Dear Fellow Dog Lovers,

I’m back home after a visit to Michigan to see family. I had a great time and even got my dog fixes with my brother Stan and sister-in-law Nan’s rescued dog, Sammy,

and my niece Lisa’s family dogs, Koda and Chance.

It was good to get back to WHS and meet all the new dogs who had arrived during my absence. However, before I introduce some of them, I’m thrilled to be able to report that there were 37 dogs adopted since my last post! Here are the Blog Dogs who now are in their forever homes.

One new arrival was adopted very soon after I took her pictures for the WHS website. I can’t resist putting in this shot of little Daisy that I took just before she met her new family.

 

 

 

When I arrived at the shelter after being gone ten days, I stopped in to say hi to Kimmi, our Volunteer Manager. She wasn’t in but her assistants were.

 

 

 

I’m a little shy at first, but I’m a very good boy!

Diesel is a two-year-old American Bulldog mix. It took him a little time to adjust to life in his kennel, but he has improved his kennel presentation and is enjoying the attention he is getting from staff and volunteers. Diesel has enjoyed playgroups and has gotten along very well with both other shelter dogs and owned dogs. He knows several commands (sit, down, shake), is house-trained, and took my treats gently. Because of his size (72 pounds), he’ll need to go home with older kids and an experienced family. Although I don’t know Diesel well yet, I can say he’s a happy boy who is anxious to meet his new family. His adoption even comes with a training class to help his owners learn how to teach him to be a perfect family dog. Here he is with Jolene.

 

 

 

I’m a little nervous in the shelter. I’m hoping I get adopted real soon!

Little Ivy is feeling stressed in her kennel and can’t wait for her forever person to find her. This cutie is a Parson Russell Terrier mix. She is eight years old and is looking for a retired person to share the retired life with. Ivy is house-trained, loves to cuddle, go for walks, and just hang out with her peeps. She has a good history with cats, dogs, and believe it or not, chickens! As you can see, she likes to have a paw or two on her person. We’re hoping Ivy goes to her retirement home soon! Here she is with Marianne, Jessica and Gracie.

 

 

 

Yes, I’m a Bloodhound. You know you love me!

Jackson is a seven-year-old purebred Bloodhound with a wonderful Bloodhound face. I mean just look at this face!

According to dogbreedinfo.com, “The Bloodhound is a kind, patient, noble, mild-mannered and lovable dog. Gentle, affectionate and excellent with children, this is truly a good natured companion. Their noses are so superb that it is hard for them to not wander off after an interesting scent.“

Staff member Brianna took Jackson home and reported what she learned about him: “He came home with me for a few days, just to get out of the shelter for a little while. During that time I have learned quite a lot about him. Jackson should go to a home without stairs because of his size and age, stairs are a little bit of a struggle. He LOVES car rides; although you may need to give him a little extra help getting in, but then you’ve got a natural co-pilot! Even though he is a hound, he doesn’t make much noise in the house, which I was pleasantly surprised to find out. Drool on the other hand….Jackson may be a little shy at first meet, but if you give him a minute, he will welcome you with lots of love! Jackson can go to a home with other dogs, he just needs to be fed separate, because he doesn’t like to share his food.”

Our Behavior Program Manager, Catherine, seconded Brianna’s assessment of Jackson. “I agree—this dog is the best!! If you like big, gregarious, dog-friendly dogs, this guy is AMAZING. He’s been a total rock star in our playgroup, keeping some of our more energetic dogs down to a sociable level and seems to enjoy all dogs. He’s a little too much love for the little dogs but there’s not a mean bone in his body. Great big hunka love!”

For a breed-savvy person, Jackson will be a perfect fit. He has a bit of a cold at the moment, so is in the ISO kennels, but is still adoptable and will soon be well. Here he is with Caroline. We’re hoping this sweet boy will be enjoying his forever home very soon!

   

 

 

 

I’m a great family dog, looking for a great family!

Meet Hank, a ten-year-old Shepherd/Rottweiler mix. Hank does not act his age and is a happy, energetic boy. He has an excellent history with kids ages five and up. He is house-trained, walks perfectly on leash and has nice house manners. He has lived with other dogs, but should meet any potential dog siblings. He cannot, however, go home with cats. The temptation to chase them is too great. Here he is playing with Kathy.

I love this pensive picture of Hank.

 

 

 

I’ve been a big help at the shelter!

Have you ever seen a happier grin? This is Coconut, a two-year-old Staffordshire Terrier/Bulldog mix who is packed full of energy and excitement. While she scored very well on her behavior assessment, she needs to learn to channel her energy which is why her adoption package includes the training class Check In and Chill Out. This sweetheart will make a wonderful family dog once she learns some impulse control. She will be a terrific hiking or jogging partner and will be a loyal best friend. As you can see, Marianne and Daniel are two of her many fans.

And she even got to help with the WHS fence project! (Although it looks like she thought it was play ball time). Volunteer Marla sent me this photo from last week’s work.

 

 

 

Rosco goes on another adventure!

If you are a regular reader of my blog posts, you’ll remember that Rosco got to visit the tulip fields awhile back with his friend, Jordyn. Last week Jordyn sent me another report on a new adventure.

“The other day Rosco and I went to the beach! He did great with dogs/people. We sat and watched the waves for hours. When I went inside a store, I had food in my truck and he didn’t touch it. He will only take something if I give it to him, and he will only come out of my truck when I tell him it’s ok. I thought those were awesome traits that few dogs have. He’s learned to balance treats on his nose. He really is one of the greatest dogs I’ve had the pleasure of calling my friend.”

