Jill was a young dachshund mix we fostered. She came from a kill shelter in the south. In these harsh environments, dogs have only a small number of days before they are euthanized to make room for the never-ending tide of homeless pets pouring in.
We often don’t know specifically what these dogs have endured, but they tell us about it through their actions and their fears. We could tell Jill had had a hard life. When she came to us, she didn’t want to be touched, and hid behind the furniture.
Her tail was gnarled from being chewed. She would chase it for long periods of time, spinning in circles, a sign of trauma likely stemming from neglect. Sometimes she would catch her tail and chew it, inflicting self harm.
We coaxed her out from her hiding place, and brought her out with us to show her some affection. She shrank from us at every touch, not believing we would be kind to her.
Finally it was time for bed the first night. Our dogs always sleep with us, so we brought Jill up to bed with us. We got in bed and placed her between us. Our dogs took their places curled up at our feet. We patted Jill and invited her to lay down and settle in for the night. Suddenly a look of astonishment came over her face, like a bolt of lightning. She looked at me, then my wife, then back to me. All at once it hit her: she was going to sleep with us, snuggling in the warmth and safety of our bed. Like Family! She was instantly elated, leaping back and forth between us, licking us with gracious kisses, wagging her stubby little tail as fast as she could.. She couldn’t believe it – she was going to be loved! After a prolonged outpouring of appreciation, she finally settled in and had what may have been the most restful night of sleep she ever had.
After that, she was different, not fearing us or hiding. She became playful and loving.
Before long, she was adopted into a loving family. We wished her well as she headed off to her new life. This was not the last we saw of her, however. We did dogsit her for a week when her family went on vacation. Her family had gotten her help for her lingering anxiety. She was on medication which helped alleviate her trauma.
Many foster dogs have experienced hardship, but few have such a sudden epiphany as Jill did. Instead, it usually dawns on them slowly over days or weeks that their lives have changed for the better, and they can rely on people to be kind to them. Because of this, the one thing they all have in common is a profound gratitude for being rescued. Even though they don’t understand the complex financial, legal, and medical issues surrounding their larger circumstances in society, they do understand very clearly that they’ve been rescued from a terrible fate. And they are eternally grateful for that.
I was walking in the fields the other day when I was overtaken by a strong, intruding thought: I want to adopt a dog. Wait, what? said I to myself. I’d already decided two years ago not to adopt another dog. I tried to put the thought aside, but it stuck with me.
My last rescue dog, Finn, passed suddenly in 2023. Finn’s death deeply saddened me—he was a sweet, special needs dog rescued from horrible conditions in Alabama. He had survived distemper as a puppy—the survival, a rarity—and had gait issues because of it. The “owner” of the 300-dog place from which Finn was rescued was jailed for animal abuse—another rarity. Finn was leery of everyone but family and close friends. There was no meanness to him. He was a gentle presence who emanated kindness and got along fabulously with my two cats.
At the time of Finn’s death, I was in the midst of helping my partner navigate a terminal illness. Overwhelmed by hospital visits, the impending trajectory, and care for my partner, I decided that I would stick only with my cats, who are loving, entertaining, and easy to care for. So sure was I that I had the ugly chain link dog fence, which came with the house when I bought it, removed.
Two years later came the inconvenient, unbidden recognition that I wanted to adopt a dog. After fighting the urge for a good week, I looked on petfinder.com at rescue dogs known to be friendly with cats. I perused hundreds of adoptable dogs (my god, there are so many rescue animals, including purebreds, that need homes; please consider adoption rather than buying from a breeder). I kept coming back to one and only dog, who met none of the criteria I had in mind. This particular dog is 9 months old (I wanted an older dog), much smaller than I had in mind (I wanted a dog the size of a pit bull or lab), and she was missing patches of hair from neglect, a bacterial infection, and exposure to the winter elements in West Virginia where she and her sisters were tied up, without shelter I believe. But there was something about the pup—maybe the look in her eye?—and I felt some ineffable connection with her. I called the rescue, talked at length to the foster parents, and arranged a “meet and greet” visit at my home. It went very well, and she was very respectful of the cats.
