Local shelters talk about their dogs, cats and other pets looking for new homes

Compiled by
Matt Ingersoll, Mya Blanchard, Katelyn Sahagian and Angie Sykeny
[email protected]

Looking for a new animal companion? We spoke with local shelters and rescue leagues about the work that’s involved in bringing dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals to their forever homes. The shelters also describe a few of their pets that (at least as of presstime) are looking for new families.

Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire

545 Route 101, Bedford, 472-3647, rescueleague.org

Serving more than 2,000 pets a year, the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire was incorporated in 1904, making it one of the longest-running animal-focused nonprofits in the area. Its first shelter facility opened in a renovated home in Goffstown in 1942. The ARLNH is now in its 25th year of operation in its current facility in Bedford, which opened in 1998, according to chief executive officer Marianne Jones.

“We specialize in helping … companion animals, so cats, dogs [and] small animals like hamsters, rabbits and gerbils,” Jones said. “We offer many community-based programs. We’ll help folks with adoption [or] if they need to surrender an animal. We also have resources like a pet food pantry, human education and low-cost spay and neuter clinics. The list goes on and on.”

Jones said a regularly updated adoption page on the ARLNH’s website provides the details on currently available animals.

“We encourage people to look on the website, read [the animals’] bios to see if they may potentially be a fit for them, and then if they feel that it would, to give us a call to speak further and assess a fit,” Jones said. “We are appointment-only right now, usually in the afternoons because we clean all morning. … We’re here seven days a week.”

Appointments are usually booked within a day or two, but never more than 48 hours, according to the ARLNH’s website, in order to not hold any animals back from other adoption opportunities. Those who already have resident dogs are encouraged to bring them if they are adopting an additional dog. Some animals can go home the same day if they are perfect fits, while others may need additional time. Adoption fees do vary, depending on the type of animal and the animal’s age.

“We certainly want everyone to have the best animal for them, but we always welcome the animal back,” Jones said.

Adoptable pets from the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire:

• Bashful and Lover Boy: This pair of 15-year-old domestic shorthair cats is looking for a kind and patient human to help them break out of her shell. Due to their age and medical concerns, they would do best in a home without any dogs.

• Eugene: Eugene is a 2-year-old bearded dragon who came to the shelter after his previous owners realized they didn’t have as much time to take care of him as they used to. He’s looking for an adopter who has experience with bearded dragon ownership, diet, care and the appropriate environments for him to live a happy and healthy life.

• Jo: Jo is a 4-year-old female Angora mix rabbit who was surrendered to the ARLNH after her owners realized it was too much to take care of her with all her hair. She prefers to live without any other rabbits as she can be territorial of her space if they are around. Those interested in adopting her should learn about her overall hair and upkeep needs.

• Mami: Mami is a 4-year-old domestic shorthair cat who found her way into the shelter after her previous owners discovered that a home with kids was less than ideal for her. She’s known for being a very playful, active and affectionate companion once she is comfortable around her humans.

• Nike: Nike is a 3-year-old female German shepherd who enjoys being active and hopes to find a home where she can continue to be. She’s a bit of a drama queen — especially when she gets excited to go for a walk — and would do best in a home with teenagers and adults, without other animals.

Darbster Rescue

Doggy: 109 Dover Road, Chichester, 635-4495, darbsterfoundation.com

Kitty: 332 Kelley St., Manchester, 856-9233, darbsterfoundation.com

Darbster started out as a cats-only shelter after founder Ellen Quinlan was encouraged to find pets for friends and family when she moved to Florida. Quinlan said that friends would go to New Hampshire-based animal shelters and not be able to find any cats, but they were practically crawling across her new state.

“Our mission as a rescue is to reduce euthanasia rate of animals,” Quinlan said. “Lots of animals are getting put down in southern states.”

New Hampshire, the second of two states to pass no-kill laws for shelters, was the perfect place for Darbster Kitty and, later, Darbster Doggy. Located in Manchester and Chichester, respectively, the two shelters also offer transport service, and have a home base in South Beach, Florida.

Quinlan said that she’ll transport dogs and cats by car from Florida, Georgia and other surrounding states twice a month. She flies small dogs from Los Angeles to Boston before coming to New Hampshire.

