Dear Fellow Dog Lovers,

What an amazing week it has been for Willamette Humane Society! When I started volunteering seven years ago, I was often asked how I could stand spending time with shelter dogs when I couldn’t adopt them all. I was able to because I knew they were getting great care, were being walked three times a day, and had no time limit on how long they could stay waiting for a forever family. This last fact has been brought home to me lately. It has seemed that we have had so many “long-termers” who weren’t getting adopted and waited week after week. As I wrote about them post after post, I was grateful to volunteer at a shelter where such waiting was allowed. This last week proved once again that there is someone out there for every dog, they just have to find each other. Here are the Blog Dogs who were adopted this week.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you will recognize long-termers Roxy, Spitzer, Lilly, Lady, Jasmine, and Nicki. I was lucky enough to be at the shelter when two of them went home.

Jasmine was not excited about how long it took to do the adoption paperwork!

Then it was time to pose for “going home” pictures.

Had to say goodbye to foster mom, Jolene.

And finally…

On Sunday afternoon as I was walking back from taking new dog pictures, I saw Lady having a dog meet with her soon-to-be new brother, Zeus.

Yep, the dog meet was a great success and Lady went home the next day.

 WillaMutt Strut 2014!

Saturday morning was the third annual WillaMutt Strut. There were over 300 participants and $19,936 was raised for WHS animals! I was there with my camera and was thrilled to see several WHS alumni dogs with their families, including four of my all-time favorites.

Mary

Carbone/Artho

Precious/Jinni

Ruby

Here is the movie I made of the day.

I got to go on an adventure!

Rocco is one of the long-termers who hasn’t been adopted yet. But on Tuesday, volunteer Marianne and her side-kick Audrey gave a happy respite to the boy, who happens to be one of Marianne’s current favorites, as well as mine. Rocco is a nine-year-old Bull Dog/Pit Bull Terrier mix. Here is what Marianne had to say about their time together.

“Audrey and I picked Rocco up at about noon from WHS.  First, we took him to my house so he could meet a couple of my neighbors (who adored him) – then we took a quick stroll around the neighborhood.  After that, we hopped in the car and drove to Riverfront Park for a nice long walk and a picnic lunch.

Rocco absolutely loves being outside – he notices everything and just takes it all in.  I love that he always stops to smell the flowers (and perhaps leave his “mark” as well).  He is fascinated with squirrels though, and it is obvious he would chase one if his person did not have a good grip on his leash.  Everyone we met along the way commented on how beautiful and polite he is.  I was particularly happy when a man in a group that stopped to talk to us today said, ‘What a handsome dog – he has human eyes.’  I have said that about his eyes since the first day I saw him.  Rocco really loved standing on the bridge over the Willamette and looking at the water.

Rocco loves to walk, but is not high energy.  He would be perfect for just about any type of home.  I know he loves children, and it became obvious when he just wanted to watch all the kids on the playground as we left the park.  He rides really well in the car and is just an all-around amazing dog.  While he enjoyed his outing, I can tell he is a little depressed – I hope he finds his forever family soon.  He deserves that and more!”

I spent some time with Rocco this afternoon. We enjoyed just sitting in the grass talking. He’s really hoping for a new family soon.

A lot of other long-termers have gotten adopted this week. Can I be next?

Billy Jean has been at WHS since April 4th. She is a nine-year-old Boxer mix and was found running down the highway toward Dallas. The long wait has taken its toll on this girl, and she is very anxious to get out of the shelter environment. She would do best in an adult home with an experienced owner who can help her with her tendency to be resource guarding. She can be picky about her friends, so should meet any dog she might live with. Billy Jean is affectionate and loves to go for walks. She needs a chance to prove what a good girl she is. Here she was with Diane and Andrew on Sunday.

I took her out for her walk this afternoon and loved spending time with this sweetheart. She walks  well on leash and is very attentive. She even hopped into the pool for a photo. She needs a new home soon.

I’m the whole package! You should adopt me!

