By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director
In March, Ranch, one of our beloved shelter dogs who had waited over 500 days for a forever home, was finally adopted. The joy we felt seeing him leave with his new family was immense. However, life has a way of throwing curveballs, and on Friday, we received word that Ranch was left with a kind person in Michigan who could only care for him temporarily. Seth, our dedicated Adoption & Foster Coordinator, immediately volunteered to make the 1,800-mile round trip to bring Ranch back to our shelter.
When we shared Ranch’s story on Facebook, asking for donations to cover the cost of Seth’s journey, our incredible community stepped up in a big way. Overnight, we received over $700 in donations, ensuring Seth could make the trip with fuel, food, and lodging covered.
The response to our post was overwhelmingly supportive. Longtime supporter Claire Roberson commented, “The dedication of SPCA staff members to care for their animals from the moment they come in until their forever home is so admirable. I’ve never heard of a shelter taking such ownership of every individual animal to ensure they find their happy tail ending.” Bobbie Cmr added, “Thank you for your commitment to your animals!” and Kayla Scott shared, “Thank y’all for caring for these babies even when they are no longer ‘in your care’!”
As touching as these comments are, it’s a bit surprising to us at the SPCA, because of course we’re going to get one of our shelter pets when they’re left behind. Perhaps what is just part of the way we operate is considered above and beyond for others.
One of the items on the SPCA Albrecht Center’s Adoption Application states: “I hereby promise and agree not to sell this or give this animal away and to return the pet to the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare if I no longer intend to keep this animal.”
From the moment an animal is received by our animal shelter, our staff and volunteers begin to form bonds with it. Through daily feeding, medical care, enrichment activities and general day-to-day interaction, we learn the animal’s temperament, likes and dislikes and all of the little quirks that make each and every pet special and unique.
These bonds are the reason you can ask a member of our staff or volunteer team about a pet who was adopted from our shelter days, weeks, months or even years ago, and they’ll likely remember that pet’s story with detail, a smile and maybe a happy tear or two.
This is also the reason that follow-up communication from adopters means so much to us. Receiving pictures or video of shelter pets thriving and happy in their new homes is seeing our mission fulfilled and knowing that our hard work and dedication paid off.
As we prepare to welcome Ranch back, we remain hopeful that his true forever home is just around the corner. Our community’s support reminds us of the compassion and dedication that fuels our mission to care for every animal, no matter where their journey takes them. Thank you for standing with us and for Ranch. Together, we’ll find his happy tail ending, along with every pet in our care.
Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator as of 2022, Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband, Tom, and several beloved cats.
