, wipe their feet and apply bag balm or the less expensive Vaseline to keep their paws supple and hydrated. If you can get your pet to wear booties for walks and outdoor trips, all the better. Booties with treads can also be beneficial for older animals, particularly those who may have poor balance and be prone to slipping on icy surfaces. Safety Features It’s essential to keep pets from antifreeze in the winter month - it’s quite poisonous. It also goes without saying that dogs should be leashed when they’re outside. Microchipping and ID tags are also beneficial. An escape-proof harness may work better than a traditional neck collar, as it’s safer and also protects against trachea damage that can occur if a dog pulls and strains on walks. If your dog allows you to put on a harness, they’ll also be more amenable to wearing doggy clothing - a cold weather necessity for older dogs, smaller pups, and those with light coats. Bedding Pets appreciate soft, warm bedding , and in colder temps, it’s especially important. While you can invest quite a bit in high-end memory foam heated beds, you can also get by with a comfy pile of old pillows and blankets. Keep in mind, older animals with arthritis can benefit from an elevated orthopedic bed that cushions their bones and makes them more comfortable. If you notice your older pet seems to limp a bit after rising, consult your vet to see if they would benefit from a prescription medication or a less-expensive over-the-counter joint supplement. While your pet should have regular checkups with the vet, colder months can exacerbate underlying health issues, so careful attention and monitoring is necessary. Older animals, in particular, are prone to slips and falls, and could potentially wander away, especially when the days are short. Keep an eye on any changes that warrant a vet’s consultation - changes in diet, bathroom habits, whining, crying, or limping all need a closer look. Humane Society of the Palouse is dedicated to providing the animals in its facility with the highest level of care possible during their stays, providing beloved companion animals everything they need to live a healthy and happy life. To foster, adopt, volunteer, or donate, visit the site or reach out by calling (208) 883-1166. Photo By Pixabay Winter Pet Safety Reminders Know your dog’s limits! Some dogs are more susceptible to the cold than others. Short-coated, thin, elderly, or very young dogs get cold more quickly, so adjust the amount of time they stay outside! If your dog enjoys being outdoors and you will be outside longer than a few minutes, consider outfitting it with a sweater or coat to keep it warm. Hypothermia and frostbite pose major risks to dogs in winter, so remember, if it is too cold for you, it may be too cold for your dog! Check your car hood Cats often sleep in the wheel wells of cars during the winter months to keep warm. If you start your car and a cat is sleeping on your tire, it can be severely injured by moving engine parts. Prevent injuries by banging loudly on your hood or honking the horn before starting your car. This will wake up the cat and give it a chance to escape before starting the car. Wipe your pets paws During winter walks, your dog’s paws can pick up all kinds of toxic chemicals – salt, antifreeze, or de-icers. Be sure to wipe off your dog’s paws when you return from walks to prevent him from licking it off and becoming sick. Purchase pet-safe de-icers for your home for an extra level of safety. And when wiping off your dog’s paws, remember to check for signs of injury, such as cracked or bleeding paws. Always clean your pets paws from frozen snow and ice. Ice stuck to their paw hairs can be extremely uncomfortable. Always keep your pet contained More pets become lost in the winter than any other season because snowfall can disguise recognizable scents that would normally help them find their way home. Prevent your pets from becoming lost by keeping dogs leashed on walks and, just in case you are separated from your pets, make sure their collars have up-to-date contact information and they are microchipped . Avoid walking or playing on ice When walking your dog, be sure to avoid frozen lakes and ponds. Ice can crack, and you and your dog could fall through. Leave them home Just as hot cars are dangerous for pets in the summer, cold cars pose a threat as well. Only take your pets in the car if it is necessary, and never leave them unattended. Make sure you and your pet are always visible Due to Daylight Savings, many of us are relegated to walking our dogs in the dark. Keep yourself and your dog are safe by wearing reflective gear (clothing, leash, collar, etc) and keeping your dog close when walking on the street. Give your outdoor pets safe shelter If your pets live outdoors primarily, bring them indoors during sub-zero temperatures. For the rest of the winter, provide them with a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to sit and lay down comfortably, but small enough to conserve body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. Pets who spend a lot of time outside need more food to replace energy lost from trying to stay warm. Use plastic food and water dishes instead of metal. When the temperature is low enough, your pets’ tongue can become stuck to the metal bowl. Avoid chemical spills Antifreeze attracts cats and dogs because it is very sweet to taste, but it is extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness or death when ingested. Be sure to clean up any antifreeze that spills in your garage, and keep the bottle somewhere your pets cannot access. Be prepared for emergencies Winter brings extreme weather that can cause power outages. Have an emergency plan and make sure they include your pets! Have an emergency kit with enough food, water, and medication to last your pets at least five days. Most likely you will never need it, but if you do, you will be thankful you planned ahead!

