A few months ago, my friend Brandon opened his front door and watched a badly injured kitten crawling toward him on his front paws. Brandon and his wife, Jen, took the kitten to their family vet, who confirmed that the cat’s back legs were both fractured and would require surgery to repair.
As Brandon puts it, this was one of those cats who, one look in his eyes: how can you say no?
Brandon brought the cat, now named Ham, to Texas A&M Small Animal Hospital in College Station. Doctors performed surgery on Ham and Brandon took the cat home to recuperate. Ham spent the next 12 weeks in Brandon’s house, in a large dog crate converted into an efficiency apartment for a cat, complete with bed, feeding station and litter box. Doctor’s orders were that Ham should have limited movement during his recovery.
Three months (and a big chunk of out-of-Brandon’s-pocket money) later, doctors pronounced Ham fit, healthy, and ready to be a normal cat again.
Now what to do? Brandon and Jen couldn’t keep Ham; they have a dog, a 65-pound Siberian Husky named Lana.
Finding friends or family — or anybody — willing to take in a cat proved fruitless. But: “We were determined to find a home for this friendly, curious, playful cat. We know someone would fall in love with him as much as we did,” Brandon recalls.
Ham on his first night at Houston SPCA.Photo by Brandon Smith
Someone suggested bringing Ham to Houston SPCA on Old Katy Road. And that’s when this shaggy cat story really turns happy.
By the way: Houston SPCA, one of the largest and oldest animal shelters in the U.S., is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Clearly, they know their way around finding homes for animals who could use a lot of love and tummy rubs.
Here’s what happens when someone brings a dog or cat to Houston SPCA to be “rehomed” – through Ham’s story.
Like Ham, all adoptable pets must don the "Houston SPCA Neuter Cone" (our name, not theirs). Photo by Brandon Smith
First, an SPCA staffer will assess the animal’s situation. Is the animal injured? Does it need medical attention? The SPCA has a full staff of veterinarians, even has a dormitory for veterinarian students. Every animal is examined to make sure it’s not bringing a disease that could affect the rest of the animals waiting to be adopted.
Here’s something I didn’t know: Each SPCA around the country — and there are thousands of them — is independently run and operated. There is no national governing body or secret handshake. “SPCA” is like a generic brand name in the public domain. Houston SPCA is funded entirely by donations — not a penny comes from public taxes.
For starters, Ham was neutered — as are all the animals made available for adoption at the SPCA — the morning after he arrived. Kittens and puppies go first, followed by older animals. After the snip-snip, Ham was brought into a recovery room for some rest.
Ham has clearly completed his takeover of the couple's home.Photo by Brandon Smith
Later that day, or the next morning, the animals are examined “to make sure everything is working.” If all goes to plan, the animals are brought to the adoption center, ready to blow this popsicle stand and get out of Dodge.
Like Ham: He was adopted the first day he was available.
All in a day’s work for the SPCA, which does the often thankless job of rescuing and rehoming animals 24/7 — even during disasters. Beyond rescuing and rehoming, Houston SPCA takes care of adopted pets.
Last September, Houston SPCA opened its Pet Wellness Clinic, which helps owners with vaccinations, microchipping, flea and heartworm prevention for puppies, kittens, dogs, cats, and more.
Folks pack the Houston SPCA Howl-O-Ween Ball, which raised $850,000 last year.Photo by Wilson Parish
In October, hundreds of locals get dolled up for the Houston SPCA Howl-O-Ween Ball. Last year, the ball raised $850,000 — and featured some very interesting outfits.
And who can say no to that doggie in the window — literally – when the SPCA teams up with Neiman Marcus to showcase adoptable babies in November. Talk about the gift that keeps giving.
Locals gathered for the big holiday window reveal each year at Neiman Marcus.
Photo by Johnny Than/The CatchlightGroup
When I called the SPCA to check on Ham, and was told the good news, I asked Julie Kuenstle, the vice-president of communications and marketing, how she feels when she sees an animal being led out the door for a ride, finally, to its new home.
“My heart is filled with happiness, especially when it’s an animal that has gone through some struggle and pain,” she told me. “We celebrate every adoption because we have given so much love and support to these animals.”
And then, she added this note, that’s sure to get you in the feels:
“It’s incredible to watch them as they get ready to leave. It’s like they know they’re going to a home. They sometime run back and give us all one last goodbye sniff or a kiss. My emotions go through the roof. It’s a big part of why I work here, the love I feel for these animals and knowing that we are doing good for them.”
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Do you have a great pet adoption story? Share it with Ken at ken@culturemap.com or on Twitter.
Meet your future fur baby — or get he or she buttoned up — at the Houston SPCA William & Evelyn Griffin Campus for All Animals, 7007 Old Katy Rd. Find adoptable friends or donation information at Houston SPCA online.
