A Definitive List of The Nation’s Most Popular Dog Breeds in 2019
NEW YORK (AP) — America’s dogs are having their day as the coronavirus pandemic keeps many people at home more with their pets and spurs so much adoption and fostering that some shelters’ kennels have emptied.
But while much is changing for people and pooches around the country, here’s something holding as steady as a dog with a favorite toy: Labrador retrievers remain the nation’s most popular purebreds for a record-extending 29th year, according to American Kennel Club rankings being released Friday.
The rest of the top 10 includes:
German shepherds
Golden retrievers
French bulldogs
Bulldogs
Poodles
Beagles
Rottweilers
German shorthaired pointers
And, for the first time, Pembroke Welsh corgis
Some highlights and lowdown on the canine charts:
RANKINGS EXPLAINED
The rankings indicate the relative popularity of different breeds among the 589,868 purebred dogs, mostly puppies, that joined the nation’s oldest dog registry last year. Registration is voluntary.
The list includes the 193 breeds that the AKC recognizes — no Labradoodles, puggles, Yorkipoos or other “designer” hybrids, at least for now. Breeds sometimes get added over time.
The chart also doesn’t reflect the everyday mixed-breed dogs that make up a vast share of the estimated 77 million or more canines in U.S. homes.
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THE CORGI CHARM
Pembroke Welsh corgis (not to be confused with somewhat larger, longer-tailed Cardigan Welsh corgis) have a long history of herding cattle and sheep in their native Wales.
But Pembrokes have become best known as companions of their most famous fancier, the U.K.’s Queen Elizabeth II. Another Pembroke was California’s social-media-friendly “first dog” for a time during former Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration in the 2010s.
The short-legged, long-bodied breed is known for being spunky and sociable.
“They’re really darned cute … and they’re just fun to be with,” said Bobbe Lord of Boonton, New Jersey, a longtime owner and breeder.
Lord surmises Pembrokes got a boost in recent years from some popular, corgi-focused social media accounts and the Netflix series “The Crown,” which chronicles Queen Elizabeth II’s life.
Lord appreciates the interest in her beloved breed but also worries about inexperienced people thinking they can make big money by breeding trendy puppies.
“If you’re doing it right, that doesn’t happen,” she said.
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THE SCARCEST BREED
The English foxhound is the rarest breed in the new rankings. The sizable, high-stamina and vocal hounds have a long history in the U.S. but aren’t often found as purely house pets. Fans tend to deploy the dogs for their traditional, pack-hunting purpose.
“It’s a beautiful breed. I just don’t think people see them enough to know about them,” says AKC spokeswoman Brandi Hunter.
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PUREBREDS, MIXED-BREEDS AND NEW POPULARITY
For years, animal-rights advocates and some humane groups have complained that the popularity of purebred dogs leads people to buy pedigreed puppies instead of adopting mixed-breed pets that need homes.
And for years, the AKC has countered that breeding helps pair dogs with owners who want to know what to expect in a canine, whether the priority is fugitive-tracking acumen or an activity level that matches the household’s.
Now, those on all sides of the debate have something to cheer in common: The Coronavirus crisis has prompted more people to seek out dogs, every which way.
The New York-based American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says it has gotten over 1,500 online applications to foster dogs and cats since March 15, six times more than the same period last year. Seventy percent more animals have actually gone into foster homes in recent weeks, compared to last year.
“During this period of great uncertainty, one bright spot has been the incredibly compassionate response from people willing to open their homes to adopt and foster vulnerable shelter animals,” CEO Matt Bershadker said. The ASPCA doesn’t currently need foster homes right now but notes that could change as kitten season continues.
Dog breeders are also getting more inquiries: Lord says she’s been fielding five to seven a day lately, though she has no puppies available.
The AKC urges purebred-seekers to research breeds for the right fit and to plan ahead for pet care for when — someday — people return to more normal routines.
“We are in a very unique situation being at home all of the time,” Hunter notes. “For many of us, that will not always be the case.”
Manchester Community College Students Offered Virtual Pet Therapy During Coronavirus
Adapting a typically hands-on program for the coronavirus pandemic, Manchester Community College will offer “virtual pet therapy” sessions as students head into final exams next week.
An important part of the college’s stress relief service — being able to pet a dog or cat — will be missing from the video sessions, but pet therapy expert Laurel Rabschutz said just the sights and sounds of the animals could provide some benefit.
