This Week’s Featured Adoptable Dogs @ Willamette Humane Society by Martha Russell

27 Wednesday Apr 2016

Posted by adoptanoregondog in This Week's Featured WHS Dogs

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adoptable dogs, adoption dogs, American Pit Bull Terrier, deserving dogs, dogs, fellow dog lovers, humane society, pit bull terrier, Pit Bull Terrier mix, shelter dogs, WHS, willamette humane society

Dear Fellow Dog Lovers,

We had some especially terrific dog adoptions during the past week, including a blind Jack Russell and an elder statesman Border Collie mix. I also have a swimming report, two foster reports, some amazing updates, and, of course, some featured adoptable dogs! So let’s get started.

There were a whopping seventeen dog adoptions during the past week! Some newbies arrived and were adopted so quickly, I never even met them! However, eight were Blog Dogs.

I was so excited for our little blind, but oh so happy and confident, Flash. He’s actually going to be a “service” dog to another dog in the family who suffers from separation anxiety. Both dogs were instant BFFs and Flash will help his sibling be brave and learn to be self-reliant by example. What an example he will be! Here he was last week as Jolene’s Swim Dog! Fearful of the water? Not in the least.

Gypsy was adopted by one of our own WHS volunteers. Her name is now Pitunia (get it?) and there will be an update on this happy new beginning at the end of this post.

I was at the shelter when our elder statesman Milo found his jackpot of a home. I caught the family just as they were leaving and they were very happy to pose for some pictures. It was so obvious, just watching them with Milo, that he will be loved to the moon and back! I already got a quick report about his adjustment: “He is SO smart, and SO goofy, he is absolutely captivating. He plays, fetches, and takes commands–he’s really something. Please thank EVERYBODY for the amazing and unexpected sendoff!!” And yes, he had quite a sendoff. Here are some pictures.

I’m being the best boy ever in my foster home! Now to find me a FOREVER home! Looking for a couch potato?

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you have read about Gypsy (now adopted) and her son, Guiseppe, an eight-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix. Like his mother, Guiseppe has been an outdoor dog his whole life. He has lived with other dogs, done great with children and even cats. But he has not been adopted yet. So this week he went to a foster home with his new “mom” Laura and her family. The first thing to happen after he got to the house was a name change. His new name is Daniel, given to him by Laura’s son. Laura has another WHS alumnus, Silas, a Pit Bull Terrier. To say Daniel has fit happily into Laura’s family is an understatement.

Here he was on his way to his foster home.

Once there, you’d think he’d need some time to settle in, right? Naw.

How about some time to feel comfortable with the family? Naw.

Laura sent me the following wonderful and thorough report.

“In the 18th and 19th centuries, Pit Bull Terriers used to be called ‘nanny dogs’ for their gentle and loyal nature with children. Daniel is no exception! He absolutely adores children and will climb up into their laps (even if he’s bigger than they are). He is an incredibly sweet, shy and demure dog looking for a couch of his own. His perfect home is one either with children and another older dog (a female would be ideal although he gets along with males, too), or people who are home a lot. He’s very mellow, so a retired owner would be great for him so he can be with his people. He does great in a crate when you are away from home. Daniel used to live only in a backyard and he shows his distaste for his former life by lying on the couch 90% of the time and not wanting to go outside except to go potty. He will endure the outdoors to hang out with you if you are relaxing out there. This boy is living very successfully with a two-year-old male Pit Bull Terrier, an eight-year-old Chihuahua and two cats. His foster home also has two very loud children, ages 9 and 12. He takes all the commotion in stride and becomes more calm and confident every day. His days of romping and playing are behind him and he doesn’t appreciate the playful shenanigans of young whippersnappers. He will live with any dog that gives him space but will let another dog know he doesn’t want to be jumped on or engaged in rough play. Due to his lack of socialization, he is a bit shy and fearful of anything new. He has likely never ridden in a car before coming to us, nor lived in a house (with all the sounds and commotion of that), gone on a walk, or any of the other normal things most dogs do. But don’t feel sorry for him. He’s happy now and looking forward to a bright future. He’s looking for a patient person who understands he will adjust at his own pace and not to push him to do new things too quickly. He would not enjoy a long car trip, staying in a hotel or camping right now. He wants to stay home and watch TV with you. For now, he needs to just know he is safe and to adjust to the good life of a house dog. Daniel may never be an off-leash dog. Shy dogs like him may get spooked and run off, even if he knows you and you call him.