Adoptable pets from Darbster Doggy:

• Angela: Angela is a 4-year-old female hound mix who is currently in foster care. This sweet and adorable dog has a great personality and gets along well with cats and children, as well as other dogs. She is spayed and house trained, and is up to date on all of her current vaccinations.

• Lele: This 2-month-old female black Labrador retriever and goldendoodle mix is 8 pounds right now, but will grow to be up to 60 pounds. According to Darbster Doggy’s website, she is good with kids, dogs and cats and is up to date on all her vaccinations.

• Pascal: This 5-year-old terrier mix has been available since the beginning of February. He would be fine in a house with other dogs but doesn’t do well with cats or children. He is fully grown, at 17 pounds, and has all of his shots. He is also neutered and house trained.

• Sparrow: Sparrow is an 11-month-old Belgian Malinois mix. Right now he weighs 53 pounds, but he has the potential to grow bigger. He is good with cats, dogs and kids, has all of his vaccinations, and is neutered.

• Tandy: A 2-year-old mixed breed female, Tandy is currently 47 pounds and has both a playful and a more relaxed personality. She’s in foster care right now and would do well in a house that didn’t have any cats. She is spayed and up to date on her vaccinations.

Adoptable pets from Darbster Kitty:

• Artley:This2-year-old female tabby is both extremely affectionate and high-energy. She will also give head butts and meander around people’s legs. She isn’t sure of other cats and would do best as an only pet. She is spayed and up to date on all her shots.

• Belle: This is the second time this6-year-old girl has found her way into Darbster Kitty, through no fault of her own. She is a playful cat that would do well with others. She is spayed and up to date on her shots.

• Blue: This little8-month-old tuxedo kitten is the life of the party at his foster home. He loves cardboard scratchers, balls, feather wands and his favorite, the cat dancer. He doesn’t have any experience with children yet, but he gets along well with the other dogs and cats in his foster home. He is up to date on his vaccines and is neutered.

• Licorice:Found abandoned in an apartment complex, this 2-year-old gray and black tabby cat hasn’t had the easiest life. He is recently recovered from surgery but is ready to find his forever home. He is good with other cats, is neutered, and is up to date on his shots.

• Plum: This little 8-month-old tuxedo cat loves to play with any toy he can get his paws on. He is also infatuated with lap naps and will curl up while watching TV. He does well with cats, both young and older, but doesn’t have experience with children or dogs. He is up to date on his vaccines and is neutered.

Greater Derry Humane Society

East Derry, 434-1512, derryhumanesociety.com

Marty and Paula Dunladey, the president and chair of the Greater Derry Humane Society, respectively, said there are a lot of logistics that come into play when there isn’t a brick-and-mortar shelter to rely on.

“The thing about foster situations [is] our animals aren’t displayed, but they’re learning how to live in a home and are much less stressed than animals in a shelter,” Paula Dunladey said. “[Shelters] are stressful for people and for the animals in them.”

The Society has approximately 40 homes fostering animals at a time, but that isn’t usually enough for the number of dogs and cats they know need care. Marty Dunladey said the Society works hard to keep the number of animals they take in in proportion to the number of homes available for fostering.

“We get surrenders and take in strays,” Marty Dunladey said. “We get animals from Animal Control in Derry, and cats especially. Most of what we do is getting them veterinary care. That’s our biggest thing.”

Marty Dunladey suggests that people looking for a new pet adopt some that are older. While puppies are new, he said that older dogs are just as fun and loving.

“Senior dogs are tougher to get adopted,” he said. “We just adopted a 14-year-old dog. We know he doesn’t have long but we don’t want to see any dog spend last years not at home.”

Adoptable pets from the Greater Derry Humane Society:

• Andy: This 11-year-old chihuahua loves curling up on laps and receiving belly rubs. He’s good with new people and other dogs, but hasn’t been exposed to cats while being fostered.

• Emma: Emma is a 2-year-old corgi mix who was brought up from Georgia. She is a very affectionate and athletic girl who is good with other dogs in the family, but does have a tendency to be skittish around men. She loves sleeping on laps and beds, but she is only crate trained.

