A PET ADOPTION drive Saturday in Manteca turned out to be fortunate for some children with disabilities.
The event hosted by the Delta Humane Society & SPCA of San Joaquin County and radio station Kat Country 103 (KATM) outside PetSmart brought together several organizations facing crowded shelters.
Lathrop Animal Services said it is holding about 30 large-breed dogs that need homes, while Manteca Animal Services has reached capacity.
“Last week on Saturday we got nine dogs,” said Mackenzie Teunissen of the Manteca shelter. “Tuesday, we got five dogs, and today we received three dogs.”
With a variety of animals to pick from, 9-year-old Evalena Anderson of Stockton took her time playing with the dogs and holding cats. Ultimately, she chose a male Chihuahua Pug who was a little over six weeks old.
Evalena’s mother, Lauren Cudjoe, said her daughter’s neurologist suggested that an animal could help calm the girl, who has Tourette syndrome. The disorder is characterized by involuntary repetitive movements and sounds or words.
Holding her new dog in her arms, Evalena announced with a wide grin that his new name was Max.
Manteca Animal Services brings in dogs during a pet adoption event at PetSmart in Manteca on May 13, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Cages of dogs and cats awaiting adoption through the Delta Humane Society arrive at the PetSmart in Manteca on May 13, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Matthew Fengthong, of Lathrop, pets a cat named Mr. Charles during the pet adoption event at PetSmart in Manteca on May 13, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Lauren Cudjoe shares and endearing moment with her daughter Evalena Anderson, 9, and their newly-adopted dog Max during the pet adoption event at PetSmart in Manteca on Saturday. Anderson, who has Tourette’s syndrome was recommended by her neurologist to get a pet dog to help her. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
A laser-engraved ID tag is created for Conchita, a newly-adopted dog, during the pet adoption event at PetSmart in Manteca on May 13, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Esmae McKenzie, 4 months, looks at adoptable birds during the pet adoption event at PetSmart in Manteca on Saturday. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local) 
Arcelia Aguilar, her son Enrique Aguilar, 9, and her daughter Evelyn Aguilar, 10, look at rabbits and birds available for adoption at PetSmart in Manteca on May 13, 2023. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local)
Furry animals were not the only choices at the event. Cali_FID Parrot & Exotic Rescue Sanctuary is looking to place parrots, birds, rabbits, geckos, turtles and other animals.
“The animals had a need to be saved and nobody was saving them,” said Jennifer Perez, who said she started the group after volunteering at a shelter in Stanislaus County.
“I wanted a dog that was very gentle and friendly and caring.”
Nikki Sasser, adopted a Great Pyrenees for her son
She said animals would be given away to the staff or euthanized because proper care wasn’t available.
About three hours into the event, Nutter Butter, a large white Great Pyrenees, hadn’t been adopted despite his well-behaved manners.
That was solved by the family of 3-year-old Asher Schossow. Nutter Butter was renamed Peanut Butter to reflect one of Asher’s favorite foods. Nikki Sasser said her son has mild autism.
“I wanted a dog that was very gentle and friendly and caring,” Sasser said. The Great Pyrenees breed “is also big enough so it’s not just going to get hurt. … I just wanted a companion.”
As of 3 p.m. Saturday nine animals including cats and dogs had been adopted.
Victoria Franco is a reporter based in Stockton covering San Joaquin County for Bay City News Foundation and its nonprofit news site Local News Matters. She is a Report for America corps member.
