Humane Society of St. Joseph County

09/24/2025

Gwennie is a gentle 6.5-year-old Mastiff that came to us after the heartbreaking loss of her beloved owner. Now, she's trying her best to adjust to shelter life; but truthfully, it's not easy for her. Gwennie is feeling a little overwhelmed and nervous. Behind those soulful eyes is a heart full of love just waiting to trust again.

She adores toys and playing fetch - it’s where she really comes alive. She's also met other dogs at the shelter and done beautifully, always showing her sweet and gentle nature.

Gwennie is looking for a calm, loving home where she can be someone’s everything. She may be a little shy at first, but with a patient and kind-hearted person by her side, she'll slowly come out of her shell and show you just how special she truly is.

If you’re looking for a loyal, quiet companion who just wants to feel safe and loved again, Gwennie might be the perfect match. 🐾

💫 Give her the second chance she deserves. Let her be the heart of your home. 💫

Send a message to learn more

09/24/2025

🐾 Willa’s Wish List Wednesday! 🐾

Willa is bringing the s***k this week, and she’s got a few special requests to help care for the more than 400 animals currently at the shelter! 💛

Wish List Items Needed:

• Canned Dog Food (Purina/Iams brands)
• Canned Cat Food (Pâté style)
• Timothy Hay
• Peanut Butter

🕗 Donations can be dropped off at the shelter from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM—or use the outdoor bins anytime!

📦 Prefer to ship? Send directly from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2RZ56Y9V4JNFW?ref_=wl_share

Chewy: https://www.chewy.com/g/humane-society-of-st-joseph-county_b73184734

✨ Meet Willa – our featured pup this week!

This 2-year-old mixed-breed marvel has been with us since January, and she’s MORE than ready to find her forever home. The important details about Willa:

• Full of energy
• Adores people
• Needs to be your one-and-only fur baby
• Adoption fee? Fully sponsored!

Apply today and give Willa the loving home she’s been waiting for!

09/23/2025

🌊🐾 Sea Salt is ready to make waves… into your heart! 🐾🌊

You may have caught Sea Salt shining on the news. Now meet the real star behind the segment!

This 1.5-year-old mixed breed has been with us since April after being found by animal control. Since then, he's become a volunteer favorite and a true shelter superstar. ⭐️

Sea Salt is:

• Full of energy — perfect for an active adopter who loves runs, hikes, or playtime
• Toy-obsessed and very treat motivated
• Good with other dogs (slow intros recommended)
• Startles easily — so a home without small kids would be best

Come meet Sea Salt and see why everyone at the shelter adores him. Our Adoption Center hours are 2-4:30 PM Monday through Saturday, or you can apply for Sea Salt and schedule a meet & greet. Applications are online at https://humanesocietystjc.org/adopt/apply-to-adopt/

He's sweet, smart, and SO ready to find his forever adventure buddy!

Matt Russell from the Humane Society of St. Joseph County introduces us to a dog named Sea Salt!

09/23/2025

🐾 Happy Tail Tuesday: Vera’s New Beginning! 🐱❤️

Meet Vera - formerly known as Jetpack Bolivia during her stay with us at HSSJC! This beautiful 6-year-old girl came to us as a stray back in early May. At first, she was a bit shy, unsure of her new surroundings… but it didn’t take long for her personality to shine through. With a little time and a lot of love, she turned into a purring, snuggly sweetheart who quickly became a favorite among staff and volunteers. 💕

Recently, Vera found her perfect match in Monica, who wanted to share an update and remind everyone just how special adopting an older cat can be:

“Vera adjusted super quickly to our home. She loves her two new brothers, although one of them still isn’t sure of her, and spends her days sleeping, playing, and enjoying looking outside. She is such a perfect fit for us! Thank you!”

Monica says she couldn't imagine life without her and hopes Vera’s story inspires more people to give adult cats a second chance.

From stray to snuggle queen… way to go, Vera! 💖

09/22/2025

🚨Urgent Help Needed for Our Pet Food Bank 🚨

The shelves of our community food bank are empty of dog food and we're running low on dry cat food. With our shelter full of animals, our food bank provides a vital resource to help families keep their beloved pets at home. But we can’t do it without you!

If you’re able, please consider donating any brand of dry dog or cat food to help out the community.

