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