“Hopefully, just seeing the dog will help them relax a little,” Rabschutz said of students interacting with her Newfoundland, Wrigley, one of the participating pets. “Of course, he might sleep through the whole thing, too, but we’ll see how it goes.”
Paula Pina, the college’s associate library director, recruited MCC staffers and their dogs and cats for three days of live Webex sessions. Students will be able to talk to the pet owners and ask questions. Monday’s lineup is Lady, Spot and Ziggy; Tuesday’s sessions feature Trix, Tater Tot, Wrigley and Munchie; and on Wednesday, Axa, Nova, Shay, Lola, Kitty, Jack and Teddy.
The college started the program in 2015, partnering with Manchester-based Tails of Joy, a nonprofit network of volunteers and their therapy animals. Students facing the crunch of final exams visited designated classrooms to interact with the pets, and they always emerged feeling better, Pina said.
“It’s one of the most gratifying things I’ve been involved in, just to see the smiles on the students’ faces,” the 22-year MCC veteran said. “It’s just a delight.”
No one’s sure, however, how the virtual therapy sessions will go, said Rabschutz, who coordinates college visits for Tails of Joy.
“This is new territory for all of us,” she said.
But the altered program could open doors for people who cannot personally interact with therapy pets, patients whose immunity is compromised, for instance, Rabschutz said.
“This could be a whole new area for pet therapy,” she said.
Adorable Guide Dogs Host Zoom Call
If you’ve been working from home during the COVID-19 quarantine, it’s likely that you’ve had more than enough Zoom calls. Every time your company schedules another Zoom meeting, it might be difficult to look forward to it.
However, Guide Dogs Australia recently hosted a Zoom meeting that any dog lover would be thrilled to attend. That’s because the meeting was hosted by several adorable guide dogs, including a 3-week-old puppy! Having a meeting with other humans might be boring, but when a bunch of dogs are involved, everything changes for the better.
Guide Dogs Australia decided to host a Zoom call in honor of Guide Dog Day on April 29th. Usually, they host a fun charity event for this special day, but this year, they had to adjust their plans. Social distancing caused them to rethink how they were going to celebrate.
So, the staff realized it was much safer to do a Zoom call. The purpose of the call was to introduce some of the incredible dogs and educate others about the work they do. In other words, it was an adorable way to spend your lunch break. They encouraged everyone who was interested to join them for this special event.
A Zoom Meeting with Puppies!
The Zoom meeting consisted of 7 adorable guide dogs and of course, their humans. Over 1,200 people hopped onto the call to see these remarkable dogs. Plus, they were able to learn some exciting information about what Guide Dogs Australia is all about.
The highlight of the meeting was the newest member of the team. He is a 3-week-old puppy named Zoom, after the program. Zoom is the cutest little thing, and he behaves so well in front of the camera. In the meeting, they explained that he is extra special because he was the only puppy in his litter. Most of the guide dog litters end up with about 5 to 9 puppies.
As the staff introduced all their dogs, they also explained the story behind each pup. Not every dog with Guide Dogs Australia is capable of becoming a guide dog, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help out in other ways.
One Lab named Willow had feet that were too sensitive to walk on strange surfaces like gravel, so she couldn’t perform regular guide dog duties. Instead, she found a loving home with one of the staff members, where she is now an ambassador for guide dogs. All guide dogs that don’t qualify get another career path like Willow did. Many of the dogs are trained to be therapy dogs instead.
This Zoom call was an amazing way for all dog lovers to learn about the importance of guide dogs. And, of course, it was a great way to meet all the lovable working dogs. If you missed the call, don’t worry! The organization posted the recorded version of the meeting on their Facebook page for everyone to enjoy.
5 Best Pet Care Centers in Fort Worth
Below is a list of the top and leading Pet Care Centers in Fort Worth. To help you find the best Pet Care Centers located near you in Fort Worth, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Fort Worth’s Best Pet Care Centers:
The top rated Pet Care Centers in Fort Worth are:
Camp Bow Wow -a daycare and dog boarding shop
Metro Animals -offers daycare and pet grooming services
Family PetCare -offers veterinary services
Dogs Unleashed Daycare -offers overnight boarding and dog spa
V.E.T. Care Hospital -an animal hospital
Camp Bow Wow is a pet center that provides full daycare service and overnight camp for your furbabies. Established in 2000, their main focus is to care for your dog so you will be worry-free to go about your day. A premier boarding provider, they also provide access to their live webcams using your computer or phones so you can still check your dogs wherever you are and whenever you want to.
