Thanksgiving is usually filled with warmth, food and family. And at Benton-Franklin Humane Society, staff and volunteers do everything they can to make sure their dogs feel included in the holiday spirit — even if they don’t yet have homes of their own.
Last Thanksgiving morning, the team went all out. Every dog at the shelter received a special, dog-safe feast featuring pumpkin, carrots, plain potatoes, green beans, gravy and whipped cream. One devoted staff member even stayed up all night roasting two full turkeys just for the dogs.
“It was definitely a very special treat for all of them,” Julie Saraceno, a volunteer dog walker at Benton-Franklin Humane Society, told The Dodo.
Nearly a year has passed since that festive meal, and in that time, almost every dog who enjoyed it has been adopted into a loving home.
Almost.
As this Thanksgiving approaches, three dogs remain — preparing to celebrate the holiday for a second year in a row from inside the shelter.
Finn and Papa have both been waiting for over a year. Finn has allergies that require a special diet, and both dogs need to be the only pet in their home. Those factors have unfortunately caused potential adopters to pass them by.
“Finn is such a good dog, and he absolutely loves people,” Saraceno said. “He just needs someone who can handle his strength. Papa is also an incredible dog — truly amazing.”
Kylie’s story is even longer. She’s been at the shelter for nearly four years. Earlier this year, she was finally adopted and sent home with what everyone hoped would be her forever family. But shortly after, Kylie tore her ACL. The surgery was costly, and because her family lived in a third-floor walk-up, they ultimately had no choice but to return her to the shelter.
While Finn, Papa and Kylie will certainly enjoy another Thanksgiving meal with their shelter family, it’s not where anyone wants them to be.
“It’s always emotional to see the same dogs still here after so long — especially when they’re such wonderful dogs who deserve homes more than anything,” Saraceno said.
If adoption doesn’t happen before the holiday, fostering could make an enormous difference. Even a temporary home would give these dogs a break from kennel life and a chance to enjoy the holidays in comfort.
“I would just love to see them all go home for the holidays,” Saraceno said.
If you’re interested in adopting — or fostering — Finn, Papa or Kylie, you can submit an application through Benton-Franklin Humane Society’s website.
