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trained behaviorist so that we can take care of any needs
the animals may have, all so they can put their best paws
forward,” said Taylor-Tanielian. “This is truly where happy
endings begin.”
Socialization with other animals as well as loving humans
is an important factor to the adoptable dogs and cats being
ready for their new homes. To ensure this, a majority of
the animals at both organizations are cared for by foster
families. Those that are not with a foster family live on site
where they receive around the clock care by volunteers.
“In our Pleasant Hill location, we have our Kitty Corner,
which is essentially a free-roam cat shelter where volunteers
care for and socialize the cats,” described Nickerson.
“We also have a new endeavor with Pet Food Express
in Danville where we have adoptable cats living in cat
condos.”
Because, just like humans, every dog and cat has a
unique personality, the Contra Costa Humane Society and
ARF make sure to provide personality profiles for each of
their adoptable animals as wells as any information they
have regarding each animal’s backstory. These profiles help
to find the perfect family for each animal. “It’s all about
matchmaking and facilitating,” said Nickerson. “When
someone is interested in an animal we do what is called
a meet and greet so the potential adopter can meet the
animal.” During this meet and greet the human and animal
will be able know if they have a connection. Because it
is all about finding forever homes, as Taylor-Tanielian
said, there has to be a connection felt by both the animal
and human. “We know that the right person is out there
so there is no timeline on these animals,” added Taylor-
Tanielian. “Our goal is to home every animal and we will
work until we find that perfect home for each.”
The animals are not the only ones to benefit; humans
receive countless benefits from animal companionship,
according to Nickerson and Taylor-Tanielian. “Our
motto at ARF is ‘People Rescuing Animals….Animals
Rescuing People,’” said Taylor-Tanielian. “So we look
at the relationship between animals and people and how
being around an animal can improve someone’s life; the
animals rescuing people part.” This belief can be seen in
the community programs at ARF, such as the Pets and Vets
program that saves both ends of the leash by connecting
veterans in need with service dogs that were originally
shelter dogs, or the All Ears Reading program, which
pairs young readers with therapy dogs for a judgment-free
reading environment.
“Regardless if the animal is a pure breed or comes from
a shelter, every pet gives us unconditional love,” Nickerson
said in full agreement. “Even if they had a rough start
in life, they deserve to have a human companion that
will love them unconditionally and, believe me, you will
receive that love back ten-fold.”
Even though ARF and the Contra Costa Humane
Society are separate organizations, they are both fighting for
the same cause. “Our goal is not a competition of who gets
credit for how many dogs and cats get rescued. Our goal
is to make sure these animals find their forever homes,”
Taylor-Tanielian said. “We don’t care who you adopt from
as long as these animals find loving homes and that the
people get the benefit of companionship from the animals.”
TO MEET THE VARIETY OF ADOPTABLE CATS AND
DOGS TO FIND YOUR CONNECTION AND BE A
FOREVER HOME VISIT ONE OF THE RESCUE AND
SHELTER FACILITIES IN THE COUNTY:
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES
4800 Imhoff Pl., Martinez (925) 608-8400.
Adoption hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
(closed between noon and 1 p.m.)
910 San Pablo Ave., Pinole (510) 942-4530.
Adoptions hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.,
Wednesday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Check out their website for dates and location of the
mobile adoption services.
Co.countra-costa.ca.us/59/Animal-Services.
Fees: Cats $104-147; Dogs $129-284. Fees include
adoption fee, microchip, spay/neuter, and rabies
vaccination.
CONTRA COSTA HUMANE SOCIETY
Kitty Corner: 171 Mayhew Way, Pleasant Hill
(925) 279-2247. Adoption hours: Monday noon - 7 p.m.;
Tuesday 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.; Friday noon – 3 p.m.; Saturday
and Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Pet Food Express: 609 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville.
Adoption hours: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
4p.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fees: Cats $90-130; Dogs $225-275. Fees include
adoption, microchip, and all age appropriate
vaccinations. CCHumane.org
TONY LA RUSSA ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION (ARF)
2890 Mitchell Dr., Walnut Creek (925) 256-1ARF (1273).
Adoption hours: Wednesday and Thursday noon-6 p.m.;
Friday noon-7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday noon-6 p.m.
Visit their website for mobile adoption locations and
dates, Arflife.org.
Fees: Cats $90-125; Dogs $250-300. Fees include
adoption, microchip, and all age appropriate
vaccinations.