A safe haven where your dog can play and interact with other dogs, this center is supervised by well-trained staff and dog lovers alike. On top of indoor and outdoor play facilities, they also provide grooming to your dogs to maintain a clean hygiene and train them using all means of physical and mental stimulation that will make them more focused and well-behaved. Need someone to take care of your dogs while you are away? Then don’t hesitate to check them and book an appointment.
“Tim and his team are the best….it’s like Mylco’s second home not afraid to go at all. He plays all day long and socializes with all the other dogs. I recommend this place to people I meet as it’s a great place with great people” – Tanya Miller
Metro Animals is a supervised daycare facility that is open to all pet parents in the Fort Worth area that need to have a place where they can bring their pets while they go about their daily business. They provide a cage-free environment with indoor and outdoor facilities for the enjoyment of your dogs. To avoid any stress for your pooch that may later on manifest into emotional problems and destructive behaviors, the facility’s main goal is to provide enough exercise and quality attention to your dog to make them feel happy, healthy and cherished. Established in 2005, Metro Animal is a place where your dog can have fun and still be safe even if you are not around.
With a “happy pet, healthy pet” mantra in mind, this center ensures that they bring nothing but fun and comfortable atmosphere for your pets to enjoy. Supervised by good and loving kennel staff, they will ensure that your dog is safe while they run and play with other dogs. Your pet will never want for anything while they stay here as you will be assured that they will get all the loving attention and care that they need.
“Landon love Metro Animals Daycare. Everyone that works at Metro is loving and kind to all the pups. Best doggie daycare!” – Helen Hudson
Family PetCare is a full-service veterinary hospital that was founded in 2000. Accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, their main passion is to provide quality health care to all animals that are brought in their care. With nothing but the best medical professionals in the field of veterinary science, Family PetCare is a premier place to bring your pets to ensure their well-being.
Offering different services made for the betterment of your pet and with professional doctors and well-trained staff, you can definitely entrust your beloved animals with them. They ensure to provide the best service for their client and strive in educating and informing all pet owners of the things that they should know to aid them in caring better for their pets. With nothing but the best for your pets, your vision is the goal that they live and practice every day.
Products/Services:
Boarding, Dentistry, Diagnostics, Exotics, Grooming, Medicine, Wellness, Reproductive, Surgery
“I would recommend bringing your pet because they are very caring and understanding when it comes down to your pet. The doctors and staff very caring they were wonderful.” – Darlene Brown
Dogs Unleashed Daycare is a top-notch daycare center for dogs that provides safe and comfortable pet sitting service without breaking your budget. Owned by Lea Van Vleet who is an animal lover by nature, this shop opened its door on February 21, 2006, to service all dogs and dog owners in Fort Worth. The center’s main goal to ensure a safe environment where your dogs can simply have fun, run freely and relax to their heart’s content.
With the belief that dog care is not only limited to regular vaccination, vet visits and daily grooming, they have also established a spa service for your pooches. A complex cosmetic care that uses nothing but natural and organic materials, they provide a one of a kind bathing experience to your dogs minus the stress. Handled by certified professional groomers, they will help you maintain your dog’s good looks and nice smells without them fretting about the bathing and brushing. So if you are looking for someone to babysit your puppies while you are away then Dog Unleashed is definitely the perfect spot to leave them for a while.
Products/Services:
Daycare, Boarding, Spa Services, Adoption and Rescue, Franchising
“Our first time putting our sweet baby lab at a daycare. They took him last minute and he loved it! Very kind, homey, and truly get to know the dogs.” – Melissa McClure
V.E.T. Care Hospital is a veterinary hospital found in the heart of Fort Worth. Managed by Dr. Carlos Gibbs, a licensed and established veterinarian, you can be assured that the health of your pets are taken into highest regards here. With 19 years of experience that started way back in 1995, V.E.T Care is an expert when it comes to the wellness of your beloved animals.
An advocate of responsible pet ownership, their goal is to ensure that all owners are well equipped and properly educated on all health aspects of their pet’s life. Aside from full-service veterinary assistance, it also offers boarding and grooming for your lovely pooches. They also have an online pharmacy for the medicines that your pets require. Have a question regarding the well-being of your dog? Then do not hesitate to contact them or drop by their clinic for consultation.
