5 Adoptable Dogs from Animal Friends Humane Society
October 3, 2024
During October, we highlight a few amazing shelter dogs looking for a loving home. It’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and this time, we’re featuring five pups from Animal Friends Humane Society in Hamilton, OH.
Let’s get started with this good boy, Chief.
3-Year-Old Chief
Chief’s owner had to surrender this beautiful boy. He’s looking for an active family to have fun with! He’s been at the shelter since August and looks forward to meeting you. Here are a few details:
“He’s super observant and very high energy. He’s naturally attuned to kids and would make an incredible playmate for school aged kiddos. His second favorite jobs is herding his people. His ideal home has little ones and someone who is around during the day. He’s a friendly pup and loves to give kisses. Chief is really smart and already knows sit, down, come, leave it, drop it, shake, all done, and ball commands. He needs some reinforcement with stay. He will paw you when he needs to go outside. He is house trained and doesn’t have accidents.”
Learn more about Chief…
3-Year-Old Eugene
Not only is Eugene sweet and adorable, but his adoption fee has been paid for by an Animal Friends Humane Society donor. He doesn’t seem to get along with cats, but has enjoyed the company of another dog in his foster home. AFHS also adds:
“Eugene is a very sweet, calm, houseguest. He’s house trained, and doesn’t mess with anything if left alone. Eugene is darling and would just love someone to be his companion.”
Learn more about Eugene…
3-Year-Old Luna
Luna came to AFHS in July as a stray. When the shelter called her owners, they didn’t want her back! How terribly sad. She’s such a sweet girl, and here’s more information:
“She recently went on a dog date and they said she was great with the kids, their Pomeranian dog, and everyone she met. She seemed house trained and walked well on the leash. She enjoyed playing with the other dog and going for a walk at the park.”
Learn more about Luna…
7-Year-Old Marley
Marley is a cuddler! He’s a little older and slower, but that much sweeter. He’s been with AFHS since September and it currently being fostered. Here’s what his foster family says about him:
“Introducing Marley, a delightful companion ready to steal your heart! This charming dog has settled into his foster home beautifully and is showing off his sweet personality every day. He’s eager to embrace life and all the love it has to offer!”
Learn more about Marley…
3-Year-Old Deidre
Deidre is an active girl with lots of energy! She’s also been looking for her forever family since December of last year. Maybe she’s just the friend you’ve been looking for. More about Deidre:
“I love hiking, creeking, and anything that involves being in water or in the woods! I know basic commands although heel is not my forte. My date says I do pretty good on a leash once I get my wiggles out. My date also says that I do well with car rides and older kids! I have a special heart on the back of my head because I am so sweet!”
Learn more about Deidre…
If Chief, Eugene, Marley, Luna or Deidre have spoken to your heart, reach out to Animal Friends Humane Society. You’ll want to learn more about the shelter’s adoption policies, and fill out an adoption application form. And until October 15, dog adoptions are only $25!
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DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs
July 30, 2024
August 1 Celebrates All Good Dogs!
When we learned about DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs, we fell in love with the idea! For most shelter dogs, we don’t know exactly how old they are, let alone on what day they were born.
For adopted dogs, many families celebrate their “gotcha day” as a birthday, but for dogs waiting in a shelter, they are still dreaming of being “fetched.” Here’s how Natalie Buxton, director of marketing and communications at Operation Kindness describes Dogust 1st:
“Not knowing a dog’s true birthday means it’s difficult to celebrate their special day, but by having a universal birthday like Dogust, it allows us an opportunity to spread a little joy to all of the homeless pets that are looking for a loving, responsible home.”
Pets Celebrating Dogust!
Chewy invited followers to share their pet adoption stories for Dogust, and here are a few of our faves.
“We got Luna on May 4, she’s our little Star Wars pup! We adopted her 6 years ago from Rescue Pit and it’s been a non-stop party ever since!”
“We got my Duffy from Colbert Veterinary Rescue Services. She’s been my baby since the first day! I’m so thankful for them!”
Impersonating a dog? No matter, we love this kitty!
“This is Lexie (aka Itty Bitty). We adopted her from Community Animal Rescue Effort – CARE in Skokie, Illinois. They are a wonderful organization and are very deserving. 🙏 @chewy”
“I previously fostered with Adopt A Stray Rescue and Miss Kelley saves so many dogs and sometimes a cat or two! I’m thankful she’s in Arkansas saving so many! Moose is one she saved with about 12 others who were living near a swamp area! All now in loving homes and healthy because of her!”
