Like some people, some animals need extra attention and care to help curb behavioral issues. But seeing the positive results of patience is a rewarding experience, said Desiree LaVigne, manager of the Central Texas Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals headquartered in Leander. Established in 1988, CTSPCA is a non-euthanasia facility that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for homeless and abandoned dogs and cats. The shelter accommodates 25 dogs and 25 cats at a time in order to give each creature personal attention and find the perfect match of pets and owners, LaVigne said. "That allows us to get to know the animals, their personalities and what kinds of homes they need," LaVigne said. "[We can] spend a little more time with them—that way we can make the best match that we can." The shelter's return rate, or the percentage of people who bring an animal back to the shelter, is less than 10 percent, she said. The nonprofit is entirely funded by adoption fees and donations, and medical care is provided by community partners such as Lakeline Animal Care and Hill Country Veterinarian Hospital. LaVigne said she picks up dogs and cats from euthanasia shelters throughout Central Texas a few times a month so that CTSPCA can give the animals a chance to be adopted. When CTSPCA is at capacity, animals are put on a waiting list and are brought in after adoption frees up kennel space. This makes foster care an important option for animals who might need extra personal attention, she said. Volunteer Bettye Robinson recently adopted a mixed-breed dog named Bear from CTSPCA and said he was antisocial when he first arrived at the shelter, but at home he became a different dog. "I have to hand that all to the staff for giving him the love and attention and patience that he needed. To be honest, I don't think there are a lot of shelters that would have seen the potential of Bear, but they did," she said. "I can't thank them enough for bringing him into my life." Robinson said if people devote some training and patience to their animals, they will be helping create the perfect companion. "Your dog is not going to be everything you want him to be the minute he comes home," she said. "There is just going to have to be some time, love and attention, and that will come around."

ABCs of adoption

Adoption fees are $150 for 6 months old or younger and $25 for all other dogs and cats. The fees pay for spaying or neutering, a rabies shot, microchipping and other necessary tests and vaccinations. All animals are spayed or neutered before going home with their new owner. All applicants interested in adopting an animal must fill out a form, which takes about three to five days for adoption counselors to review before the animal can go home with their new owner. The questionnaire inquires about information such as:

• Whether you have other pets and if there are any potential problems with the animals getting along
• Where the animal will be living
• Details about the applicant's residence—Central Texas SPCA has specific guidelines governing an animal's compatibility with its living environment

An applicant must also submit references, one of whom must be a veterinarian if there are or recently were other animals in the applicant's home.

Foster care

The nonprofit can only accommodate 50 animals at a time at the facility and is always in need of people to foster cats and dogs. Foster care is beneficial because it provides a safe, stable, healthy environment for the pet and socializes the animal, increasing their adoptability, according to CTSPCA. For more information about foster care opportunities, visit the website. Central Texas SPCA, 909 S. Bagdad Road, Leander, 512-260-7722, www.centraltexasspca.org, Hours: Mon. and Fri. 3–7 p.m., Sat.–Sun. noon–5 p.m.