Whenever I tell people I volunteer at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus, the most common response is something along the lines of “oh, I would want to take them all home.”
And that thought has certainly crossed my mind, though my one-bedroom apartment would not appreciate the sentiment.
But after over a year of spending my Saturdays at the shelter, I’ve seen the way the right animal finds the right person, like two magnets drawn together by unseen forces. I truly believe that the perfect home is out there for each animal and most of the time, it’s not my own.
A two-month old kitten recently found her way to her forever family in quite an unusual way – by diving off the Michigan Street Bridge while trying to escape traffic.
As soon as Door County resident Stephanie Swain and her daughter realized what the kitten had done, they pulled their car over and flagged down a nearby boat.
Swain’s daughter took on the role of caring for the kitten – who she fittingly named Splash – and didn’t leave her side until they brought her to the humane society to be looked over.
I was there the day Splash arrived, Saturday, Sept. 20, swaddled in a blanket carried by Swain’s daughter.
The connection between the young cat and the young girl was palpable. Splash rested calmly on the daughter’s shoulder while they waited, and she talked to her softly.
It was no surprise that the family decided to place an “adoption hold” on the kitten, meaning they would have the chance to take her home once okayed by a vet.
I have no doubt Splash is settling into her new home well with the help of her new best friend.
While not every story is as high-octane as Splash’s, each person who adopts has that moment with their animal – the moment where they know they belong together.
I certainly had that moment with my own WHS rescue – a black cat named Ralphie.
For a few months, I had been looking for a second cat to join me and my first cat, Bly, and keep her company while I was at work. The first time I set eyes on Ralphie – his long tail, big paws and chubby cheeks – I knew it would destroy me to leave the shelter without him.
He seemed to agree, and I placed an adoption hold within 30 minutes of meeting him.
In my opinion, the best way to find the right animal is to spend time around animals – pet sit, hang out with friends’ pets, or volunteer like I do.
Each will have their own distinct personality, some you connect with more than others. Learn what you’re looking for.
Then, when the right animal finds you, you’ll know.
