Dear Fellow Dog Lovers,

Today I am introducing a new feature on my blog. You will notice at the top of the home screen an added page marker called Training Tips. At the suggestion of WHS staff, and with the help of experienced dog walkers, I am developing a series of short training-tip videos for various kinds of shelter dog situations that volunteers experience. It is our hope that these videos will help dog walkers see how to handle common behaviors seen in a shelter setting. We also hope that these videos will be helpful to dog owners whose dogs exhibit the characteristics we discuss. The first one I’m publishing today is about dealing with shy dogs. Many of you will recognize Moppy, one of our Brooks rescued dogs, and Linda Crosby, one of our most experienced volunteer trainers of difficult dogs. I hope you watch!

It’s been a wonderful week for long-term and older-dog adoptions! If you read my blog regularly, you are well acquainted with Sachi (formerly Bella), Cassidy, and more recently, Moxie. I am here to tell you that all three of these patient dogs found their very own homes! Staff member Kim sent me these pictures of Sachi with her new person. She had been at WHS since December, and was a favorite of many of us, including me.

And I happened to be at the shelter when Moxie went home. Here she is with her person who told me Moxie is going to be very spoiled! I think Moxie knows it!

I always like to take a final picture when a dog is going home.

Here are all of the great Blog Dog adoptions during the past week.

Sunday’s play group was more active than last week’s, but there were still some quiet times. Here’s what I overheard.

Chatter

Remember Ruby from last week’s post? She LOVED play group. She quickly became the leader of the rompers.

Ruby also had quite a sense of humor! (No wonder she was adopted so fast!)

I’m happy to report that Moppy (former Brooks rescued dog) is getting more confident every day. He now comes to the front of his kennel without coaxing and in play group is one of the happiest participants.

While taking pictures in the big dog yard, I happened to turn around and saw Icy Hot staring at me. He’s a funny little character and is convinced he is a big dog. I didn’t have the heart to tell him he really isn’t. He’s a three-year-old Chihuahua.

At one point, Sherrie didn’t realize she had dropped her spray bottle. (We use them to remind dogs to use their manners as needed.) While neither she nor I realized it was on the ground, Bentley did.

The next thing we knew, there was Bentley far out in the yard with his prize.

Meanwhile, in the the little dog yard, Riley, a five-year-old Chihuahua mix was having a moment with Kim. As usual, Banjo enjoyed sitting on Sarah’s lap. Banjo is a nine-year-old Beagle mix.

I’m a big guy and enthusiastic!

Sunday turned out to be a pretty warm day and Sarah and I spent the afternoon taking pictures of new dogs. One of them was Dino, a three-year-old Lab mix. He’ll need a lot of space to exercise in, and he’d love an active family of his own. He’s great with kids (because of his size, they should be at least 8), he loves other dogs (he had a wonderful time in play group), and he’s housetrained. He has an engaging personality and knows several commands. He is really a terrific dog and it will be a lucky family who adopts him!

I love his face!

Are you looking for a new Best Friend?

Another new arrival I met on Sunday was Bentley, a one-year-old Border Collie mix. He and Dino had fun romping around the big yard in play group, both have lots of energy. Bentley has been an outdoor dog and would like to become an indoor/outdoor dog, but will need some help with housetraining. He has lived with small children and loved them. He has a beautiful coat and will make a great family addition. Here he is with volunteer Zack.

Another great face!

Here he is today with Steve.

After my walking shift today, I took Bentley and Zoe (Volunteer Manager BJ’s dog) out for a play date. Zoe loves to run and Bentley could use some exercise to lose a few extra pounds.

Debbie came out to the yard, too, and spent some time with Bentley. He is such a gentle and kind boy who seems to get along with everyone. I’m hoping he is adopted soon by a loving family.

I’m new, I’m happy, and I should be your new best friend!

I got to meet two newcomers today and was promptly smitten with them both. They are from another shelter and arrived at WHS a couple of days ago. I got an email from one of the volunteers at their previous shelter telling me what wonderful dogs they are and hoping I’ll let her know when they get adopted. I assured her I will. First is Shadow, a two-year-old Pit Bull Terrier/Boxer mix. Kathy had her out for some play time and as you can see, Shadow is a very happy girl. She walks well on leash, takes treats politely and is a joy to be around.

