Two-Dog Thursday!

The local shelters are filling up fast, so today I'm doubling up on dogs in today's post!

First up is Hank, a 5-month-old Black & Tan Coonhound who looks awfully poised for a puppy!  The Darke County Animal Shelter staff says he's a sweet little guy who's very friendly.  If you'd like to give Hank a good home, call (937) 547-1645!

Next up is Nelson, a 9-month-old Shepherd/Beagle mix who's got the most adorable "Yoda" ears!  If you're a Star Wars fan, let The Force move you to the Darke County Animal Shelter to adopt this pup who's been described as a nice young man who will make a good friend!  If you're not a Star Wars fan, I apologize for my nerdiness--call the DCAS at (937) 547-1645 to give Nelson a home!

Our next pup is Cash, a two-year-old Black Lab who was found running loose and taken to the Miami County Animal Shelter.  The shelter staff says he's a typical Lab - very playful & full of energy!  If you'd like to add him to your family, call (937) 332-6919!

Meet Winnie!  She's a 2 or 3-year-old Bloodhound who was picked up as a stray.  Maybe she was trying to follow a scent trail to a happy new life!  The shelter staff describes her as a sweet, mellow, big girl who is very easy going and mild-mannered.  If you'd like to help her find a good home, call (937) 332-6919!

This gorgeous girl is Skye, a Husky mix at the Shelby County Animal Shelter.  Based on what the shelter staff says, it sounds like her personality is as beautiful as her eyes! "She is young & on the smaller side...Skye has the most striking blue eyes ever!  She is friendly and happy go lucky...loving life right now...coming home to her would have to brighten your day!  She has a smile on her face all the time!"  If you'd like to brighten Skye's day by giving her a home, call (937) 498-7201!

Last but not least is Xavier, a Beagle who was found on Pasco Montra Rd. and never reclaimed by his owner.  The shelter staff says he's very well-mannered, likes other dogs, and LOVES people!  If you'd like to give him his forever home, call the Shelby County Animal Shelter at (937) 498-7201!

Beagle Bonanza!

I received an e-mail from a Dream 4 Pets volunteer, letting me know that there are 20 Beagles or Beagle mixes available for adoption at the Clark County Humane Society.  Unfortunately the shelter staff has been so busy dealing with the Jeff Burgess cruelty case that they haven't had time to get the dogs' pictures on Petfinder.  As a result, I don't have any information about the dogs - I can just share the following pictures and tell you if you've ever considered adopting a Beagle, now is a perfect time!

If you're interested in adopting a Beagle, please visit that Clark County Humane Society at 5201 Urbana Rd. in Springfield, OH or call them at (937) 339-2917 x. 14!  

Wednesday's Wonderful Dogs!

Lots of adorable new arrivals at the local shelters--let's dive right in!

First up is Toby, a 9-month-old Shepherd mix at the Darke County Animal Shelter!  The shelter staff says he's a nice dog & is still a big puppy!  If you'd like to add this bundle of joy to your home, call (937) 547-1645!

Next up is Twizzler, a 2-year-old Miniature Pinscher/Chihuahua mix with a story that breaks my heart.  Twizzler had a home...until his owners brought him to the Miami County Animal Shelter because they "no longer have time for him."  His former owners say he's housebroken and is good with kids.  The shelter staff says he's sweet but that he's still a little bit shy--no doubt because he's wondering what he did to make his owners abandon him.  If you'd like to give this sweet little guy a forever home, please call (937) 332-6919!

Last but not least is Kodiak, a young male Husky at the Shelby County Animal Shelter.   The shelter staff recommends people research the Siberian Husky breed, because Kodiak needs an owner that understands Huskies & wouldn't be surprised by the fact that they "talk."  Huskies LOVE to vocalize, and Zodiak is no exception--he will growl & give you a hug at the same time, and that could be very intimidating to those that haven't been around dogs or are able to understand canine body language.  If you'd like to give this chatty guy a good home, please call (937) 498-7201! 

Loveable Little Dogs!

Today I want to feature some adorable little dogs who recently arrived in our area shelters!

First up is Magnum, a 1-year-old Jack Russell Terrier at the Darke County Animal Shelter.  The shelter staff says he's a little timid & would make a great housedog for someone.  If you'd like to give this sweet little guy a great home, call (937) 547-1645!

