Have you found a tiny kitten? Look no further! Visit this page for helpful information on what to do now. 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!

December 1977 The need for a humane society in Latah County On December 13th, 1977, The Idahoan published an article titled "The Man Who Kills Dogs". The author, David Johnson, wrote a gritty and detailed account of the euthanasia taking place every day at what was once the Moscow Pound. The response to Johnson's article was swift and substantial. Within days of being published, the Idahoan received several letters to the editor. Some of the titles included "Do Something", "Don't Dump Them", and "Form Humane Society". The people of Moscow were moved by Johnson's article, and soon the idea of a humane society seemed both possible and necessary. January 1978 The first steps Following the cries for a Humane Society to be formed, a group of Latah County residents took it upon themselves to make it happen. Lorin Roberts and J.D. Farrar led the march when it came to getting a humane society up and running. In 1978, a yearly membership with the humane society costed individuals $5. There was no building, or even real plans for it. But there were plenty of people who cared enough to get organized.

Learn about microchipping services offered by our shelter. It is so important to microchip your pet, and we want everyone to be able to do just that! Microchipping Importance of pet identification: Each year, hundreds of lost or abandoned animals are sheltered by the Humane Society of the Palouse. Many of these companion animals are reunited with their loved ones. Some however, an owner is never found. Those who arrive without identification are less likely to be reunited with their owner. We recommend having a collar with up to date identification tags as well as a registered and up to date Microchip. Even though collars can come off, there is a good chance that they won’t. Having up to date and legible identification tags on your pet will help aid in getting your pet home faster. Avoiding the stress of a visit to our shelter is what is best for you pet. We do love making new furry friends, and we do our best to keep them as comfortable as possible during their stay, but at home with you is where they would much rather be. Using a collar with tags in addition to a microchip just further ensures their and your comfort in being reunited. Microchipping is your pets permanent form of identification. Every companion animal that arrives as a stray to any humane society or vet clinic is scanned for a microchip. Microchipping offers pet owners the security and peace of mind that comes from the only permanent pet identification technology. Microchips are a safe, secure and permanent way to reunite you and your pet. What is a Microchip? A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is a radio-frequency identification transponder made up of just a few components encased within a slender capsule of bioglass, which is used extensively for implants in both humans and animals. Microchips are the only form of identification that cannot fall off, be taken off, or become illegible and it lasts your pets entire lifetime. The microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination. If your pet becomes lost and is taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter, your pet will be scanned for a microchip to reveal his unique ID number. That number will be called into the pet recovery service, and you will be contacted using the contact information on file with your pet’s microchip. **It is vital to keep your contact information up to date so that you can be reached. All animals microchipped by HSoP are registered with HomeAgain microchips. Sources: The importance of pet identification-Petfinder.com How Are Microchips Implanted?-Petfinder.com Pet Microchip FAQs-Petfinder.com 24PetWatch Pet Recovery Services

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Read about the HSoP events you can look forward to! This calander outlines all of our planned events in the near future.

Learn about the ways you can get involved in saving local homless pets. This includes donating, volunteering, and fostering. Get Involved! Our amazing community is truly what makes our work possible. The residents of Moscow and Latah County have continuously shown how much they care for local animals over the last 40 years. There's several ways to get involved in our lifesaving mission! Each year we have the help of countless volunteers who ensure each animal is safe and comfortable in our care. We also have an extremely generous community who funds more than 30% of our shelter expenses through donations! The community effort doesn't end there. Many of our toys, blankets, treats, and carriers have been donated by helpful residents of Moscow and Latah County, and event volunteers make sure our fundraising efforts are successful year after year! There are even some community members who choose a more hands-on approach and get involved by fostering animals still in search of their forever homes. We are always trying to brainstorm more ways our community can get involved in the work we do. If you have any questions or ideas about how you could help us save countless lives, please send us an email us at information@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org Donate Volunteer Foster Shop Thank you for allowing us to help those who cannot help themselves!

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.

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

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!

