Development

TRANSFORMATION OF THE YEAR

Meet Porkchop, now Hammy, who has shown true strength and shown us all what it means to perservere. Hammy came to SafeHaven as an owner surrender case at the end of March 2021 severely underweight and emaciated. He had been vomiting and losing weight for months. He was also dehydrated. The medical team immediately started him on IV fluids and anti-nausea medication and started feeding him small amounts of a bland diet frequently. They took x-rays and also found some small stones in his stomach. Needless to say, Hammy needed

our help. Of course, we were happy to bring him into our care.

By the end of April, his health had improved so much and he was doing so well that we were able to neuter him and prepare him for adoption. But he wasn't headed to the adoption floor anytime soon. Scarlett had fallen for Hammy, and Hammy for Scarlett. She officially became a 'foster failure' and adopted Hammy on April 28th. Here is what his new mom had to say when we asked for an update:

Hammy stayed at SafeHaven for several weeks and, ultimately, was taken home to be fostered by none other than our Foster Care Coordinator, Scarlett. Luckily, we all still got to see Hammy as Scarlett began bringing him into the office on the days she was working. He was an office dog deep down, after all.

"He loves the sunshine and is always ready to take a walk. He is bouncy, and funny, and loves to play tug-of-war with toys. He is getting lots of great human and animal socialization and will sleep anywhere you put a blanket or jacket! He rides in the car so calmly. He has young puppy energy first thing in the morning, but takes himself to bed around 9pm just like his new brother."

Because of your support in making our Medical Center a reality, we did not hesitate to bring Hammy into SafeHaven as we had confidence that our team would be able to give him the care he needed. We're so thankful he was brought to us and that he is truly thriving! Congratulations to Hammy and Scarlett, and their family. And Thank You for supporting the lifesaving work that brings a smile to our face!

HAMMY & MOM, SCARLETT HAMMY & BROTHER, OPIE

HELPING ANIMALS RETURN HOME

In April, in honor of National Pet ID Week, we gave away FREE ID tags to pet parents who stopped by the shelter on April 22nd. Having updated and legible information on an animal's ID tag is one of the easiest ways we can ensure a pet will make it back home to their family if they ever escape. We're happy to report that 48 animals in our community got a free ID tag!

One of our favorite stories from that day is of Greg and his family, who came in to get a tag for their dog, Star. Greg looked at our adoptable dogs while he was here and fell in love with Jack. They adopted Jack that day and, of course, got him a tag with all of their information!