I’m another newbie and I’m hoping for my forever home soon!

Along with Shadow came Simons, a one-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix who is a very handsome boy. Although Debbie and I couldn’t get Simons to smile for a picture, he, too, is a gentle, happy dog. In fact, I got another email from a dog daycare owner about him. She said that his previous shelter and her business work together to bring shelter dogs to the day care to play. She wrote: “Please let me know how Simons is doing and when he gets adopted! I opened a new Doggie Daycare and we started a program where shelter dogs could come play. Simons has visited a couple times and he does awesome here with all the other dogs. I would love to see him get a great home soon! He does great with any size, big or small dog but likes to run. He is good with toys too. He liked to take all the toys and pile them on a bed but when other dogs approached he walked away without any resource guarding. For how much energy he has, he was very well behaved and had a blast! Thank you!!”

Here is a picture she sent along. Isn’t it fun how dog lovers network!

I’m back again. But I just know that my forever home is out there!

Kingston is back at the shelter once again. He is back through no fault of his own. But don’t think that he’s feeling down because he’s back. He’s the same big sweet guy he’s always been. This is a dog who gets along with everyone including kids, other dogs, and…wait for it…CATS! He just needs room enough for his size. Kingston is a one-year-old Shepherd mix. Here he is today showing what a happy boy he is with Joan. All of Kingston’s fans are hoping that the right family fit will find him soon!

Yep, I’m a Beagle. I follow my nose!

We haven’t had a Beagle at the shelter lately, but meet Chloe, a seven-year-old Beagle mix. As you can see, Chloe is cute and happy. She loves being around people and even kids if they respect her space. However, she has a strong distaste for “those pesky cats” as she refers to them. Debbie reports that Chloe walks well on leash and takes treats well. For a Beagle person she’ll make a great friend.

I know I have a strange name, but you see, I’m quite colorful!

Yep, this is Coloring Book, a one-year-old Terrier mix. He is a little nervous around new situations, but enjoys people, as Debbie found out. He is affectionate and would enjoy coming to WHS training classes. He took my hot dog bits carefully. He’s a polite little guy.

Updates

I’m a Trucker Buddy!

I have several updates to report. First of all, to all the Lucy fans, I have great news! Second Chance Salem, a local rescue co-founded by one of our WHS volunteers, took Lucy into their program from Pittie Pals. Pittie Pals has done a wonderful job of training Lucy and will continue to be part of her life. But the very best news is that Lucy has become a Trucker Buddy for awhile with one of SCS’s co-founders’ husbands, who is a long-distance trucker. He enjoys having a dog along for the ride and Lucy is his current buddy! She will again be available for adoption through Second Chance in April. What a great way to spend her time while she waits for her perfect family. Here she is on the road. Could she look any more content?

A note about Echo!

I’m always happy when I hear another report about Echo. Last week I got this note and photo. She’s having such a great life!

“This was last weekend at the dog park in Keizer. Had a hard time keeping Echo out of the water but had a great time. I’m glad to say that she and Cloud are playing with each other more often and Echo and the cat snuggle together and lick each other.”

A makeover!

Remember Bebe and Scooper from a few weeks ago? This is how they looked then shortly before they were adopted.

They stopped in to say hi at WHS the other day and this is how they look today. Whew!

Moby and Hope

As promised, Moby and Hope’s new owner sent me an update for this week’s post. You’ll remember that both Moby and Hope are deaf and were adopted by a deaf WHS volunteer. Here is the update and pictures of this happy family!

“We adopted Hope on August 26th, 2012 and we just fell in love with her after spending hours with her at Willamette Humane Society. As we visited her in the visiting room, Anthony and I looked at each other with this huge grin and I just knew that we would be adopting her!! Her name was Suket and we changed it to Hope.

When March 7th rolled around, we saw Moby, a deaf Blue Heeler/Aussie mix with blue eyes, up for adoption! I immediately put a hold on him to see if Hope, my deaf lab would get along with Moby. Sure enough they got along sooo well. When we brought him home they were inseparable, wherever Hope goes, Moby goes and vice versa. They sleep right next to each other, they play tug a war together, they even share a bone together!  

