By Mary Casey-Sturk
An estimated sixty-six percent of U.S. households, or about 86.9 million families, own a pet, according to the 2023-2024 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). If you are considering adding a furry addition to your household, Campbell County has several rescues to help pets find their forever homes.
Lucky Tales Rescue. Fort Thomas-based Lucky Tails is a foster-based rescue with dogs and cats available. If their dogs and cats could speak “people”, oh, the tales they could tell! FTL spoke with Laura Morgan, Owner/President of Lucky Tales Rescue about the many advantages of adoption including “Unconditional Love and Loyalty: Rescue dogs often have an extraordinary capacity for love and loyalty, having endured the absence of a human companion. Saving Lives and Reducing Overpopulation: By adopting, you actively contribute to decreasing the number of animals in shelters and rescue organizations. Supporting Responsible Breeding: Adopting discourages the demand for puppy mills and irresponsible breeding practices. Finding the Perfect Match: Adoption allows you to select a dog that perfectly matches your lifestyle, preferences, and personality. A Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment: Knowing that you have saved a life and provided a loving home for a deserving dog brings immense satisfaction and a sense of purpose. Avoiding Unhealthy and Behavioral Issues: Contrary to popular belief, purchasing from breeders does not guarantee the health or absence of behavioral problems in dogs.”
Morgan shares, “Adopt, Don’t Shop: A Rewarding Pathway to Companionship”, adding, “Many dogs in shelters and rescues have been overlooked and their exceptional qualities remain unappreciated. By choosing adoption, you have the opportunity to find the perfect companion while making a positive impact on the lives of animals in need.” www.luckytalesrescue.org
Frankies Furry Friends is an Alexandria-based small dog breed, all-volunteer rescue. Caring for dogs from overcrowded rural shelters or those who have lost their owners. https://frankiesfurryfriends.rescuegroups.org/
Stray Animal Adoption Program (SAAP) Their animals (dogs and cats) are in foster homes while awaiting adoption. Fostering allows animals to adjust. http://www.adoptastray.com
Protect 4 Paws in Wilder has cats and dogs available for adoption in their shelter (by appointment only). Agnes Burdsall, Shelter Director at Protect 4 Paws, spoke with FTL about issues shelters are currently facing, “First and foremost, we are facing an animal overpopulation crisis like never before. Shelters and rescues have been reaching capacity/past capacity in record time and just cannot keep up with the current need. Our funds, our staff, every resource is spread thin trying to address these animals in need, and the only way we can help more animals is if the animals currently in our care are adopted.” Continuing, “To add to this, so many people are in need right now. Life is hard, the cost of living has risen sharply and people who love their pets just aren’t able to afford this cost shift. Pet-friendly affordable housing is just not available and this along with the rising cost of vet care, pet food, and other essentials, leave so many caring and loving owners desperate to provide for their beloved pets.”
On celebrating the wins, “Most importantly, however, is the absolute reward that is found in adopting a shelter animal and allowing them to have that chance or second/third/however many chances at stability, safety, and love. The love of a pet is unconditional and with a shelter animal, I feel this love is returned a millionfold. There is an unmatched happiness found in providing a home for a shelter animal and being a part of their growth.” Burdsall adds that adoption might not work for everyone, “If adoption isn’t an option for you, you can always help your local shelters by helping to spread the word and bring awareness to the animals in need of adoption. Share posts, talk with family and friends, just anyway you can think to help market these animals and their stories and bring visibility to the shelter helps immensely.” “Donating- whether it’s financially, with wish list items, or giving of your time to go visit the animals at the shelter and provide enrichment, giving what you can when you makes all the difference!” https://protect4paws.weebly.com/
Raising Rogue (formerly Queen City Bulldog Rescue) is a Southgate-based group with a dedicated team for dogs requiring special care. Follow them on Facebook to learn more about their work and events.
Cleo’s Legacy in Melbourne has dogs and cats available for adoption. Alex Siska shares, “Our biggest need is foster homes, and adopters! We are a 100% volunteer, 501c3 foster-based nonprofit. Fostering is free, we provide all medical, food, crate, and supplies a foster home needs.” Learn more, including how to sponsor a dog at http://www.cleoslegacy.org
Campbell County Animal Services also operates a shelter with cats and dogs available for adoption. You can also purchase or renew your dog license here.
http://www.campbellcountyky.gov
Maybe fostering is right for you?
If you would like to help a dog or cat while they wait to be adopted, fostering can be a great way to help.
FTL spoke with Julie Lubbers, who is a foster for Frankies Furry Friends.
Why does Lubbers foster? “The short answer…..Fostering saves lives! While shelters are an important step in a dog’s journey to being adopted, in-home foster care cushions that journey.”, Continuing, “Foster care frees up space in the shelters for other animals in need. It also provides a home-like environment for that little one to relax and feel safe. For puppy mill survivors or strays, it is the first time they experience love and being part of a family. They learn that people can be loving and kind. For a dog that has lost their person to illness or death, a foster home provides a place to grieve the loss while being loved and cared for.”
“What surprised me about fostering is how this love and healing the dog experiences is a two-way street. My heart grows bigger and softer with every dog I foster. It is my little way of making the world a better place.”
Is it hard to give up your foster for their forever family? “It is a bittersweet experience for certain! I have loved every dog I have fostered. I adopted the first dog I fostered. What makes it worth any sadness I feel when the dog gets adopted is how excited the adoptive family is to get a new family member. It is a two-way street! The dog and family choose each other. Often, I get follow-up emails and photos of the dog in their new home. It makes my day to know they are living their best lives with their forever family. It becomes a beautiful cycle. As my fosters get adopted, a space opens up in my home to save another. It is a win-win!” shares Lubbers.
All of the rescues listed (except the Campbell County Animal Shelter) are non-profits that rely on donations from individuals, foundations, and adoption fees to maintain their missions, and all offer a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Whether you are ready to adopt or not, lending a paw comes in many forms!
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