Products/Services:
Preferred Pet Health Plan, Wellness Care-Pharmacy, Nutritional Counseling, Boarding
Daycare, Grooming and Bathing, Dental Care- Emergency and Critical Care, Cold Laser Therapy, Pain Management, Behavioral Medicine, Internal Medicine, Hospice, Microchipping, Surgery
LOCATION:
Address: 7321 S Hulen St, Fort Worth, TX 76133
Phone: (817) 294-9798
REVIEWS:
“Great folks taking care of my Maddie. Experienced and caring. Reasonable prices. Highly recommend!” – Sarah Mills Garrett
Gyeonggi’s Nanum Center Sends Away 1,500 Dogs for Adoption
SUWON, May 4 (Korea Bizwire) — Gyeonggi Province announced Sunday that more than 1,500 abandoned dogs found new families after receiving protection and training at the Nanum Dog Protection Center.
The news comes six years and six months after the center’s first dog was adopted in Nov. 2013, and 14 months after the 1,000th dog adoption in Feb. 2019.
The Nanum Dog Protection Center is a dog training and protection agency run by the province, established in the city of Hwaseong in March 2013.
The center consists of a management building and two protection facilities that can accommodate up to 110 dogs, and is capable of sending away 400 dogs each year for adoption.
Starting with 12 dogs at the beginning of operations, families adopted 233 dogs in 2017, 292 in 2018, and 335 in 2019 from the center.
This year, 204 dogs have been adopted so far, and the 1,500th adoption was finalized on April 27.
“I liked that the center manages hygiene and trains the dogs before they are sent away for adoption,” a woman who adopted a dog said.
The center brings in dogs with good social qualities from local animal protection agencies, providing medical treatment and training so that they can be adopted as service dogs or pets.
All dogs at the center are managed by designated veterinarians and trainers, allowing adopting families to receive education before adopting a dog, and offering information on medical and training-related issues after the adoption.
For potential adopters who are worried about allergies or lack of experience, the center started a temporary protection program in December to allow a two-week trial period to see if the dog adjusts well in the environment.
If not, the adopters can return the dog to the center.
Malaysia’s 1st Guide Dog Passes Away After Serving Owner For 6 Years
LaShawn was fighting leptospirosis in a veterinary clinic for five days, but sadly lost the battle on Sunday, reported Sin Chew Daily.
The eight-year-old guide dog took his last breath at the clinic alone last night as his owner, Stevens Chan Kum Fai, could not be with him due to the Movement Control Order (MCO).
LaShawn was recognised as the country’s very first guide dog by the Malaysia Book of Records in 2018.
LaShawn was brought into Malaysia from China in 2014 after finishing his guide dog training when he was just two years old
He had been with Chan ever since, who is a visually impaired former entrepreneur.
After losing his sight, Chan founded Dialogue in the Dark (DID) Malaysia – a social enterprise that offers visitors a dining and exhibition experience in pitch-black settings to feel what it is like to be blind.
DID Malaysia also has an academy that provides free training and tuition to disabled youths.
Together with LaShawn, Chan had initiated countless movements and campaigns that help the disabled community in Malaysia.
Last year, Chan started a petition to ask for the government to recognise guide dogs
The campaign urged Putrajaya to allow guide dogs to enter public places and transportation freely.
The petition garnered over 80,000 signatures and was submitted to then deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, urging the government to amend the Disabilities Act 2008 to recognise animals like LaShawn as service dogs for the visually impaired, reported Sin Chew Daily.
“To put it simply, since I have LaShawn, I have never been injured and have become more independent, less reliant on others,” Chan related.
“However, when I go out with LaShawn, I still encounter all kinds of difficulties. Being chased out (of a premise) is very common for me. Perhaps, the concept of guide dogs is a new thing for Malaysians, plus the local government does not recognise guide dogs as legal ‘service dogs’.”
Free Malaysia Today quoted Chan as saying that he will continue fighting for the rights of guide dogs in Malaysia and he expressed his gratitude for the support he gained over the years.
Coronavirus: Queenstown Search And Rescue Dog Stuck In United States
A Queenstown-based avalanche search and rescue dog is stranded in the United States.
Brad Saville, a 38-year-old ski patroller, is “devastated” his 18-month-old curly-coated retriever is stuck in Colorado where the pair had been undertaking avalanche dog training as part of a ski patrol exchange programme.
The pair had been in Colorado since December and were meant to return to Queenstown on April 24 but when the coronavirus pandemic took hold he was given a 48-hour window to fly home to New Zealand. Saville returned on March 26, but Bomber, who was meant to follow on another flight after final vet checks, did not make it.
“I received notice from my pet transport company, based in LA, that Bomber’s flights back to New Zealand are suspended until further notice.”
Thankfully, Bomber was able to stay with the people Saville had stayed with during the exchange.
