Have you considered adopting a shelter dog but worried about how it may act when you get it home? Or when trying to take it to a public place like a park or restaurant patio? The SPCA of Brevard’s “Borrowed Buddies” Program may be for you!
We took a day to visit the site in Titusville, interview Executive Director Susan Naylor, and check out “Chocula,” a mixed-breed, mid-sized pup that recently landed at the shelter. We took Chocula for a few hours – walked him around the park, brought him to lunch (he got to have chicken fingers and fries) and took him for a car ride (window down, of course). He was a pleasure, and it was a wonderful experience!
When we arrived, we were given a “Borrowed Buddies” kit – a tote bag complete with water and water bowl, treats and toys. We were asked what we planned to do with our pup, where we were taking him and how long we planned to have him. Once we described our plan, SPCA staff matched up with the right dog for our needs and gave us an orientation. Then we took him for his day out and when we returned, were asked to fill out a form that detailed his behaviors and how acted around other people, dogs and environments that he encountered on the outing. This form was then included in his adoption file, so that potential adopters could see more about the dog they were adopting. And… we are proud to report that only a couple weeks after we borrowed Chocula, that good boy found his furever home!
If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, or just need a buddy to go on a hike with for the afternoon, we definitely recommend trying out a “Borrowed Buddy.” You won’t be sorry! (And to see more about our experience with Chocula and watch our interview with the SPCA, just CLICK HERE.)
