California Humane Society Celebrates Adoption of 17 Animals at Special ‘Bark After Dark’ Event

Any animal's adoption is an occasion worth celebrating. Whether it's a tiny puppy who was claimed the moment he was weaned from his mother or a senior shelter cat who finally found her perfect match, shelter staff feel a little weight lifted off their shoulders every time someone signs adoption papers. Plus--just think about how many lives have become richer thanks to these adoptions!

It's a wonderful thing to help an animal find their forever home, so I can only imagine the joy at Inland Valley Humane Society after 17 animals went home following a special adoption event. The 'Bark After Dark' event happened in mid-December, just in time for these precious cats and dogs to go home for Christmas, but no one is quite as thrilled as the adopters who got to meet their new BFFs. Everyone is all smiles!

What a happy occasion! Couples and families seemed overjoyed to meet their new buddies, and the holiday decorations made the kennels look so festive and fun. This truly had all the makings of a true Christmas party, including the party-like vibe. Plus--the sweet shelter pets who went home with their new families also went home with a new dog toy from Santa Claus! What's not to love?

Related: Mom Is Determined to Adopt a Dog at a Hockey Event and People Are Here for It

The @ivhs_spca in Pomona, California, is home to dogs, cats, and small animals who are looking for their perfect homes, though clearly, it's home to some pretty amazing people, too. Working at an animal shelter--let alone volunteering at a shelter--can be difficult both physically and emotionally, but the folks at the Inland Valley Humane Society truly went above and beyond for their rescue pets this holiday season.

Welcoming Home a New Pet Requires Time and Patience

Whether you're considering adopting a new furry family member or have already celebrated a pet's arrival, you should know that any newly adopted pet will require lots of time, patience, and love. No two animals will adjust at the same pace, but you can count on a few bumps in the road during your first few weeks, or even months, together.

Oftentimes, pet experts recommend following the 3-3-3 rule, which explains how long it can take for a rescue animal to adjust in their new home. For example: in the first three days, your new pet will be decompressing and learning to feel safe in their new home. In the first three months, they'll be learning new routines and expectations and may even test the waters in terms of behavior. You'll want to focus on building your bond with your pet within the first three months, as it can take a lot of time and trust in order to build the relationship you're longing to have.

Whether you find your rescue pet through a friend, a shelter, or an adoption event like 'Bark in the Dark,' it's so exciting to know that you can build a fun and fulfilling life together. Congratulations to all the new families in the Inland Valley!

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