Heroes of HSoP is much more than a recognition effort; it’s a reflection of the profound difference we can make when we come together. With your help, we’ve been able to keep our doors open to serve nearly 500 lost and homeless pets each year. HSoP can only operate with the continued support of those who care, just like you. Thank you for being the heroes that the homeless pets in our community so desperately need. Heroes of HSoP The Heart Behind the Humane Society A t HSoP, we recognize that you, our supporters, are the drivin g force behind everything we do. Our ability to protect and care for lost and homeless pets only exists because of people like you, who believe that all pets deserve second chances and a safe pla ce to go. Your dedication has inspired us to create a program that acknowledges your generosity, while amplifying the impact of your contributions. Thank You to Our 2024 H eroes of HSoP! Brent Jeffers Loyal Lifesaver Diana Moss Loyal Lifesaver Nate Sletteland Loyal Lifesaver Scott Smith Loyal Lifesaver Kim Salisbury Humane Hero Become a Hero of HSoP Today! First name Email Last name Phone Address (Please include city and state) T-Shirt Size Choose an option I prefer to remain anonymous in the public eye I prefer to have my donor benefits sent by mail *Picking up your benefits saves us money, which means more of it goes to help pets in need! Go to Checkout Thank you for becoming a hero to local pets in need! Make your first donation today Why “Heroes of HSoP”? Heroes of HSoP is more than just a recogn ition program; it’s a celebration of the co llective change that can happen when caring individuals like yourself come together for good. By launching the program, we aim to: 1. Celebrate Your Impact Highlight the tangible difference your support makes for the lives of lost and homeless pets within our community. 2. Foster Community Create a sense of kinship and belonging among our loyal donors, uniting everyone through a shared commitment to animal welfare. 3. Encourage Sustained Support Provide a structured framework that encourages ongoing and increasing contributions, ensuring lasting support for our programs and services. Program Levels and Benefits To express our sincere gratitude, we’ve crafted distinctive benefits for each level of contribution: 1. Caring Companion ($101-250 annual donations) Heroes of HSoP static window cling Heroes of HSoP T-shirt Public acknowledgement of support, unless preferred otherwise 2. Shelter Sidekick ($251-750 annual donations) All Caring Companion benefits Complimentary Pet Pictures with Santa Personalized Certificate of Appreciation 3. Humane Hero ($751-1,500 annual donations) All Shelter Sidekick benefits Invitation to new HSoP donor dinner, scheduled for January 2025 4. Loyal Lifesaver ($1,501+ annual donations) All Humane Hero benefits Engraved plaque on new HSoP donor recognition wall Become a Hero of HSoP Please embark on this exciting journey with us by making an annual contribution aligned with your desired recognition level. To join the inaugural class of Heroes of HSoP, please enter your details below. For any questions regarding Heroes of HSoP, please contact our Shelter Director by emailing director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org . Heroes of HSoP is an “opt-in” program, so please complete the form below to receive benefits! We eagerly invite you to join us as we navigate through the first year of Heroes of HSoP. Heroes of HSoP is much more than a recognition effort; it’s a r eflection of the profound difference we can make when we come together. With your help, we’ve been able to keep our doors open to serve nearly 500 lost and homeless pets each year. HSoP can only operate with the continued support of those who care, just like you. Thank you for being the heroes that the homeless pets in our community so desperately need. Frequently asked questions Heroes of HSoP FAQ Do I have to donate the full amount at one time? No. We keep track of named donations made to the shelter (though donations made anonymously cannot be tracked and tallied), and will have benefits ready for pickup once a donor reaches the threshold of being a Caring Companion, Shelter Sidekick, Humane Hero*, or Loyal Lifesaver*. *To receive an invitation to the January 2025 donor dinner, the Humane Hero or Loyal Lifesaver threshold must be met no later than October 1st to provide sufficient time for planning. **If you donate through a third-party like Facebook, PayPal Giving Fund, add-on donations at check-out, etc, please provide confirmation of your donation via screenshots or a confirmation email so we can count your donation toward your yearly total. We do not receive full donor details from third parties like this, and are unable to track these donations without hearing from our donors directly. How do I receive my benefits/goodies? All Heroes of HSoP benefits will be prepared and ready for pickup at HSoP, located at 2019 E White Ave Moscow, ID, after donors reach the Caring Companion threshold. Donors will be notified when their benefits are ready for pickup, and can stop by during open hours to collect them. If you prefer to have your Heroes of HSoP benefits shipped to your home address, please make sure to designate this wish by checking the appropriate box in the signup form above. When do I receive my benefits/goodies? Benefits will be available for pickup once your total donations for the calendar year reach the threshold of any tier. We will contact donors to let them know when benefits are ready for pickup. If you prefer to have your benefits sent by mail, please select check the box in the signup form above. For instance, if you donate $25 to HSoP per month and opt-in to the program, you will receive our Caring Companion benefits after donating a total of $125. If you receive your Caring Companion benefits and continue donating until you reach the threshold of being a Shelter Sidekick, we'll be sure to prepare your additional goodies, too! Can I still direct my donation to a certain area of the shelter? Absolutely! Heroes of HSoP is just our way of saying Thank You to the people who make our work possible. If there is a specific program you would like to support, or a specific expense you would like your donation to fund, we're delighted to make that happen. If you would like your funds to be directed to a specific program or project, please just let us know! You can always write on the subject line of checks or in the memo of PayPal donations, but you can always email Lauren at outreach@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org (outreach@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org)to make sure your funds go to the right place. Can I remain anonymous and still receive benefits? Of course! If you would like to remain anonymous to the public, but still receive Heroes of HSoP benefits, make sure to check the box in the signup form above. We are unable to track donations that are made anonymously. You will need to name yourself in your donations in order to receive benefits, but no one outside of HSoP will see your name if you do not wish to have it seen. If you happen to change your mind about staying anonymous, please contact Lauren, our PR Manager, at outreach@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org (outreach@Humanesocietyofthepalouse.org)and we'll get it sorted! Still have questions about the program? Feel free to contact our Shelter Director, by sending an email to director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org .