Daniel is an amazing dog who will make someone so happy. If you want a dog to snuggle while curled up with a good book, he is your perfect match. He is an absolute heart-stealer, so if you want to meet him be prepared to welcome him into your family!

Daniel is a dog for:
-people who want an awesome, affectionate, people-oriented dog
-people with children (he doesn’t have to live with kids but he sure loves them!)
-people with cats or other mellow dogs
-people who like oversized lap dogs
-homebodies
-people who want a low-energy dog that doesn’t care for much exercise
-people who are patient and have time to help him fully come out of
his shell and blossom”

So there you have it. If Daniel is the dog you’ve been searching for, contact our WHS foster coordinator, Ashleigh, at foster@whs4pets.org. All of us who have fallen in love with this gentle, big-headed couch potato are hoping he’ll have his own couch and peeps very soon!

I got to go to the park with Jolene! And I did great!

Jax is still hopefully waiting for the perfect fit of a home to call his own. He has been hoping since December. Jax is a one-year-old Kelpie mix looking for a home with a woman and a dog pal, as he can be fearful of men. It takes him time to warm up to a new person and we’ve been working with him to increase his confidence. He has improved enough that we believe, in the right home, Jax will flourish. His adoption package includes weekly coaching appointments along with his person to help ensure his continued progress in social skills. One way Jax has improved in his confidence is car riding. He used to stop in his tracks when he thought he was going to have to get into a car. Not any more! Jolene was thrilled when she took him to the park on Saturday. Here is her report:

“Jax had an outing at Bush Park today. We jogged up to my car, I opened the door and he hopped right in! He had a wonderful time checking out the walkers, joggers, and youngsters playing baseball. Jax can be rather shy, so this outing was a big confidence builder. He was especially interested in the squirrels, but was quite willing to leave them alone and continue exploring all the sights and sounds of the park. When we came back from the park, he again just hopped right in the car. He was a tired, but happy boy when we went got back to the shelter.”

Here the goofy boy was on Sunday enjoying some relaxing time in the grass. Maybe THIS week will be his lucky one to find his forever home?

Daniel’s Pick of the Week!

If you are up for a very happy, exuberant youngster, then Royal might be your perfect fit! This adorable ten-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix is a recent transfer from California through our ASPCA partnership. She is extremely excited to now be an Oregon dog and can’t wait to find her forever family. Because she is such a joyful, bouncy girl, her adoption package includes the class Check In and Chill Out. She does already know how to sit when asked, if you catch her attention for a nanosecond! Daniel totally fell for this sweetheart.

I’m older than most of my friends, and they say I’m a hospice dog, but all I know is, I’m happy!

Elroy, a Rat Terrier mix, came to the shelter in very sad shape. He was extremely thin, and when I found out he was almost fifteen years old, I wondered if he would survive much longer. But survive he has! Once he had access to good food and love, he started to put on weight and got a spring in his step. Then volunteer Krystal took him home as a foster, and Elroy began to thrive. He fit right in with Krystal’s “pack” and soon was racing up the steps and curling up in a blanket on the couch. We don’t know how long Elroy has to live a happy dog life, but we’re determined to give him the best time we can. He doesn’t know he’s a hospice adoption dog, he just knows he’s happy. Marianne and I visited Elroy at Krystal’s house on Friday. If you’re interested in meeting Elroy, contact our foster coordinator, Ashleigh, at foster@whs4pets.org.

