Cobb Humane Society Takes 'No-Kill' Pledge as It Seeks Homes for Animals

Many people have fond memories of their first pet, and remember all the fun and happiness their furry companion created in their lives. Looking into a cute little face that's full of love can ease stress and make even the worse day feel a little bit better somehow.

has plenty of playful pets that are eager to be a part of a loving home and help make some one's life a little happier. The Humane Society not only has cats and dogs for adoption, but also birds, chinchillas, hamsters, ferrets and gerbils.

What makes this non-profit Humane Society unique is its adoption of a no-kill policy, meaning that the shelter will care for a rescued or abandoned pet until its adoption or for the remainder of its life.

With this commitment, officials say funding remains a persistent concern to pay for the upkeep of the shelter and the medical needs of the animals. Also contributing to the costs is a Humane Society program that provides free pet food and supplies to the Meals on Wheels program so seniors and shut-ins can keep their loving companions as long as possible.

The shelter also provides "pet therapy" for local senior's homes where they transport cats and dogs to the home and allow the residents to play and cuddle with the animals.  Marnie Gary, the pet therapist for the facility, has provided this service for 9 years.

"Pet therapy for seniors has been shown to have a very positive effect on the emotional, mental and physical well-being of those who interact with the animals," Gray said.

Every pet for adoption at the shelter is current with necessary immunizations and have been neutered or spayed before they are allowed to be taken home.

Shelter supervisor Joy Evilsizol said: "Having all cats and dogs spayed and neutered before adoption is a major step in helping to control the over-population problem we see today. If everyone who has a pet would spay or neuter, this over-population would be greatly diminished. Another benefit of spaying or neutering, is that it helps to make a calmer, happier pet."

Denise Braithwaite, another employee at the shelter, offered a tour, stopping first at a recovery room for newly spayed or neutered animals. Two kittens here had already been adopted and would be leaving the shelter in just a few days.

"When cats and dogs are spayed or neutered at an early age, the recovery time is greatly shortened and complications from surgery are almost non-existant,." Braithwaite said.

The front office is lined with bird cages, housing several different types of birds and even two chinchillas.

"Chinchillas make wonderful pets," Braithwaite said. "They are very playful and intelligent creatures that can even be trained to use a litter box, just like cats."

Walking to the back of the building, Braithwaite showed where a long-time shelter supporter had donated a fenced-in play area for dogs awaiting adoption, allowing them a place to run free inside of sitting inside cages all day.

"It's been a wonderful gift and the dogs have been loving it," she said.

The last stop on the tour ended in a room where cats are allowed out of their cages so they can play with each other. Visitors are often engulfed in purring furballs eager to be petted.

As a non-profit, the Humane Society of Cobb County seeks donations of money, food or supplies and is open for volunteer work. Visit the society's Web site at humanecobb.com for information.