SERVING GULF COUNTY, FLORIDA
Metal Artwork at Entrance
During my recent vacation in Gulf County, I had the pleasure of meeting several local community members. During one such meeting, I learned about an upcoming fundraising event for the local Humane Society. I walked up the steps to local eatery Triple Tails, to inquire about dogs being permitted on the patio. Cheryl, a volunteer, and advocate for the centre, was just finishing her conversation with staff member Cindy.
I returned to the truck to collect my pack and as my husband and I made our way to the patio, three dogs in tow, Cindy and Cheryl came over to ‘meet the furkins.’ After learning that I was as much a ‘pet person’ as herself, Cheryl invited us to attend their eleventh annual BOW WOW BASH – a masquerade themed party to raise funds for rescue. Sadly, the event took place the weekend after we returned home. I mentioned that I would like to visit the shelter and introduce myself and would most definitely stop by the upcoming ‘Adoption Event’ being held at the local Piggly Wiggly.
Mr. Pig & Barb Van Treese with adoptable puppy
During the adoption event, I had the pleasure of witnessing an adoption!!!
Kailey picked Rosie. I asked her why she chose the name Rosie for her new best friend. Kailey told me that the vines on the roses outside of her families home, turn ‘Rosie’ black.
Kailey & Rosie
Nancy, Barb, Cheryl, Mel and Lynda with Oscar, Rosie, Harmony, and Indie
Upon arriving at the shelter, Adoption Coordinator Caisey extended a warm welcome and invited me on a tour of the entire facility. During our rounds, Caisey explained some processes and procedures the team has in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the animals in their care.
Clarice, Genie, Dutch, and Hunter formed a welcoming committee
The first thing I noticed was how clean, bright, and welcoming the shelter is. I truly believe art is a form of therapy. Even if the cats and dogs don’t see colours the same way humans do, the fact that the people caring for them are uplifted by the scenery is sure to have a beneficial impact on all via positive energy.
The St. Joseph Bay Humane Society has found a way to create a ‘Happy Place’ for the animals while they wait for loving, forever homes
Although the dogs are assigned playmates, based on temperament and other considerations, each dog is individually escorted to the designated runs/play areas for fresh air and sunshine in the yard. There are several yards, all separated by chain-link fencing. This allows for more dogs to be outside and supervised at the same time. An example of measures in place to ensure the protection of all.
Rambo and Diva enjoying yard time
On the opposite side of the building, and at the end of my tour, I was guided to the ‘cattio’ and ‘kittio.’
These little outdoor shelters looked like the screened in porch of a holiday vacation home
Ariel (bottom), Clover, Shiva, and Harmony
Tungee (yellow stalker cat), and Tootie Fruity
SJBHS has thought of everything. Including, the importance of a ‘meet and greet’ area. Potential adopters and family members (including other dogs) can spend time in this beautiful outdoor area to see if they are a perfect match.
Meet N’ Greet Area
St. Joseph Bay Humane Society takes in more than nine hundred animals each year and works closely with breed-specific rescue organizations. The organization is committed to educating their community about the prevention of suffering related to pet overpopulation; the shelter provides a free spay/neuter program and low cost rabies clinic.
The organization is also proud to announce its DAWGS in Prison Program, a joint effort with Gulf Correctional Institute. Check back for future post about this program.
Their Mission: to relieve animal suffering, prevent animal cruelty, promote human education and enhance the animal and human bond.
Thanks to the generosity of our community we have been able to add Kurunda beds in each run and add fencing and other amenities to make the animals more comfortable while they are in our care
In addition to monetary donations and supplies from their wish list, St. Joseph Bay Humane Society is grateful for support from purchases and donations made at Faith’s Thrift Hut. Open since 2006; the thrift store has provided a steady income to help support the animals at the shelter.
Donations pay for memorial stones to be included in this beautiful pathway
As a pet parent to formerly neglected and abused companions, I recognize the appreciation expressed daily by these animals for their second chances. Many of you reading this have recently celebrated American Thanksgiving. I hope you will consider the difference this and similar organizations are making, and show them your support.
With gratitude,
Thanks for spotlighting a wonderful shelter! Those pups are adorable.
I wish all shelters could be like this one!
THANK YOU Sadie I love this.
My pleasure!
What a great place ~ I love their use of artwork and home comforts to create a nice home for their temporary residents.
Pawesome Cats recently posted…Pixie-Bob Cat Breed Profile
Happy people creates a calm environment for the pets.
This looks like a truly amazing shelter. I love the art on the walls and agree that if it helps the humans, it helps the animals. And wow about those outdoor patios for the kitties!
Aren’t those amazing?!
