Our featured pets this week are Captain and Bud.

Captain is a feisty little 1-year-old rat terrier mix with the cutest face. Like most terriers, he’s energetic, curious, and full of spunk! He’d love a home with a fenced-in yard where he can safely explore and burn off energy. After sniffing all the things, Captain will jump into your lap for cuddles. He’s a lot of action in a small package and will make a fun, upbeat companion for an active family.

Bud is a shepherd-basset mix around 5 years old. When this long-bodied low-rider first came to the shelter, he was skittish and anxious. In a short time, Bud has grown to learn the routine and is showing his true self. So far we know he loves treats and is friendly with everyone he meets. Bud’s charming personality and laid-back attitude will make an excellent addition to any home.

Both Bud and Captain are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to go to their new homes. If you’re interested in adopting, save time and complete an application online: https://bit.ly/2Qo4EfE.

Did you know? Shelter euthanasia is likely the most common cause of death of companion animals in the U.S., and that was previously true in Boyle County. The traditional model of sheltering leads to high rates of euthanasia – for various reasons: illness, overcrowding, and lack of available homes.

Thanks to a professional shelter assessment funded by the Bluegrass Area Development District (2018) and continued support from leading animal welfare experts, Danville-Boyle County Humane Society (DBCHS) and Boyle County Animal Control put in place evidence-based practices to save more lives.

We learned that the best way to increase live outcomes (the number of dogs and cats leaving the shelter alive through return to home, transfer to rescue, or adoption) is by proactively helping people and their pets.

In the last two years, we’ve developed a series of safety nets to help care for animals beyond shelter walls. These safety nets include: securing foster homes for medically fragile and very young animals, providing pet food for folks in need, helping people find new, loving homes for their pets using technology (dbchs.home-home.org), and implementing Trap/Neuter/Vaccinate/Return (TNVR) for healthy outdoor cats.

These programs dramatically reduce intake, which reserves shelter space for victims of cruelty or neglect and sick, injured, or abandoned animals. It also allows us to reallocate resources to better serve the people and pets of Boyle County.

DBCHS is exploring ways to expand its community programming. Priorities include establishing a series of free/low-cost vaccination clinics and an expanded pet food pantry to help people keep their pets healthy and safe at home.

Ultimately, we envision a community that values animal welfare, making Boyle County the most compassionate and kind community for animals in all of Kentucky. Keep an eye out for more about the movement!

About us: DBCHS is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) established in 1972 that promotes the humane treatment of animals through compassionate care, education, and support.