Find a friend at the Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Most of the animals at the Center for Animal Health and Welfare are adults, and many are seniors.

Many were rejected by their previous owners.

But they can still make great pets if you give them a chance, according to Cathy Ford, the shelter animal care manager.

She urges anyone looking for a new friend to drop by the Williams Township shelter.

The shelter has 260 cats, 47 dogs, 10 rabbits and two guinea pigs, all in need of some tender loving care.

Many prospective cat owners are looking for kittens. They should give a senior cat a try, Ford said.

"They make much better pets," she said. "They're more laid back. They like to cuddle. They don't destroy your home."

Reasons vary for why a pet is dropped off at the shelter. Sometimes the owner is moving to a home that doesn't allow pets. Sometimes the pet doesn't get along well with the owner's children or other pets.

The problem could be the owner's inability to work with the pet more than just the pet itself, according to Maria Zarate, the shelter's canine enrichment manager.

She employs non-abusive training methods to try to help the dogs and cats socialize with other animals and people to make them suitable for adoption.

The goal is to keep the strays in the shelter for as short a period as possible, preferably two to four weeks, Ford said.

"It's sort of a recycling process," she said. "We're trying to re-home them."

The nonprofit shelter is always looking for volunteers to walk the dogs or help clean. Donations of cash, food and pet supplies are always welcome.

LEARN MORE

Check out the Center for Animal Health and Welfare website and the center's Facebook page.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@express-times.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.

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