Ashtabula, OH — The life of a shelter pet is unpredictable, which means the best option for a dog or cat living life to its full potential is a loving home.
At Ashtabula Animal Protective League, they have some long-staying visitors.
"I think part of it is that the puppies and some of the young ones are the first ones that people come in looking for," Kathi Serafino, executive director, said.
►CLEAR THE SHELTERS | Pet adoption drive
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Buster, 13, is a good example. He's an Afghan Hound looking for a home to grow older in and a couch to lay his head on as he continues in his glory years.
He's been in the shelter for more than two years and although he's a trooper, not even the best shelter is as good as a home.
The longer dogs like Buster stay, the more it leads to overcrowding and that's something no shelter wants.
"When we don't have animals going out, we have to still continue to care for animals that are here on a daily basis," Serafino said.
Adoption is normally first priority, but to help rotate the animals and give them time out of the kennel, fostering is also a valuable option. That means you take a shelter dog or cat into your home until he or she gets adopted.
It's a great way to learn the animal's personality and better relay information to families looking to adopt.
If that isn't something you can do, there are more options: Volunteering at your local shelter or donating money to help care for those waiting to be adopted.
For a list of adoptable dogs and cats, visit the Ashtabula APL website HERE.
The national effort to Clear the Shelters is Saturday, August 18.