• Finnegan: This 3-year-old chihuahua mix is good with other dogs, but not so great with kids and cats. He’s up to date on his vaccinations and is neutered. He’s a very snuggly guy, even though he’s still struggling with potty training.

• Katana: This American pit bull terrier and Shar-pei mix has traveled from Texas to find a forever home in New Hampshire. He is good with other dogs and kids, but not so much with cats. He is just over 2-and-a-half years old and is neutered and up to date on all of his vaccinations.

• Rafael: This almost 2-year-old Boston terrier and rat terrier mix is a sweet dog with a huge heart. Because he is cautious with new people, the Greater Derry Humane Society does not recommend him for families with children.

Happy Tails Pet Rescue

14 Pine Road, Hudson, 595-7387, happytailspetrescue.org

Happy Tails Pet Rescue is a cat-only shelter run exclusively by volunteers and on donations.

“We started … just to help the cats in the area that the larger humane societies couldn’t help, like the hard-to-adopt animals [and] the cats with special needs,” said April Guilmet, one of the shelter’s board members.

Located in Hudson, the shelter usually has around a dozen cats on average, taking them in from kill shelters in New York City and Florida as well as surrenders. Animals who come to the shelter are also available for adoption at PetSmart locations in Plaistow and Chelmsford, Mass.

Adoption applications can be found on the rescue’s website, and prices vary depending on the age of the pet — they range from $120 for senior cats over the age of 10 to $220 for kittens under 6 months old. Interested applicants also have opportunities to volunteer at the shelter or foster available cats.

“There’s so many different personality types,” Guilmet said. “A cat’s a great pet for everyone.”

Adoptable cats from Happy Tails Pet Rescue:

• Artemis: Artemis is a 3-year-old domestic shorthair mix. She is very timid and shy, but with love and proper care will show how sweet and loving she likely is.

• Mama Sue: This 1½-year-old cat is now an empty nester who would do well in a quiet home without dogs or little kids. According to her foster parent, she doesn’t enjoy being picked up, but does love to play with wand toys.

• Millie: At 2 years and 9 months old, Millie has had a tough start to her life. She is often overlooked due to her shy and timid nature, but shows a strong desire to trust people, as she is learning to do every day. It would benefit Millie to be adopted along with one of her current roommates at the shelter, or go to a home that has a friendly cat who can help her adjust.

• Sasha: Sasha is a 3-year-old domestic shorthair mix. It is assumed she had a tough life before coming to the shelter, but she is learning to trust people. She is gradually coming out of her shell and loves to play. Sasha would do best in a quiet home with a patient parent so she is able to warm up to her new home.

Hearts and Tails Animal Alliance

Weare, heartsandtails.org

About five years ago Cathy Bailey and her partner were vacationing in Puerto Rico when a stray black dog started following them around.

“As soon as I saw him I broke into tears. … He had ticks all over his face and he couldn’t walk on his back right leg,” Bailey said.

The couple went to a nearby store to pick up dog food, but when they came back to where they had encountered the dog, it was nowhere to be found.

“We had this great itinerary planned for our two-day vacation and we did none of it,” she said. “All we did was look for this dog, and we never found him.”

Bailey would return home to New Hampshire, but the thought of the stray dog never left her mind. A few weeks went by, and she decided she needed to return to Puerto Rico to find it.

“We looked and looked and we couldn’t find him. I was so discouraged,” she said. “So then I saw a black dog and a white dog laying on the sidewalk and I said, ‘Well, I’ll just go ahead and feed these dogs, at least.’ My boyfriend let me out and he started driving away and then I just started screaming, ‘It’s him, it’s him!’”

They took the dog to a local vet, where it tested positive for ehrlichia, anaplasmosis and heartworm disease. The dog was ultimately able to get into the hands of a local shelter.

“We started making all kinds of contacts and finding out just how bad the problem is,” Bailey said. “By then we had decided that we wanted to start rescuing more dogs.”

That, Bailey said, was how Hearts and Tails Animal Alliance, a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to preventing the euthanization of adoptable dogs, was born. Today she rescues dogs from several states across the Southeast and has partnered with other adoption agencies and organizations like Darbster Doggy in Chichester and the Humane Society for Greater Nashua.

