Here at the Dumb Friends League, an integral part of the care we provide is positive training, care, and support for animals with behavioral challenges. Because of trauma, homelessness, and other adverse experiences, animals often come to us with a range of complex behavioral needs that tend to hinder or delay potential adopters from bringing them home. This can lead to extended stays at the shelter and, consequently, the development of additional or intensified behavioral issues.
As a Socially Conscious Animal Shelter, the Dumb Friends League is dedicated to placing every healthy and safe animal in loving homes. To prepare them for adoption, our behavior care team works individually with animals to help reinforce positive behaviors and decrease or redirect any harmful behaviors. But that’s only part of the puzzle – these deserving animals also need the right person who will take the time to understand their ongoing needs and, with supportive guidance, learn how best to care for them. Could that special someone be you?
On Saturday, November 19 (and virtually on Friday, November 18), the League will host interactive animal behavior sessions for people committed to the responsibility of adopting our highest-need dogs – those who have historically been passed over, rejected, or relinquished to our care because of behavioral issues. Called What to Expect When You’re Adopting, these free sessions will focus on educating potential adopters about life after adoption day and empower them with strategies to build trust and support healthy human-animal relationships. Participants may also have the chance to visit with a select group of long-term canine residents in the hopes of facilitating permanent adoptive placements.
If you or someone you know is interested in being a hero for a dog in our care, please register for an upcoming session here. Come see how rewarding it can be to help a dog in need!
What to Expect When You’re Adopting – next sessions:
- Virtual Zoom session: Friday, November 18, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
- In-person session at the Leslie A. Malone Center: Saturday, November 19, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Read about Finn, an older dog with behavioral challenges who has made amazing progress with his dedicated and loving adopter.