Officer Rob Shrieves and Kaitlyn Fitzhugh have partnered to get dogs out of the Worcester County Animal Control shelter and into forever homes. Together they have rehomed 167 animals and counting.

By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

(Dec. 7, 2023) It might seem like a wonderful idea to give a pet to someone you love this holiday season. But Rob Shrieves of Worcester County Animal Control and Kaitlyn Fitzhugh, co-founder of Iron Will Animal Rescue, beg to differ.

Adopting a pet is a life-time commitment, said Shrieves and therefore requires much thought and planning.

He said some cats can live to be 20 years old and dogs can live 11-12 years, sometimes longer. “You should not buy a living creature as a gift,” said Shrieves.

There are many issues to consider before adopting a pet. Fitzhugh suggested that potential pet owners evaluate the cost, their home and lifestyle to consider what type of pet might be the best fit. Potential allergies should also be considered.

Shrieves said people should remember that puppies and kittens grow up. Puppies become adult dogs, so consider how big that puppy will get in adulthood. Kittens become adult cats that may be more aloof than a playful kitty.

Fitzhugh suggests that if someone really wants to give a pet as a gift to put a stuffed animal with a note in a box. After the holidays, everyone that will live with the animal can go out to a shelter, rescue or animal control to look at different animals and determine together which pet is right for them and their circumstances.

Fitzhugh said that puppies are the number one pet returned, because people don’t consider the amount of time it might take to potty train a puppy or teach it proper manners. It might jump on children and scratch them, or chew on the furniture. Puppies take time. “But you can mold a puppy into the perfect family dog.”

She encourages people to consider older dogs who might already be spayed or neutered, potty trained and calmer than a puppy.

Shrieves suggests easing into pets as a family. Consider buying a goldfish first and see how the kids take care of that before getting a cat or dog.

Shrieves and Fitzhugh have partnered for the past year and together they have rehomed 167 animals. Shrieves is proud to say that since he has joined Worcester Animal Control, he has rehomed 250 animals to date this year.

“All good dogs deserve a chance,” Shrieves said.

He works with various businesses and organizations to help get animals adopted out of Animal Control. He knows it is not the first place people think of when they consider adoption but hopes to change people’s conceptions of animal control. There are great dogs and cats there looking for their forever homes.

Worcester County Animal Control has 12 kennels and keeps two open for emergencies. It is not a no-kill facility so Shrieves works with Fitzhugh of Iron Will Animal Rescue, Worcester Humane Society, Delmarva Cat Connection and Delmarva Cat Coalition to move animals out of animal control and into shelter or foster situations.

Both Shrieves and Fitzhugh encourage people to visit shelters, rescues and animal control after carefully evaluating their ability to care for a pet.

Fitzhugh said people might consider fostering before they commit to a pet. That way, they can try out different dogs or cats to see what kind of animal fits best with their lifestyle.

The first two weeks in a new home are critical to the adjustment of a new animal. Shrieves and Fitzhugh suggest what they call a “two week shutdown” when bringing a new animal into the home.

This provides the pet time to see and hear you and the sounds and routines of its new home as well as build trust. Keeping the pet in a crate during this time provides a safe place for it to start to adapt. Slowly introducing the dog to other animals in the house, access to the house and yard for short periods of time will help it adjust.

The main point is to slow down and not to push a new dog or cat to accept many different things and give it the opportunity to get to know you and the rest of the household.

There are many ways people can help more pets find permanent homes.

To help Worcester County Animal Control, Shrieves said the best thing is to share his posts on social media so more people can see the great dogs and cats the facility has ready for adoption. www.facebook.com/Worcestercountyanimalcontrol/

Iron Will Animal Rescue helps animals all over the region. The organization needs cleaning supplies, toys, towels and blankets, and food. Most importantly it needs volunteer fosters. The rescue does not have a facility, it relies solely on fostering until new homes are found. Sharing its social media posts also helps get the word out on adoptable animals. www.facebook.com/IronWillRescue.