This pup has made some big friends!
“Here’s our pup, Barkley aka The Barkman, with our 2 horses, Sierra & Nova ❤️ All 3 of them would LOVE to see a donation be made to Hasty’s Haven, a horse rescue that’s local to us and doing AMAZING work saving so many equines in need!”
“It’s my Ben’s birthday! So grateful to Nickel City Canine Rescue for saving him and bringing him to us. 💕 🐾”
How to Help Shelter Animals in Dogust
Help all animals celebrate Dogust by assisting your local animal shelters. We shared some tips in “Help Out for National Feed a Rescue Pet Week.” There you can see wishlists from Animal Adoption Foundation and Animal Friends Humane Society.
If you have free time, consider volunteering or fostering with shelters. Here’s more information:
Happy DOGust to all those pooches out there!
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Help Out for National Feed a Rescue Pet Week
June 18, 2024
Get Ready to Fill Some Pet Bellies July 14 – 20
Animal shelters are always in need of donations, so we are ready to help promote National Feed a Rescue Pet Week! To make it simply, we’re featuring two shelters: Animal Friends Humane Society and Animal Adoption Foundation.
Animal Friends Humane Society
This shelter houses over 5,000 cats and dogs in its impressive 22,500 sq. ft. facility in Hamilton, OH. Learn more about AFHS:
“Animal Friends Humane Society (AFHS) was established in 1952 and is Butler County’s largest, oldest non-profit animal shelter. Our mission is to promote humane principles, to protect lost, homeless, abandoned and mistreated animals, and to act as advocates for animals in our communities.”
Ways to Help the Pets of Animal Friends Humane Society
All animal shelters welcome monetary donations, so you can consider this easy option! AFHS also has several wishlists that directly help pets in need:
Purchasing items from these wish lists is easy. Select your items, add to cart, checkout, and the retailer will ship to the shelter. Also, if you would like a tax-deductible form, email a copy of your receipt to animalfriendshs@butlercountyohio.org.
Animal Adoption Foundation
Located in Hamilton, OH and caring for about 85 cats and dogs, AAF is a dedicated no-kill animal rescue.
“The Animal Adoption Foundation is a non-profit, no-kill shelter for dogs and cats that have been abused, abandoned, or found as strays. AAF provides a safe and humane environment for dogs and cats that are waiting to be adopted. Our caring volunteers and generous, loving donors enable us to provide a safe and happy haven for our special friends. The shelter currently houses approximately 85 cats and dogs.”
Of course, Online Donations are always appreciated. In addition, AAF also has these online wishlists:
If you prefer shopping and dropping off in person, AAF also provides this general wish list:
Let’s satisfy some shelter animals’ appetites! Shelter volunteers work hard to give these pets a safe, clean and healthy environment. And they appreciate donations of all sizes.
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5 Tips Before You Adopt a Dog
October 24, 2023
October is ASPCA’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
Across the region, there are certainly hundreds (and perhaps thousands) of dogs waiting in shelters, just for someone like you to come along and adopt them. Why not prepare your family and your home to welcome that pet before you even meet them?
Here are five tips to help you prepare before you bring a shelter dog home.
- Make Space: Envision having a dog in your home. Where will they sleep? Where will the food bowls go? What about toy and treat storage? Make sure your dog will feel like they belong from day 1.
- Improve Safety Outdoors: Your dog will need a safe space to spend time outdoors, like a fenced-in back yard. Many shelters will require a physical fence and won’t accept invisible fences. If you already have a fence, check that there aren’t any places where your dog could escape.
- Improve Safety Indoors: Understand which substances are toxic to dogs. Remove them from your home, or place them out of reach. Also, protect any fragile items that are currently low-to-the-ground (like vases or standing lamps).
- Identify a veterinarian: It’s good to have an idea of veterinary options before you bring your dog home. Ask pet owners you trust for recommendations and read reviews.
- Know what you’ll need: Dogs need certain equipment, like a collar, leash, food bowls, toys, bedding, food, treats and possibly a crate. You’ll probably need to know the age, size, health and temperament of your dog before you can buy many of these items, but it’s good to have a list.
At the shelter, ask the volunteers for more advice. They are always there to help support the dogs in their care, and they want to help humans give each dog the best home possible.
Plan a Shelter Visit to Meet the Dogs!
