Loveable Labs!

I love Labs - they always seem to be such happy, smiley dogs!  I noticed today that there are a lot of Labs in the area shelters, so I wanted to feature them here in the hopes that other Lab lovers will want to go adopt!

First up is Spike, a 2-year-old yellow lab at the Darke County Animal Shelter.  The shelter staff says he's a big guy who loves people and is a typical Lab who loves to play!  If you'd like to add Spike to your family, call (937) 547-1645!

Next up we have Bernie, a Chocolate Lab  from the Miami County Animal Shelter.  Poor Bernie was adopted from the shelter a few months ago, but when it was time for him to be neutered the adopter just brought him back.  :(  The shelter staff says he's a very nice boy, and also said: "Bernie is nervous, which is to be expected with all the changes that he's been through in such a short time. He is a little barky and hesitant in his cage. Once he is up in the lobby, he is a different and happier boy, all the way to the tip of his wagging tail!"  If you'd like make Bernie's tail wag, call (937) 332-6919!

Also at the Miami County Animal Shelter is Emma, a 5-year-old Lab mix who was released to the shelter by her owner, along with their other dog, Rosie.  (You'll be "meeting" Rosie next!)  Apparently the owner's work hours changed & they were no longer home enough to care for the dogs.  :(  Emma is very sweet & friendly, is housebroken, is already spayed, and is also good with kids. 

And now here's Emma's friend, Rosie!  Rosie is a sweet & loveable girl with a great smile.  She is 3 years old and is already spayed.  She is housebroken and crate trained, and is also good with kids.  If you'd like to give Rosie or Emma (or better yet, Rosie AND Emma) a second chance at a happy home, please call the Miami County Animal Shelter at (937) 332-6919!

Next up we have Gaylord, a Lab/Terrier mix at the Shelby County Animal Shelter.  The shelter staff thinks he's between 7 months to a year old, and says he's a nice boy who's very trainable.  If you'd like to adopt him, call the shelter at (937) 498-7201!

Last but not least we have Mary Jane, a unique looking Lab mix!  She must be a new arrival to the Shelby County Animal Shelter because there isn't a description of her on their Petfinder site.  However, I still wanted to include her because she's got such a sweet face!  Keep checking their site (link is on the right hand side of this blog page!) to see if they add more info, or if you like what you see, give them a call at (937) 498-7201--they'd be more than happy to tell you everything they know about her!

"Labradors are lousy watchdogs.  They usually bark when there is a stranger about, but it is an expression of unmitigated joy at the chance to meet somebody new, not a warning."
~ Norman Strung

Red: A Survivor's Story

I first met Red in February this year, when I began volunteering with the dogs who were rescued from Jeff Burgess's One More Chance Rescue and Adoption Center in Piqua.  (In case you've not been following the news, this man had 108 dogs in Piqua and 367 dogs in Clark County, all kept in horrible conditions - what may have started as a rescue quickly turned into a massive hoarding situation that spanned YEARS.) 

We may never know what happened to Red during her time at One More Chance--all I know is that when I looked at her face for the first time three months ago, I could tell she'd been through a lot.  Back in February, she was known only as Dog #33 - a spayed female hound mix.  Because there were so many dogs  & we split into teams to care for them, it took me a couple weeks before I got to spend any time one-on-one with Dog #33.  By that time, most of the dogs had realized we were nice people & it was okay to trust us, and jumped up & down eagerly when they saw us coming towards their pens with leashes.  Not Dog #33 - when I entered her pen with leash in hand, she sat in the back corner and gave me the wary expression you see in the picture above.  After I spent a few minutes talking softly to her, she allowed me to put a leash on her & take her on a walk around the warehouse.  She lived up to her "hound" label, eagerly sniffing everything in her path.  From then on, she realized I was trustworthy and didn't shy away when I walked her.

