We are the luckiest family in the world to have adopted Captain Cutie Pants. Our son has autism, very severe on the spectrum, and seizures. Captain just seems to know what to do; and he has, ever since coming into our home. After his morning walk, Captain jumps into bed to wake our son. The fun that both have to start the day makes my days start just as happy.

Tomorrow will be our one week anniversary all together. There have been zero accidents anywhere! He sits. He goes to the door when he needs to do his business. He loves his belly rubbed and snuggles like a little baby. He can also play like the biggest of the big dogs too. He really is perfect and we love him to pieces. Thank you for bringing him into our lives. Lonely days are gone for our son, thanks to his precious little puppy!

(The After photo was taken after getting his sutures out from neutering and going to the groomers. Looking at the smile on his face, it appears that he knows he’s pretty darned cute. The name you gave him, Captain Cutie Pants, really suits him!)

Brother Bear is a very sweet young (1-2 year old) Male. Adoption fee $125 includes neuter, vaccines, heartworm test and microchip.

Contact us or fill out an adoption application here.

Do I need to be a member of the HSOMC?
Yes. Membership dues are very reasonable with annual dues at $10-15 for a single person and $25 for a household membership. Being a member connects you with the HSOMC group and you will join the email message site to receive information specifically for foster guardians.

How do I get approved to be a foster home?
You can fill out a Foster Application (and Membership Application), or at the shelter located at 4371 E. Ashman Ave., Midland, MI 48640. A member of the Foster Program will contact you to visit your home and answer questions before approval.

What does the HSOMC provide for the care of foster pets?
Medical care is provided by the HSOMC as outlined in the Foster Manual. Both dogs and cats will have age appropriate vaccines, parasite control, and tests. Dog licenses are provided for dogs 4 months of age and older. The Foster Manual and an experienced member of the foster program will be available to answer questions and guidance throughout the fostering experience.

Does HSOMC choose my foster pet or do I?
You will choose the foster pet with the help of the HSOMC foster coordinator and/or shelter director. Foster families will be matched up with suitable foster pets for best results. You are never under any obligation to take any animal to foster. Foster families are encouraged to visit the shelter to get to know all available animals before making a decision.

What is required of the foster pet guardians and homes?
Foster Guardians agree to supply food, cat litter, and non medical supplies for foster pets, and to house the foster pet in their home as part of the family. Guardians agree to take the foster pet for any needed medical care and take the foster pet to 2 adoptathons or events per month. Volunteers are sometimes available to help with transportation and a few hours of foster pet sitting.

Are there any other considerations?
A quarantine time of 10-14 days is required before the foster pet can be at public events to assure good health. Quarantine time also gives the foster pet time to accept you as caregiver and leader and for you to observe behavior and temperament. Having space to quarantine shelter animals from household pets for a short time is best. Your current pets should be up to date on vaccines and parasite control. All members of your family or household should be in agreement to foster.

How long will the animal live in my home?
It depends on the animal. Some are adopted in a few weeks while others take longer. Some foster pets may health care or training before adoption. Some will have special adoption needs i.e.…a fenced yard or an active family. If a situation arises where you can longer keep the animal the HSOMC will do their best to find another foster home or will take the foster pet back into the shelter.

How does the adoption process work?
Foster guardians are fully involved in the adoption process with guidance from experienced mentors and volunteers. The HSOMC uses Petfinder.com, Facebook, and the HSOMC web site to feature adoptable animals. Weekly Adoptathons at Petsmart in Midland and other events are available for foster pets to attend to meet potential adopters. Adoption applications are available online, through email, and at events. Veterinarian or personal references are checked and home visits are completed to ensure the best match and lifelong bond between adopter and pet. Most adoptions will be completed in 1-3 days

What does it feel like when foster pets are adopted?
It is always a little sad when they leave but WONDERFUL to see them in the arms of their new loving family. It is a very rewarding experience that can be repeated!

Contact us or fill out an adoption application here.

It’s not often that someone drives 16 hours to adopt an animal, but that’s exactly what happened when Katherine Johnson drove from Dothan, Alabama, to the HSOMC in Midland, Michigan, to adopt Juicy (formerly known as Nevina). Katherine had been looking for a Maine coon kitten in her area for about a month with no success. When she expanded her search to Petfinder.com, she saw Juicy on the HSOMC web site and immediately knew she was the kitten she had been looking for. Katherine made the long drive the very next day to pick Juicy up.

When Juicy arrived home in mid September, 2011, she was introduced to another cat, a Japanese bobtail. After a few days of getting acquainted, they have become best friends. Juicy is now 20 weeks old and is long and lean (see photo). She weighs 8 pounds and according to Katherine, “eats me out of house and home, is very curious about everything, plays with cords she isn’t supposed to play with, and chews on boxes and toys like a dog”.

Juicy has come a long way since being saved during a hoarding raid. Not only has she provided companionship for Katherine, but she has also helped fill a void caused by the loss of 2 other animals within a month. As Katherine says, “I am glad I made such a long trip to adopt her because I love her so much”. We at HSOMC are very grateful for Katherine’s compassion and sacrifice to make such a long trip to adopt one of our animals.