Angel is an eight-year-old Purebred Miniature Schnauzer. She has an excellent history with cats and older children. She is house-trained, well-mannered and attentive. She would prefer to be the only dog in the home, as she loves attention and would like it all for herself. Ian and Karen fell for this cutie and I later found Ian spending more time with her. We’re hoping she won’t have to spend too much time at the shelter.

Debbie walked him this afternoon.

I’m still here, too.

I’m really surprised that Penny is still waiting for her forever home. She is such a cute little girl who is well-behaved, though quite timid. She is a seven-year-old Chihuahua/Dachshund mix. She will need a quiet home with older children or adults, as she is easily frightened by quick movement or noise. She’s not fond of cats. She’s hoping for a patient person to take her home and love her. She has gained confidence since she first arrived at WHS. She’ll make a great little companion. Here she was on Sunday with Alexis.

 I’m new here. Finn’s the name. Need a new best friend?

Little Finn is a one-year-old Bull Terrier mix. He is full of energy and has no idea he’s actually a small dog. He has a good history with other dogs and even cats. He enjoys cuddling with his people. His hobby is climbing trees (really!). Here he was with Bruce on Sunday.

Sam I am!

When I arrived at the shelter this afternoon, Jolene was out in the big yard with Sam. He has improved so much in being less mouthy and his leash-walking skills. He’s really a good boy and very smart! He was also quite talkative today. Sam is a five-month-old Bull Dog mix. He is going to grow up into a big boy who will need a large yard to romp in.

We laughed as Sam’s treat rolled down the ramp.

I just got here. I don’t think I’ll be here long.

Oreo is a beautiful one-year-old Husky mix. He has a great history with children and other dogs. He has striking blue eyes. Caroline is smitten with him. She said he had a wonderful time in play group with her dog. I have a feeling he’ll be adopted very soon.

Here he is showing off his goofy side.

Sweet Sheila

Of course I couldn’t leave today without spending some time with Sheila. She has a hold on her, so I’m hoping that she’ll be going home soon. As I’ve written before, this girl spent five months in a California shelter and has been at ours since May 3. She really deserves to be in her own home with a family who loves her. Sheila is a five-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix. She did very well at the WillaMutt Strut on Saturday with volunteer Diane. Fingers crossed she’ll soon be home.

 Updates

There are three terrific updates this week!

Sweet Emma

I was thrilled last week to receive this news about Emma from her new family. And I was happy that her people are determined to win her battle with allergies.

“Emma is doing great, she is fitting into the family well. I have 3 boys ages 9, 7, and 4; they are great with her. She is spoiled and loved by many. I am a co-owner of a car club called ‘Bully This.’ It is against bullying in school and she fits in with the club too. It is trying but my family is strong and will not give up on her skin issues. We have been getting her on a healthier path of life. The picture I have attached is us at Seaside with my boyfriend and his sister. We had so much fun.

Love, Emma and her new family.”

Destiny

Remember Destiny? Here she was when she was at WHS. I got so attached to her during her stay with us and I drove her down to Eugene to spend some time at SevaDog Rescue to work on a few issues. Then she was adopted. I was very happy to get the following message last week.

“Destiny has been a wonderful addition to the family. She’s great with the kids and loves the beach 🙂 . She has a dog friend she sees almost daily, his name is Tank. They’re literally best friends. Destiny’s very compassionate and knows if someone is sad or hurt. She’s protective over us and has a very big heart. We love her very much!”

It’s always fun to get the latest Lulu and Macy update

Lulu and Macy

“My mom and I took our dogs Lulu, Macy and foster puppy Penny to have pictures taken. Penny is one of Layla’s puppies. She has wiggled her way into our hearts and we are very seriously considering adopting her. Lulu and Macy were both adopted from WHS and they love Miss Penny. She gets along with our cats and likes to play with the foster kittens. Whether her forever home is with us or not, she and her siblings will all make great additions to their new families once they’re available for adoption.
Ryleigh.”

So much happy news 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