As the weeks went by, Dog #33 came out of her shell more and more, and she was christened as "Red" by one of the volunteers.  We worked hard to try & find homes for Red and all of the other dogs at the shelter, and eventually someone associated with the raid on the shelter said she would give Red a home...she just needed to fence in her yard first.  Another volunteer, who Red had really taken a liking to, agreed to foster Red until the yard got fenced in. 

Through Red's foster mom's Facebook page, I got to celebrate Red's small victories, like the first time she felt comfortable enough to lay on the ground:

Or when she finally figured out that couches were really comfortable to lay on:

Or seeing a happy doggy smile on her face as she enjoyed the sunshine she'd been deprived of for so long:

The reason I'm featuring Red on my blog is because the person who was going to take her no longer can (for reasons unknown to me), and her foster mom belileves she deserves to live in a home where she's the center of attention.  I got to see Red again recently and want to share some pictures so you can see how much she's come out of her shell when compared to the scared, shy dog I met a few months ago!

Like most dogs who've been through experiences as horrible as what Red suffered during her time at One More Chance, Red has some "issues."  Her main issue is that she has yet to find a man she trusts--and who can blame her, after how she was treated by the man who ran the "rescue?"  She is so scared of men that, in her new foster home, she won't come out of her pen if her foster dad is the only one home!  (If her foster mom is there, she will come out and will even sit on the couch near her foster dad...which is progress!) Seeing as how her foster mom is due to leave on a long vacation in less than two months, we know it would be best to find Red a home before then so Red does not have to deal with the anxiety of being left alone with a man for two weeks. 

She is not aggressive towards men--she is definitely scared & submissive.  She did meet my husband on the day I took these pictures--I had warned him that she was very fearful of men so he basically didn't pay attention to her until she approached him.  She would stand right up against his legs while I was petting her and, after a while, he was able to pet her as well.  (This doesn't surprise me, as all dogs seem to love him!)  I think Red just needs some time to learn that all men aren't bad, and needs a forever home where her new owners can devote time to working with her so she can come to that realization!

I asked her foster mom to tell me about Red's personality, since she knows her a lot better than I do!  She says Red is very sweet and loves to cuddle.  She does very well in a yard that's not fenced in.  She walks very, VERY well on a leash - doesn't pull at all! - and she loves going on walks!  She loves almost all women but, as I said above, isn't too sure about men yet.  She is very good with all other dogs!

Her foster mom also said, "Really breaks my heart to not be able to keep her but she really needs a home where she has someone that can make her the center of attention that she's never been before."

If you'd like to give Red her forever home, please contact her foster mom, Jennifer at (937) 405-8048 or by e-mail at medic18911@gmail.com.

Just because I'm a relentless shutterbug & want everyone to see what a gorgeous girl Red is, here are a couple more pictures!

Here's Red, happily sniffing away in the yard:

And here's Red, getting reaquainted with Sly, a fellow One More Chance survivor who's also currently in foster care:

I know this has been an unusually long post, but after everything Red suffered at the hands of a man who's currently awaiting trial in two counties for a combined total of 57 counts of animal cruelty...well, I just really want her to have the happy ending she deserves.  Thanks for reading, and please share this with anyone who might be interested in giving Red a home!

Darke County Spotlight!

Tonight's featured shelter is the Darke County Animal Shelter!  I definitely encourage you to visit their website - http://www.darkecountyanimalshelter.com/ - because their shelter is getting very full and there are lots of wonderful dogs available for adoption!

First up is Rhonda, who has to be one of the most unique looking dogs I've seen!  That's because she's a Beagle/Doberman mix!  She's only 7 months old and is current on her shots.  The shelter staff said she's a friendly little girl who loves to play & would make a great lifelong friend!  If you'd like to give Rhonda a home, contact the shelter at (937) 547-1645! 

This smiley guy is Rocket, a 3-year-old Akita!  The shelter staff says he's a big guy and he's very friendly - I'm sure Rocket would like nothing more than a great family to play with & go on walks with!  If you'd like to adopt him, call (937) 547-1645! 

