WAITING FOR THAT FUREVER HOME — Those with the Hancock County Animal Shelter held an adoption event at Pet Supplies Plus in Weirton on Saturday. Although there were no adoptions, Development Manager Brandi DeNoon-Damewood stated there was a good turnout to meet three of the available dogs in attendance. One of those dogs included Monte, a boxer and St. Bernard mix awaiting a “furever home.” On hand to assist in the outing were, from left, DeNoon-Damewood and Monte, and Canine Specialists Shana Copestick and Whitney Osborne. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — “Please, please just notice me. I am sitting here behind this wire gate … memorizing the sound of every footstep in the hallway — not because I am impatient, but because I am still waiting for the one set that decides to stop beside my cage … and stay.”

While dogs can not speak, this is perhaps the silent plea being felt by every resident inside the Hancock County Animal Shelter.

It is their hope for a tomorrow. It is their hope to have a family. And this deep-seated longing for a home is what drives each and every action, every heartbeat, of the people who work within this facility. Thanks to the Jefferson County Humane Society foundation, the Hancock shelter was changed forever when the JCHS stepped in to oversee its operations. It marked a turning point that brought a new level of care to the community.

They didn’t come to change a name on a door … they came to bring a vision of healing. They came to bring hope. Since that transition on Nov. 1, the staff, which includes Development Manager Brandi DeNoon-Damewood, along with volunteers, have dedicated themselves to tirelessly work for these animals. Their purpose is to ensure that every “darling” in their care will find someone that they can call their very own. Progress is visible inside every kennel and in every wagging tail. During the last few months, the team has pushed new and seasoned programs into high gear, with one of the most heartwarming sights being the opportunity to see these animals out in the community, becoming acquainted with neighbors.

DeNoon-Damewood explained she and a few volunteers took three of the shelter’s stars to Pet Supplies Plus in Weirton on Saturday for an adoption event. Although there were no adoptions made outside the business, there was a good turnout to meet dogs such as Monte, a short-haired Boxer and St. Bernard mix who melted hearts with every wag of his tail. Monte was brought to the shelter “extremely emaciated,” according to DeNoon-Damewood, who noted he has since gained 20 pounds and continues gaining weight.

And then there was Robert, a charming, easily-trainable terrier mix who adores children; and Francis, a 2-year-old mixed breed who is all about love. All are ready to begin their next chapter, as they made it known through the kisses they offered to those who stopped to meet them.

For some people, the drive to the shelter might feel a bit too long. And so, they decide not to visit. Those with the foundation understand this, and are offering new opportunities to bring that unconditional love offered by these animals to doorsteps across the area.

These outings allow the public to meet with some of the shelter’s animals, ask questions of the nonprofit organization and witness first-hand the impact the foundation is making. These offsite trips are so much more than just a change of scenery, DeNoon-Damewood stressed. She said these short trips are vital “shelter breaks,” and “a great way to help them develop critical socialization skills.”

“These adoption events and giving the animals a break from being inside the shelter gives us a better insight into how they interact with the world around them,” DeNoon-Damewood remarked.

Once staff and volunteers see how the animals behave outside of the environment they have known — some for several years — these observations then allow the team to tailor an individualized care plan for each of the shelter’s residents, as every animal is different. They each have their own unique strengths, their own weaknesses. They each have their own medical conditions and special needs.

“That is why it is vitally important to help these animals fully — medically, emotionally and behaviorally, in order to help set them up for the best rest of their lives,” DeNoon-Damewood commented. “It is essential for these plans to be put in place to prevent what is known as ‘kennel craze,’ which is a dire situation where a lack of daily enrichment and socialization can lead to severe disconnection or unpredictable aggression.”

She stated how everyone is continually working with each animal in their care, as shelter animals depend on humans for every single aspect of their lives. As DeNoon-Damewood explains, “We work hard to ensure they are provided with every available resource because they are all worth saving.”

But this mission requires the help of everyone — from foster families to volunteers to adoptions — which is the whole point of this organization. After all, there is no such thing as too much love to give to any shelter animal. Time and attention could be the very bridge that for the first time will lead dogs like Monte or Robert to a real home.

The shelter will be holding its first volunteer training and orientation session for those wanting to be that bridge at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the shelter, located at 715 Gas Valley Road in New Cumberland. Spaces are limited. Those interested in attending are asked to call and reserve a seat at (304) 387-4102 or register online at jchsfoundation.com.

Shelter officials are asking residents to help make a difference by looking into adopting or fostering one of the many potential pets available. Because in the end, as anyone who has ever owned a dog knows, that when we adopt an animal from a shelter, we eventually learn how it was never really us who rescued them … they were the ones rescuing us all along.