The Three Rs used to stand for “reading, writing, and arithmetic,” but this week, it stands for our featured pets: Roxy, Rowdy, and Rocky.

Roxy (2-3 years old), Rowdy (under a year old), and Rocky (1.5-2 years old) are all mixed-breed dogs who’ve spent their lives chained outside instead of being treated as part of the family. Despite their rough start, they remain trusting and curious, and after three weeks at the shelter, The Three Rs are learning “how to dog!”

All three are friendly and will benefit from physical enrichment and basic behavior training that engages their mind. Add in a heaping helping of affection and regularly snuggle time, and you will find that Roxy, Rowdy, and Rocky can be loyal companions for life.

Let’s get these guys Home for the Holidays – right now their adoption fee is reduced to only $53! Bring your dog and family on weekdays between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to meet them, and call 859.238.1117 to make sure they’re still available before you make the drive. You can complete an online application here: https://bit.ly/2Qo4EfE.

Can’t get to the shelter during open hours? Email me at karikuh@dbchs.org to set up an evening or weekend appointment! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get all of the pups Home for the Holidays?

Although it’s our goal to get every shelter pet into a home by Christmas, animal welfare organizations traditionally warn against giving pets as presents.

The ASPCA conducted a survey that determined that 96% of those who received pets as gifts said it made them more loving or attached to those pets. Even better, almost all these pets were still with their owners (86%).

Given that positive data, the ASPCA no longer takes a hard line against pets as presents, instead recommending that you give them “only to people who have expressed a sustained interest in owning one, and the ability to care for it responsibly.”

Perhaps the best way to approach giving a pet as a gift is to provide a stuffed animal or another trinket as a stand-in for the real thing. Then take the time to meet and greet many potential furry family members in January, after the holiday hubbub has died down.

Meanwhile, you can make a pet’s holiday so much brighter and be a short-term foster for Christmas: we’ll match you with an appropriate pet for your lifestyle and provide all the supplies you need. Email me at karikuh@dbchs.org for more information and sign up here: https://bit.ly/3bNErhD. Help us make it a relaxing and happy pawliday season for all the animals in our care!

The Danville-Boyle County Humane Society is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) established in 1972 that promotes the humane treatment of animals through compassionate care, engagement, and support. To donate, please visit DBCHS.org/give or mail a check to DBCHS P.O. Box 487, Danville, KY 40423-0487.

We’re grateful for every gift!