Last but not least is Stimpy, a 10-year-old Miniature Pinscher mix.  The shelter staff says he appears to be blind but they don't think he notices it - it doesn't bother him!  He is very friendly and would make a great housedog for the right person.  On a personal note, don't let Stimpy's age deter you from adding him to your family - small dogs typically have longer lifespans.  My poodle lived to be 18 years old, so Stimpy could be just a little over middle aged!  :)  If you'd like to give this sweet little guy a place to rest his head, call the Darke County Animal Shelter at (937) 547-1645!
Again, please visit the shelter's website - there are so many wonderful dogs there right now of all breeds, ages, and sizes!  You  never know when one might steal your heart!

Miami County Spotlight!

As you  may have been able to tell from previous posts, I try to be fair & represent all the area animal shelters equally.  Since Shelby County got the spotlight last night, Miami County gets the spotlight tonight!

Tonight's first featured pup is Charlie, a baby hound mix who was found as a stray.  (His littermate Elvis was recently adopted!)  The shelter staff says he's very sweet & friendly - all he needs is a good home!  If you'd like to add this bundle of joy to your family, call the Miami County Animal Shelter at (937) 332-6919! 

Next up is Cricket, a 2 or 3 year old spaniel mix who was brought in as a stray.  She's been a the shelter for quite a while and is desperate to find her forever home!  The shelter staff says she's mild mannered & reserved, but is very sweet.  If you'd like to give her a great home, call the shelter at (937) 332-6919!

Last but not least, meet Ginni!  She was also picked up as a stray.  She's a 3 or 4 year old Chocolate Lab and is very low-key--she's happiest just to lay around and relax!  She is a very good and well-behaved girl.  If you'd like to add this sweet couch potato to your family, call the shelter at (937) 332-6919!  I'm going to include a second picture of Ginni lounging outside the animal shelter - she looks like such a "zen" dog, and I'm sure she'd love to spend time out in the sun with a great new family!

Shelby County Spotlight!

A volunteer from the Shelby County Animal Shelter contacted me to ask if I would shine a special spotlight on three dogs who have been there WAY too long--since SCAS is (unfortunately) still a kill shelter, if the shelter were to fill up, tough decisions would have to be made and these guys could be at risk.  Since we definitely don't want that to happen, please take a look at these sweethearts and see if you might want to add one of them to your family!

First up is Willow!  She's a Terrier/Boxer mix who only weighs around 25-30 pounds.  She has had an older injury on her hind leg that healed stiffly, so she does have a slight limp.  It's nothing severe, and Willow has grown used to her leg and is still able to walk and run fine. In fact she loves to go for walks! She is a kind hearted loving dog would make a great family pet. Willow is happy-go-lucky, and loves life & everything around her.  She loves all other dogs and she likes cats too!! Willow also has good manners and is well behaved!  If you'd like to add this sweet little lady to your family, please call (937) 498-7201!

Next up is Rusty, a 1 to 2 year old Boxer/Shepherd mix.  He can sit on command, has good manners, and does well on a leash.  He's a little timid at first but once he gets to know you he's really loveable!  He absolutely LOVES to play ball!  If you'd like an awesome fetch partner, call the Shelby County Animal Shelter at (937) 498-7201!

Last but not least, meet Angus!  He's a shepherd mix who is very well-behaved, walks well on a leash, is quiet, won't jump on you, and is even housebroken!  He's a super sweet guy that's just a great big teddy bear!  He's very patient & exited to get treats, gets hugs & pets, and go on walks & runs!  If you'd like to add this handsome gentleman to your family, call the Shelby County Animal Shelter at (937) 498-7201!

As always, please share this link and visit the websites of the local shelters to see what dogs I haven't gotten a chance to post yet!

Double Dog Day!