“Each and every day is a huge mental and emotional struggle for me. Every day I wake up and every night I go to sleep, all I can think about is my curly-coated retriever. I’m devastated. Bomber is everything to me.
“It’s not just people stuck in limbo. Animals are involved as well and Bomber – who is a service dog for his country – is stuck on the other side of the world relying on us humans to sort it out.”
As well as missing his best friend, he was worried the time apart would affect the intensive training that had been invested in Bomber.
“The bond is everything when you are training a search dog. The time and investment to travel internationally with an animal is a huge undertaking.
“To keep him on the snow for three winters within the first two years of his life allowed for enormous potential of becoming certified for this New Zealand winter … If the time apart extends further I fear it will be damaged to a point I will not be able to fulfil my ambition of turning him into a search and rescue dog.”
Saville, who has been a ski patroller for nine winter seasons, introduced Bomber to the ski patrol team in 2019. They had attended two training camps, and at 10 months old Bomber passed his obedience assessment at the Snow Farm.
“He and I are the youngest search team-in-training within the New Zealand LandSAR Search Dog Programme in the avalanche discipline and the only team located in the Wakatipu Basin. An avy dog is trained to save lives within a critical time period. And they love doing it. We train them to make it the most fun game in the world. Being on the snow with my best friend who I work with and spend every waking moment with, is the absolute highlight.”
The training in Colorado had exposed them to invaluable learning — better handling skills, a large variation of search drills, obedience tactics, and how to better themselves as a team, he said.
“We even received a scholarship to attend an avalanche search and rescue dog school … My ambitions definitely backfired. I am devastated at the Covid-19 outcome from my ski patrol exchange to Colorado but getting Bomber home is the most important thing in my life right now.”
Animal Care Services Encourages San Antonio Residents To Have An Emergency Pet Plan
San Antonio Animal Care Officer Adrianna Preciado washes the animal compartments of her vehicle in a plastic container last month. After the compartments dry, she sprays them with sanitizer. Animal Care Services encourages pet owners to have an emergency plan in place for pets if they contract the coronavirus.
Animal Care Services officers are responding to a growing number of phone calls concerning pet owners who have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Dispatchers for the city’s 311 non-emergency call line have reported that some pet owners in the past month have refused to release their animals to first responders in cases where they had to seek treatment for the virus and wouldn’t be home for some time.
Since the stay-at-home orders took effect, ACS officers have responded to four potential exposure cases, ACS assistant director Shannon Sims said, including one that involved the owner of an animal that had to be relocated. Officers entered the home in full protective gear and removed the pet to the ACS shelter, where it was later turned over to family members.
“We try to plan if we need to pick up the animal or determine if there is someone who can take the pets,” he said. “We can go through our database to find someone to track down and if there are not any next of kin or friends listed we will take the animal in without issue.”
Sims said residents should have a discussion with a family member or friends as part of a fallback plan for the care of pets.
Asking for identification is standard procedure, and it’s also now standard for dispatchers to ask if a resident has the virus and if so to add the information in the write up of the call. Officers have the resident take a photo of their identification and text it to a city-issued phone, so the exchange of information can be done without touching.
A team of ACS officers has been trained on such responses and has the necessary personal protective equipment, gloves and gear, he said.
“It’s about protecting not just the officer but the people as well,” Sims said.
Sims said when officers talk to a resident about an animal issue, they’ve already been trained to stay at least six feet apart, allowing the officer to react safely if a call goes wrong.
Sims said the incidents remind him of Hurricane Harvey relief efforts when people seeking shelter in San Antonio were reluctant to let go of their pets.
He said ACS began putting emergency plans into place when the city started monitoring the expanding coronavirus issues overseas and evacuees from China and then cruise ships were quarantined at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
Sims said the chances of someone contracting the virus via someone’s pet are extremely thin. There have been recent and rare reports of cats and dogs becoming infected with COVID-19 from humans, but not the other way around.
ACS operations manager Bethany Colonnese said on March 19 the agency had installed new software that allows for curbside service. With the front lobby closed, it’s a wait-in-car pick up system, with appointments required for foster and adoption services.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit Trains at Goodwill Manasota
While the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the temporary closure of Goodwill Manasota’s stores and offices, its Corporate Campus was instrumental in a recent law enforcement exercise. The facility played host to a group of officers and service dogs from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit to train the dogs to sniff out “drugs” and “bombs.”