Adoption applications can be filled out online and visits are by appointment. Bailey said the adoption fees range from $450 to $650, depending on the age of the dog, and those who don’t have prior veterinary references are required to get pet insurance.

“All of the money that we get from the adoptions … includes [the] spay or neuter [procedure], the microchip, all of your required vaccines and then we give three days of food, a small leash and a martingale collar,” Bailey said.

Adoptable dogs from Hearts and Tails Animal Alliance:

• Billy: Billy is a 4-year-old Catahoula Leopard dog who loves to go out for walks and is great on a leash. He was brought into an animal control facility in South Carolina as a stray before making his way up to New Hampshire. He is house trained and crate trained, neutered and microchipped, and has all his required vaccinations.

• Honey Pie: A terrier mix, Honey Pie is approximately 2 years old, described by her foster mother as the “most perfect house dog.” She arrived at the shelter after wandering in for a visit to the town’s local library. The staff had been hoping she would be reunited with her owner but no one showed up to claim her. Honey Pie walks well on a leash and does always have some energy to burn, so an active family or a fenced yard where she could run would be best for her.

• Tango: Tango is a 1-year-old Plott Hound mix who is good with other dogs and absolutely loves people. He came to New Hampshire from a foster home in North Carolina, and is neutered and up to date on all his required vaccinations.

Humane Society for Greater Nashua

24 Ferry Road, Nashua, 889-2275, hsfn.org

The Humane Society for Greater Nashua has animals of all shapes and sizes, ranging from dogs, cats and bunnies to guinea pigs, parakeets and hedgehogs. They usually receive new dogs from places like Texas and Arkansas every two to three weeks, and have two rooms dedicated to cats. The shelter also has a vet space that gives people access to low-cost vet care, offering services like emergency surgeries, spaying and neutering, dental care and more. There is also a dog trainer at the shelter.

“[We are] able to provide certain services so that families can make sure that they’re getting quality … medical care for their pets. It’s what we’re here for,” said Jennifer Adams-LeBlanc, the shelter’s director of partnerships and corporate gifts.

Adams-LeBlanc also noted that adopting a pet is a long-term commitment, and it all comes down to one’s own lifestyle.

“[These] animals … have already had their lives disrupted [and] that’s traumatizing for [them],” she said. “So we want to make sure if we’re sending the dog home that we’re not disrupting their life again.”

Anyone interested in adopting any of the animals at the shelter can go on the website and print out an adoption application to bring with them to the shelter.

“You’ll meet with an adoption counselor that will talk with you about all the different [animals],” Adams-LeBlanc said.

During this process, one can inquire about the adoption cost, or visit their website for a list, since the price depends on the age of the pet.

“The goal is to do an adoption and make it last,” Adams-LeBlanc said.

Adoptable pets from the Humane Society for Greater Nashua:

• Pebble: At 10 years old, cat Pebble has an independent personality, striking green eyes and a face that’s half gray and half beige. She has had a tough time finding home so far, but is still looking for a family of her own.

• Potato and Chad: Potato and Chad are a friendly guinea pig duo looking for a happy home. They are a bonded pair and must be adopted together. The 3-year-old guinea pigs would love to go to a home where they can have time to roam outside of their enclosure and receive lots of love and attention.

• Sargent: Sargent is a 6-year-old hound mix looking for his forever family. “He’s super friendly [and] loves long walks,” said Nichole Marcoux, an animal care associate and adoption counselor at the shelter. “He loves sniffing around and just being outside, [and] he’s super snuggly.” Sargent is good with kids but would do best in a family without other dogs.

• Wednesday: Wednesday is a 2-year-old bunny who has been at the shelter since December. She is very sweet and affectionate and loves her lollipop hay toys. “She is people-friendly and will come up to the cage to say hello and to be pet,” Jennifer Adams-LeBlanc, the shelter’s director of partnerships and corporate gifts, said in an email.

