A tabby cat named Tom Collins and a Labrador mix named Brett are the Humane Society of York County’s pets of the week, and both fit the theme the Fort Mill rescue is promoting all November: senior animals in need of homes.
The shelter on Regent Parkway is marking Senior Appreciation Month, which covers any pet 7 years or older. According to the society’s weekly update, 11 seniors are currently waiting for adoption.
Cat of the week
Tom Collins is a muted tabby estimated to be about 8 years and 9 months old. He came to the rescue as an owner surrender through no fault of his own and has been there for nine months.
He arrived with an ulcer in his mouth. Shelter staff said he was treated and is now feeling much better and ready to meet visitors.
His age has not slowed him down. The rescue describes him as a cat who still loves to play and enjoys an occasional belly rub, and who would be content listening to his owner’s daily stories and watching birds from a window perch.
The shelter reminds potential adopters that animals need time to settle into a new home, a process that can take anywhere from a few days to a few months.
Tom Collins is neutered, vaccinated, tested and microchipped.
Dog of the week
Brett has been at the rescue for 6 years and 2 months, nearly all of his life. He is estimated to be 7 years and 4 months old.
The shelter calls him a special case adoption. He is a Lab mix with classic Lab habits, chasing a ball across the yard for as long as someone will throw it and playing in water whenever he gets the chance.
Brett is slow to warm up to new people. The rescue is looking for an adopter with experience handling dogs who will take the lead and give him time to adjust. To give Brett and his new family the best chance at success, the shelter wants him placed in a home with no children and no other pets.
Brett is neutered, tested, vaccinated and microchipped.
Holiday shop open on Main Street
The society’s Holiday Shop is now open at 232 Main St. in Fort Mill. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. The group also runs its PAWSibilities thrift store at 2144 Carolina Place in Fort Mill and sells items through an eBay storefront.
How to help
The rescue is asking for donations of laundry detergent, bleach and dog treats, both hard and soft. Volunteers can also pick up clean laundry from the shelter, dry and fold it, and bring it back. Other ways to help include volunteering at the rescue or the thrift store, fostering animals, donating gently used items to the shops and making financial donations through the society’s website.
So far in 2026, the Humane Society of York County has placed 580 animals in permanent homes, 121 dogs and 459 cats.
To meet Tom Collins, Brett or any of the shelter’s seniors, call 803.802.0902. Adoption requirements are posted at humanesocietyofyorkcounty.org. The shelter is located at 8177 Regent Parkway in Fort Mill.
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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.