I am keeping his name Moby, even though I’ve called him Milo a couple of times. (: Milo was my previous deaf Blue Heeler when I was a kid.”

That’s it for this week!

Remember, if you see a dog on my blog whom you are interested in meeting, try to make arrangements to get to the Willamette Humane Society soon. Some dogs are adopted more quickly than you might think.

You can reach me at adoptanoregondog14@yahoo.com

Dear Fellow Dog Lovers,

Things are back to normal around Willamette Humane Society after the dogs’ St. Patrick’s Day dress-up. I have to admit, they seemed a little relieved when I arrived at the shelter this week without props.

It was another good week for adoptions!

All of these were wonderful adoptions, but I want to talk a little more about two of them that were extra special to me.

Moby

First, you’ll remember from last week’s post that Moby, a seven-month-old Australian Cattle Dog, is deaf. I hinted that I might have some exciting news about one of my Wednesday evening walkers, Tayanita, who is also deaf. You guessed it! Moby joined Hope, another deaf WHS dog, who was adopted last August by Tayanita and her friend, Anthony. I can’t wait until I get pictures of the two dogs together! In the meantime, Tayanita reports that everything is going well and both dogs are very happy!

Rosie

If you are a long-time reader of this blog, you know Rosie well. She has been a WHS dog for almost a year, and before that, was at another shelter. She was adopted three times, only to be returned because she was not potty-trained. For the past five months, she has been with her foster mom, Karla, who worked so hard with Rosie to set her up for success in a new home. Rosie has long been one of my favorite dogs ever. You can imagine my excitement when Karla told me that Rosie was going to meet a potential adopting family last Friday. It just so happened that I was going to be at WHS the same time, so I arrived with my camera just in case. Well, Rosie hit the jackpot! The family fell in love with her and she with them. They eagerly listened to all of Karla’s suggestions for Rosie’s continued training and are keeping in touch with Karla which makes us so happy! The family has five kids and in today’s report, they said Rosie eagerly tries to follow ALL five of the kids around at once! In the morning, when it’s time for the kids to get up and ready for school, Rosie has decided it is her job to go to each one and wake them up by licking their face! That’s Rosie! These pictures say it all. What a lucky girl! After waiting for so long, Rosie finally has a bright and happy future.

I made Karla get in one shot.

Rosie got to take a lot of fun goodies home with her!

I wanted one last picture with Rosie.

And this is one of my favorite shots. Rosie leaving with her new dad for her new, happy life.

Chatter

Play group was not typical. Both dogs and people were especially relaxed. After some initial romps around the yard, everyone settled in for some R&R. Here is what I overheard.

And then there were pictures simply showing the joy of dog lovers and dogs spending time together.

 

I happened to look up and saw Banjo gazing across the yard.

After play group, Sarah and I took Banjo out to lunch with us. Here he was sitting on my lap in the car. He rode perfectly, happily snuggled against me as we drove through McDonald’s. Banjo enjoyed his plain hamburger a lot!

My name’s Joey and I’m waiting for YOU!

Sarah and I met a new arrival after play group. This is Joey, a very cheerful ten-month-old Lab/Cattle Dog mix. He already knows several commands, is very treat-motivated, and loves to be around people. He’ll be a quick study for learning new things and is house trained. He’ll be a great dog for an active family.

I’m a staff and volunteer favorite! Yep, that’s me!

On our way taking Joey in, we happened to see volunteer Diane giving Moxie a brushing which, by the look on her face, she was thoroughly enjoying! Moxie is a delightful eight-year-old Chow Chow/Schipperke mix. Although she is nervous in new situations, she relaxed during play group and even enjoyed interacting with both dogs and people. She would do best in a calm home without cats. Here is volunteer Marolyn with Moxie today. What a cute smile!

It was quite an interesting day weather-wise this afternoon. Between bouts of heavy rain, the sun came out and I tried to snap pictures during the dry times.

I’m a great dog with a couple of issues and I need your help

The first dog I saw out with a walker was Banjo with Steve. Steve was a little worried that Banjo seemed sad today. But later in the afternoon, when I took him out again, Banjo had a spring in his step and was his usual cheerful self. He is a nine-year-old Beagle mix. He has quickly become a favorite among staff and volunteers. He will need an understanding and dedicated person. His only vices are that he can climb fences (though he has never tried to at WHS) and that he marks in the house. He’ll need help and support in overcoming that problem. However, Banjo is such a gentle and loving dog, he will be well worth the effort needed to work out his issues.

