The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a lot of negative feelings, worries and concerns, but on a more positive note it gave several something positive — a new home.

Local animal shelters have been flooded with adoption requests the last few months and the happiness that has given the volunteers has been exciting.

“Adoptions are good,” Toni Naeser, a volunteer for the Chautauqua Canine Rescue told the OBSERVER. “What’s really been great is some of our long term residents, animals that have been here more than a year, were adopted as well.”

On average, the rescue houses 20-25 dogs with another 30 in foster homes; right now they have eight.

“It’s really amazing how many have been adopted,” Naeser shared.

Westfield Stray Cat Rescue saw a similar response from the community.

“Yes, we have seen a definite increase in adoptions since March,” volunteer Priscilla Marsh stated. “People adopted several cats from us, mentioning that they wanted companionship during these uncertain times.”

Marsh shared that there were senior cats over 10 years old that were adopted as well as several in the 2-5 year age range. Some, she said were first time adopters others were looking to add to their families.

Rock Vallone, president of the Lakeshore Humane Society was more than happy to share their adoption increase. On average the shelter has about 45 cats and 12 dogs, but currently has 30 cats and seven dogs roughly.

“Our biggest trouble has been securing vet appontments so we can get these animals out into the community,” Vallone said. “We utilize several individuals, but it’s taken us as long as three weeks to have an animal ready for adoption.”

All rescues wish to remind the public that donations are always appreciated and needed. Lakeshore Humane Society said that they’ve had to cancel many of their big fundraisers and that’s causing a large hit to them financially.

For more information on adopting or donating, contact your local shelter.