(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — At two Ventura County shelters, two animals—one quiet and mature, the other young and full of bounce—are waiting. They don’t know each other. Their kennels are miles apart. But each carries the same hope in their eyes: that someone, finally, will choose them.
At the Ventura County Animal Services shelter in Camarillo, Jezebell has been there long enough to know the rhythms of the place. At 13 years old, this spayed female Domestic Shorthair doesn’t meow for attention—she simply waits, watching from her soft bed. Brought in on April 2 and made adoptable on April 6, Jezebell weighs just seven pounds and moves with the quiet grace that only age and patience can bring. Her Animal ID is A863083, though to the staff, she’s much more than a number. “I’m such a sweet girl,” her profile reads. “And I’ve been here for too long. Please adopt me 
.” There’s something about her eyes that makes people pause. She’s not flashy, but she’s peaceful—ready to fill the quiet corners of someone’s life with warmth and gentle companionship.
Across the county, at the Simi Valley Animal Shelter, a different kind of energy fills the air. Desdemona—just nine months old—is all paws, wiggles, and curiosity. She came in from Ventura on April 1, officially ready for adoption a week later. Listed as Animal ID A862998, she currently occupies Kennel 919, though no kennel could ever contain her exuberance for long. A spayed female Pit Bull Terrier weighing 52 pounds, Desi, as staff affectionately call her, greets every visitor with a squeaky toy and an invitation to play. She pauses only to sniff the air before launching back into action, hopeful each time someone passes by. Her joy is relentless, her affection boundless. For anyone ready to keep up, she’s more than a pet—she’s a partner in fun.
Both animals are part of Ventura County Animal Services, an agency known for its dedication to finding loving homes and for holding space for pets in all seasons of life. Jezebell and Desdemona couldn’t be more different, but they share a common thread: they’re ready. Ready for a second chance, a safe place, and someone who sees them as more than a profile or post.
The urgency to support local shelters has been echoed just beyond our borders, where protests in Van Nuys and Los Angeles have drawn attention to the risks animal care programs can face during tight budget seasons. It’s a reminder that shelters don’t run on good intentions alone—they rely on local support, including something as simple as keeping your pet licensed. Licensing helps fund essential services at VCAS and keeps pets safe and accounted for.
So if you’re looking for a sign, maybe this is it. A senior cat looking for peace, a young dog looking for adventure—both waiting for someone to see them, love them, and take them home. Visit www.vcas.us to learn more, or stop by the Camarillo or Simi Valley shelters to meet them in person. They’ve been waiting long enough.
