Tamara Gregor: SCHS Column: Several pups look for forever homes after extended stay at the shelter

Apr. 24—This week, The Banner took a brief pause to reflect on some of our playful and loving pups we've hosted as part of Stephens County Humane Society's (SCHS) Take Out Tuesday program.

With adoption as a goal, several of our guests have found their new forever homes, but there's still a few who continue the search and have spent anywhere from 60 to 124 days at the humane society, such as Max, Butch and Murphy.

Max, a two-year-old mixed breed, radiates pure joy from his head to his tail which makes this well-mannered dog stand out in the crowd.

He's been at the shelter for around 91 days and this boy loves playing with stuffed toys, tennis balls, rope toys and chew toys to occupy his time.

Max's ears perk up and his eyes light up when someone new walks into the room and this gentle giant will lean in for cuddles to prove he indeed loves warm hugs.

Butch is around four years old and a pit bull terrier mixed breed. Butch has spent roughly 60 days at the shelter.

This sweet boy sports a black and white coat. He's eager to go for walks and sport his handsome self around an office or outside. Butch has excellent leash manners. He loves to meet people and would make an excellent cuddle buddy for his new family.

He loves the attention, especially for scratches and belly rubs.

Our most recent guest, and youngest, Murphy, waits patiently for his next home as well.

Murphy is around 25 weeks old and a mixed breed. He sports a handsome black and white tuxedo coat and boasts a heart of gold.

As a lover of people, stuffed toys and treats, Murphy is quite content with playing tug-of-war with a stuffed animal while soaking up every ounce of attention he can get from people.

This sweet boy is a quick, but gentle eater when taking food bites by hand. He exhibits great leash manners and loves going for walks outdoors.

Murphy's a true heartthrob and will soak up any attention and love he can get.

Although we haven't hosted Maxine, Whiskey and Norman, these precious dogs are in search of a new home after spending months at SCHS.

Norman's spent 91 days at the shelter and is around two years old and a mixed breed. This pup is typically paired with Max at the shelter and events. Norman weighs in at around 53 pounds and is in search of his forever home.

Along with Norman, there's Maxine, who has spend 89 days at the shelter. She is around five years old and a mixed breed who dons freckles and a multicolored fur coat. According to humane society staff, Maxine's left her puppy stage and is ready to grow into her adult self.

Whiskey, around 2 years old and a chocolate Labrador Retriever, has had the longest stay. Whiskey's spent 124 days around the shelter. He weighs in at around 61 pounds and keeps a clean kennel, according to staff at the humane society. Whiskey does know a few tricks, from catching treats to sitting and laying down on command.

For the felines

This week, we would like to highlight a kitten, Josephine, at the SCHS. She is 13 weeks old and in search of a new home. She is also playful and gets along with other cats.

Since the humane society has a new kitten, here's a few tips owners should consider when caring for a new kitten.

To begin, grab some food specially for kittens to start your new friend out with a balanced diet.

Next, make sure to provide the necessary and comfortable accommodations with safe, clean and dry bedding and litter boxes.

Play time is always a good idea for kittens to burn off excess energy by chasing cat toys and interacting with their owners.

Keep your kitten groomed regularly by brushing out their fur and trimming away any matted fur carefully.

Reward your new kitten when they are training well.

Consider a scratching posts for your feline friend to have specific area for clawing.

Keep up-to-date on vet visits and check ups as your kitten ages.

For more kitty cat tips sponsored by Minson's Veterinary Hospital, read next week's column.

To inquire about any of the dogs or cats, or to set up an appointment, call 580-252-7387 between the Humane Society's hours of noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from noon to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. SCHS is open from noon to 2 p.m. on Sundays for adoptions only and closed on Monday for surgery day.

The SCHS column is sponsored by Minson's Veterinary Hospital, Tractor Supply Co. and R&S Drug Store.

For more information about SCHS or to donate, visit https://www.stephenscountyshelter.com/.