Home for the Holidays
There’s no place like home—especially during the holidays. At the Oregon Humane Society, pets are cared for by an extended family of dedicated staff and volunteers, but even the coziest shelter is no substitute for the comfort of a real home. Each December, OHS works to find every pet a loving “Home for the Holidays.”
The goal is simple: by December 31, we hope to find a home for every pet who was residing at the shelter as of December 1. What better way for a pet to start the new year than by spending the holiday season with a new family?
There is, of course, never a time limit on how long a pet stays at OHS. While most pets stay at the shelter for only a week or two, some need much longer to find an ideal match.
A large and loving Labrador mix named Blake, for example, has been looking for a home since he came to OHS in September. Blake adores people and is looking for an active home where he can get some exercise. If felines are more your fancy, Winnie has been awaiting a home since October. This cat is the complete package: good looks and a winning purrsonality.
Visit OHS to See More
To help these pets find their homes by the new year, the OHS lobby features a display that includes a photo of every single dog, cat, rabbit, rodent and bird who has been at the shelter since Dec. 1 or earlier. The total number of these “Home for the Holidays” pets is this year is 128*.
It’s easy to visit the animals: the OHS shelter (1067 NE Columbia Blvd. in Portland) is open from 10 am-7 pm Sunday-Wednesday; 10 am-9 pm Thursday-Saturday. Get directions here.
You are welcome to bring the whole family to meet your new furry or feathered friend. Our “get acquainted” rooms make it easy for parents and children to spend time getting to know a prospective new cat or dog. If you already have a dog and want to adopt a second, we’ll arrange a “pet meet” at OHS to see how well the animals get along.
*Updated: several pets from our original count were adopted before Home for the Holidays could officially begin. Thank you, adopters!
Bring the Whole Family
If you are thinking of giving a pet as a gift, we have a suggestion to help: because selecting a lifelong furry friend is challenging, OHS encourages people to give a gift certificate good for adopting a pet. That way, your friend or loved one can meet with pets in person and be a part of this important decision.
Here on our website, you can view profiles of every animal available for adoption.
Remember, there is nothing like being Home for the Holidays.
The Animals’ Wishes
The OHS Giving Tree is now decorated in the OHS lobby. Special ornaments list an item needed by the shelter. Members of the public are welcome to choose an ornament and its suggested gift, and these gifts will be placed under the Giving Tree as they are received. Interested in donating a gift, but not able to come to the shelter in person? See our Wish List for needed gifts and how these items can be donated.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
The 2015 Home for the Holidays adoption campaign is made possible thanks to the support of Beaverton Toyota, Les Schwab Tire Centers and Wentworth Subaru.