When you’re ready to introduce yourself to some dogs, we suggest visiting:
Check out their websites for opening hours and for more information.
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Fostering Dogs & Cats Shows True Heart
June 13, 2023
Highlighting this Important Calling during National Foster-a-Pet Month
Fostering dogs and cats is often an important step between an animal’s introduction to a rescue shelter and adoption. When a cat or dog arrives at a shelter, expert volunteers typically assess:
- If the pet is tagged or microchipped. If so, they try to contact the owner.
- The state of the animal’s health. If the animal needs medical care, this is an important step where fostering may come in.
- The animal’s behavior. Any mental or behavioral issues are identified. Animals with significant behavioral or socialization issues often require fostering, as well.
- The approximate age of the animal. Very young puppies and kittens often need foster care and bottle feeding.
Dogs and cats that can receive the medical or behavioral help they need in a foster setting have a better chance of being adopted into a forever home.
Also, fostering animals that need special care helps the other animals at the shelter. Sequestering a special needs cat or dog takes up space that could be used by other animals. And, if they are caring for a complex case, volunteers have less time to spend socializing and caring for healthy animals.
Fostering Dogs & Cats: What to Consider
Fostering dogs or cats is a big responsibility that requires preparation and training. Bringing an animal with medical or behavioral problems into your home is as difficult as it is important.
Here are some things to think about (and that most animal shelters will ask about):
- How much time can you devote to the animal’s care?
- Will you be able to make time for multiple vet visits or training sessions?
- How long will the animal need to be alone each day?
- Are you experienced caring for special needs pets?
- Do you have children, and what are their ages? Do they have experience being around animals?
- Do you have other pets in the house? Do they have experience being around other animals?
- Do you have an area of your house where a foster pet can be kept separate from kids or other pets?
- How active/loud is your household?
- For a dog, do you have a fenced-in yard?
- Are you prepared for a foster pet to cause damage/have accidents?
- Do you love animals more than anything?
How Can I Get Started Fostering Dogs or Cats?
Animal Friends Humane Society is one great shelter option local to Cincinnati if you’re looking to get started fostering dogs or cats.
“Animal Friends Humane Society frequently receives animals that are convalescing or too young for adoption. If these animals were to be kept at the shelter, they would take up valuable space that can be used for other animals. Foster Volunteers care for animals that are in recovery, rehabilitation or maturing in their home until the animals are ready to be adopted.”
You can even view the dogs who need fostering right now. They are sorted by the help they need: medical, behavioral, or dogs who have been at the shelter over 100 days.
Learn more about fostering with AFHS and view the application…
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3 Upcoming Events to Support Shelter Animals
October 17, 2022
Help Animal Friends Humane Society & the Animals in Their Care
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is a great time to support our local shelters. Check out these fun events from Animal Friends Humane Society.
October 19: MacKenzie River Pizza
Dine in or take out from the Fairfield location of Mackenzie River Pizza on Wednesday, October 19, and 20% of the price of your meal will be donated to Animal Friends Humane Society. Make sure to print out the Community Night Voucher and show it to your server.
Check out their menu to get some ideas. We think the street corn nachos sound pretty tasty. There are also some yummy-looking take and bake pizza options.
Learn More About the Event…
October 25: Facebook Live Art & Wine Raffle
This is a truly special raffle. Four of the animals at Animal Friends Humane Society required hospitalization in September, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards their care.
And the prizes are pretty spectacular. The raffle is valued at $775, but really, it’s priceless. Win a professional portrait of your pet, a beautifully-unique fine art print from Iris Scott and a tasting at Napa Valley vineyard Pope Valley Winery.
You don’t even have to leave your home to win. The raffle will be drawn during a Facebook Live event October 25. Tickets are sold until October 24.
Learn More About the Event…
November 5 & 6: Pet Photos with Santa
Santa is coming to Animal Friends Humane Society to spread some Christmas cheer! Professional portraits with Santa will be printed off for you while you wait, and the prices are very reasonable. Also, adoptions will be 50% off during the event.
Companion Care Animal Hospital has invited Santa to take pictures with pets in the past, and it’s always been a lot of fun! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get a wonderful holiday keepsake, all while helping out animals in need.
Learn More About the Event…
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National Rescue Dog Day
May 17, 2022
Shelter Dogs Take the Spotlight
May 20 is set aside at National Rescue Dog Day– and the wonderful rescue dogs in our lives are deserving of our attention and celebration!