Manchester Animal Shelter

490 Dunbarton Road, Manchester, 628-3544, manchesteranimalshelter.org

For more than two decades the Manchester Animal Shelter has sheltered, provided medical care and spayed or neutered more than 25,000 animals since its founding. Volunteer coordinator Alie Perkus said that this is one of the best parts of working at the shelter.

“Shelters are so important because if it wasn’t for shelters all these animals would be on the streets,” Perkus said. “A lot of times, people worry about animals in shelters getting [the] right care. We have a full-time staff and dedicated volunteers until they’re able to be adopted out.”

Manchester Animal Shelter’s Fix-a-Pit program has led to more than 1,000 of Manchester’s pit bulls being spayed and neutered, while another program, known as Barn Cats, is designed to get scared, angry and mistrusting cats a forever home. These cats are adopted and made a part of a barn ecosystem, keeping pests like mice away from horses.

“A lot of these animals have never had a loving home,” Perkus said. “Given that opportunity, they become totally different animals than in the shelter. It really is getting a friend or companion and adding someone to your family.”

Adoptable pets from the Manchester Animal Shelter:

• Bruin: This 2-year-old German shepherd mix is a good boy who is still working on his behavior. He would do well in a family with only one human who is experienced with dogs. While he is shy to start, once he accepts his human into his circle, he’ll become a cuddle bug.

• Diamond: This 7-year-old pit bull mix is an affectionate and adventurous girl who loves going for walks as much as showing off how smart she is with commands. Diamond would be fine in a home with other dogs but would prefer one without kids.

• King: This 6-year-old brindle mix breed dog is friendly, athletic and affectionate. He loves to play with kids but isn’t a big fan of cats. He would be happiest in a home with an active person who will support his love of fetch, tug-of-war, scritches and peanut butter.

• Panda: This 1-and-a-half-year-old pit bull mix is full of energy. She would make a great hiking or running partner for her future human. Because she’s young and energetic, she’s still working on her manners and would do better in a house without young kids or cats.

• Sonny: This beautiful orange medium-length-fur cat was first adopted from the shelter in 2016 and has now been returned. He was a very friendly cat before, but now is shy and hard to get out of his shell. He needs a calm home and a patient human to help him feel safe and loved again.

• Zeke: This sweet 9-year-old pit bull terrier is excellent with other dogs but doesn’t do too well with kids or cats. He is a quiet senior who loves going for walks and wading through streams. He’s also an absolute cuddler and loves taking time to rest and relax after his adventures.

Motley Mutts Rescue

14 Londonderry Turnpike, No. 4, Hooksett, motleymuttsrescue.org

Motley Mutts Rescue works with animal rescue partners in the South, primarily in rural Mississippi, to transport homeless dogs to New Hampshire, where they’re taken in by volunteer foster homes until they’re found a forever home. The rescue takes in dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages and provides them with veterinary care, including vaccines, preventatives and spaying and neutering procedures.

“Since our inception in 2020 we have been able to successfully adopt out close to 2,000 dogs,” said Katie Hyatt Milewski, vice president on the board.

Adoption fees range from $500 for adults and $600 for puppies, though there are occasionally adult dogs who are sponsored or senior dogs available for lower fees.

Hyatt Milewski said prospective adopters should watch the rescue’s Facebook page — facebook.com/motleymuttsrescue — and submit an application on the rescue’s website when they see “a dog that sparks their heart.”

If there is a possible match, the rescue will arrange a meet-and-greet between the dog and prospective adopter.

Adoptable dogs from Motley Mutts Rescue:

• Cassidy: Cassidy is a happy, sociable 6-month-old pooch, guessed to be a retriever mix, who gets along well with other dogs.

• Gargamel: Gargamel is a Jack Russell terrier mix, around 10 years old, who is looking for a quiet home without younger dogs where he can enjoy being spoiled and being the center of attention.

• Hanes: Hanes is around 11 months old and guessed to be a retriever mix. He loves to play, crates well and would enjoy the company of another playful pup.

• Thad: This sweet 2-year-old Boston terrier mix loves to play with other dogs.

• Tipsy: Tipsy is a sweet and playful 4-month-old mixed-breed pup.

