WESTFIELD – Juno and Rosie, Bruce, Scrappy, Max, Miss Willow, Washington and Meeka are among the adoptable pets now at the Westfield Regional Animal Shelter who are seeking homes.
“We have a lot of great sweethearts right now ready to be adopted,” said Margaret Terkelsen, assistant animal control operations manager.
Terkelsen said that the shelter at 178 Apremont Way, across from Barnes Airport, wants to find homes for all of the animals.
It is important for the pet to be a “good match” for an individual or family.
“We have a lot of homeless animals and would love to help them find a home for the holidays,” said Terkelsen.
To ensure that the animal is a good match, it is important for the individual or family members to meet the cat or dog beforehand.
“It takes the element of surprise away but we want to be sure that everyone understands the commitment that is being made,” said Terkelsen.
At press time, Meeka and Miss Willow, both adult domestic long hairs, are seeking homes, as well as Juno and Rosie, both adult Shih Tzu’s.
“Juno and Rosie came in together several months ago and are close,” said Terkelsen. “We consider them a pair and would like to find a home that would welcome both of them.”
Scrappy, a Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie mix, is a happy, energetic boy who needs rules and boundaries.
“Scrappy would do best in a home with no children,” said Terkelsen.
Nana, an 8-year-old Shih Tzu, is a “special case,” according to Terkelsen, noting she has a skin issue and is currently on medication.
“We have to keep Nana for another month but she can be adopted,” said Terkelsen. “Nana will do well in a home with older children.”
Max, a high energy Pit Bull Terrier mix, has been at the shelter since the summer and would excel in a family with older children.
“Max is a great and happy boy,” said Terkelsen. “He showed up at our shelter’s doorstep as a stray.”
Bruce has also lived at the shelter since summer when he was found running around the Stop & Shop in the downtown area.
“The owners did not want to pay the fee to spring him out of the shelter, so he is looking for a caring family to take him home,” said Terkelsen, adding Bruce would be best with someone who has dog-handling experience so he can be properly trained and exercised.
Hazel, a Pit Bull Terrier mix, also recently came to the shelter since no one came to claim her.
“Hazel needs a lot of training and structure,” said Terkelsen. “She would be best suited in a home without children.”
Terkelsen said that “it’s a great thing to do” to adopt animals, but it is important to remember not to make an impulsive decision during the holiday season.
“We recently had two animals that were adopted and then returned so it’s important for everyone to understand the commitment that is being made,” said Terkelsen.
Washington, a 90-pound black and white lab mix, just arrived at the shelter and staff members are eager to find him a home, too.
“Washington is about 2 years old and has a curly tail,” said Terkelsen.
For area residents who might be unable to adopt a pet but would like to make a difference in one of their lives – stockings with toys for the holidays would brighten up their kennel.
“Since the animals spend a lot of time in the kennel, we welcome enrichment toys that can keep them busy,” said Terkelsen.
Since the shelter operates on a tight budget, Terkelsen noted that donations of pet safe rock salt, bleach and detergent are always welcome.
“Gift cards for the Blandford Animal Hospital are also very welcomed since some animals need special medical attention,” said Terkelsen.
For more information on any of these adoptable pets, including adoption fees and licenses, call (413) 564-3129 during regular shelter hours, Monday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