#RescueDogs of Instagram
Check out these popular rescue pups from the Gram!
little_gray_tulip
Psst, come closer. Guess what? Lubs you. Tee hee. 🤭
lucky.the.pitbull
Rescue dogs just hit different💕
brusselsgriffonrescue
Happy #tongueouttuesday from our mountain man Archie! @thearchieology #friendsofnbgr
semmel_the_jindo
Neighborhood patrol 👮♀️
parkcitypooch
One day I’ll catch a potgut when @parkcitychick isn’t looking 🐿
pug_a_frenchie_and_brian
🖤🖤🖤 Being the kind sister I am I’ll let Dottie have the honours for tongue out Tuesday says Betty Boo 😝 🖤🖤🖤
Looking for a Rescue Dog to Become Part of Your Family?
If you’re hoping to adopt a shelter dog, you’ll want to get prepared! Here are details that most shelters will ask about:
- What experience do you have with dogs? With different kinds of dogs?
- Do you have other pets in your household? How are they with other animals?
- If you’ve never owned a pet before, have you researched how to care for one?
- What’s your plan for when you are away from home, like at work or school?
- Do you have a yard? Is it fenced in?
- Are you willing to walk your pet daily?
- Where will your pet sleep?
- Have you chosen a veterinarian?
If adopting isn’t on your horizon right now, how about helping rescue dogs with a needed donation? We suggest Animal Friends Humane Society and Animal Adoption Foundation.
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Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
April 14, 2022
This April, Learn More About What You Can Do Year-Round to Help Animals
The ASPCA is vigilant in its fight against animal cruelty, working to save animals from:
- dogfighting
- puppy mills
- hoarding
- factory farm abuse
- natural disasters
The organization’s full name is The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and it uses the month of April to bring awareness to all Americans.
What Can I Do to Help Prevent Cruelty to Animals?
The ASPCA encourages everyone to sign the Pledge to Fight Cruelty, which states:
“Animals can’t speak for themselves, which is why it’s so important to use our voice to help them. Abuse, cruelty and neglect will never stop unless we all work together to make the world a better place for animals.
“I Pledge to:
- Stay alert for signs of animal cruelty.
- Report animal cruelty to law enforcement.
- Advocate for stronger laws to protect animals from cruelty.
- Sign up to receive important news and alerts from the ASPCA.”
Making a regular donation to the ASPCA or other credible animal group supports animal welfare and may be something you want to consider.
Locally, you could attend the 20th Annual SPCA Cincinnati Fur Ball Gala on Saturday, April 20, 2022. This year’s theme is Pets in Paris. With cocktails and silent auction, followed by dinner, it’s sure to be an elegant evening.
Adopt Pets Responsibly
Shelter pets are always an ethical choice, as they need loving homes. Here in Cincinnati, there are many options, like:
Don’t buy pets from pet stores– you have no idea if they came from a puppy mill (or even kitten mill). Supporting those industries directly encourages animal cruelty. In general, you should research where your pet came from before completing adoption.
If you go with a breeder, ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or reach out to local breed clubs. Insist on visiting where their parent animals live. A responsible breeder will also insist on meeting and interviewing you before allowing you to take a puppy home.
What to Do if You Suspect Animal Cruelty
Neglect and abuse of animals is a crime, and those responsible can be punished and their animals re-homed. In Cincinnati, report suspected cases of abuse to the dog warden:
“Stray dogs, abandoned animals, and suspected cruelty cases should be reported to the dog wardens at 513-541-PETS (7387). Chief Troy Taylor’s team will be available 24/7 for animal control services.”
You can also enlist the help of Ohio SPCA by filling out this form. Ohio SPCA cautions you to be on the lookout for:
- Animals without access to clean water
- Animals without access to food
- Animals without access to shelter
- Underweight animals
- Injured animals
- Abandoned animals
- If you witness physical abuse
Let’s work together to make the world a better place for the animals we share it with.
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Dog Adoptions: No Appointment Needed!
October 20, 2021
Animal Friends Humane Society is Open 7 Days a Week
Animal Friends Humane Society is dedicated to helping the animals on their care find forever homes. With open hours every day of the week, it couldn’t be more convenient to meet your new best friend.
Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun 11 AM – 4:30 PM
Wed, Thur 1 PM – 7 PM
Closed Major Holidays
“No appointments needed! Visitors are welcome to come anytime during normal operating hours, and check-in at the front door. The sign on the front door with a QR code should be scanned to check-in. Visitors are asked to wait in their car until we are ready to serve them, and they will receive a text message once it is their turn to enter the building.”
Meet the Dogs
Currently, there are over 50 dogs homed at Animal Friends Humane Society, and you can check them all out here. We’d like to highlight five of the pups and help you get to know them.
Hank
“This big boy is Hank, he’s a 9 and 1/2 yr old pit bull mix but underneath all that he is just a gentle giant. He likes everybody to think he’s this big independent boy but he’s actually a big old softy who loves to get butt scratches, ear scratches and belly scratches too. Hank lived with another dog before he came to the shelter. He could live with another dog but needs to be an easy going dog like Hank. Hank hasn’t told us how he feels about cats and we don’t know how he feels about kiddos but as kind as he is, he might like to watch some Animal Planet or football (he’s a big Bengal fan) with a family of his own. Come meet Hank, you won’t be sorry.”
Learn More About Hank…
Elsie
“Come meet Elsie! This big girl has a big personality and a big heart! She’s looking for a family who will bring her along for all the fun stuff! We think she has lived most of her life outside and she dearly loves to be touched and get pets. She’s only 3 and still a BIG baby. If you love big dogs, you will fall in love with Elsie. We don’t want her knocking down any little kiddos so she needs to live with kids 10 and older and if you have any dogs, please bring them so Elsie can meet her new family member and make sure they are compatible. Come on out!!”
Learn More About Elsie…
Clove
“This gorgeous girl is Clove. Hmmmm maybe a little spicy? You should come meet her and see. Clove is a 3 and 1/2 yr old pit mix, she originally came to the shelter as a stray. This little girl is housebroke and neat and tidy in a home. Clove was adopted and returned 3 days later, she didn’t like the neighbor’s little dog and small kids make her nervous, so Clove needs some teenagers who can chill with her, scroll through some Insta and maybe do some Tik Tok? The volunteers say Clove walks well on a leash and she’s a quiet girl. She doesn’t like cats tho and can be picky about her dog friends so a meet and greet is required. Take a chance and spend some time with Clove! A spice you didn’t know you liked!!!”
Learn More About Clove…
Rambo
“Look at that happy face! This is Rambo, a 6 month old shepherd. Can you say PUPPY???? If you look in the dictionary there might be a picture of this boy. He’s fun, loves to play, he can be a little nosey when he smells something he wants, in other words Rambo needs someone to help him learn how to be a good dog. And he can be a GREAT dog. He is so smart and wants to please, he’s just looking for his family who will love him forever. This boy is packed with unconditional love. Come meet Rambo and see if you have a connection. If you have other dogs, please bring them for a meet n greet to see if they can keep up with this boy!”
Learn More About Rambo…
Denali
“This handsome boy is Denali. He will melt your heart, when he meets you he just wants to get close and get some lovin. He’s 6 years old, way out of the chewing up puppy stage, he was a stray so we aren’t sure about his past. But since he has been at the shelter he has stolen a few hearts. He enjoys his walks, he is a husky so he might be a runner. He will need to be watched when he’s out in the yard. Denali requires a meet n greet with other dogs, it’s takes him awhile to warm up and they would have to be fed separately and no kiddos 0-5 because he does guard his food. But Denali is worth every minute of training it might take for him to fit into your family. What a lover!”
Learn More About Denali…
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Adopt a Cat or Kitten for Just $5
June 8, 2021
Animal Friends Humane Society Celebrates Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month
Wow, it has never been a better time to adopt a cat or kitten! Animal Friends Humane Society gives the details:
“Starting June 1, 2021 and running through the entire month, all cat and kitten adoptions will be just $5.00! This adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations, flea prevention, feline leukemia testing, and a free bag of cat or kitten food. Our adoption also includes 30 days of free pet health insurance provided by 24PetWatch Pet Insurance. All adoption policies and thorough match-making procedures will remain in effect.”
Which Kitty Speaks to You?
These seven cats and kittens are just waiting to meet their people! Look into their eyes and ask yourself, “Is this my forever companion?”
Emmie – 1 year old
Josie – 1 year old
Tinkerbell – less than 1 year old
Malina – 2 years old
Shane – kitten
Padme – 6 years old
Wright – 5 years old
To learn more or adopt a cat, contact Animal Friends Humane Society.
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