What a great shelter, I so love seeing the different shelters in different cities as I think we can all learn from although my dream is for their to be no shelters, thanks for this great post
I share that dream…
Sounds like a wonderful shelter, doing their part to adopt out as many animals as possible, while making it a positive experience for everyone. A lot of slaughterhouses, oops I mean shelters, can learn a lot.
Hindy Pearson recently posted…Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Activity Toy Review
Yes. I wish more shelters would focus on finding homes and generating awareness.
The work these people are doing is so great and important.
Jana Rade recently posted…Veterinary Highlights:The Funniest, Most Embarrassing Vet Staff Moments
The team at this shelter are friendly and genuinely care about the animals. It makes a difference!
That kitty wall is so cute! Animal shelters are so important and can be so stressful. It’s nice to see when they spiff them up. Thanks for sharing.
Tonya Wilhelm recently posted…Pet Contests and Giveaways: Dexter’s Delights: Fun and Healthy Treats for Dogs Giveaway
It makes such a difference to the environment!
What a lovely post. We have a book review btw and giveaway coming up for you. Thank you for calling attention to the animals who need loving and forever homes.
Thank you Carol.
What a beautiful shelter, I can feel the Zen as I look at your photos! I like that you pointed out how lovely and well cared for the shelter itself is too. Not only is that great for the animals and their employees, but it’s great for potential adopters too! Too many shelters are dingy and depressing, which makes adopters either not want to go there at all or makes them want to leave as soon as possible. Not good. Thanks for sharing this.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Thanks for adding that great point, Cathy! It does make a difference to potential adopters.
What an awesome shelter. I have to agree that a clean and bright shelter can make all the difference. The shelter I worked for had high ceilings, brightly colored walls, and lots of natural light. People walked in happy and almost always left happy. What a great event!
Thanks Amber. Hopefully the idea to brighten up these areas will catch on!
What a great shelter for dogs and cats. My dream would be that we didn’t need them anymore, but at least this shelter helps make the dogs and cats comfortable and the environment inviting for potential adopters.
I share your dream xx
Sounds like an amazing shelter doing everything right. How wonderful to witness an actual adoption. Love Dolly
Fundraising is great. Finding homes for the animals is even better. It was lovely to witness the adoption.
What a wonderful community and home for these pets. I am so glad to see you writing about it and it made me happy to know a dog was adopted that day. Some of those pet houses look amazing! haha I would live in one 🙂
Joely Smith recently posted…Fashion Focus: PJ’s, Leisure Suit, Call It What You Want But I Found My New Best Friend! Featuring Covered Perfectly
A beautiful house, in a beautiful location!
OH this is such a lovely place! We love the cat runs, they have fresh air and get to enjoy the outdoors!
(Your pups of the welcoming committee made us laugh tho’)
Dash Kitten Crew recently posted…Sunday Selfie with Dot Kitten
Both, cats and dogs get to run outside. I wish it was the case at all shelters.
What an amazing Shelter! It is another place now on my bucket list to visit. Thank you for sharing!
I’m sure they would love to meet you Denise 🙂
Love reading about shelters and the work they do. The place looks clean, absolutely loved the cattery and the idea of collecting donations for the meorial stones
Malaika Fernandes recently posted…Bingo The Drool Puppy
It is reassuring to know good work is being done.
This looks like a wonderful shelter! It seems like they really do their best to make sure everyone is safe and happy!
Beth recently posted…Happy Tails: Nina the Lab/Terrier Mixed Breed
They really do!
What a lovely and welcoming shelter! Thank you for sharing with us and taking us along on the tour!
FiveSibesMom recently posted…Wrapping Up K9 Epilepsy Awareness Month With Feature Article in Fidose of Reality ~and~ Special Book Giveaway!
Always happy to share happy tails!
It is so cool that you got to see Rosie find her forever home. 🙂 That is definitely a happy moment. I like all of the art and bright colors too. You’re right – it is a form of therapy. It helps you to think about good things when you are surrounded by beauty. Their catio is really pawsome too!
Robin recently posted…World’s Best Cat Litter: Get More For Less #WasteLessLitter
Thanks Robin. Yes, it is important to focus on the positive. We need more of that.
This looks like a beautiful shelter. So happy there are people working to help pets find their forever home, even if it means giving them a second, third, or fourth chance. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Jessica Shipman | Beagles & Bargains recently posted…Stocking Stuffer Giveaway Day 2: Full Moon Artisanal Jerky
Thanks Jessica. Hopefully this will inspire other shelters to create such an amazing environment.
Aww this is so lovely, i’ve always wanted to adopt pets and considered a great shelter, and there came your post! I think i will visit the shelter some time soon!
You could even apply as a volunteer!
They look so lovely. How can I have one???
Emily@ juicer healthy recently posted…The 8 Morning Secrets of Successful People
Hi Emily, you would need to fill out an application form and speak with the staff. Good luck!