Today is Double Dog Day, to make up for my lack of entry yesterday!  (It's hard to use a laptop when your lap is occupied by a Dachshund who is none too pleased with the thunderstorms outside!)

First up is Bufford, a 4-year-old Saint Bernard.  The shelter staff says he's a big baby and loves to be around people!  If you'd like to give Bufford a home, contact the Darke County Animal Shelter at (937) 547-1645!

Also at the Darke County Animal Shelter is BoBo, a 6-year-old Rottweiler.  He was rescued from a hoarding situation and needs some TLC! If you'd like to adopt this loveable big guy, call (937) 547-1645!

Next up we have Moose!  Believe it or not, this big pup is only ten weeks old!  He was picked up running loose and taken to the Miami County Animal Shelter.  The shelter staff says, "He will be a very large dog when fully grown.  Moose is energetic, as most puppies are.  He can be a bully - he's a cat chaser and even a dog chaser. He will need some firm training, because when he is full grown he could be a very intimidating dog, if he is allowed to get away with that sort of thing. Moose is a sweetheart and is eager to please, just a little bit ornery!" If you think you could give Moose the training he needs & the home he deserves, call (937) 332-6919!

Also at the Miami County Animal Shelter is Mo, a sweet older lab mix.  (I love his gray "eyebrows!)  He was also found running as a stray, and the shelter staff is surprised he hasn't been reclaimed by his owner!  They say he's very sweet and still has plenty of pep in his step!  If you'd like to give Mo a good home, call the shelter at (937) 332-6919!

Our first Shelby County pup this week is Maeve, a Shepherd/Collie mix who's had a rough life!  She was adopted out of the shelter to someone who abandoned her the very same day - she was left on her own until someone from the Shelby County Humane Society found her and took her back the shelter.  The shelter staff says she's sweet, intelligent and well behaved, and gets along with other dogs.  If you'd like to giver her the loving home she deserves, contact the Shelby County Animal Shelter at (937) 498-7201!

Also at the Shelby County Animal Shelter is Noah, who's listed as both a Shepherd/Boxer mix and Black Mouth Cur mix.  I've never heard of that last breed--all I know is he's a very handsome dog with a great smile!  The shelter staff says: "He is eager to meet you and seems to love people.  Noah is treat oriented and needs a little of your time to learn and polish his manners on lead.  He is smart and needs a little attention to this detail.  Noah has just been neglected of the time and attention that his previous owners should have given...  Any dog will benefit from some time and effort spent with them teaching basic commands and obedience.  They will bond closely with you--if you give the gift of your time they will reward you a hundred times more!"  If you want to add this noble, handsome boy to your family, call (937) 498-7201!

 

Today we have a bonus dog!  Rusty is one of the dogs from Doggone Adoptions that I met through Dream 4 Pets - I didn't have pictures of her in time for the adopt-a-thon last weekend, but I made sure to take some while I was there!  And look at that gorgeous face!  She's a spayed 6-year-old Lab/Retriever mix who is house trained, crate trained, and loves attention!  She enjoys slow, leisurely walks and car rides, and loves being outdoors, but she hates thunderstorms! She volunteered for three years as a therapy dog in a hospice environment, and lived with an elderly woman for most of her life.  She's up to date on her shots and needs Glucosamine daily for stiffness in her leg.  She should be an "only child" because she doesn't like sharing attention with other dogs!  Rusty is looking for a foster home or a forever home - if you're interested in her, e-mail petsrrpassion@gmail.com or call Cindy at (937) 698-9377! 

Tuesday's Tremendous Dogs!

Just wanted to post a quick entry before turning in for the night - the shelters seem to be filling up quickly lately, so I want to feature a few of the sweethearts who are still waiting for good homes!

First up is Cody, a one-year-old terrier/beagle mix who has some of the saddest eyes I've ever seen!  The shelter staff says he's a friendly little guy, but is a little shy at first.  If you'd like to give Cody something to wag his tail about, call the Darke County Animal Shelter at (937) 547-1645 and tell them you want to give Cody a home!

