DELAWARE

Delaware Humane Association's Rehoboth animal adoption center aims for a cozy vibe

DAN LINEHAN
DELMARVANOW CORRESPONDENT
Wendy, a recently adopted pit bull from the new Delaware Humane Association in Rehoboth Beach, sits in her new owner's home.

When Martha Enck of Lewes first visited the new adoption center in Rehoboth Beach, she noticed with appreciation its homelike atmosphere, with cats and dogs lounging on couches.

Then she noticed Wendy.

The 2-year-old pit bull mix immediately bounced over to greet her. Luckily, she was ready for the high energy dog. Enck and her husband previously owned a pit bull who had to be put to sleep about a year ago. So they were prepared, both for Wendy and for a new pet.

“Our house is neat and orderly and smells wonderful, so it was time we decided to change all of that,” she said, perhaps only half jokingly.

And it was clear from the setup at the adoption center that Wendy would get along with their cats.

“One thing I liked was the dogs and cats were not kenneled,” she said. “It was clear the dogs and cats got along.”

Enck wasn’t quite ready during her first visit, and returned to the adoption center some time later to volunteer.

Wendy was there, again.

“It was obvious I wasn’t leaving without her,” Enck said, and her home is again a dog’s domain, with balls and leashes strewn about.

The adoption center, which opened in August, is an effort by the Delaware Humane Association to broaden its reach to Sussex County, said the center’s manager, Jody Rini. It’s leasing space in the Midway Shopping Center, a high-traffic site near many of the area’s outlet malls.

The cozy environment of the adoption center was by design.

“We didn’t want to have a pet store arrangement or a shelter environment,” Rini said. “We have big leather sofas; it looks like somebody’s living room.”

Wendy, a recently adopted pit bull from the new Delaware Humane Association in Rehoboth Beach, sits in her new owner's home.

The Rehoboth Beach location doesn’t accept surrendered pets; it’s solely for adoptions. They’re trying to keep their numbers down to about a dozen cats and a half-dozen dogs.

They’ve attracted a sizable contingent of volunteers. About 70 have signed up in the month or so it’s been open.

Rini said interested adopters should stop by and get to know the animals first, and let them get to know you.

Well, except for the cats. They’re not exactly known for putting in the effort.

“A cat really embraces their environment,” he said. “They don’t give out the warm and fuzzy.”

The center practices what are called open adoptions, meaning they typically begin with a conversation with the prospective pet owner.

“I ask some questions, and by the time they’re filling out an application I can determine if they’d be good pet owners,” Rini said.

The center is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday noon to 4 p.m. To speak with one of the staff, call 302-200-7159, or visit delawarehumane.org/Rehoboth for more information.

The center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and is closed Sundays, though they hope to have Sunday hours by the end of September.

Meanwhile, Wendy and her new owners are quickly becoming accustomed to each other’s company. Their big orange cat, Micky, has already put the dog in her place, but Enck can sympathize.

“We’re well aware the orange cat is in charge of us,” she said.

Wendy’s new favorite stunt is to climb to the second floor, descend to one of the lower steps and leap onto an Oriental rug, sliding with it across the floor. So, carpet surfing.

“She’s a Delaware beach dog," Enck said.