I read an article in USA TODAY recently about the latest wave in animal shelters.
These shelters of the future are upscale with not a cage in sight. The dogs relax in glass den-like boxes with doors that can be opened by the prospective new owner so the two can get to know each other.
Some of them even have piped in classical music, which is a wonderful idea. How about a little Mozart to calm down the stressed out dog or cat?
The dogs and cats have play areas and waterfalls for fresh water drinks, private litter boxes for the kitties and companionship for the dogs (They all have room mates!).
What really impressed me was the mention that these shelters have such a restful atmosphere that some office workers spend their lunch hours visiting them. That’s incredible!
I don’t know how many of these new animal shelters there are, but I think it’s a wonderful new standard. I’m sure a lot more animals are adopted just because so much anxiety is eliminated from both the pets and the new owners.
One afternoon, I was in the backyard hanging the laundry when an old, tired-looking dog wandered into the yard. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home. But when I walked into the house, he followed me, sauntered down the hall and fell asleep in a corner. An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out. The next day he was back. He resumed his position in the hallway and slept for an hour.
This continued for several weeks. Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: “Every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap. ”
The next day he arrived with a different note pinned to his collar: “He lives in a home with ten children – he’s trying to catch up on his sleep.”
I cried from laughter