New Hampshire SPCA

104 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham, 772-2921, nhspca.org

The New Hampshire SPCA celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022 and serves more than 120 communities across New Hampshire, southern Maine and northern Massachusetts.

“Our adoption center receives nearly 2,500 unwanted, neglected or abused animals from our region each year,” Rich Hegarty, NHSPCA’s annual fund and digital marketing manager, said in an email. “We provide each one with a warm bed, medical care, nutritious food and the time it takes … to place them in the best possible new home.”

The NHSPCA is an open-admission, unlimited-stay facility, meaning there is no time limit associated with animals finding their new homes. Animals can range from dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits to horses, donkeys, pigs, goats and sheep.

Adoptions, Hegarty said, are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis with an approved application. All adopters must be at least 18 years old and have a valid photo identification with the current address and knowledge and consent of all adults living in their household. The adoption center has open hours every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Wednesdays.

“We strongly encourage folks to visit in advance to get pre-approved, as some of our animals … are in very high demand,” Hegarty said.

Adoptable pets from the New Hampshire SPCA:

• Annie: Annie is a 22-year-old thoroughbred mare who is adoptable by companion only. She has been great with other horses during her time at the New Hampshire SPCA. She has a crooked mouth, which causes her tongue to stick slightly out on one side, but this does not cause her any pain or issues chewing. She is up to date on vaccines and is microchipped.

• Bandit: This adorable male American foxhound puppy is curious, sweet and always following his nose. He is young — less than a year old — so he is working on his manners, but is very eager to learn. He loves snacks and running as fast as he can in the yard. Though he doesn’t need to go home with another dog, he would love to have a doggie friend to play with.

• Doodles and Snickers: Doodles and Snickers are a pair of bunny companions. They both arrived at the shelter after their owner became allergic. Doodles does tend to be elusive, but would do best if she and her brother, Snickers, are housed together in a closed room. Both are also big foodies, enjoying carrots, blueberries, apples and other treats.

Pope Memorial SPCA

94 Silk Farm Road, Concord, 856-8756, popememorialspca.org

Pope Memorial SPCA is dedicated to protecting and advocating for abandoned and homeless pets and promoting the humane treatment of all animals. Qualified staff medically and behaviorally evaluate all animals that come to the shelter, provide veterinary care and work closely with prospective adopters.

Development coordinator Beth Nemchick said the shelter currently has 60 animals in its care, though it averages around 100. Those animals include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters and birds.

Adoption fees range from $25 to $400, depending on the type of animal and the animal’s age.

To begin the adoption process, prospective adopters can fill out an application online or visit the shelter during walk-in hours, Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m., and fill out a paper application.

“Please be prepared to answer questions about your life, your home and how you plan to care for your pet,” Nemchick said. “This information assists us in matching you with a pet that is sure to become a beloved family member and companion.”

Adoption counselors review applications and contact adopters when they identify a possible match. Applications are kept on file for several months and re-reviewed as new animals arrive.

Adoptable pets from Pope Memorial SPCA:

• Banks: This 2-year-old neutered male pointer mix would prefer a home with no cats or children under the age of 8. He is active and exuberant and would make a great hiking pal.

• Bentley and Tucker: Twelve-year-old Bentley and 6-year-old Tucker aren’t biological brothers, but they are brothers in spirit. These neutered male cats would enjoy a quiet home with no dogs or children under the age of 12 where they can lay around and snuggle.

• Cooper: Cooper is a 6-year-old neutered male Labrador retriever mix who loves kids. But cats? Not so much. This outgoing goofball spends most of his time playing with toys and chewing on bones.

• Gihan: Gihan is an 11-year-old neutered male American Staffordshire terrier mix who is looking for a low-key retirement home without cats or children under the age of 8, where he can be free to be a couch potato.

• Milkshake and Boba: This pair of female guinea pigs loves fresh veggies, playtime and lots of attention. They would prefer a home without children under the age of 8.

Salem Animal Rescue League

4 SARL Drive, Salem, sarlnh.org

Since 1992 the Salem Animal Rescue League has been taking in cats and dogs in need of homes and giving them a second chance.

