JUNE IS ADOPT A SHELTER CAT MONTH

Midnight is a fortunate cat. He was one of thousands of cats and dogs that have been offered for adoption at a local Humane Society. Midnight was one of few who found a new home and a new life with an adopted family, Dean and Linda Goodson of Cape Girardeau.

Animal shelters across the nation offer an abundance of cats and kittens for adoption each spring due to normal breeding patterns. Not all of the animals find homes, however.

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri is drawing attention to this sad fact by joining with shelters across the nation during the month of June in the Adopt A Shelter Cat Month promotion. Eartha Kitt, who was the original "Cat Woman" on the televison series, "Batman" is the national spokesperson for the promotion this year.

Over 2,566 dogs and cats have been relinquished to the shelter so far this year with 25 percent finding homes.

"We have a larger adoption rate than the national percentage," said Cynthia Kothe, Program Coordinator for the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri. "The national adoption rate is from 19 to 20 percent."

With the Adopt A Shelter Cat promotion this month, Kothe hopes to find homes for all the cats and kittens waiting for new homes. Kothe said the shelter informs prospective pet owners what their responsibilities will be should they adopt one of the shelters many animals available.

According to Kothe, the decision to adopt a pet should not be made impulsively. The question of affordability, long-term commitment, the feelings of other family members, time for the daily care and attention to the animal and understanding basic animal behavior and training should be considered before adopting.

Thinking before adopting will save the animal from being returned to the shelter, she said.

Midnight was adopted and has been an important part of the Goodson household ever since.

"I just love him," Dean Goodson said. "He gives us a lot of companionship. He's just a joy to have."

The shelter offers a variety of dogs and cats for adoption. Anyone who is interested in more information concerning adopting a pet from the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri can either call the shelter at 334-5837 or visit the shelter at 2536 Boutin Drive.