I haven’t been in 2 weeks, thanks to bad weather and viruses. And actually today’s visit was cut short because we are experiencing more bad weather. And of course around here it is never just snow; it is ice and sleet, which is a lot worse than snow–unless you are in a full blown blizzard.
But anyway. Just like my fellow volunteer predicted, the chimney dog was adopted quickly–people are willing to work with a lot for the small dogs. Don’t get me wrong, I am glad she was adopted, but I do find it odd that sweet larger dogs are left unadopted while the tiny dog who has issues out the wazzoo and growls maniacally at people is quickly adopted. C’est la vie.
Snuggle Bug and Ornery are still there and are out of isolation. They have even been given names, but I like mine better! Snuggle Bug has actually been adopted–I knew she would go quickly. As far as other animals you have heard about, the Siamese was (finally!) adopted and Rosie is now working with a professional trainer who volunteers at the shelter. Thank goodness because I must admit I chickened out of walking her today since I am still bruised from the last time I walked her.
I walked a few dogs today–poor things, the weather was so bad I am sure that not all were walked. One of the dogs, a black lab named Coz, was rambunctious to the point of irritation. But the other dog, Jack, is the sweetest 8 month old Rottie mix you have ever met. And another one with a terrible, weird story. He was found in a port-a-potty, wrapped completely in duct tape. Yes, duct tape. And given his age, he must have been very young when it happened–not that it is excusable at any age. He has an amazingly sweet nature despite this–I really hope people see past his breed and his slightly older age to give him a chance. He spent our entire walk vacillating between trying to play with me (in that adorable, NON-knocking you down way that dogs have when they stick their butts in the air and jump back, pressing their chests to the ground) and standing very still, leaning against me while I pet him. These dogs are very well treated but given that there is no fenced yard and they cannot run and they are over-stimulated by the presence of all of the other dogs, it is a miracle that this dog stood so still during so short a walk. It will just kill me if he doesn’t get adopted. But this agency does great stuff, so I will remain optimistic.
The other dog I spent a while with is in the same boat as the chimney dog–she is very, very shy, and so the first priority is getting her more socialized to strangers. Her name is Anna, and she is a pure bred Basset Hound, about 3 years old. Her family had their home foreclosed and apparently could not find a rental that took dogs (ok I am skeptical of that one, as much I feel for them–I have 3 large dogs in a rental right now). She and her fellow Basset were put in a local shelter where they were assured that they would not be put down because they would be easy adoptions. Except the poor things were so traumatized by their change in fortune that they exhibited behavioral issues within a few days and were put on the to-be-euthanized list. The previous owners heard, re-adopted them (they were made to pay, weirdly enough), found a home for the one and brought Anna to us. She has not growled or exhibited any aggression, but mostly just cowers in a corner. I did get her to let me pat her eventually. I think in the more friendly confines of this shelter she should find a home, as long as she doesn’t freak out when placed in the kennels, where all of the healthy, adult dogs go. Even then, I am confident the shelter will work with her.
Between the snow and the tasty Oaxacan braised pork belly I served tonight (stay tuned for a recipe and write-up) that was all I had time for. No baths or cat time–although it is awfully cold for baths right now. There is a 8 week old grey/white kitty that came in–I took one look at him and I knew I needed to stay away! Must. Not. Fall. For. Any. Cats. Must. Wait. For. House. First.
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