“Pet retention” emphasizes how pets can stay in their homes, rather than being taken in by shelters. (Yerlin Matu photo from Unsplash) 

Animal shelters focus on helping people keep pets

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

Humane Animal Partners, an animal shelter that has been serving Delaware for 150 years, is embracing a newish concept among shelters nationwide: pet retention. Instead of admitting every animal in need to the shelter, the nonprofit works with people to help them keep their animals in their homes. Sometimes, that involves resources, such as a food pantry, veterinarian care and …

a close up of a dog looking at the camera

Delaware animal groups see surge of Betty White challenge donations

Charles MegginsonCulture, Headlines

Delaware animal welfare groups brought in well over $100,000 in honor of actress and longtime animal rights advocate, Betty White. On what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday, animal lovers from around the country donated tens of thousands of dollars to three of Delaware’s largest animal rescue and shelter groups. After White died on Dec. 31, fans began encouraging …

a close up of a dog

Adoptions remain high at Delaware’s animal shelters

Charles MegginsonCulture, Headlines

Alexis is one of Delaware SPCA’s longest-resident dogs. Now, the group is desperately trying to find her a forever home in time for the holidays. During pandemic-era shutdowns, many Delawareans sought to assuage their cabin fever-induced loneliness with a furry friend.  Pet adoptions reached an all-time high across many of the state’s animal welfare agencies, yet a dark cloud loomed …