A German shepherd sits toward the back of his kennel, curious brown eyes carefully tracking everyone who passes by. His ears perk up, and his tail does a nervous wag anytime someone walks close. He doesn’t jump or bark for attention like the other dogs nearby. Instead, he watches as the more boisterous dogs get adopted. Fargo is a 3-year-old dog that has been in Sierra’s Haven for New and Used Pets since December of 2023. His shy nature causes possible adopters to overlook him, but if you were to visit him, you would find a gentle dog looking for a safe and quiet life in his forever home.
Sierra’s Haven For New and Used Pets is an animal shelter in Portsmouth, Ohio, where you can adopt Fargo and pets just like him. Since 2006, they have been dedicated to rescuing animals that need help. Their goal is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome pets into their forever homes.
Despite the efforts of Sierra’s Haven and shelters like it, the animal housing crisis is a nationwide issue. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in 2024, down only slightly from the year before.” Shelters like Sierra’s Haven strive to save every animal that needs help, but it is an uphill battle. Shelters everywhere are at or over capacity, with supplies, volunteers and space being key contributors.
These issues are not alleviated by breed misconceptions that are perpetuated by the public, especially concerning dogs like pitbulls. Chrystal Brown, a veterinary assistant supervisor at Sierra’s Haven, said, “I have a bully mix myself and he wouldn’t hurt anyone or anything. He loves kids, cats, other dogs, people, you name it, but I have socialized him and made sure that he is all of those things. It still doesn’t change the fact that when I take him out in public people react to him as if he may attack.” Animals such as pitbulls and other large dog breeds are less likely to be adopted, which leaves them unhomed. ASPCA states that, in the last five years, the length of time large dogs are stuck in shelters before being adopted has increased. Large animal breeds are not necessarily dangerous or aggressive, and will likely fit right into your home.
While shelters are already overburdened, puppy mills and unethical breeding practices are rampant, making the issue worse. The Humane World for Animals claims that puppy mills are frequently allowed to operate despite their issues, including dog brokers that sell puppies to companies like Petland. HWA states that the Missouri Department of Agriculture found puppies in troubling conditions on the property of at least one puppy mill, such as having diarrhea, lethargy, skin issues and even reports of 35 puppies dying in a six-month time period. Despite this, they claim that inspectors for the U.S. Department of Agriculture that visit these puppy mills infrequently document any violations. It is brokers such as this that animal shelters are working against. People are purchasing expensive pets from pet stores that buy their animals from unethical breeders, when there are thousands of dogs available in shelters.
Animal shelters are not just in charge of feeding animals; there is much more that goes into rescuing animals than people may believe. Delanee Lewis, a volunteer turned board member at Sierra’s Haven, said that “many never see what goes on in the rescue world, so they are quick to judge. From cleaning dog kennels, cat rooms, to vetting everyone, rescuing animals from the streets, seeing terribly neglected animals on the daily, etc., it never ends and they don’t receive the credit that they truly deserve.” Animal shelters provide a vital service that benefits local animals and the community. For every animal waiting for their forever home, there are staff workers committed to taking care of them. By understanding their efforts, people can better appreciate local shelters.
Sierra’s Haven and shelters like it are supporters of pet owners having their animals spayed or neutered.
“Backyard breeding needs to stop,” Brown said. “Pet owners need to be more responsible.”
There are pets everywhere that desperately need homes, and bringing more puppies and kittens into the world worsens the issue. That is why shelters frequently have events where you can take your pet in to be fixed at a reduced price, ranging from $30-50. It is important to follow and keep an eye on Sierra’s Haven’s Facebook page if you are interested, as spots fill up quickly.
With all of these issues going on in the animal world, shelters everywhere are struggling. They are supported by monetary and supply donations, volunteers, events and more, but they are still at or over capacity. That is where fostering comes in, which is when someone temporarily takes care of an animal in their home until they are adopted.
“When you foster an animal, you are not only freeing up space in the shelter for another animal to be rescued but also increasing the adoptability of the animal you foster,” said Emily Davis, who has fostered animals in the past. “Fostering an animal gives potential adopters a chance to better understand the animal’s habits, routines, likes/dislikes for a better adoption match and successful outcome.”
Fostering is an essential function for shelters so that they can continue to help and support animals. Taking an animal into your home helps them adapt to life in a home instead of in a shelter, which helps the transition when they eventually find their forever home. For shy dogs such as Fargo, this is especially essential, because the loud barking in a shelter can make them even more anxious.
The animal housing crisis deeply affects our community, and it is important to support local shelters. This can be through donations such as cleaning supplies, old blankets and towels, dog food and more. If you are able, fostering is an amazing way to give an animal a temporary home. Animals deserve a place to call home, and as Davis said, “The end goal is to match adoptable animals with a forever family.”
You can learn more about Sierra’s Haven and get in touch with the staff through their website or their Facebook page.