It all started with a goal of rescuing 50 stray and unwanted animals in the Salem area. The goal was quickly surpassed, with a total of 157 rescues during that first year. Now the shelter adopts nearly 800 dogs and cats every year.

The rescue generally has upwards of four to five dogs and 20 to 25 cats at any given time.

Anyone interested in adoption can visit their website, view the animals currently at the shelter, fill out an application, and get a response to set up an appointment within 24 hours.

“This is kind of just a preemptive way for us to see what they are interested in and temperament, and just [the] overall lifestyle of the animal,” said the shelter manager, Hannah Kinsey. “That way we can also see what kind of environment the animal is going into, [and then] we can make better recommendations and we know which animals would do best in said place.”

Prices vary depending on the age of the animal and whether you’re choosing a dog or a cat.

Adoptable pets from the Salem Animal Rescue League:

• Kato: Kato is a striking 14-month-old Siberian husky mix who, while very sweet, can be a bit timid when you first meet him. Once he is comfortable with you, he comes right out of his shell. He walks great on the leash and loves the outdoors. He has also lived with cats in the past and has done fine with them.

• Rico: This 10-month-old domestic shorthair mix was adopted and then left behind, as his family was moving and did not want to take him along with them. He loves attention from humans and especially loves playing with his toys. He will do best with someone who is willing to spend lots of time playing with him.

• Tiana: Tiana is a 2-year-old domestic shorthair mix who was found living outside trying to keep her babies and herself fed. She was not sure how she felt about humans when she arrived, but is much more relaxed knowing they are caring for her. She will need an adopter who has experience with cats and will give her the time she needs to feel safe in her new home. She is a very social cat who enjoys being around people, but also loves to just sit in her bed.

Sato Heart Rescue

Milford, satoheartrescue.org

Sato Heart Rescue is made up of a team of volunteers who dedicate their time to rescuing stray dogs by working with Second Chance Animal Rescue in Villalba, Puerto Rico, to find them homes.

“We operate solely for charitable purposes, and we bring education and awareness to the issues … of animal welfare and neglect,” said Laurie Gouley, who oversees social media and public relations for the shelter.

After filling out an application online, potential adopters will receive a call to set up a meet and greet with the dog they were interested in. All dogs cost a one-time fee of around $450 and come up to date on shots — they’re also sterilized and fully vetted with a New Hampshire certification.

“We always have to have the application done first because we kind of have to … vet who’s adopting,” Gouley said. “We try to lessen the chances of these dogs being brought back to us because they’ve already been through a lot of trauma. So we try to match the best family with the dog and the dog’s personality.”

Upon arriving at the shelter, the dogs tend to be timid and wary, but they eventually grow comfortable once they realize they are safe.

Adoptable dogs from Sato Heart Rescue:

• Electra and Volt: Electra and Volt are two athletic Labrador retriever mixes who were rescued in September. Despite being found together in an abandoned garage, they are both friendly, curious and loyal. Although they were found together in Puerto Rico, the two are available separately for adoption.

• Mildred: Mildred is a shar-pei and black mouth cur mix who was just 4 months old when she was rescued last fall. Friendly, affectionate and playful, she would be good in a home with other dogs. Mildred is house-trained and walks great on a leash. She is also spayed and up to date on vaccinations.

• Skky: A basenji mix, Skky was rescued in July when she was 6 months old. X-rays show that she was likely from an abusive situation, as she had a fractured leg that has since healed. Friendly and smart, she does well with other dogs. “She’s just a happy puppy,” Gouley said. “She is wary of new people, which, if she did come from an abusive situation [then] that is understandable.”

• Wally: Wally, a medium-size adult Labrador retriever mix, was found behind a dumpster along with his brothers. He was very fearful of people upon arriving at the shelter but has come a long way with his foster family, according to Gouley. Once he grows to trust you, he is incredibly sweet and affectionate.

Second Chance Ranch Rescue

449 Joe English Road, New Boston, 854-1690, secondchanceranchrescue.com

Established in 2017 by Kristin Morissey and Cameron Jordan, Second Chance Ranch aims to give lost, misunderstood or forgotten dogs a “second chance” at a forever home. Much of the focus is also placed on dogs that have other dog issues, such as reactivity and aggression, and working through those issues to help successfully rehome them.