Rosco is a two-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix who has been patiently waiting for his forever family since early March. He has many, many people who love him and hope he finally finds his new home soon. Here he was today with another one of his supporters, Ashley, who has been coming to WHS during her lunch breaks to spend a little time with her favorite boy. Can you tell that he’s very happy to see her?

 

 

 

We’re back and waiting for the perfect home for both of us!

I first wrote about Beagle mixes Tara and Hunter in October of 2013. They were at the shelter for two months before finally getting adopted together. But their family is moving and had to give them up, so they are back with us to find a new family. This time they hope for their forever home. Tara is ten years old and Hunter is nine. The siblings have lived together their whole lives and need to stay together. They are happy, eager, friendly and active. They both would like to lose some weight, but walks around the neighborhood would do the trick. They also need secure fencing, as in the past they have gone exploring together. Today Emelynn and I took them out to the big yard and they loved running around sniffing all the smells. These two are favorites of many of us and we hope their next home will be their last.

 

 

 

I’m a little shy, but I’ll be your very best friend forever!

I first met little Dixie when my friend and fellow volunteer Krystal asked if I’d pick Dixie up from the shelter and deliver her to Krystal’s house for a respite, as Krystal was unable to get to WHS before it closed Friday night. I introduced myself to Dixie and she was overjoyed to get to go for a ride in my car. She was a perfect little passenger, though she preferred to ride in my lap rather than in her bed. When we arrived at Krystal’s house, it was obvious that Dixie had been there before and trotted up to the door, happily greeting Krystal’s four dogs, as everyone barked excitedly. After they all settled down, they took turns getting treats, and Dixie was totally relaxed. She is a five-year-old Chihuahua mix, house-trained, and such a cuddler. As you can see, she enjoys being in people’s arms, here with Caroline.

 

 

 

I’m really hoping I’ll get a forever home this time!

This is the second time Sarah has been at WHS. She came in 2013 and was adopted. On May 21st, she was transferred back to WHS from the Marion County dog shelter, having been found as a stray. We’re all hoping that she’ll be adopted by a loving family, this time for good. Sarah is a four-year-old Retriever/Border Collie mix. She is loving and active. She has lots of energy for play and exercise. She’d be a perfect fit for our WHS training classes where she and her new family could bond while learning new skills. Jessica and Gracie fell in love with this sweet girl.

 

 

 

Yes, I’m still here…waiting.

Sweet Pea continues to hope for her forever family. I don’t understand why no one has fallen in love with this girl. She has lost some weight, which is a good thing, as she’s looking more trim. But she seems to be getting discouraged about finding a home. Sweet Pea had a difficult life before coming to the shelter and we are all hoping for her to have a happy future. She is an eight-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix. Sweet Pea loves people and other polite dogs. She walks well on leash, loves to have her tummy scratched and is very happy when getting attention. She will romp with other dogs for brief periods and is thrilled while doing so. She is a gentle soul who takes treats politely and will be a wonderful laid-back and quiet companion. Maybe this will be her lucky week! Jolene is one of her many fans.

 

 

 

Emelynn’s Pick of the Week!

Emelynn fell in love with Charlotte‘s cute face today. This happy girl is a one-year-old American Bulldog mix. She has lots of energy and will need an active family to keep up with her. She is house-trained, takes treats gently and is food-motivated, so training will be fun! She would love to attend some of the WHS classes so she can learn how to be the perfect family best friend. Emelynn loves her eagerness for play and her sunny disposition. We both think Charlotte will find her forever family soon!

 

 

 

I’m new here. Want to take me home with you for keeps?

One of the new dogs I met this week is Anne, a nine-year-old Border Collie mix. She is a beauty and is looking for a home where she can retire and enjoy the company of a loving family. She knows she needs to lose a little weight to get her girlish figure back, but that could be achieved with walks around the neighborhood. We don’t know about her past, as she was a stray transferred to us by the Marion County shelter. I have a feeling a Border Collie lover will fall for Anne soon! Kylie and Kim did!

 

 

Updates!

There are two terrific updates this week!

Winter/Sparkles

“Hello! I adopted Winter…his name now is Sparkles!!! Here is an update on the little fella. He is adjusting well and is very happy to be spoiled and pampered with kisses and love. He also has a brother now named Cooper. They are starting to bond and it’s adorable! I’m so grateful for this sweet angel puppy!”

 

Tai Long/Chato

“My family adopted Tai Long (his new name is Chato). We recently lost our beloved old dog Wubbie and have been so sad without a dog in our home. We knew that we wanted another dog, but weren’t sure how long we should grieve the loss of Wubbie. We came to WHS in search of a specific dog that was not available and instead found Chato. We just wanted you all to know that he is in good hands and that we are so grateful to have found him. He is such a sweet, loving boy. From the moment he got in the car, he instantly was attached. It’s been a little over 24 hours since he became part of our family and he has not left our side. He’s the BIGGEST lover! He wants nothing more than to lay in one of our laps. Everyone in our home is lavishing him with ear rubs, kisses and affection and he gives us kisses right back. He has been such a gentleman. He walks well on a leash and is house trained, but more than anything he has brought the unconditional love and affection back into our home, that only a dog can bring, that we have missed since losing our Wubbie. The staff and volunteers at WHS were amazing and we are so thankful that we had the opportunity to find our new forever furry family member. We know our Wubbie would approve. Chato is a blessing to us and we’re thankful that you all kept him safe until we could find each other.”

 

Could this boy LOOK any more relaxed?!

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