The halls of the Oregon Humane Society were full of love, kisses and laughter on Valentine’s Day thanks to a very special visit by OHS alum Santo and his “mobile kissing booth.” This three-year-old gentle giant was adopted by Tamara deLine, outpatient services supervisor, a little more than a year ago after she was instantly drawn to his mellow demeanor and eagerness to please. Santo was picked up as a stray and taken to a shelter in rural Washington state. He was transferred to the Oregon Humane Society through its Second Chance program.
Although Santo can walk on his own, he loves riding in a stroller. In fact, Tamara reports he gets in it on his own. She suspects that Santo has figured out he usually gets lots of treats and attention when he is in the stroller.
For Christmas, Tamara decorated the stroller as “Santo’s Sleigh” and went around the shelter delighting her co-workers and passing out candy canes. Santo’s visit was especially welcome during the busy holiday season, when shelter staff are working extra hard. During Halloween, Tamara and Santo dressed in matching costumes and once again brought smiles throughout the shelter.
Costumes and strollers aside, Santo has taken on the important role of big brother to Tamara’s foster kittens. He loves to snuggle with them and frequently tolerates kitten antics on his head. The pair of little felines have also captured Tamara’s heart and recently found their forever home with Santo, Tamara and her husband.
