Friday, DECEMBER 12, 2025 |
Photo – Zelda and Bud – Courtesy Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter
This Christmas, the Rawlins shelter is inviting families to foster pets for the holidays.
The Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter is asking local families to open their homes to shelter animals through its Home for the Holidays program. Rawlins Police Lieutenant Daria Hooper, who oversees the shelter, explained that the initiative lets people foster a dog or cat for a short time, providing companionship to the animal during the Christmas season.
Through the Home for the Holidays program, the Rawlins shelter supplies food and medical care for the foster animals.
The Rochelle Animal Shelter is currently home to six cats and 13 dogs, seven of which are enrolled in the Cage to Save Program, where inmates at the Wyoming State Penitentiary train the animals in basic obedience.
While every animal deserves a home, Lieutenant Hooper asked to spotlight Bud, a younger medium-haired black and tan rottweiler mix. The police lieutenant said Bud is energetic and sociable but must be the only pet in the household.
Lieutenant Hooper said even though Bud is lovable and graduated from the Cage to Save Program, his need to be the only pet has made it difficult to find an adopter.
Next, the police lieutenant asked to highlight Zelda, an overweight six‑year‑old tabby available for adoption. Lieutenant Hooper said Zelda can be very affectionate, but, like most cats, only when it suits her.
Lieutenant Hooper said Zelda gets along with other cats but would do best in a home with older children.
Zelda was also featured in Bigfoot99’s September Rawlins animal shelter spotlight. Two Pets are Ready for Adoption in Rawlins – Bigfoot 99 Radio
Lieutenant Hooper encouraged those interested in adopting an animal or participating in the Home for the Holidays foster program to visit the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter Facebook page. If you see an animal you’d like to meet, visit the shelter in person.
People who are unable to open their homes to a dog or cat this holiday season can still support the Rawlins animal shelter through donations. Lieutenant Hooper said the shelter always accepts monetary contributions to cover animals’ medical needs and also welcomes pet toys, treats, and food. The shelter regularly provides free pet food to needy families.
For more information about adoption, volunteering, or fostering, contact the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter at 328-4534. The shelter is open from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