Next up we have Mikey, a 6-year-old Bichone Frise released to the Miami County Animal Shelter because his previous owners didn't have time for him.  (It never ceases to amaze me how mad I get when I see that in a dog's profile!)  Mikey is housebroken, and the shelter staff says he's very calm & mellow.  If you'd like a sweet little lap dog to curl up on the couch with you, call the Miami County Animal Shelter at (937) 332-6919!

Last but not least we have two dogs at the Shelby County Animal Shelter who have a very sad story!  Meet Shark and Zoey, Lab/Shepherd littermates who were rescued together from a Florida animal shelter.  Their owner lost housing and, sadly, Shark & Zoey have ended up in a kill shelter again!   They have always been together--Zoey is the mother hen and gives Shark the confidence he needs in new situations.  Both are reportedly house-trained, have been around children, have great manners, will sit on command, and don't seem to jump on anyone.   Both are spayed/neutered.  As the shelter put it on their site: "WHAT A PLUS ONLY 2O DOLLARS TO ADOPT THEM AND ALREADY FIXED..."  That just surprised me - for the price of a pizza, you can buy unconditional love!  If you'd like to give Shark & Zoey a second chance at a great home, please call the Shelby County Animal Shelter at (937) 498-7201!

Straight As!

Today's theme?  All these adorable dogs have names starting with the letter A! 

First up is Alvin, a gorgeous 4-year-old Labradoodle (Lab/Poodle mix) who was rescued from a hoarding situation.  The nice folks at the Darke County Animal Shelter have given him several baths and a haircut, and now he's ready to find a home where he's loved & treated well!  If you want to add him to your family, call the Darke County Animal Shelter at (937) 547-1645!

Next up is Apollo, a 6-month-old Boxer mix who was found running loose and is now at the Miami County Animal Shelter.  The shelter staff said he's a sweet little guy who is very playful and loveable.  If you'd like to give Apollo a good home, call the Miami County Animal Shelter at (937) 332-6919!

Last but not least is Avery, an adorable hound puppy!  Here's what the shelter staff had to say about her: "Long ears equal long on fun and love!  What a wonderful addition to any family.  She is smart, loving, and trustworthy.  You can train her however you want!  I am sure Avery would welcome a spot beside you on the couch, or love to walk with you wherever you may go.  Please consider this American breed for a companion pet and nut just hidden away in a box or kennel until it's time to hunt." If you want a walking partner for the spring, contact the Shelby County Animal Shelter at (937) 498-7201!

"Dogs are healers.  They are enlightened.  They seem to have figured out how to live beautifully so much better than we humans have.  While we struggle to figure out why we were put here on Earth, all a dog wants is to love and be loved - a powerful lesson for us all."
~ Bernard S. Siegel, MD, "Dogs as Spiritual Messengers"

Dogs of the Day!

Today's first dog is Emma, a 7-year-old Boxer who weighs around 50 lbs.  She's very friendly and only looks sad because she's waiting for a good home!  If you'd like to put a smile on her face, call the Darke County Animal Shelter at (937) 547-1645 and tell them you'd like to adopt Emma!

Next up is Benny, a one-year-old Hound mix who was brought in as a stray.  The shelter staff says he's very friendly, full of energy, and is always ready to play!  If you'd like to give him a good home, contact the Miami County Animal Shelter at (937) 332-6919!

Last but not least, meet Cooper!  He's a Boxer/Hound mix who was released to the Shelby County Animal Shelter because they weren't home enough to care for him.  He's crate trained, housebroken, and good with kids and dogs.  He will chase cats, though!  He's good on a leash, loves treats, and is very sweet & happy!  If you'd like to add Cooper to your family, contact the Shelby County Animal Shelter at (937) 498-7201!