I’m looking for a fun and active family! I have a lot of energy and can’t wait to play with you!

Trevor was transferred to us from another shelter where he wasn’t adopted. He’s hoping he’ll find his new home through the help of WHS. This happy, three-year-old, fifty-three pound Lab mix is eager and very smart. He knows some commands and his favorite thing to do is romp with people or other dogs. He tries to match his play style with his playmates, and does pretty well with mingling among his friends. Because he is an energetic boy, his adoption package comes with the class Check In and Chill Out to help him learn better impulse control. Trevor is going to be a wonderful family dog once he improves a few manners through positive training. Here he was with Laslo on Sunday.

This afternoon I took Trevor out for his walk and a little work on impulse control. I was amazed at how quickly he picked up on my cues and paid attention to my requests. The excited jumpiness that he first exhibited when we started our walk quickly changed into turning and coming when I called him, then immediately sitting in front of me for a treat. After practicing this for a while with no jumping, we went into a yard for some fetch. What a ball dog Trevor is! Not only did he race after a tennis ball and return it, but he dropped it, then lay down to wait for the next throw. He was perfectly behaved. This sweet boy will be a fantastic dog for an active family. I can’t believe he hasn’t already been adopted up by some lucky peeps. Here are pictures from our romp.

Jolene came out and joined us. We both agreed, Trevor is an absolutely delightful, athletic young dog. Surely he’ll be adopted very soon.

I love my peeps here at the shelter, but I’m really ready to go home and have a real family. I promise to be your best friend!

Maisy continues to wait for someone to see past her outside and into her heart. Maisy is a ten-year-old Lab mix who has had a difficult life as the scars on her legs and body attest. She has been waiting for someone to fall in love with her since February. She has become a favorite of many shelter volunteers because of her gentle and affectionate nature. Maisy needs a cat-free home and, although she gets along with some dogs, would really prefer to be the only pet in the family. Maisy is house-trained, walks very well on leash, takes treats politely and loves to be with people. She will get the “zoomies” every so often and race around the yard, but soon she’ll lie down beside you for petting and scratches. This girl is a diamond in the rough, a treasure. She will be an easy member of the family, enjoying walks around the neighborhood, then hanging out with her peeps in the evening, curled up by their side. Maybe THIS will be Maisy’s lucky week to find her new home. Marianne and Caitlin are two of her favorite shelter peeps.

I’m back at WHS and I need another home. This time I hope it’s a forever one!

Cinnamon Roll (just Cinnamon to his friends) is a two-year-old eighty-pound Pit Bull Terrier mix. This big boy is looking for a special home. He needs one without cats, small dogs or small children. He loves to play rough and rowdy with big dogs his size and likes being with people. He is house-trained and very smart. In fact, he is so smart, he has learned how to open doors and get out of fenced yards. He says he just wants to know what’s on the other side, but he will need supervision when outside and a crate when left alone inside. He knows basic commands, is treat-motivated and likes to learn new things, so he will be fun to work with using rewards-based training. Here he was with Jolene on Sunday. We’re hoping that Cinnamon’s next home will be his perfect fit.

This afternoon, Marianne and I took Cinnamon out to a yard and, boy, did he love to play! He was so happy to be romping with us and although he is a big, energetic boy, he listened and responded very well to us. We are hoping he’ll soon find just the right person with whom he can go on adventures.

I was lost. Now I’m found and I need a retirement home. Do you have one?

Nelson is a Lab mix that we’re guessing is about nine years old. He was found wandering and a family took him in while they tried to locate his people, but had no luck. So they brought Nelson to WHS. But during the time he stayed with his temporary peeps, they learned some valuable information about him. Nelson is house-trained. He got along very well with their small dog and cat. He was good with the family’s daughter. This senior is a sweet boy who hopes he’ll soon be relaxing in his very own retirement home. Caitlin enjoyed her time with Nelson Sunday afternoon.

Marianne’s Pick of the Week!

