RICHMOND, Va. – This Thanksgiving, Richmond Animal Care and Control will offer the opportunity to invite a canine guest to your house for the holiday.
“We always see an increase in surrendered and stray pets around the holidays,” the organization wrote on Facebook. “We took in 9 dogs just yesterday and came up with an idea that we hope the community will support! “
The shelter is looking for foster families that are not traveling that would be willing to pick up a dog starting Sunday (11/22) through Wednesday, and keep them until Dec. 2. Or, most ideal, the shelter said; find them a home with one of your holiday guests.
Food for your furry houseguest will be provided by RACC, as well as a crate or anything you may need to best play host. Turkey leftovers are compliments of you — but make sure to read this post about what foods to avoid sharingwith your new canine friend.
On Sunday seven dogs were picked up and taken to their holiday homes.
Coach is a happy dog, celebrating the holidays outside of the shelter
Two people so far have posted pictures and reported back that the dogs are happy and enjoying their freedom.
“Since my office is closed this week, I thought it would be a fun opportunity to hang out with a sweet pup while giving him/her a vacation from the shelter,” said foster mom Heather Smith. “I also had an ulterior motive to advertise on my personal Facebook page to try and find the dog a forever home.”
She said that she met with Coach and knew right away that he was the right dog to take home to meet her other pets — and she’s determined to get him an adopted.
“Coach is about 7 years old, house trained, and knows basic commands like sit, down, shake, and stay. He interacts well with dogs, cats, and especially new people. We have two cats at the house that aren’t thrilled about his arrival but that doesn’t stop him from trying to play. He’s 75lbs but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to sit in your lap to snuggle. I hope I can find him a forever home before returning him to the shelter on December 2nd because someone as sweet as him should have a family to dote on him all the time.”
There is no cost to foster. Interested parties will need to stop by the shelter, and if you already have a pet, a meet and greet between the two dogs should be arranged.
The shelter said they may considering do a similar program for the holiday.
The shelter is located at 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue and the phone number is (804) 646-5584.
Pictures of the dogs are here.
