Moscow Humane Society houses a host of animals searching for a home
While many people seeking to purchase a new pet often turn to places like pet stores or Craigslist, Trina Prickett, a cat technician at the Humane Society of the Palouse, said she believes the best way to go when looking for a new pet is always adoption.
Nathan Romans | Argonaut
Volunteer Jamie Locker plays in a kennel with a husky Australian shepherd mix named Ginger at the Humane Society of the Palouse Saturday.
“Humane Society animals come fixed, vaccinated and microchipped, so it is much easier and far less expensive to adopt from us,” Prickett said. “We also have a seven-day foster period where you adopt an animal, and if they aren’t compatible with your home you have the option to bring them back.”
Prickett said the biggest misconception about animals cared for by the Humane Society is that they are defective or broken in some way.
“People have this idea that these animals are rejects, but really most of them were just never given a chance,” she said. “They never had the opportunity to prove themselves as good cats or dogs because people got them as cute babies and then didn’t provide them with the stability or consistency to grow into mature adults.”
Prickett said her hope is to break down the stigma surrounding rescued animals and that over time the humane society will show the community the value of the cats and dogs they house.
She said in her 12 years working for the humane society, she has seen some remarkable adoption stories unfold.
“We once had an Australian Shepherd mix named Caden who I thought was the most unadoptable dog ever,” Prickett said. “I thought he would never be a good, calm, decent house dog, but he ended up surprising me.”
Nathan Romans | Argonaut
Volunteer Kim Romans plays fetch with “Stud” at the Humane Society of the Palouse Saturday.
Prickett said one day a woman expressed interest in adopting Caden, but she wanted to ensure he was compatible with her young son.
“Her son was sitting in the grass when I brought Caden out and he just bolts towards the baby,” she said. “I was so scared that he was going to trample the little boy, but he immediately stopped in front of the baby, sat down and rested his head in the baby’s lap … He was so good and kind with that little boy and he ended up making the best house dog.”
Prickett said she sees the truth about rescues in Caden’s story — that regardless of a tumultuous past, every animal has the potential to make a loving and loyal companion.
Corrin Bond can be reached at [email protected]