Depending on the dog, the adoption timeline can last about one to two weeks for adult dogs, although for puppies it can be much faster.

“With our adoption process, specifically with those dogs that we’re working with that have those issues with other dogs, it will be a much longer process, because we really want to get to know them,” Second Chance Ranch lead kennel worker Paige Armitage said. “We put in so many hours of work, especially Kristin, and she’s been teaching me all of the exercises to do with those specific dogs … to really make sure they are learning them, so that we can put out reliable dogs back into our community.”

Adoptable dogs from Second Chance Ranch are listed on Petfinder, Facebook and Instagram, and often, Armitage said, they will share short videos on their progress. All who are interested in adopting are required to fill out an application and go through a background check before meeting the dog onsite, which is by appointment only inside of a small barn.

“We place … smaller amounts of dogs, so that we can have those extra hours to focus on what the dog needs,” Armitage said. “Ninety-five percent of the job is really just making sure that the dog gets love … and just making sure that they know how to live in a home.”

If it’s a good fit and the dog clears all its health requirements, Armitage said the dog can go home in as soon as 48 hours. Adoption fees vary depending on the age of the dog, but range from $400 for senior dogs ages 8 and up to $600 for puppies up to 12 months old.

Adoptable dogs from Second Chance Ranch Rescue:

• Bentley: This 8-year-old pit bull-boxer mix was fostered by his emergency doctor, then adopted when the rescue in charge had elected to euthanize him. Bentley is diabetic and requires insulin injections twice daily. Although he would do best in a home with no other animals, Bentley is great with children — his current owner has three young boys — and loves walks and short runs, in addition to snuggling up on the couch.

• Chance: Chance is an approximately 11-month-old pit bull terrier who came to the ranch from Atlanta as a stray. He is described as a “goofball who loves to play, zoom and fly through the yard,” with high intensity and friendliness around other dogs. However, he has not met cats and prefers to stay away from them. Chance is crate-trained and is not much of a barker but does need a lot of regular exercise.

• Cricket: This female 10-month-old pit bull terrier comes from a family in the military, who unfortunately just had way too much on their plate to have a dog. She loves kids and other dogs, and would be perfect for a family who is active and enjoys the outdoors. She isn’t spayed yet, but would go home under the shelter’s “spay and neuter” program, in which the adopter signs a contract and collects a deposit that is refunded when they provide proof of being spayed within six months of adoption.

• Ralph: Ralph is an approximately 1-year-old black Labrador retriever mix who is highly affectionate with humans. He is also very good with other dogs and would prefer to co-exist with a good mix of gentleness and playfulness. Ralph has been at the shelter for several weeks now and has steadily improved on his training and skills. He is, however, still working on getting comfortable with his humans closing his crate, and will require a family who will work on managing his guarding behaviors. For this reason, the shelter recommends he be in a house without children.

Tailgait Transport and Rescue
Manchester, 785-7662, tailgaitrescue.org

Despite not having their own shelter location yet, Tailgait is hoping to make that change sooner rather than later.

“It’s definitely still in the talks,” said Stephanie Kehas, the founder of the Manchester-based transport service. “Real estate is coming down and [factors into] the whole thing. We had a successful fundraiser in the fall, and a few more going on right now, but we are definitely moving in that direction.”

Kehas said it was traveling to Texas for work as a nurse that showed her exactly how dire the situation for animals can be. She said that everywhere she looked, she saw “no dumping pets” signs as often as she saw “no littering” signs in the Granite State. She said that she felt she had to do something.

“These dogs suffer,” she said. “They go starving, get hit by cars … and [for] shelters, they’re over-burdened and can’t always help every dog.”
Currently, Tailgait makes trips monthly from Massachusetts to Maine, moving animals to give them a better chance at finding a forever home. Every few months or so, Kehas will travel to the South, usually one of the Carolinas, to transport as many shelter dogs as possible.

Kehas said her biggest hope is for people to realize that they can find purebred dogs, like German shepherds or Labrador retrievers, at many different shelters. If they are determined enough, Kehas said that future owners could even find rescues that deal with only specific breeds.