In just over two years, the von Arx Adoption Center has exceeded all expectations, accounting for more than a third of all adoptions taking place through Humane Society Naples. Located in the Green Tree Center at the corner of Immokalee Road and Airport-Pulling Road, the satellite adoption center opened in December of 2019, just months before the pandemic set in, and quickly earned rave reviews from the community. As people were increasingly motivated to adopt animals during the early part of the pandemic, Humane Society Naples was well-positioned to serve those in the growing North Naples area through its von Arx Adoption Center and has since maintained a strong pace of adoptions.
“People have responded so positively to our being here”, notes center manager Joneé Miller. “It’s a beautiful, bright, happy space – children come to read to our animals, families find great dogs, cats, guinea pigs and rabbits that are ready to go home with them.”
And adoption number 1,000 – Boba and Cuddles, two kittens – just went home on Sunday, June 5 with the Gilligan family!
“Taking the step of opening a northern satellite center was a big leap for us,” says HSN executive director Sarah Baeckler. “We are grateful beyond measure to Sharon and Dolph von Arx for embracing our vision to reach more families looking for pets to love and for generously donating the essential start-up costs.”
Reflecting on this happy milestone, Sharon von Arx expressed how fulfilling it has been for her and her husband Dolph to see so many sweet animals having a second chance in a loving home every pet deserves. “We believe so deeply in the mission of Humane Society Naples,” she reflects. “It is a privilege to be able to see a place like this satellite adoption center in North Naples becoming such a success.”
Twice winners of the Humane Society’s highest honor, the Walter Turken Award, “Sharon and Dolph von Arx are active philanthropists devoted to making Naples the wonderful community that it is,” observes Baeckler. “They have been right there with us for more than a decade. When we saw that Naples’ population growth was moving northward, Sharon and Dolph stepped up to ensure the new satellite shelter went above and beyond our best hopes for our animals. And they’ve continued to generously support the operation of this important adoption center.”
