According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, five out of ten dogs and seven out of ten cats in shelters are abandoned simply because there is no one to adopt them. Here in Van Nuys, there is a solution to this problem. Pet Orphans is a nonprofit, no-kill shelter that welcomes any deserted dogs and cats. All cats and dogs are trained, housed, loved and carefully matched with their future owners.

In 1973, founders Diane Scripps and Virginia Haley produced a home for distraught dogs they began to rescue. Over time, the home became Pet Orphans, where the shelter continues to dutifully care for stray animals.

Not only do sophomore Emily Barber and junior Melanie Edwards spend their time receiving community service hours, but also work with animals that are so eager to be loved.

“[It] feel[s] good knowing I have helped animals who are unable to help themselves,” said Barber. “The Pet Orphans organization is wonderful because [it] give[s] these animals a chance.”

Barber and Edwards are assigned particular jobs, such as feeding and caring for the animals. Each volunteer goes into the kennels to play with these amiable creatures or to take them outside and smother them with affection.

“The people who work and volunteer there have the best interests of these animals at heart.  It is important to be involved because this facility cannot exist on its own,” said Barber. “They rely on volunteers in order to fund the facility.  It is a simple act of kindness that makes the world of difference to these animals.”

These animals are taken care of to the best of the volunteers’ ability, and their well-being is the staffs’ top priority.

“Finding one of our [pets] a good forever home gives me a great sense of accomplishment. Even before they go home, feeding, caring, and cleaning up after them can be fun and gratifying,” said Pet Orphans Adoption Coordinator Miriam Giordano. “Bringing a shy dog or cat out of their shell and watching them become well socialized is a wonderful process.”

At the shelter, the responsibility of all homeless pets is kept in the staff’s genuine hands. Throughout the course of 30 years, Pet Orphans has provided animals with decent homes. The volunteers prepare each pet to be adopted. They coach them by teaching good behavior and providing information of reasonably priced medical expenses to future owners. From volunteer to staff member, each individual cares to alter the life of a neglected animal.

“I just really hope that they become adopted because some of them are there for years and it’s sad to come back knowing that they’re still there,” said Edwards. “People should start thinking about going to shelters like Pet Orphans, because they really care about their cats and dogs.”

Pet Orphans and its volunteers support all abandoned animals and guide them to devoted homes. While preparing for adoption, volunteers or staff members ensure unconditional love to all pets awaiting a new home. With no place to turn to, Pet Orphans is a haven for animals to feel nurtured by local neighbors willing to make a difference. •