Drop-offs can be made directly at the shelter or shipped directly from Amazon or Chewy. You can find the links to both lists at https://humanesocietystjc.org/give-back/wish-list/

Every bag of food makes a difference. Thank you for helping us feed hungry paws and keep tails wagging at home. 💛

09/22/2025

🚨 We’re Hiring! 🚨

Do you love animals and want to make a difference in their lives every day? The Humane Society of St. Joseph County is looking to add 2–4 full and part-time Animal Care Attendants to our team!

💰 Starting pay: $14/hour
📋 Job description & online application: Link in comments!

As an Animal Care Attendant, you’ll play a hands-on role in caring for shelter pets—providing food, water, cleaning, enrichment, and lots of love while they wait for their forever homes.

We are interviewing THIS WEEK—so apply quickly if you’re interested in joining our mission to provide compassionate care for over 3,000 animals each year.

👉 Tag a friend who would be perfect for this role or apply today!

09/21/2025

🎉🐾 Adoption Celebration Time! 🐾🎉

From playful pups to cuddly cats more of our amazing animals found their forever homes this week. Each adoption means a new chapter filled with love, belly rubs, and happy tails.

To our new pet parents: THANK YOU for opening your hearts and homes! 💕

To our adopted animals: Go live your best lives: you deserve it all! 🐶🐱

If you want to be the next shelter hero you can find all of our adoptable animals on our website, as well as an adoption application. Or stop in the shelter Monday through Saturday from 2 to 4:30 PM to meet our animals in person.

09/19/2025

Our staff has something truly heartwarming to celebrate: our sweet senior boy Rex has been adopted! 🎉

At 8 years and 7 months old, this lovable Shepherd-Boxer mix came into our care back in January in rough shape. He was heartworm positive, needed a mass removed, and faced a long road to recovery. But through it all, Rex handled everything like a true champ; always gentle, always sweet, and always ready for a cuddle.

He spent months with us receiving treatment and care, even switching foster homes when his first foster had to move. And then something beautiful happened. His second foster, Paige, fell head over heels for him and decided to make it official.

Now, Rex is officially home - retired life looks good on him - and we couldn’t be happier. He’s soaking up the love, snuggling on the couch, and bringing so much joy to those around him.

Stories like Rex’s remind us why we do what we do. Congratulations, Rex and Paige! 🐶🏡💫

09/19/2025

We've got an exciting Saturday lined up, and you're invited! 🐾

Start your day with us from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Mishawaka Res Nature Reserve! Bring your pup, hit the trails, and enjoy a fun scavenger hunt. We'll be there sharing info on local community resources and how you can make a difference for animals in need. 💙

Then at 3:30 PM, head over to the shelter (2506 Grape Road) for our Volunteer Open House! Whether you’re looking to help in-shelter or out in the community, this is your chance to:

✨ Explore different volunteer roles
✨ Learn how to get started
✨ Ask questions directly to our Outreach Coordinator, Matt!

We can’t wait to see you — and thank you for always supporting HSSJC! 🐶🐱💚

09/19/2025

Cat lovers, mark your calendars! The Midwest Meow Fest is taking place in South Bend on March 21, 2026! Vendors, educational seminars, an adoption village, and the one and only "Kitten Lady," Hannah Shaw will be there. Shout out to The Cat Lady Cafe for putting on this one of a kind celebration of cats! We can't wait!

The first-ever "Midwest Meow Fest" is coming to the Century Center next year.

09/18/2025

Meet Thelma – a 3.5-year-old mixed-breed dog who has been under our care since December after being found as a stray. She’s spayed, sweet, and her fosters have indicated she gets along wonderfully with dogs, cats, and kids. Her foster mom says she’s house-trained, loves her toys, and enjoys playing with her doggy sibling.

Unfortunately, Thelma has a torn ACL and needs TPLO surgery. The cost of her surgery is $3,500, and we’re asking for your help to give her the chance at a pain-free, happy life.

You can help Thelma by donating:
💻 Online: https://humanesocietystjc.networkforgood.com/projects/248282-hssjc-general-giving

📬 Or by mail: Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545

Thanks to a generous sponsor, Thelma’s adoption fee has already been covered. Once she’s healed, she’ll be ready to bring joy to her forever family.

Every gift, big or small, brings Thelma closer to the happy ending she deserves. Please share her story and help us reach our $3,500 goal.