The holiday season is a time for love, giving, and togetherness, and this past Christmas, the Humane Society of Delaware County (HSDC) embodied that spirit in an extraordinary way. Under the leadership of Executive Director Janna Cassidy, the shelter successfully placed 99 dogs into foster homes over the holidays, turning what is often a challenging time for shelter animals into a season of warmth and hope.

A Community Comes Together

Dubbed a "Christmas miracle" by supporters, this initiative showcased the power of community and the impact of short-term fostering programs. For many families, fostering a pet during the holidays offered a chance to bring extra joy into their homes while also giving shelter animals a much-needed break from the kennels.

"Seeing pictures of an animal in a home helps people picture them in their own home when considering adoption," said Cassidy. "It also gives us valuable insights into their behavior in a home setting, helps engage the community, and often leads to more long-term foster or adoption commitments."

The response from the public was overwhelming, with more foster applications received than there were dogs available. This enthusiasm highlighted the community's dedication to animal welfare and demonstrated the effectiveness of HSDC's outreach efforts.

A Break, Not Always Adoption

While fostering sometimes leads to adoption, that is not always the immediate outcome (3 happy dogs were adopted - as the photos show). The primary goal of fostering is to provide shelter dogs with a break from the stress of kennel life, allowing them to experience a home environment and interact with people in a more relaxed setting. This "vacation" for the dog can significantly improve their well-being and behavior, making them more adoptable in the future.

"Even if a foster family isn't ready to adopt, they are still playing a crucial role in helping that dog prepare for their forever home," Cassidy explained. "It gives the animal a chance to decompress and gain valuable experience living in a home, which can make all the difference when it comes to finding their perfect match."

Additionally, fostering during the holidays can also be beneficial for people who may not have love-filled holiday seasons. Providing a temporary home to shelter dogs can bring companionship and warmth to individuals who might otherwise spend the holidays alone, creating a mutually enriching experience for both the foster family and the animal.

A Lasting Impact

The overwhelming success of this holiday fostering initiative has inspired HSDC to continue and expand similar programs throughout the year. Short-term fostering not only relieves shelter overcrowding but also increases adoption rates by providing potential adopters with a unique opportunity to experience pet companionship before making a long-term commitment.

For those interested in becoming part of this rewarding experience, HSDC welcomes new foster volunteers year-round. By opening their homes, individuals can make a significant difference in the lives of animals in need, while also enriching their own lives with the companionship and joy that pets bring.

The Humane Society of Delaware County’s holiday fostering program stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with compassion and commitment. Through innovative programs and unwavering support, HSDC continues to make a lasting impact on both animals and people alike.

OAAs Impact on Humane Society of Delaware County

Humane Society of Delaware County's Executive Director Jana Cassidy shared that OAA has been a wonderful partner with the statewide resource lists we provide, and the trainings we conduct. OAA provides statewide resource lists for pet food pantries, low-cost spay/neuter and tap/neuter/return (TNR), where to report cruelty, safe havens to get animals out of family violence, companion animal veterinarians and wildlife rehabbers. OAA partners with Together Initiative for Ohio's Community Cats to offer Community Cat Summits, as well as workshops on the link between animal and human violence. Cassidy shared that the workshop she attended in 2019 opened her eyes to the needs of seniors and the reality of elder abuse linked to animal abuse. Cassidy has since created many senior and pet programs in partnership with other agencies and nonprofits in the Delaware County region, and attributes the development of these programs to the training she gained from OAA.