Caroline couldn’t come this week, so Marianne got to pick today. Without hesitation, Marianne chose Tanner. I had taken Tanner out for his walk and then into a yard and Marianne had joined us. We were both smitten by this wonderful youngster. Tanner is a one-year-old Lab mix and has a ton of energy which he expended today by racing around the yard in one big circle while we watched. I was sure he’d be a ball dog, but while he’d dash after a thrown tennis ball, he quickly forgot where it landed and loped back to see if I had any treats. Tanner is a seventy-pound youngster who is looking for family with a yard big enough for him to exercise. He does need some work in impulse control which is why his adoption includes the Check In and Chill Out class. I was surprised at how nicely he walked on leash and how gently he takes treats. He knows basic commands and, when he’s not running and exploring, he settles down nicely for petting and more treats. Because of his size and youth, he’d be best with older children, but oh, what a terrific best friend he will be to some lucky family. Here are some pictures from our time with Tanner today.

Updates!

Lilly and Roscoe

Here they were at WHS during their LONG stay with us.

And here is an update from their new family.

“We have now had Roscoe and Lilly for two weeks. They had a rocky start adjusting as Mom was in Texas the first few days, so they only had Dad to help them. They also had two very spoiled cats to contend with. They also are adjusting to not being able to run loose in the neighborhood. They are coming along very well, however, and we will probably be using WHS training to help them settle into their new lives. In the meantime, we are so happy with their very cute, loving personalities. They are such cuddle bugs and are very willing to please. The entire family just loves them, and they us. They seem to love their new lives.”

Gypsy/Pitunia (and Riley)

Here was Gypsy at WHS a few weeks ago.

We were all thrilled when our very own WHS volunteer Joan adopted her.

Here was Riley in August, 2014.

And here is the rest of the story…

“I adopted Riley at WHS in August 2014. My dog, Bailey, had passed away earlier that year and I was devastated and not thinking about adopting another (3rd) dog. However, I was dog walking at WHS one morning and went into Riley’s kennel. There was something about that little guy that I can’t really describe, but he just walked into my heart and I took him home. I really needed a cuddler, and much to my amazement, he jumped on the bed and immediately snuggled next to me and we never looked back.

Fast forward to April 2016. I wasn’t looking for another dog at all. Meredith Kuhl needed a volunteer to bring a dog to the WHS Humaneatarian Awards ceremony and I immediately thought of Gypsy, a ten-year-old Pit Bull Terrier at the shelter. She seemed like such a good, mellow dog, so I picked her up and took her to the event. She spent the night with me that night and I was amazed at how well she fit in with the rest of my dogs (and cat). She had exactly the right energy level for our house, so after taking her home for respite several days, I decided she should come home and live with us. She is so mellow that even Riley loved her the minute she came in the house! I changed her name to Pitunia and the rest is history!”

I love the “Pitunia” name! Here are some pictures of the happy family.

Pitunia and Riley

Pitunia and her sister (another rescued Pit Bull Terrier).

Everybody…see the cat at the head of the bed?

Sadie/Fly

Remember Sadie, a recent adoption for another volunteer, Tom? I’ve been promised an update soon, but in the meantime what a difference a bath makes!

Sadie at WHS

At home with Tom after a bath!

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

This Week’s Featured Adoptable Dogs @ Willamette Humane Society by Martha Russell

20 Wednesday Apr 2016

Posted by adoptanoregondog in This Week's Featured WHS Dogs

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Tags

adoptable dogs, adoption dogs, American Pit Bull Terrier, deserving dogs, dogs, fellow dog lovers, humane society, pit bull terrier, shelter dogs, WHS, willamette humane society

Dear Fellow Dog Lovers,

Last Wednesday evening Willamette Humane Society celebrated the annual Humaneitarian Awards. Among others, three people whom you see often in my posts were honored for their dedication to our shelter dogs. Jolene and Tom were recognized for their time, expertise and commitment to WHS and Marianne received the Volunteer of the Year Award! She brought along Patience, a WHS alumna, who wasn’t quite sure what all the commotion was about. Here are some pictures of the wonderful evening. It is always so thrilling to see such deserving volunteers as Tom, Marianne and Jolene highlighted for their unselfish hearts.