UPDATE on Sally & Sarah! **HAPPY ENDING ALERT!**

**UPDATED 8/28/11**

HAPPY ENDING ALERT!!!  I'm VERY happy to report that Sally & Sarah are now a permanent part of their foster home - they have found their forever home!  They are being spoiled rotten and everyone just loves them!  :)

**

Hi!

Remember Sally & Sarah, who I featured in my entry on April 12th?

http://miamivalleydogblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/sally-sarah-in-urgent-need-of-good-home.html

I wrote to Sue, the woman who had written to Dream 4 Pets in the hopes she could get help rehoming these sweet gals - I wanted to know if she'd had any luck finding a new home for them.  Here's what I learned, in Sue's words:

"Sally and Sarah are now in a temporary home and are doing well!  They are scheduled to have dentals on 4/26/11 -- Sarah needs to have a few teeth pulled.  Once we get them through the dentals, then we will readdress the need for a permanent home for them

Although I am going to continue to hope that their 'temporary' home might become permanent, I can't assume that at this time, and have to continue working towards a permanent place.

They are very loving dogs, very well behaved, and enjoying their new lives which includes inside access.  So, it appears, despite a life spent mostly outdoors, that they are doing well inside also."

She's going to send me an update in early May, once the gals are done with their dental work.  In the meantime, if you know anyone who would like to give these two wonderful gals homes, please e-mail Sue at Drsuerdvm@aol.com!

"Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable.  They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well."
~ Bonnie Wilcox

Sunday Sweethearts!

There are lots of wonderful dogs available in area shelters - 25 in Darke County, 18 in Miami County, and 8 in Shelby County (according to Petfinder).  If you don't see a dog that interests you in my blog posts, please visit the shelter site links on the right hand side of the page to see if any of the available pups catches your eye!

Today's first featured dog is Rex, a two-year-old Rottweiler mix.  The shelter staff says he's very friendly and loves to play!  If you'd like to take this big loveable guy home, contact the Darke County Animal Shelter at (937) 547-1645!

Next up is Ginger, a Border Collie mix who was given up by her owners because they had several other dogs & didn't have room for her.  She's good with kids, cats, and other dogs, and is mostly housebroken--she only has an occasional accident.  If you'd like to give Ginger a second chance, contact the Miami County Animal Shelter at (937) 332-6919!

Last but not least is Rusty, a Shepherd/Boxer mix who's been waiting at the Shelby County Animal Shelter for quite a while, hoping someone will give him a good home!  He's about a year old, weighs around 50 lbs., can sit on command and has basic manners.  If you'd like to give him a home outside the shelter's walls, please contact the Shelby County Animal Shelter at (937) 498-7201!

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."
~ Christopher Morley

Angel Needs a Forever Home!

Hi everyone! 

I just got home from my shift volunteering at the Dream 4 Pets adopt-a-thon and plan on posting a few pictures from it later, but for now I wanted to share the story of Angel. 

(Sorry for the slightly distorted picture - I took a picture of the flyer the lady gave me!)

Angel is a 5-year-old Boston Terrier whose owner passed away at the age of 80.  Luckily a woman named Mary stepped in to give Angel a foster home until she can find a new family!  Mary says Angel can be a bit food aggressive towards other dogs (this issue has been solved by feeding Angel separately!) and that she's stil learning to share her squeaky toys with other dogs--she'd rather have them all to herself!  She would do best in a home with no children and with a fenced in yard.  If you'd like to adopt Angel, call her foster mom Mary at (937) 335-3830!

Friday's Friendly Dogs!

Bit of a late post tonight - I was busy this evening making up dog treat bags with my business card in them for tomorrow's adopt-a-thon!  Better late than never, so let's get down to business!

Meet Sam!  He's a Beagle/Jack Russell Terrier mix.  He's one year old, and the shelter staff says he's very friendly and loves to play!  If you'd like to adopt him, please contact the Darke County Animal Shelter at (937) 547-1645!

