Four kittens, one cat and five dogs — all previously sheltered — now have new homes, thanks to Klassic Kennels’ successful Adoption Day on Saturday.
“This time of year, especially when it comes to kittens and cats, every shelter in Central Alberta is overflowing with felines, and we’re no different,” said Klassic Kennels owner Jim DeBoon said. “Finding homes for five of those felines is nice.”
DeBoon said there are still four more dogs to be adopted, with three or four more dogs being in the reclaim category for owners to pick up. But if the owners don’t claim the dogs, they too will eventually fall into the adoption category.
The facility also has upwards of 20 cats and kittens still in the search of new homes.
“We get kittens in by the boxloads,” DeBoon said.
The shelter runs a foster-to-adopt program, through which potential owners may care for an animal over a one- or two-week trial period to see how the animal fits with the owner’s family.
“Often times that’s what we will do, especially for dogs,” said DeBoon. “We would rather a family and a dog be successful than be in a position where it’s not working for the dog or the family.”
In the case of the latter, pets may be returned to the shelter without judgement or any hard feelings, DeBoon added.
And for families and individuals who aren’t able to adopt, there remain plenty of other ways to help.
Donations of dog and cat food, cat litter and other pet-related items are often required.
Requests for such donations, along with information on animals seeking adoption, are posted to the Klassic Kennels Facebook page, and DeBoon said the organization is grateful for any support it can get.
“The vast majority of Sylvan Lakers are so helping and supportive,” he said. “We feel really honoured and blessed with the support that we get right now.”