BJ, our Executive Director, has a special place in her heart for sweet Patience, a symbol for WHS shelter dogs’ happy tales.

There were ten terrific dog adoptions during the past week. Here are the Blog Dogs among them.

Foxy was adopted from her foster home with volunteer Krystal. This little dog was so fearful when she first arrived that she hid behind Krystal’s couch and wouldn’t let Krystal touch her for for several days. Then she blossomed and here she is about to go home with her new person (pictured below). Fosters are such a vital part of saving shelter dogs. Thank you, Krystal, for giving yet another pup a happy future! Lucky Foxy!

Sadie (now Fly), a four-year-old Border Collie, was surrendered to WHS on April 9th and we all immediately smiled and thought of volunteer Tom. Tom has had Border Collies all his life. During the past year, he sadly lost both his beloved Ben and Daphne (a WHS alumna). Last October Sally, a sweet eleven-year-old Australian Shepherd mix arrived at WHS, and Tom adopted her. Being used to having two dogs, though, Tom waited patiently. So when Sadie showed up, Tom brought Sally to meet her. Here are pictures of that meet. Tom fostered Sadie for a week to see if Sally wanted a younger sister. On Sunday the three officially became family. Fly will now have the best home ever!

Yes, I’m a senior, but I still have a spring in my step!

Milo is one of our senior dogs who is absolutely delightful. He is a nine-year-old Border Collie mix. Since he came to us from another shelter where he was not adopted, we don’t know about his past, but he has won many hearts at WHS, not just mine. Milo is calm, quiet and polite. He knows several commands, takes treats nicely and walks well on leash. He will be the perfect companion for someone wanting a dog with no drama who is easygoing and affectionate. He would prefer a cat-free home and would like to meet any potential dog siblings, as he can be a bit picky about his dog friends. On Sunday afternoon, he took a nice walk with volunteer Gracie, while wearing a new bandana!

Later, after I finished taking pictures of new dogs, Marianne and I enjoyed hanging out with Milo. Volunteer Tom stopped by. Milo is such a treasure. Surely someone will realize he’s the perfect fit for their new best friend soon!

And that’s not all…

On Tuesday, Marianne needed some advice on garden supplies when she went to Lowe’s. So she picked up Milo on the way. Staff member Rachael went along for the ride. Here’s what Marianne wrote: “What a wonderful boy. Polite the entire time! He rides really well in the car, was perfect in the store and several people admired him (he is super handsome)! He helped me pick out some spray paint, garden soil, grass seed, and fertilizer. He loved the garden section.” Another great thing about adopting a senior dog: they’ve had a lot of experience and know stuff!

I’ve been waiting for my new family a long time. I’m a really good dog.

I have written about Harlow in the last several posts and am at a loss as to why this stunning boy is still without a forever home. Harlow is a six-year-old Weimaraner mix. He knows several commands including sit and down, and is very affectionate. He loves being with people and prefers hanging out with them to other dogs. He would like to be the only pet in the family and is not one who should go to dog parks because, while he gets along with some dogs, he doesn’t care for others. He can be sensitive to having his ears and feet touched, so a family with older children would be best for this big boy. Harlow is house-trained and walks nicely on leash. Here he was on Sunday with Jolene enjoying being outside. He’s one of Jolene’s current favorites. She reports he is smart and fun to train.

Jolene put it well, when she said today, “Harlow has a fun, goofy side that few people see.” Well, I snapped the following pictures this afternoon, trying to catch that side.

Don’t worry, Gracie, I don’t need my eyes when I can follow my nose!

