It had only been a few minutes, but Elisabeth Gauthier was falling in love.
The 25-year-old Tigard resident knew Sunday afternoon when she made eye contact with Walter, a 10-year-old black and gray chihuahua, at Northeast Portland’s Oregon Humane Society that his mellow energy would be a perfect companion to her other “backyard kids” – another dog, a goose and three ducks.
“I love the companionship and having someone to enjoy when you’re not with anyone,” Gauthier said. “They’re a lot to take care of, but it’s worth it.”
Gauthier was one of several people wandering the shelter aisles for the final day of a Memorial Day weekend half-price adoption event, where the shelter slashed fees in the hopes of clearing out some kennels. Adoption fees typically range from $55 to $600 for dogs when there is no sale, according to the organization’s website.
Elisabeth Gauthier, 25, of Portland met Walter, a 10-year-old chihuahua, at the Oregon Humane Society on Sunday, May 28, 2023.Catalina Gaitán
The Oregon Humane Society hosts the sales whenever the shelter is getting too full or it has too many “long-termers” – animals that haven’t been adopted within a few weeks of their arrival, said spokesperson Laura Klink.
Sixteen dogs had been adopted since the promotion began Friday, about as many as they typically adopt out in one weekend but high for a holiday weekend, volunteers said.
On Sunday afternoon, boisterous barking reverberated off the walls of the shelter, where dogs with names like Beans and Fluki snoozed, yipped and tugged on toys.
Briana Romancier, 30, and Graham Freedland, 31, gazed at Sonny and Steve, two fluffy black and white border collie puppies who looked shyly back at the couple through their glass enclosure.
The couple had extra time because of the holiday weekend and decided to visit the shelter, which they said they visit about twice a year whenever they “need a little pick me up.” They adopted their 6-year-old cat, Luna, at the shelter five years ago.
Romancier and Freedland said they hope to adopt a medium-sized “adventure buddy” to take with them on walks.
“They’re adorable and we like to give them a little attention,” she said. “I’m always surprised by the love connection – eventually we won’t be able to resist.”
Cristina Mervin, 37, of Portland saw a flier for the adoption event on Facebook and knew it was time. Her 5-year-old daughter, who started asking for a dog last December, was especially drawn to Agatha, a 12-week-old labrador with a tan coat and a frantically wagging tail.
“We don’t want more kids, so this is our way for her to have a companion,” she said.
Klink said interest in large dogs at the shelter has plummeted in recent years, so the organization was hopeful the adoption sale would get some of their larger canines into homes.
But adopting any dog – big or small – is a win for both the pup and its new owner, she said.
“I know for me personally, after I’ve had a tough, stressful day, there’s nothing like coming home and having your dog greet you with that happy, waggy tail,” Klink said. “Having a dog in your life just adds so much joy.”
— Catalina Gaitán, cgaitan@oregonian.com, @catalingaitan_
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