This gorgeous guy is Tucker, a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever who was found as a stray.  The shelter staff says he's very energetic and friendly, and is also very eager to please!  If you'd like to add this smiling sweetheart to your family, please call the Miami County Animal Shelter at (937) 332-6919!

Last but not least we have Zeek, who looks to be a well-bred German Shepherd pup.  He's only 11 or 12 weeks old, and was found running as a stray.  The shelter staff says he's very smart and already shows signs of being able to recognize commands given with hand signals.  If you'd like to take this intelligent pup home with you, please contact the Shelby County Animal Shelter at (937) 498-7201!

Don't forget that tomorrow is the Dream 4 Pets Adopt-a-thon at Superpetz in Troy!  Come on out from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to meet the dogs, get more info about Dream 4 Pets, or even have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny (though we're not sure how long he'll be available)! 

"The dog is a gentleman; I hope I go to his heaven, not man's."

~ Mark Twain in a letter to W.D. Howells, 4/2/1899

Three Dog Thursday!

Hello again, folks!  Today is Three Dog Thursday - three dogs each from three different shelters!  Let's hop right in, shall we?

DARKE COUNTY DOGGIES

(If you're interested in one of these three dogs, call the Darke County Animal Shelter at 937-547-1645!)

First up is Baxter, a 3-year-old Bassett Hound who was rescued from a hoarding situation and could use some TLC!  The shelter staff says he's very friendly!  Baxter just needs a good home where his owners will treat him how he deserves to be treated!

Next we have Chace, a 5-year-old Greyhound mix.  The shelter staff says he's really sweet and friendly.  With those long legs of his, you know he'd like nothing more than to get out of a shelter pen so he could run and play!

The last of our Darke County dogs is Tammy, a 3-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix.  The shelter staff says she's very friendly--she obviously has a personality to match her beautiful smile!

MIAMI COUNTY DOGGIES

(If you're interested in one of these dogs, contact the Miami County Animal Shelter at 937-332-6919!)

Meet Colt!  According to shelter staff: "Colt is a 2-year-old Pomeranian mix. He is a little bit shy, but very sweet and loveable. Colt was adopted from us a few months ago, but the adopters had to return him due to allergy problems they were having. Colt is a little doll."

Next up  is Kramer, a 9-month-old Australian Shepherd mix.  According to the staff, he was released to them by  his owner because they were having trouble keeping him confined.  He is very withdrawn & watchful of everything going on around him. He is very mild mannered & gentle. The owner said Kramer is good with kids & housebroken.

Last but not least from Miami County, we have Shyloh!  She's a 4-year-old German Shepherd who is already spayed & current on her vaccines.  She's a little shy and reserved but is very sweet.  Shyloh was left at a local vet's office, and when the owner failed to show up, the vet called the shelter. :(

SHELBY COUNTY DOGGIES

(If you're interested in one of these dogs, call the Shelby County Animal Shelter at 937-498-7201!)

The first Shelby County dog is Amera, a young (age unknown) Chihuahua/Terrier mix.  She's a very tiny girl and could be described as toy sized.  The shelter staff says she's very shy but sweet!

Next up is a Beagle named Henry!  Poor Henry was left behind when his owner went to college, so Henry got turned in to the shelter.  He's neutered and housetrained and has good manners--your all around great boy!

Last but most certainly not least is Striker, a male Whippet that the Shelby County Shelter staff describes as "super sweet."  He's a recent arrival to the shelter - as they add more details to his profile, I'll update this entry!

"Everyone needs a spiritual guide: a minister, rabbi, counselor, wise friend, or therapist.  My own wise friend is my dog.  He has deep knowledge to impart.  He makes friends easily and doesn't hold a grudge.  He enjoys simple pleasures and takes each day as it comes... Best of all, he befriends me with an unconditional love that human beings would do well to imitate."

~ Gary Kowalski