I first wrote about Flash last week, but he is such a remarkable little guy, I wanted to feature him again. Flash is a nine-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. He had to have both eyes removed because of glaucoma, but has adjusted well and loves to go for walks (his nose was always more important to him than his eyes anyway). He loves car rides, is house-trained and is fine when left alone. He has lived happily with other dogs and cats. He likes children, but they need to be older so they understand not to startle him since he can’t see them. This boy is gentle and calm and would enjoy sitting with you on the couch and snoozing. He did amazingly well in playgroup which was held inside last week because of rain. He entered the room, walked around the perimeter to get his bearings, then seemed to feel confident and did fine with the other dogs. Here he was with Gracie on Sunday and he was even smiling!

I’m a newbie and I can’t wait to meet my forever family!

Champ is Pit Bull Terrier mix and we’re guessing he’s about four years old. He came from another shelter and we don’t know his history, but what we do know is that he’s a happy-go-lucky boy. Jolene and I met him for the first time on Sunday and both of us liked him instantly. Champ does have lots of energy and so will need an active family. He also needs some positive-based training to learn better impulse control, since in his enthusiasm, he can be jumpy. Because of this, his adoption package comes with a class called Check In and Chill Out. He seems to get along with other dogs who are rough and rowdy just like he is. Champ is just so darn happy to see everyone! He knows several commands and it’s obvious he wants to be the best family dog ever. We’re hoping he’ll soon find his perfect people.

This is his “Won’t you adopt me?” look.

This is his, “Hey, want to play with me?” pose.

Daniel’s Pick of the Week!

This week Daniel picked a new dog in the shelter named Bo, a four-year-old Retriever mix. Bo was extremely shy and nervous when he first arrived, but what a difference a few days make! Today he was much more outgoing and confident. He will need a family who will be patient and understanding, as he is sensitive about handling. He has been an outdoor dog for a while, would like to be an indoor dog again and since he is house-trained, it should be an easy adjustment. Bo is afraid of loud noises, so a calm and quiet home would be best for him. He is crate-trained and knows basic commands. He is very treat-motivated, so positive training will be a breeze for this sweet dog. Daniel saw a playful, goofy side of Bo and instantly knew he’d be his pick of the week.

I’m an uncomplicated sort of a guy looking for a new home. Need a Lab?

George is another newbie to WHS. He is a five-year-old Lab mix who is just about perfect…well, except for being a tad (okay, a lot) overweight. George has lived happily with other dogs, cats and kids. He scored so well on his behavior assessment that he is approved as a PG dog, which rarely happens. George walks well on leash, knows basic commands and is a happy, laid-back kind of boy. Caitlin loved spending time with George on Sunday. Walks around the neighborhood, fewer treats, some diet food and George WILL be perfect!

I am hoping that THIS week will be the one I get adopted!

Maisy remains hopeful that any day now, she’ll find her forever peeps. Maisy is a ten-year-old Lab mix who has had a hard life, but since she’s been at WHS, she has blossomed. Maisy has the spring back in her step and is now a happy girl! She’s looking for a home without cats, and would need to meet any canine sibling. Maisy may not be the prettiest or the youngest dog at the shelter, and she has scars on her legs and body from her previous life, but you’ll never meet a more affectionate, people-loving dog anywhere. Marianne is absolutely over the moon for this sweetheart and can’t wait for her to find a loving home.

Caroline’s Pick of the Week!

If you are a regular reader of my posts, you know that Caroline usually chooses big, lively dogs for her weekly picks. But today we were both so impressed with little eleven-pound Stitch, that Caroline chose him. Stitch is a one-year-old Dachshund/Yorkshire Terrier mix. He is pretty much an ideal little dog. He has lived happily with dogs, cats and children of all ages. He’s fine when left alone. He loves to play with toys, is house-trained and is a cuddler. But what impressed Marianne and me the most were his manners. He knows basic commands (so many little dogs are not taught to sit when asked), takes treats very nicely and is simply a very polite little guy. I’m sure he won’t be staying at the shelter for long.

Clancy’s the name…adopt me’s the game!

