Fall Is Better With a Furry Friend: 37 Dogs Are Waiting for Homes in Calhoun County

Cooler days, colorful leaves and long autumn walks are just around the corner. At the Calhoun County Animal Center, 37 dogs are waiting for someone to make those walks, and a lifetime of memories, with them.

There is something special about fall in Michigan.

The air gets a little cooler. The leaves begin turning red, orange and gold. Evening walks become more comfortable, and suddenly a trip around the neighborhood or through a local park feels like something worth slowing down and enjoying.

Now imagine taking those walks with a new best friend beside you.

According to the supplied adoption information, 37 dogs were awaiting adoption at the Calhoun County Animal Center, each one hoping that the next person who stops to say hello might be their person. Availability can change, so readers should check directly with the center for current information.

Among them are the four wonderful faces featured this week: Sampson, Dory, Curry and Samoa.

Meet Four of the Dogs Waiting for Their Chance

Sampson is a male Husky-type dog, estimated to be between 1 and 3 years old and weighing about 46 pounds. That big smile in his picture seems to say everything. He looks ready for an adventure and someone to share it with.

Dory is still just a youngster. She's a female Shepherd-type pup, approximately 5 to 7 months old and about 34 pounds. She's at that wonderful age when she's ready to learn, explore and grow up alongside her new family.

Curry is another youngster, a male Husky-type pup approximately 6 to 8 months old and weighing about 46 pounds. Those bright blue eyes are certainly hard to miss.

And then there's Samoa, a female Lab-type dog estimated to be 3 to 5 years old and about 62 pounds. Her sweet expression makes it pretty easy to imagine her settling in beside the family after a long autumn walk.

But these four represent only a small part of the story.

There are 33 more dogs waiting, too.

Different ages. Different sizes. Different personalities. And potentially, one that's exactly right for your home.

Maybe This Fall Is the Right Time

Adopting a dog isn't something anyone should do on impulse. It's a commitment that can last for many years, and the right match matters for both the family and the animal.

But if you've already been thinking about adding a dog to your household, this might be a wonderful time to visit the shelter and start looking.

Fall offers cooler temperatures for walks and outdoor play, and those everyday activities can become part of the process of getting to know one another and building a routine together.

There will be muddy paws. There may be a chewed shoe or two. There will probably be some learning on both sides.

But there can also be a wagging tail waiting when you come home, a walking partner who never seems to turn down an invitation, and a companion who gradually becomes part of the family.

Can't Adopt? You Can Still Make a Difference

Not everyone is in a position to bring home another animal, and that's okay. Adoption isn't the only way to help.

Supporting the shelter, volunteering, fostering when opportunities are available, sharing adoptable animals with friends and family, and simply helping more people see their faces can all make a difference.

That last one is especially easy.

Share this article.

Someone in your circle may have been thinking about adopting. Someone may recognize the dog they've been looking for. And sometimes a simple share is all it takes to put an animal in front of the person who will eventually take them home.

Their Forever Families May Be Closer Than We Think

Sampson doesn't know who's reading this.

Neither do Dory, Curry or Samoa.

None of those other 33 dogs knows whether their future family is across town, down the street or sitting at home scrolling through their phone tonight.

They only know they're waiting.

So as the leaves begin changing around Calhoun County and we head into one of the prettiest times of the year in Michigan, maybe there's room on that autumn walk for one more set of footsteps.

Or, more accurately...

four paws. ❤️🐾

Interested in adopting? Contact or visit the Calhoun County Animal Center to learn about currently available animals, adoption requirements and how you can help.