Canines are used in law enforcement for searching wanted or fleeing suspects; apprehending fleeing suspects; crowd control; and public relations demonstrations for local schools and community organizations. The K-9’s and their handlers receive intensive training to become certified to perform their assigned duties. Canines are also assigned to narcotics detection. Prior to being put into service, canines used for narcotics detection are trained and certified in locating hidden quantities of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.
For the recent exercise at Goodwill, officers planted the smell of drugs and bombs within the facility, waiting 30 minutes, and then sent the canines in to find the location of each.
“While we may prefer to be able to operate our organization as usual, we were happy to be able to provide a place for the critical training of our dedicated Manatee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit,” said Goodwill Manasota president & CEO, Bob Rosinsky. “It is our pleasure to offer this vital service to those who serve our community so well.”
Canines are used for searching wanted or fleeing suspects; apprehending fleeing suspects; crowd control; and public relations demonstrations for local schools and community organizations. The K-9,s and their Handlers receive intensive training to become certified to perform their assigned duties.
Canines are also assigned to narcotics detection. Prior to being put into service, canines used for narcotics detection are trained and certified in locating hidden quantities of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
The K-9 Handlers are equipped with leashes, collars, brushes, and other related equipment needed to work and care for the dogs. The agency provides dog food, and all of the animals’ medical and dental needs. Oftentimes, when a canine is retired from active service with the Sheriff’s Office, the animal is given to their last Handler.
Strip District’s Colony Cafe, Pittsburgh’s First Cat Cafe, To Close Amid COVID-19 Shutdown
The latest small business to announce it will be closing soon due to economic strains brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic not only affects a number of human employees, but a fair amount of felines as well.
Colony Cafe, Pittsburgh’s first cat cafe, will be closing for good later this month after three years in the Strip District of giving Pittsburghers a chance to play with (and potentially adopt) cats while munching on snacks and sipping coffee or cocktails.
“This was a really hard decision, but like anybody in hospitality, it’s a tough go,” said Sue Hendrickson, who co-owns Colony with her husband, Erik. “So this just kind of did us in.”
They announced the sad news via Instagram on Sunday night.
Ms. Hendrickson said the cafe is planning to have a going-out-of-business sale before it shuts its doors for good tentatively May 16, though that is subject to change because they have their lease until the end of May.
The decision to shut Colony down was solidified when the owner of Cafe Linimal — a restaurant that previously only had a physical location in the Strip District’s Smallman Galley — agreed to take over the lease for the cat cafe’s Penn Avenue storefront, according to Ms. Hendrickson.
Another factor that went through the Hendricksons’ mind: The new world COVID-19 may create after social-distancing orders are lifted may not be particularly hospitable to a business like Colony.
“We kind of looked at the big picture, and we’re a gathering place,” Ms. Hendrickson said. “That’s what we do best. We saw a lot of people pivoting and adjusting. … But at its core, Colony is a place where people get together. We’re just not sure if people are going to want to get together in a small space regularly.”
They plan to keep their website and social media presence active for now, and the main goal at this point is to get the last group of cats who were living in the space’s “cat lot” adopted. Ms. Hendrickson said that in the last few weeks she has been able to set up meet-and-greets with folks (who were required to wear masks) interested in adopting a furry friend and have found homes for two cats.
Nine cats currently remain at Colony, and they will be taken back to Animal Friends — which had been providing Colony with the cats who lived in its cat loft 24/7 — if they aren’t adopted before Colony’s lease expires. Ms. Hendrickson hopes to find them all homes, though she wants any prospective cat owners to think through how badly they want a pet before they commit to anything.
“It’s a big commitment,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of stories about how pet adoption is up while people are home. It can be a 20-year commitment. We’re glad people are thinking about companion animals, but we still caution everybody to think about what they’re getting into.”
Though Colony wasn’t the only game in town anymore, they were a pioneering effort in bringing the cat-cafe concept from larger metropolitan areas to the Steel City. If folks want to support local cat cafes, there are still places like The Black Cat Market in Lawrenceville, which is currently offering virtual kitty play times via Twitch.
That’s of little comfort to Ms. Hendrickson, though, who said it will be quite “bittersweet” no longer being able to hang out with the cats regularly. Colony had found homes for almost 350 rescue cats, and Ms. Hendrickson is just happy she was able to do so much for both the humans and cats of Pittsburgh.
“We don’t want people to be sad,” she said. “We’re so glad we were able to be a matchmaker to so many people. People are posting photos, ‘I got my cat from Colony a year ago.’ … We’re just grateful to have helped a little piece of those people’s lives, make a difference a little bit.