I pick up the pup in less than two weeks. I already have the vet appointment lined up, a new fence in the process of installation, and I repurchased all of the dog necessities I had donated two years ago. I cannot wait to welcome her into the family!
Adoption and Fostering Adopting a pet from a shelter is one of the most direct ways to make a difference. Approximately 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year, but many more still need homes. Fostering is also crucial, as it opens up shelter space for additional animals in need.
Volunteering and Community Involvement You can support animal welfare by:
Volunteering at local animal shelters (walking dogs, socializing animals, helping with paperwork)
Participating in community animal welfare programs
Sadly, there are many cats who are born without a family or a safe, warm place to call home. These cats can be found just trying to survive without shelter, in harsh winter weather.
Often living in communities and cared for by volunteers, these homeless cats sometimes cannot be socialized. You can help cash-strapped volunteer and rescue organization care for these cats by sending vital supplies:
Blanket – One of the most requested items by animal welfare groups, caring for community cats. Give these kitties a blanket to cuddle up and stay warm in the winter. Straw and Mylar even better than blankets.
Shelter – These sturdy, water resistant cat houses are insulated and stackable. Provide community cats a safe and hygienic home to protect them from the elements.
Shelter & Supplies – Provide the cat community with a clean and suitable outdoor cat house, plus two cat food/water bowls.
Complete Comfort Kit – Give a cat house, two cat bowls for food and water, and two warm and cozy blankets to an organization caring for community cats.
Help us give these poor cats a the warmth and care they deserve during this harsh winter.
Right now, “backyard” dogs are being forced to endure biting winds, snow, and freezing rain with little—if anything—to protect them from the bitter cold. Without help, some won’t survive the harsh winter.
You can make a tremendous difference in the life of a lonely dog by rushing an emergency care package today. Choose as many gifts as you’d like for your care package below and help a dog before it’s too late.
The following local organizations are working around the clock to support displaced and lost pets. Visit their websites and social pages to find their latest requests and learn how to best help them, because some are at or reaching capacity for donations. Much of this list comes from World Animal Protection, which has more information here.
Pasadena Humane has taken in hundreds of animals affected by the Eaton fire. Due to overwhelming support they have no more capacity for material donations or fosters, and have put a pause on volunteer applications, but are in need of monetary donations.
Pet owners in need of supplies can come pick up items at Pasadena City College, Lot 4, Level 1.
Los Angeles Animal Services has issued an urgent plea for fosters and adopters to take pets from their crowded shelters. This will open space in their six shelters for displaced animals and pets. You can sign up to foster or adopt for free — the adoption fee has been waived.
LA Animal Services is also accepting monetary donations.
Best Friends has an emergency response team on the ground assisting other animal welfare organizations.
They have opened two pet pantries in Sawtelle and Granada Hills where people can pick up pet supplies.
They have requested donations of large airline crates to help transport dogs to their shelter in Utah. They also have a wishlist on their website with needed items that you can order and send to them.
Double Your Impact Today to Keep Cold Dogs Safe This WinterUntil midnight on December 31, every dollar you donate will be DOUBLED—up to $50,000—by a generous donor. That means your gift can go two times as far to protect vulnerable dogs enduring freezing temperatures around the world. But this matching opportunity won’t last, and neither will the time to help.Countless cats and dogs are facing brutal winter conditions—they’re cold, hungry, and alone. But your donation can change that. Together, we can provide them with the warmth, safety, and love they desperately need to survive this season.But we must act quickly. We can’t let this gift matching opportunity slip away. Right now, your kindness goes two times as far, reaching even more animals in need. Please help us meet our goal—without you, we can’t continue to save lives.Don’t miss the last matching gift challenge of the year. Donate now and make two times the impact!
It’s a myth that most cats will find their way home.
The most significant findings of a recent study were that a thorough physical search is likely to increase the chances of finding cats alive and most cats are found within a 500 m (1/3 mile) radius of their point of escape. Cats that were indoor-outdoor and allowed outside unsupervised traveled longer distances compared with indoor cats that were never allowed outside.
