Animal Adoption Unit Seeks a Lifetime Match

NOVATO, Calif. —  In a region famous for its hot tubs and affluent life styles, where there are reportedly more psychologists than redwoods, adopting a pet from the animal shelter takes a personal emotional commitment.

And, unlike some animal-protection groups, the Marin Humane Society takes a Scrooge-like approach to offering pets for adoption during the Christmas season.

“It’s something we don’t really advocate and often discourage,” said Judy Carroll, the society’s director of development. “Number one, it’s like impulse buying and often results in pets being unwanted or returned, and, secondly, it can be a stressful time for the animals.”

An alternative for people interested in buying or adopting a pet over the holidays, she said, is to shop for the accessories--collars, leashes, bowls, food, pillows--and add the pet when the festivities are over.

“We sell a lot of Christmas gifts from our pet supply store,” said Carroll, who especially likes a “pet perch” for cats that allows them to sit on a window ledge and look outdoors.

Even in less hectic times, people who wish to adopt a pet from the Marin County SPCA must be screened for compatibility with the animal, and the home environment has to be friendly and conducive for the creature’s mental and physical health and welfare.

“We adopt animals; we don’t sell them,” said Carroll. “It’s a lifetime commitment and not one that should be made lightly.”

Marin County, she said, is a special place full of enlightened people who take their pets seriously. One pet store, For Paws, even throws an annual Christmas party for dogs complete with tinsel, gifts, and a gourmet brunch.

The Tamalpais Pet Lodge offers thermostatically controlled kennels. Critters & Crackers in Corte Madera sells doggie sun visors. Episcopal Pastor Philip Roundtree gives an annual “blessing of the animals” in Larkspur.

The Humane Society also runs a free “Meals on Wheels” for pets--the first such program in the nation aimed at helping senior citizens on fixed incomes care for their animals.

Carroll said the society tries to do a whole profile of the particular animal up for adoption, looking at its age, temperament, background and adaptability.

“We have a very successful program,” she said. “We screen people carefully and have a very low percentage of animal returns, which is how we measure success.”

One woman who adopted a big, older hairy dog named Muttley, said she made several visits to the shelter, went through an initial counseling session and spent two hours filling out background and information forms before going happily home with the 85-pound Muttley, part otter hound, part German shepherd.

“He’s a good boy. I call him ‘the dude,’ ” said California Highway Patrol Sgt. Patricia Tracy, adding that the dog even has a business card reading: “Muttley Keer, a dog of questionable background but unquestionable character.”

“He wasn’t one of the more easily adoptable animals,” said Tracy. “I had to go through counseling to find out whether we were compatible, why I wanted a dog, whether I could take care of it and if I had a residence that would house him properly.

“Actually, I found it very informative. I’m the kind of person who wants to know everything. I signed him up for two training courses for family obedience schooling, and was encouraged to call the trainer at any time if there was a problem.”

Although Tracy was told she could return Muttley if the relationship didn’t work out, she signed an agreement that the dog could not be transferred unless the new owner also went through the adoption process.

“We want the pet to be a lifelong companion, a new family member,” said Carroll. “The process may be a little tedious or long, but adopting a pet is not something to be taken lightly.”

Carroll suggests that families wait until the chaos of the holidays dies down and then take the time to meet and visit with an animal before adopting or buying it.

“In fact, we completely close the adoption center on Christmas Eve to discourage impulse shoppers,” said Carroll. “We want people to adopt but we want to make a match--the right family with the right pet.”

“Animals aren’t merchandise; they’re living things. We want people to leave here with a smile on their face and the right animal under their arm.”