PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — What if the key to a dog finding its forever home wasn’t just love or a good cuddle, but a little agility training?
At the Humane Society of St. Lucie County, a new agility course is helping dogs find homes faster—turning energy and potential into adoption success.
When Isabel Kampa lost one of her dogs, her other dog, Layla, was left without a companion. That’s when Roscoe entered the picture. From the moment they met, Isabel says it was clear he was the perfect match.
“Our younger dog, Layla, got really lonely, and we came here to see if she matched with anybody—and she matched with him,” Isabel said.
But it wasn’t just luck that brought them together.
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The Humane Society’s Woof & Wag Agility Course gave Roscoe the confidence he needed to thrive in his new home.
“Them being cooped up like that, they need that extra run-around, that time out of the kennels. So I think it’s amazing. I love it. It’s actually really cool,” she said.
Turning Play into Progress
The course, donated by GL Homes, is more than just fun for the dogs. It helps them release energy, gain confidence, and build discipline—qualities that make them more adoptable.
“Some dogs, wonderful dogs, do not just show so well in the kennels. That doesn’t mean they are not good to adopt. It’s just that they are so anxious they just want to be out there with you,” said Nukhet Hendricks, Executive Director of the Humane Society of St. Lucie County.
“It allows them to use pent-up energy. It creates confidence and a bond with their caretaker, but it also makes them ready for a new home,” Hendricks added.
The program is proving to be a win for both the dogs and the community.
“The mental and physical stimulation the dogs get makes them go from hard to be adopted to adoption into forever families, and that’s really what this is all about. It’s a win-win for the Humane Society and the St. Lucie County community,” said Sarah Alsofrom, Community Relations Director at GL Homes.
And the results speak for themselves—dogs’ average stay at the shelter has dropped by 36 days, with adoptions happening 26% faster.
“That means the Humane Society is able to help more animals and save more animals,” Alsofrom added.
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Roscoe’s Happy Ending
Thanks to the agility course, Roscoe is thriving in his forever home with Isabel and Layla.
“He’s great. He’s special. He’s a special boy,” said Isabel.
With around 70 dogs currently at the Humane Society, there’s no shortage of furry friends waiting to find their perfect family. Could one of them be your perfect match?
For more information on the Humane Society of St. Lucie County, click here.
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