News & Views

Did you know? 

Research by Dr. Lisa Gunter & Maddie's University found that 1-2 nights of foster care for shelter dogs resulted in reduced cortisol levels and longer bouts of rest, without significant increases in cortisol upon return to the shelter.

Dogs who slept overnight in a foster home for 1-2 nights were more than 14 times more likely to be adopted. In addition, dogs adopted from temporary and trial adoptions are less likely to be returned to the shelter than traditionally adopted dogs. 

Testing Temporary Fostering

Studies conducted by Dr. Lisa Gunter and Maddie's Foundation demonstrated that shelter dogs who spent one or two nights in a foster home were less frantic after returning to the shelter, more relaxed (as measured by cortisol response), less apathetic and more engaged with people.  

Do you have a sensitive pet?

If your dog or cat seems overreactive, anxious, or easily overwhelmed, she may be a “highly sensitive pet.” Happy Acres is a safe haven for highly sensitive animals that may not cope as well in a traditional shelter environment. Here’s how to tell if you have a sensitive pet, and what you can do to help her navigate the world with less stress. Read more. 

From Foster to Forever

In honor of National Foster a Pet Month, we're celebrating amazing foster parents like our own Michelle Huttes. Thanks to all those who open their hearts and their homes to improve quality of life for shelter animals! Read on to learn more about the joys and challenges of fostering.

Heart-to-Heart

Here at Happy Acres, we know (and decades of research show) that having a dog or cat can be good for your health — both physically and mentally. The benefits of sharing your life with an animal include everything from lower blood pressure and decreased anxiety to higher self-esteem and improved immune response. Read about one study that gets to the heart of the people-pet connection.  

Improving Shelter Dog Welfare

Dogs living in shelters experience a variety of potential stressors that could negatively impact their welfare, including:  

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• Excessive noise

• Spatial restrictions

• Isolation from other dogs and people

• Loss of attachment figures

• Lack of control & predictability

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Human interaction is one of the most well-studied, consistently effective interventions in animal sheltering. One type of interaction, foster caregiving, allows dogs to leave the shelter, escaping environmental stressors.

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Source: Dr. Lisa Gunter & Maddie's University

Stop the Suffering

Every year, 27 million puppies and kittens — are born in the United States, and only 3.6 million people. Is it any wonder that happy homes for these animals are in short supply?

As a result, millions of healthy, loving cats and dogs are left on the streets to fend for themselves — or sadly, are euthanized.

You can help control the pet homelessness crisis by spaying or neutering your pet. Plus, there are health and behavioral benefits to doing so. Spaying and neutering are acts of love.

Bringing Bonnie Home

In honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, we'd like to introduce you to one of our favorite Happy Acres alumni. Learn how 10-year-old Bonnie met her forever family, and why sometimes adopting a senior dog makes perfect sense. Read more.