The SPCA has dogs, like Trigger above, ready for adoption. Visiting hours for the SPCA in Norwich are Tuesday from 12 to 7 p.m and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 12 to 4:30 p.m. Call 607-334-9724 or visit cspcainfo@chenangospca.org for more information.(Submitted photo)

By Patrick McLaughlin,

CSPCA Executive Director

This one's pretty simple: Dogs are really awesome. There are not many sources of pure, unbridled love and enthusiasm for "their human" other than a dog. True, they might not hold up their end of a conversation, but they'll be more attentive to your end than most of the people you know. Okay, you might  be surprised by some of the things they choose to eat, or roll around in, but their smiling faces are hard to resist, even then. And sure, maybe they defend your mutual home from things that aren't actual threats (like squirrels and civil servants), but they do it out of love!

There's a good chance you don't need to be sold on why dogs are awesome. Fair enough. But what about "shelter dogs"? First of all, shelter dogs are dogs. The path that led them to our shelter might not have been easy, but the vast majority of them are at least as loving--and loveable--as any other. Most dogs who come to the shelter simply got lost, and their owners never found them. Believe it or not, a lot of people don't know to check with us when they lose one of their beloved pets.

Another thing that sets shelter dogs apart, of course, is that they desperately  need a family to live with. I've said this before, but it's important to repeat: Animals don't belong in shelters, they belong in homes with their families. They should be frolicking with kids or laying their heads on someone's lap or monitoring the neighborhood squirrel nuisance, not waiting in our shelter. Yes, we take good care of them, but their stay here  must be temporary. Ideally, it should be as short as possible.

Right now, we have eleven dogs ready for adoption, and several more who aren't ready for adoption quite yet. We have very little space for more dogs, but that doesn't mean the need has gone away. People call several times a week to let us know that they got evicted, or they got sick, or their spouse or parent died, or some other difficult circumstance has forced them to turn to us and say, "I can't take care of him any more--will you?" The only thing that allows us to take in more dogs is adoption.

So, if you have space in your heart and your home, please consider adopting one of our lovely dogs. 

Or, if you know someone else who might be ready for a new canine companion, please spread the word: We have dogs ready for adoption! They are fantastic! And, thanks to the Safe Haven Fund, their adoption will be free! Why would anyone want to wait?

Visiting hours for the SPCA in Norwich are Tuesday from 12 to 7 p.m and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 12 to 4:30 p.m. Call 607-334-9724 or visit cspcainfo@chenangospca.org for more information.