> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # black cats... not today Shelter houses the forgotten until they land back on paws - URL: https://www.smdp.com/black-cats-not-today-shelter-houses-the-forgotten-until-they-land-back-on-paws/ - Published: 2007-04-13T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T00:34:08.000Z - Author: Kevin Herrera - Tags: local, Montana, #archive-import *Where forgotten animals can find friends* NINTH STREET With her face pressed against the chain-link fence, her tail wagging rapidly, Millie was more than ready to go for a walk with her friend, Junko Elwell, a volunteer at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. Millie, a 6-year-old chow mix, had some competition. In the yard with her was at least five other dogs of various breeds who were fighting for a chance to get out of the pen. Elwell had to use all her strength to keep the abandoned canines back, so that she could put a leash on Millie. The animals acted like desperate orphans who will do just about anything to grab a potential parent’s attention, pressing their paws against the fence, some barking while others made whimpering noises. While she felt bad about leaving them behind, Elwell knew that on that day, it was Millie’s turn to strap on a bright orange vest with the words “Adopt Me” on it so that she could stroll down Montana Avenue in hopes of attracting a new, permanent companion. “It’s really tough, especially for those animals who have been here a while,” said Elwell, who began volunteering over a year ago when she was told that she could not have a dog in her apartment. If she couldn’t take one home, Elwell felt she could still make an impact by taking them for walks, washing their food bowls or performing other duties along with shelter staff. “Some of these animals have been abused or neglected and they are just looking for a little love and affection,” Elwell said. “One day, you feel really good because one of these guys ends up going to a nice home up in the Palisades. But on other days, you get frustrated because a new dog will come in and you start all over.” Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on Ninth Street just north of Olympic Boulevard, the animal shelter is often a forgotten resource in Santa Monica. Many residents don’t even know it exists, let alone where it’s located. This has posed some challenges for shelter staff, but thanks to volunteers, funding from City Hall and other sources, along with a community that is known for treating pets like another member of the family, animals are able to be housed longer there than in most shelters. Some animals have been at the shelter for two months or more. “We have the luxury of taking our time to make sure that dogs up for adoption can find a home,” said Donn Umber, who manages the shelter, which was built in the 1970s. For the most part, animals are only euthanized when there is a decline in health or the animal begins to show signs of aggressiveness towards other animals and becomes a threat “We get our share of pit bulls and rottweilers, which are very difficult to adopt (because of their reputation of being violent animals),” Umber said as he called out to a white pit bull with pink eyes. “She’s a sweetheart,” Umber said of the pooch. To make the animals feel as comfortable as possible, kennels have been designed so that dogs have an indoor section and an outdoor section. There is also a large playpen and a dogwalk for potential owners to have a chance to interact with the animal before adopting. For cats, staff has brought in all kinds of toys, a couch and a carpet-tree for the felines to play or lay on. The shelter is preparing for an increase in kittens now that the breading season is here, Umber said. “Last year was particularly busy, and we expect that to happen again this year,” Umber said.“Most stray or feral cats are having kittens from about now until mid-summer, but last year we saw an influx that seemed to last the entire year.” While cats and dogs represent the majority of animals at the shelter, which is under the control of the Santa Monica Police Department, Umber and his staff has seen all kinds of animals come through their doors, including exotic bids, reptiles and ducks. On occasion, staff will get bunnies or chicks that a parent has purchased for a young son or daughter for Easter. Once the holiday is over and the kids lose interest, the animals sometimes end up at the shelter for adoption. “We always tell people to not rush into adoption, especially for young children” Umber said. “Owning a pet is a big responsibility, and up to a certain age, kids just aren’t capable.” When people are ready to make that commitment, the shelter, which is open seven days a week, allows people to come back multiple times until they find the right pet for them. “Here in Santa Monica, because we have so many people living in apartments and condos, there is a greater demand for smaller dogs who can live indoors,” Umber said. To ensure that animals are not abandoned, the shelter encourages people to have their pets spayed or neutered. If not, one can face fines if their animal is found wandering loose. For every offense, the fines increase. Fees for adoption are also lower for those animals that have been fixed. And if one cannot afford to adopt, or may not have the room, there’s always volunteering. “It’s great exercise for me and the dogs,” said Elwell. “It feels good doing something nice for them, helping them.” *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 13, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/041307.pdf?ref=smdp.com)