Event Volunteering HSoP holds several annual fundraising events, many of which require volunteers to ensure the event is running smoothly. Event Volunteering is a great opportunity for clubs, community, business and philanthropic groups to support an organization with a great cause. Soup and Pie Held every February, Soup and Pie is a social luncheon where HSoP supporters can enjoy a bowl of soup and a slice of pie. Volunteers at our soup and pie event are responsible for selling tickets at the door, admitting those with tickets purchased online, serving soup to attendees, and slicing up delicious pie for all of those who came to support our animals. Volunteers are also extremely helpful for the setup and teardown of event materials (tables, chairs, decorations, food, etc.). Paw-Louse 5K Fun Run & Walk Paw-Louse Fun run is a fun outing for all family members (including the furry ones) that starts and ends at the corner of Rail Road and Sweet Ave. Volunteers make this event possible by handing out water and snacks, distributing T-shirts, setting up the 5k route, and helping to keep our participants (people and dogs alike!) on track. Howling at Hamilton The Sunday after Labor Day, at the Hamilton Lowe Aquatic Center, it’s the dogs’ day at the pool. With dog dock diving contest. Volunteers have a great time at this event! Some volunteers collect entrance fees at the gate, while others sell toys and treats to those who attend. A few lucky volunteers will even get to help judge the pool jumping contest! Pet Pictures with Santa Each December, patrons and their pets spread the holiday cheer while posing with Santa. Our volunteers help bring Christmas joy by setting up the photo station, cleaning up after the fact, and keeping our photogenic furry friends entertained. Volunteers also help us to collect the funds from this event. Are you interested in being an event volunteer for HSoP? We would love to have you on our team! Feel free to call us at (208)883-1166 or email Sierah, our Shelter Director at director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org . Thank you for thinking of our animals!

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!

City of Moscow Dog Licensing Did you know that all dogs living within the city limits of Moscow need to be licensed with the City of Moscow? We can help with that! The Humane Society can only accept cash or check payments for City of Moscow fees. ***If you would like to pay with a card, we recommend licensing your dog at the Moscow Police Department.*** HSoP Hours of Operation : M onday through Saturday from 1:00-6:00pm , dog kennels close at 5:00pm Lifetime tag costs: $25.00 for a spayed or neutered dog $35.00 for an intact dog City of Moscow Dog License

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.

Found Tiny Kitten(s) Neonatal Kittens (1-day to 5-weeks old) best chance at survival is with their mom. If you find a kitten or litter of kittens under 6 weeks of age, watch from afar to see if mom comes back. Chances are mom is off hunting for food. Do not move or relocate the kittens until you know if there is a mom. If mom comes back, see if she is friendly. Will she let you pet her or feed her? If so, attempt to gather mom and babies into carriers. Call HSoP, so we can get them all in safely! If mom is not friendly, the best option is to wait until kittens are roughly eight weeks old. Kittens can be brought to HSoP to help socialize them and get them ready for adoption. Mom should be Trapped, fixed, and released. Unfortunately, at this time we cannot accept feral cats. We do offer a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program specifically for feral cats. This program provides the cage to trap feral cats, and HSoP will pay the full amount to have these cats vaccinated and sterilized to prevent more unwanted litters in the future. If you need help feeding mom or kittens, please call us to get some assistance with pet food. Visit our Food Pantry page for more information. If mom does not come back after five hours, it is safe to assume she is not coming back. Gather the kittens in a carrier or box, and give them a heating pad (always wrap the heating pad in a towel or blanket to avoid burning their delicate skin). Call HSoP immediately, and bring them to us as soon as possible. HSoP is always looking for new foster families. If you are interested in fostering the litter of kittens you found, or any kittens we have, check out our Foster page for more information!