My experience adopting from LHS

Rating Details

Service being reviewed:

Liberty Humane Society
Reviews: 163 | Posted: 8 months ago | Avg Rating: 4.9

Supporting Shelter: Liberty Humane Society

Supporting Rescue: Last Chance Ranch Equine Rescue

Pros: Wonderful staff working hard for the animals

Cons: Need funding to update facility

My family saw a English Mastiff (Xerces) on Petfinder in the spring of 2008. We called LHS on a Monday to inquire his availability. The women on the phone informed us that Xerces was still at the shelter, but on medical hold due to kennel cough and pending surgery to neuter him. She gave a history of how this big beautiful dog ended up in the shelter.

Long story short...Family up and left everything. Xerces was tied outside without food/water and shelter.

I told her a little about my family, what type of dog were were looking for, and that we were coming from the country in Pa. She was very helpful in giving me all the information needed to apply for adoption. I also made arrangements to drive out to NJ to see Xerces that Friday.

The Family was excited for a road trip. We contacted the school to inform our Daughters will be visiting a animal shelter and to please excuse their absence.

My first thought of the building from the outside was "It is small". We walked through the door and was greeted by friendly staff members. I handed my paperwork to a staff member while my girls petted a friendly dog hanging out in the small office filled with paperwork. Another staff member escorted us to the kennel area were we waited for a few minutes.

The staff was very busy taking dogs outside to run and cleaning cages. The interior of the building was dark and old. There was limited storage and working stations. Despite the gloomy feel of the room, Dogs large and small seemed happy. I remember a little old min pin in a green sweater. I watched the staff get him out. They treated him like any loving pet owner would treat their fur babies. Lots of pits and pit crosses bouncing with energy waiting for their turn for a run. So many dogs waiting for a loving home while limited staff bustle tending to all their needs.

They asked us to enter a viewing room (which had another dog in it). After placing the pit into another room, they brought Xerces in. Boy...what a big dog!! They answered all our questions and concerns. Xerces was wonderful with the girls. I wanted to make sure he was good with cats. The staff member allowed us to take him to the cat room to see his behavior. Two ladies were busy tending to all the kitties. He was curious, but nothing alarming. The staff member was patient and allowed all the time we needed to decide if Xerces was what we were looking for.

They took Xerces while we finished paperwork. Not only did they neuter and vaccinate Xerces, but they gave a 5 lb bag of dog food, remaining antibotics, and a 1 month pet insurance. All of this in exchange for a $175 adoption fee. We gave extra as a donation.

They brought Xerces out and told us to call with any questions or concerns. LHS did a wonderful job in preparing Xerces for a new beginning. The hard work was paid off when Xerces walked out the door to start a new life.

There was plenty of conversation during the ride home. The first 1/2 hr was about the shelter. Yes it was small, dark, cluttered, and old. The staff members brought love, compassion, patients, and loyality to that little run down building. Most of the conversation was about choosing a new name for Xerces. We must have listed a 100 names. My husband wanted to call him Bitsy. 5 minutes from home I thought of Samson. Everyone agreed!

I called LHS regarding the pet insurance and the name change. They were very friendly and helpful. I informed them of the vet appointment in which they replied that if I need anything or have concerns to please call them. What a wonderful feeling to know the support from the shelter does not end the moment you walk out the door.

I have seen plenty of shelters in my life. Some much nicer in appearance than LHS. There is only one thing that separates LHS from the other shelters and that is the Staff Members. Their dedication and hard work fills that little old building with hope. Hope seen by all the wagging tails awaiting a forever home.

I always recommend LHS to individuals looking to adopt. The dedicated staff do their best to give accurate information regarding the pet (health, temperament, activity level) to ensure a good match. The support the shelter gives to the adopter is wonderful.

I rated the cleanliness as a 3 star. This is due to the limited space resulting a clutter appearance of paperwork and supplies to run the facility. This is to no fault of their own. They are doing the best they can with what they have. The staff was very busy ensure the cages were clean and the animals were comfortable.

I have bookmarked LHS website and check in from time to time. LHS will be the first place I look for a new pet in the future. For now, my family will enjoy Samson.

Thank you LHS for all your hard work! Samson is very greatful!

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