Local humane society hopes to spark connections at Valentine's Day event

Love is in the air at the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth.

The organization is hosting walk-in adoption events for Valentine’s Day, and they’re hoping it will be love at first sight for attendees and some of the animals of the animals in their care.

CEO Victoria Baby said the local humane society currently has 120 animals in need of forever homes.

“We are hoping our community will choose adoption this week and help us find homes for the pets in our care, as well as open up space for those on our waiting lists looking for help,” Baby said.

The walk-in adoption event will take place Wednesday, Feb. 14 at both of the humane society’s locations:

• From 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society, 250 Riverbend Dr., Kitchener
• From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Stratford Perth Humane Society, 125 Griffith Rd., Stratford

Regular appointments will be paused for the day.

Regular adoption fees apply:

• Adult dog, $400
• Adult cat, $325
• Rabbits, $50
• Guinea Pig, $25

Adult dog and cat adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, parasite treatment, microchip, vaccines and food. Rabbits include spay/neuter and microchip.

Five-year-old Hazel is one of the dogs up for adoption. Humane society staff described her as " a total goofball who loves nothing more than getting belly rubs and lots of snuggles." She's a large mixed breed who's looking for a family who will shower her with lots of love and attention, and take her on long walks and new adventures. (Submitted)

Puppy love

Baby said their goal is to get as many animals into homes as possible on Valentine’s Day.

“The more animals we can get out into loving homes, that means we can open up spaces for other people who are perhaps wanting to surrender their animals to the humane society,” Baby said.

She said cats are the mostly commonly adopted pet, but noted there is a team at the humane society that works closely with dogs to help prepare them for new homes.

“Some of the dogs we have here require a lot of work,” Baby said.

“Maybe they’ve been here a while or they haven’t been socialized properly. But we have a great team here that works with people that adopt dogs. We work on training them. We have canine specialists, so we really work hard to make sure that people are set up for success when they adopt a dog.”

Hazel

One dog highlighted by the humane society is Hazel, who has been there since August.

Brooke Bell, the canine coordinator, said Hazel had made a lot of progress during her months at the shelter.

“She’s become a lot more comfortable, a lot more socialized. She struggled a lot when she first came in because she definitely didn’t understand how to ‘dog’ in the same way that most dogs know how to dog,” Bell said with a laugh.

Hazel has been ‘thriving’ in her foster home, but is still looking for her perfect match to be her forever home.

“They say that she is super friendly. She just loves to hang out and cuddle on the couch and she just loves to be with them.”

Hazel the dog is looking for her forever home after a long stay at the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth. (CTV News Kitchener/Stefanie Davis)

Jack and Rose

In keeping up with the Valentine’s Day theme, the humane society is also highlighting a duo that came in together: Jack and Rose.

“Jack and Rose are both a bit timid with people, but once they become a little bit more comfortable, they really open up. They get to be very, very affectionate,” Bell said.

Jack had to get one eye removed when he arrived at the humane society, but has been on the mend since. Rose is more timid of the two, but is described as “super, super sweet and friendly.”

Those three dogs, and more, are available for adoption at the Kitchener location.

Jack the dog is hoping to meet his new best friend at the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth. (CTV News Kitchener/Stefanie Davis)