Shake a box of their favorite biscuits to entice them home.
If your cat has a favorite toy, try leaving it in your garden.
Cats have a strong sense of smell – leave out a regular blanket or bedding to encourage your cat out of hiding.
You might find your moggy is more active at night, especially during hotter weather. Go out with a friend or family member when it is dark to call for your cat by name.
Leave a bowl of water out and some food. A tasty treat such as tuna might be enough to bring your cat home.
Is my cat lost?
Not all cats are house cats. Some are inclined to wander, especially if there is fuss or food to be found elsewhere. It is normal for your cat to pop in and out throughout the day – especially if they have a taste for adventure. If your cat hasn’t returned by the time dinner time comes around, however, you might be worried that your cat is missing. Try not to panic. Cats can disappear for days at a time and return with no trouble, looking perfectly healthy. While you might be worried, they’re likely to stroll in and wonder what all the fuss is about. If they haven’t yet returned, give them a few hours before you make a plan of action.
I’ve lost my cat. What can I do?
If your pet still hasn’t returned home, there are a few simple things you can do to help find your missing cat. The first thing to do is to check your own home and garden. Cats love small cosy spaces and might be hiding in the unlikeliest of places – from cupboards to garden sheds. Check every room in your house, including any outbuildings and sheds too. Behind curtains, under duvets and even in household appliances like tumble dryers and washing machines. If you’re having building work completed, check under floorboards or any holes big enough for a cat to nestle into.
If you’re sure your cat isn’t at home, the next thing to do is to speak to your neighbors as well as any delivery people nearby. They might have seen your lost cat somewhere and can let you know of their whereabouts. Ask them to check their own sheds and outbuildings, as well as under any parked cars in the neighborhood. Remember to check homes on both sides of the road, as well as homes that have gardens that back on to yours. You could even provide neighbours with an up to date photo and your cat’s name, reminding them to keep an eye out.
Advertising on social media is a great way to get the message out that your cat is missing, particularly if you’re a member of a local Facebook community group. Post a clear photo of your cat, their name and your contact details.
It is also useful to keep a list of useful phone numbers pinned to a board in your kitchen. You can download our list below, complete with handy contact details.
How do I get my cat to come home?
If putting out the word about your missing cat hasn’t worked, there are some great tips and tricks to try at home. Cats are heavily reliant on scent and leaving out items that may entice them back to you is well worth an attempt. Things to try include the following:
Leave your cat’s favorite toy or some of their unwashed bedding in the garden
Leave an unwashed item of your clothing, which will have your scent on it
Place any used litter from your cat’s litter tray outside, or perhaps the contents of your hoover for a smell of home
Call out for your cat in the garden early in the morning or late at night, when everywhere is likely to be quieter
Shake a box of their favorite biscuits or treats
Keep calling your cat, leaving enough time for them to hear you and be led home
Lost your cat? Follow our checklist
If you’re beginning the search for a missing cat, download our checklist to tick off each action as you do it.
Search first. Check small spaces in your home – everywhere from cosy cupboards to garden sheds, garages and outbuildings
Ask your neighbors. They’ll need to check their property, sheds and garages too.
Is your cat microchipped? For England , talk to Petlog on 01296 737 600 or Identibase on 01904 487 600 to register your cat as missing
Speak to your local Cats Protection branch or centre to see if they’ve had a cat handed in to them. To find one in your area, visit our Find Us page and enter your postcode
Get in touch with animal shelters in your area. Visit catchat.org to find those local to you
Contact all vet practices in the area
Make and put up flyers with your cat’s photo and description to place around the local area – or post them through your neighbour’s letterboxes
Post a description of your cat on your Facebook page, as well as any local community Facebook groups
Microchipping your cat is the most effective way to ensure that they can be identified if they go missing, and keeping your details up to date can increase the likelihood of a happy reunion. If your lost cat is found and taken to a vet or animal welfare organisation, you’ll be contacted quickly.
Untold Animal Stories 