Next up is Kramer, a 1 or 2-year-old Cairn Terrier who was found as a stray and taken to the Miami County Animal Shelter.  The staff says he's very friendly and eager to spend time with everyone.  If you'd like to spend the rest of his life with him, call (937) 332-6919!

Last but not least is Rippy, a Chihuahua at the Shelby County Animal Shelter.  He's a new addition to the shelter, so the only details up are that he's "super tiny and super sweet."  If you'd like to give Rippy the home he deserves, call (937) 498-7201!

"A dog can express more with his tail in minutes than his owner can express with his tail in hours."
~ Author Unknown

Meet Hamilton!

A woman recently contacted Dream 4 Pets with the following message:

"I need help with a German Shepherd that needs a new home. His name is Hamilton and he is around 2 yrs old and up to date on his shots. He is my brother-in-law's dog. He is trying to find him a new home because his female doesn’t get along with him. He lives in Dayton OH. I have been trying to find him a new home for almost a month now and I’m afraid his time maybe running out. I have contacted every local, and non local, GSD rescue and tons of people have helped with networking and such but he still doesn’t have a new home. http://www.dogshope.com/ has him posted on Petfinder as well."

Isn't Hamilton a magnificent dog?  I love his ears!  I visited the Dog's Hope website and got even more information about Hamilton's situation.  Please read below, and know that GSD is basically just breed shorthand for German Shephard Dog:

"Well it’s a long story…

My brother in law and his girlfriend, right now have two GSDs. One is a female and the other an approx. 3 yr old. male. The female they had first and got her as a puppy from a backyard breeder. The male they found on Craigslist and took him in as a “rescue”. The two dogs do not get along. They fight non-stop and they can’t even be out in backyard together.

Hamilton is a great dog. He has such great manners and is VERY people friendly. He doesn't jump on people and he is not a big kisser. He has a very HIGH drive and is VERY active. He loves to run and play with toys. He's a big boy with lots of energy to burn. He will jump a regular 4 foot fence, if he is left outside alone. 

He's not food aggressive. He's never been around small kids. Both of his homes have only had adults in them. With his size and speed I would NOT suggest him being in a home with small kids. He is a powerhouse and very fast. I can foresee this being a problem with small children around. 

He needs a home with where he is the ONLY PET. No other dogs or other animals. He has had MANY problems at his current home with other animals. He is doesn't like the other animals. He has attacked the other dog he currently lives with. He has tried to go after the pet bunny in his current home as well. 

He is current on shots. Will be due for vaccinations in September 2011. He is neutered. He is flea and worm free.

I know this dog would be such a great dog for the right home. I would hope this person had experience with German Shepherds or big, stubborn dogs. He is trainable and does know some simple commands. He shows me that he is very VERY eager to learn. I think he is very smart and very eager to please his owner. He is crate trained and will willingly walk into his crate. His previous owner was able to keep him out in the house without the crate but at his current home that wasn't able to happen. He needs a new home because he does not get along with his owner's other dog. He is almost double her size and hurts her easily and often, too often to keep them together. He needs an owner that will love him for good traits and help him with his bad ones. I know he will make someone a very happy GSD owner. He is a handsome boy with LOTS of love to give."

If you think Hamilton would be a good fit for your family, and want to give this gorgous boy a good home, please contact Jamie O'Dell at Jodell@usxpress.com .

Marvelous May Day Dogs!

Hello again, fellow dog lovers!

Yesterday I went to the Troy non-profit expo at Hobart Arena and was pleased to see that the Dream 4 Pets booth had a lot of traffic!  I'd made up little business card/Milkbone packs for them to hand out--so if you picked up one of those and are visiting this blog for the first time, welcome!  Let's hop right in and check out today's featured shelter dogs!

First up is Odie, a 5-year-old Beagle at the Darke County Animal Shelter!  The shelter staff says he's a friendly little guy who loves people.  If you want to add him to your family, please contact the shelter at (937) 547-1645!

Next up is Levi, an Akita turned into the Miami County Animal Shelter by his owners, who were moving and unable to take him with them.  They told the shelter staff that he's very good with kids, cats, and other dogs.  He's also housebroken!  If you'd like to give Levi a second chance at a happy home, please call the Miami County Animal Shelter at (937) 332-6919!

Last but not least, we have Gretta, a gorgeous Golden Retriever at the Shelby County Animal Shelter!  The shelter staff says that she's a very sweet & well-mannered girl.  If you'd like to give her a good home, call the Shelby County Animal Shelter at (937) 498-7201!

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!