Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary is very successful at finding loving homes for dogs in need, and two very special rescued cats assist in that mission.
Homeward Bound knows how important it is to make sure that the dog you adopt is the right one for you. If Rusty loves to run, he’ll be perfect as a member of your active family where hell get plenty of exercise. If Caitlyn is a “velcro dog” who wants to be with her human all the time, she’ll be happiest being inside with you, getting hands-on attention all the time. Clyde, an older senior dog, can live in a condominium or townhouse because he doesn’t need a big yard to play in. Since he is calm and patient, he’ll be a wonderful “first dog” for your young children to be with.
But if your family already includes a cat, it is important for all of the animals to feel safe when they are together. So how can Homeward Bound be sure that an adoptable dog is cat-friendly? Why, bring in the Test Cats of course!
Homeward Bound’s two resident test cats are Tori and Scratches, and they play an important role in getting dogs into the right homes. Board member and assistant treasurer Judy Kent says the two girls help HB rescue volunteers test to learn if the dog will be good around cats.
The safety of the cats is maintained at all times during the fully supervised testing process, according to Kent.
Tori or Scratches is held securely by one volunteer, while another volunteer approaches with a dog on a leash. If the dog becomes aggressive, the cat is immediately removed and the dog is taken from the area. If the dog doesn’t show much interest, the cat is released to leave the area at their own pace. If the dog then tries to chase the cat, the volunteer holding the leash will keep him from following. Regardless of the dog’s reaction, HB will have learned valuable information about how he’ll behave if placed in a home with cats.
It may sound like a tough job for a cat, but don’t be too concerned about Scratches and Tori. These girls can more than hold their own with other animals, and are just as likely to intimidate the dogs as they are to be intimidated by them. They are rewarded handsomely with treats and love, and spend most of their time being adored by volunteers and visitors. Not a bad gig after all.
Find the perfect dog to join your family and learn other ways that you can help these wonderful Golden Retrievers on the Homeward Bound website. And when you get an appointment to visit the rescue and sanctuary near Sacramento, be sure to check in with Tori and Scratches.
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Comments
That's a good idea. This "cat test" has probably helped to ensure that a lot of new homes are happy and permanent ones.
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