From Heartbreak to Honey Bun: FOTA BR Helps Local Family Find the Perfect Furry Addition to Their Home | Sponsored: Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge

When Katherine and her family lost one of their dogs, Lucky, after more than 14 years, they didn’t plan on getting another dog right away. They still had Bear, a “big boy” who weighs about 85 pounds, and a cat. But Katherine’s daughter went to the Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge (FOTA BR) website and saw a dog she thought would be perfect for the family.

“We were a family with one dog for four days,” Katherine said with a laugh.

Honey, also known as Honey Bun, joined Katherine’s family and immediately felt at home.

“After we saw the photo, we had to set up a meet-and-greet to make sure the dogs would get along,” Katherine explained. “I think Honey is the sweetest girl I know. She wants to be everyone’s friend. It was a good match.”

Katherine said she appreciates that FOTA BR takes extra steps to ensure that dogs go to good families for fostering or adoption. The team works with families to find a dog that fits their lifestyle and personality and is also well-behaved around other pets. They also treat dogs with medications before they are put up for adoption and provide potential adopters with detailed information about care needs if a dog has a chronic condition.

“They do their job to make sure the dog is healthy or that someone knows what they’re getting into,” Katherine said.

Studies show that owning a dog can lead to numerous benefits for people, including less loneliness, more physical activity, less stress, and more social interactions. However, before adopting a dog, people should consider factors such as their lifestyle, home situation, and ongoing expenses to ensure that they can give a dog plenty of love and attention in a safe and comfortable space.

If someone wants to help dogs but is unable to foster or adopt, FOTA BR also accepts ongoing financial donations to help pay for medications, spaying and neutering, food, toys, and supplies. Visit www.fotabr.org/donate to find out how you can make a financial contribution via check or online.

“Paula and her team are doing the Lord’s work and caring for these animals,” said Katherine.

FOTA BR welcomes volunteers at the Dog Adoption House from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Volunteer duties may include walking dogs, cleaning, taking photos of adoptable dogs, and other assistance. Volunteers 18 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To schedule a volunteer, call 225-239-7368 or email [email protected].

Since opening in 2010, FOTA BR has found permanent homes for over 7,500 animals. There are several adoptable dogs and puppies available at the FOTA BR Dog Adoption House. All animals are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and microchipped. FOTA BR also has an ongoing need for temporary foster homes for dogs in their care for overnights, weekends, and long-term stays. Visit www.fotabr.org/foster-1 for more information.

Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge is located at 8476 Highland Road. For more information, visit www.fotabr.org.