'Match.com' hopes to find homes for cats, dogs
Carolyn Testa has created her own so-called Match.com in Bonners Ferry.
The owner of Groove Studio is using the concept of the worldwide Internet dating Web site to match homeless cats and dogs in Bonners Ferry with owners.
“I'm just absolutely thrilled,” said Rhonda Hamerslough, president for Second Chance Animal Adoption, which uses newspaper advertising and PetFinder.Com to find homes for animals. The non-profit agency currently has 12 dogs and five cats, but expects more with the onset of spring.
Second Chance Animal Adoption's weekly advertisement in The Herald, which features photos of animals in need of homes, gave Testa the idea.
“It made me want to give them homes, but I can't,” she said. “I have sidewalks for a yard. (But) I have this database of 111 people.”
Testa's database consists of customers who frequent her downtown art studio.
Not a member of Second Chance, Testa proposed her idea to Hamerslough, who was thrilled.
“I'm just dumbfounded that she would be willing to do this for us,” she said. “She wants to help and feels like she can't be involved in other ways.”
Hamerslough sends photos and information about cats and dogs to Testa, and Testa uses her wit to reel in potential pet owners.
One entry reads:
My name is Louie. I'm an older, distinguished gentleman. I prefer the indoors, love romantic movies, classical music and cuddling on the couch. I'm very sweet and loving, and am looking for a long-term relationship. I'm a widower, so I can prove my ability for commitment and loyalty — there's no player here, ladies. (But seriously, this cat was rescued from someone who passed away).
Another reads:
My name is Itzie. I'm a single mom, and I love my kids. But I'm preparing to be an empty-nester, so I'll have lots of time to spare. I love people. In fact, my friends call me a people-person. Long drives are one of my favorite things to do. Call me an old-fashioned girl, but I'm very obedient and love to be told what to do. I will stay by your side for life. No Don Juans, please. . .haven't we all seen enough of them? (But seriously, mommy of eight puppies. Lab/Border Collie Mix, 2 years old. Loves kids. Ready for adoption after April 10.)
Testa is getting noticed.
“I've had a couple e-mails and responses,” she said. “One said, ‘I'm having a baby. As soon as things settle down, I'm going to adopt a puppy.'”
No one as of last Friday had adopted a pet after reading the information online, but Hamerslough remains optimistic.
“What's really neat, among all this turmoil, we have someone that is willing to help and it was about the animals and trying to get them homes,” she said. “The board was thrilled.”