Each year thousands of animals are euthanized in St. Tammany Parish alone. Jessica Harris, adoptions counselor of the St. Tammany Humane Society takes her job very seriously. She works hard to make sure that every animal has a chance at getting a home. Like Harris, the employees and volunteers at the Humane Society find the opportunity to “save a life” very rewarding.

St. Tammany Humane Society is a nonprofit animal shelter and a full service public vet clinic working admirably to make a difference. It has a no-kill policy, which allows animals to stay until they are adopted. There are only 100 dogs and 50 cats at the Humane Society at one time but that doesn’t mean those are the only animals available. There is a lengthy waiting list with animals to replace those that are adopted out. The staff at the Humane Society is always busy. There is a nationwide animal welfare problem.

Humane Society guests are welcomed into the parking lot by many barking dogs. Although the noise may be intimidating at first, the wagging tails make it clear that they are just excited. Who doesn’t want attention? The cat sanctuary, also known as “cat cottage,” is a different setting.

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Although the cats might not be half as loud as the dogs, they aren’t completely shy, either. Some cats give curious looks, others playfully paw their confinement, and a few lick their fur for a boost of confidence. All kennels conveniently have signs to share the animals name and age.

Before any animal is put up for adoption, the staff gladly makes sure that they think he/she would make a good pet. Harris says their first goal is to determine whether the animals are aggressive. If an animal comes in sick they will be fully rehabilitated. Second, every animal is not only entirely vaccinated but also spayed and neutered. Third, they have a microchip inserted, which makes the animal impossible to lose. Last but not least, the dogs come with one month of flee/tick preventative, six months of heartworm preventative and a bag of Nutro dog/puppy food. The dogs cost $150 to adopt, while the cats normally cost $75. Senior citizens get a discount. The price covers all of the medical attention the animal has received. People take pride in healthy animals.

By adopting animals at the Humane Society people are one step closer to solving the pet overpopulation obstacle cause by the public’s ongoing desire for breed-specific animals. Most humane society dogs are mixed breed but that only makes them more unique.

It is undeniable that small dogs are in fashion right now; so many of the bigger dogs are being pushed to the side. Harris says the Humane Society finds medium to large dogs hardest to find homes for 95 percent of the time.

The current longest resident at the Humane Society is Murphy. It is a surprise to everyone that he has been living there over a year and a half. He is an adorable 5 year old black lab mix that loves everyone. Unlike most of the dogs, Murphy calmly sits as you approach his kennel. Once he is out he likes to run around but also loves lying next to people. He might even try to sneak a lick on the cheek if he gets the chance.

Sweetness is another loveable dog.

Unfortunately, like many other dogs she is frequently overlooked because of her age. She is 8 years old but has a lot of life left in her. She was found as a stray but most people would never know it because of her great disposition. She is calm and collected and she loves being in the company of people. Harris says she would be a perfect pet for an older person or couple.

The year 2010 brings numerous changes to the animals and staff. They plan to incorporate the “meet your match” program into more adoptions. That will help potential adopters get matched with the right dog or cat. Especially with dogs, there are better fits for certain people.

When animals are returned to the facility it is usually because of the owners lack of training or experience with pets. That is one reason why the staff is trying to work with the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services to put on free animal training once a week.

While the South has more than enough dogs available every day the Northeast has a shortage. The main reason is because they have stricter neuter and spay laws there. Harris says the St. Tammany Parish Humane Society has begun transporting dogs to three different shelters every month because they have a better chance at finding a home there.

The Humane Society is always looking for volunteers, foster homes or potential adopters. There are many benefits with being involved. If interested please call 867-3774 or visit the Web site at www.sthumane.org.