Two animals that have already weathered more than their share of setbacks are the featured pets of the week at the Humane Society of York County, and both are waiting at the Fort Mill shelter for permanent homes.
The rescue on Regent Parkway is asking the community for help placing animals as it manages an ongoing capacity problem. The shelter says it remains closed for intake and is urging residents to work with staff on owner surrenders and strays because space and resources are limited.
Luca
Luca is an orange tabby the shelter estimates to be 5 years and 9 months old. Staff describe him as a resilient cat who forgives easily. He was adopted and later returned through no fault of his own after a previous family left him at a kill shelter, according to the Humane Society, which then pulled him into its care.
The rescue says volunteers voted him the sweetest cat at the shelter. When his kennel opens, staff say, he climbs into a visitor’s arms and settles there.
Luca is FIV positive, which affects his immune system. The shelter says he can live a normal life and can share a home with other calm cats, noting that feline immunodeficiency virus passes between cats only through deep bites. He is neutered, vaccinated, tested and microchipped. He can be met in the shelter’s Big Cat Room.
Parker
Parker is a lab mix just over a year old, medium sized at about 35 to 40 pounds. The Humane Society describes him as social, playful and affectionate, with the energy typical of a young lab. Staff say he does well with other dogs at the shelter and enjoys children.
Like Luca, Parker has been returned to the rescue more than once. He arrived as an owner surrender and spent time in foster care before returning to the shelter. A couple later adopted him, but a human health incident forced them to bring him back within days.
Parker is neutered, vaccinated, tested and microchipped.
How to adopt or help
Residents interested in meeting either animal can call the shelter at 803.802.0902 to make an appointment. Adoption requirements and the full process are posted at humanesocietyofyorkcounty.org.
The Humane Society says it has placed 410 animals so far in 2026, 99 dogs and 311 cats. Beyond adoption, the shelter accepts volunteers at the rescue and its thrift shop, takes donated items for the shop, and welcomes foster homes and financial support. The rescue is at 8177 Regent Parkway in Fort Mill.
Source: Humane Society of York County weekly release provided by volunteer Mary Beth Knapp.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