I’m still waiting for you!

Shachi (formerly Bella) has been waiting for her forever family since early December, when she arrived at WHS as a S.T.A.R.T. dog rescued from a shelter in California. She is a very active girl with a good heart. She loves to play fetch or just race around the yard with her dog friends in play group. Afterward, she happily sits by your side. Shachi’s manners have improved a lot in her time with us and she knows several commands. Her leash walking manners have improved dramatically. I’ll have more on Shachi a little later in this post, as I spent a long time with her at the end of my shift. Here she is with Richard.

Why do I have to wear this cone?

The next team I saw were new volunteer Ann with Emma, a six-year-old Terrier mix who has to wear a cone since she was just spayed. Emma is a delightful, spunky girl who had a great time in Sunday’s play group. She enjoys lap time and will be the perfect companion for some lucky family.

Cowboy’s my name!

Debbie spent some yard time with spirited Cowboy, a three-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix. Cowboy, like most Jack Russells, has a mind of his own, but has an endearing quality about him as well. He is an active little character with lots of energy. Need someone to get you more exercise? Cowboy might just be the ticket!

I’m gaining more confidence here!

As you saw in the pictures from play group, Moppy is getting braver every day in the shelter. After being one of the 150 dogs rescued from the horrific Brooks warehouse, he was so frightened and shy, he had to be carried outside to potty and back. After spending healing time in a foster home, Moppy came back to us much improved. However, he still hesitated to move at times and would flatten himself on the ground and refuse to get up. Here he was today, with Kathy. He was eager, tail up, a spring in his step. He walked all the way back to his kennel with no coaxing! Later when I went to say hi to him, he was at the front of his kennel, tail wagging, anxious for a hot dog bit. It brings staff and volunteers such joy to see Moppy’s true personality shine. He is a five-year-old Shepherd mix.

I’m brand new here at the shelter. And they like me!

Those of you who know me well won’t be surprised when I say I have met yet another Pit Bull Terrier mix who has stolen my heart! As I walked into the exam room today, there sat Ruby being processed into our shelter. I took her outside for her shelter pictures and that’s when it happened…I fell in love again. Ruby is a year old and knows how to sit, takes treats politely, and walks well on leash. She is loving and gentle. Yep, another sweetheart for some lucky family.

Sachi time again

At the end of my shift, I wanted to spend some quality time with Sachi (I’m still getting used to calling her that name). I took her outside where we played fetch for awhile, then we sat in her kennel for some quiet relaxing time and worked on “leave it” with hot dog bits (she did very well!), had some tummy rubs, and quiet conversation. Here are some pictures from our outdoor time. After playing fetch with a tennis ball for awhile, she suddenly saw a big ball lying by the fence and decided that would be a lot more fun. I love Sachi!

Lucy is still waiting for you!

Lucy is becoming a regular on my posts again. You will remember she used to be a long-term WHS shelter dog, but was taken in by Pittie Pals last November. Since that time she has been boarded at Pet Village and has completed her novice obedience class with flying colors. Pittie Pals is having a Spring Adoption Special! Lucy’s adoption fee is $100 and includes repeating the Novice Obedience class with her adopters, a consultation with the dog trainer at Pet Village, a leather leash and collar, a bag of food and a brand new crate! Lucy is three years old, loves to play fetch and take car rides, and has wonderful house manners. If you could be Lucy’s forever person, please contact Debbie of Pittie Pals at: 503-409-2543.

We just know that there is a perfect home out there somewhere for this very special dog. She has been without a family of her own for so long. Let’s find Lucy her forever home!

My dear friend, Lynne, sent me this pillow that arrived today after I got home from WHS. It couldn’t have come at a better time!

That’s it for this week!

Remember, if you see a dog on my blog whom you are interested in meeting, try to make arrangements to get to the Willamette Humane Society soon. Some dogs are adopted more quickly than you might think.

You can reach me at adoptanoregondog14@yahoo.com