Clancy has been waiting at the shelter since March 17th. He was found as a stray and is about a year old. He’s a sixty-six pound Pit Bull Terrier mix. Clancy is a happy, boisterous young dog who loves people. He is smart and treat-motivated, so will learn new skills easily and quickly. He already knows basic commands and is eager to please. He loves to play with Harlow, but his rough and rowdy style and intensity can be too overwhelming for some dogs, so he is considered “dog selective.” Clancy’s adoption package includes two classes, one for his new person, “Dog Smart,” and one for him with his new peep, “Check In and Chill Out.” Both classes will help everyone get started on the happy road of becoming a family. He’s become one of Jolene’s favorites—here he was today with her. We’re hoping Clancy won’t have to wait much longer at the shelter for his perfect fit of a person.

Yes, I need some positive training work, but hey, I’m just a kid! I’ll learn fast!

Shane is a ten-month-old Border Collie mix youngster who is one happy, enthusiastic boy. He was found as a stray, so we don’t know his story, but he is eager and ready to learn some manners to help his impulse control. This will start with a “Check In and Chill Out” class that is included with his adoption. Since Shane loves treats, he will no doubt be a quick study and with some consistency and patience, he will mature into a wonderful family member. If you enjoy positive dog training and are looking for a willing and excited new student, Shane may be your perfect fit. Here he was on Sunday with Caitlin, one of his biggest fans.

Update!

Titan/Titus

Remember our sweet boy, Titan? He was surrendered to WHS twice, but his third home was so worth waiting for! He was loved by so many of us at the shelter. Here he was posing for my Christmas post.

And here is what his new person wrote about him last week. Such a lucky pair!

“I adopted Titus from Willamette Humane Society right after New Years. I had lost my elder Shar-Pei the previous April, and I felt ready to open my heart again. I knew I wanted to rescue an adult dog. I felt that I’d never find a Pei at a shelter, but started looking. One day I decided out of the blue to look at the WHS website. I couldn’t believe it!!! We were perfect for each other when I read his bio. I immediately sent an email for interest, and placed a Hold, even though there was another Hold ahead of me. The people ahead of me let their Hold expire! A shelter staff person called me to tell me. I was so overjoyed!! I waited until the next public day and drove from Tigard down to Salem with my dad. We met Titus and I just knew. He looked at me with his whiskey-colored eyes and I knew, even with his medical consult, I was ok with all, because I am knowledgeable of the care level and issues a Pei can have. He was such a beautiful Pei inside and out.

Because he needed to finish his round of meds and have a final vet check, I had to wait a week. When I called and was told he was all clear I almost cried!! I took off work and motored down I-5 the next day. I made sure I was first in line at the door. I will tell you, the experience I had with Willamette staff from the night I got the first call about the Hold, to the Volunteer and Vet Tech with whom we met Titus, to my Adoption Specialist, they were all phenomenal. Not only are the staff professional, but they truly care about the animals and seeing them find a great home. The shelter is very clean, doggies have stuffies, and clean blankies are stacked up. It’s truly a great place!

Finally, Titus got to come home with me. I had purchased a new collar in the pet shop, had bought him a new bed and grain-free food and treats the night before. On the ride home at first he would only look out the window, but man was he a great car rider! I knew he’d need time. So I stopped and got some French fries in Woodburn. We shared those fries, and started to bond. He looked right at me and would take the fry gently. My heart warmed. He then curled into his little ball he does and slept the rest of the way home.

Three months later, he has not, and still does not show any of the “issues” that his previous families gave him up for. He will walk right into the bathtub for his bi-weekly baths. He loves his stuffies and Nylabone. I have an awesome Nature’s Pet by me that I love to find cool new toys and healthy treats at for him. His best friend is a nine-year-old diva Chihuahua named Lady. They ride together in the car, go on walks together to the park. Lady will share her favorite frog squeaker with Titus. But most of all, he has made my heart full. We “get” each other. We both do well with routine and a chill environment with some fun thrown in. He’s my favorite and I love him very much!!!”