Dear Fellow Dog Lovers,

I’m beginning this week’s post with a very special shelter dog story.

WHS Alumnus, Dallas, earns Trick Dog Champion Title!

Dallas arrived at WHS on October 11, 2013 in a transfer from an overcrowded California shelter. He was described as a one-year-old Dalmatian/Australian Shepherd mix. He was a happy-go-lucky boy with poor kennel presentation, little knowledge of basic commands, patchy fur, and house-training issues. From the moment I met him, jumping up and down in his kennel, I worried about who would adopt this energetic, “bull in a china shop” dog. And though he could be a challenge to harness and take out for his walk, he found a special place in my heart.

Emelynn was another volunteer who fell for this goofy boy.

Karla Krieg started volunteering at WHS the same month I did and has often fostered dogs with “issues.” It wasn’t long before Dallas went home with Karla for her to assess exactly what all of his problems were. I talked with Karla frequently about Dallas’ progress and gently asked if Karla, herself, might adopt him, as she did not have a dog at that time. Her answer was always a quick and firm “no.” Dallas was not her kind of dog. But secretly, I kept hoping that Dallas would win Karla over. And after almost three months, he did. On February 13, 2014, Karla drove to the shelter to adopt a dog she had been sure she would never want. She named him Wilbur.

In Karla’s own words:

“Wilbur (Dallas) was my foster failure.  The plan certainly wasn’t to adopt, but I worried about Wilbur’s future. When I went to pick him up, I thought, ‘I can’t believe I’m taking this home.’  He was a live wire and surviving kennel entry and harnessing him was a challenge.  At home he was a 100-mile-an-hour whirlwind, with little education or impulse control. He was also not house trained.  And he wasn’t a classic beauty either.  A disarray of black and gray splotches against his pink skin and white hair obscured his facial features. ‘Dallas, who is going to adopt and love you?’ I asked.   But he was entertaining, endearing and his attitude was ‘The glass is full!’  After more than two months of trying not to adopt him, I gave in.

“Now named Wilbur, after the pig in Charlotte’s Web, he remains much of who he was except he’s been ‘home schooled.’  A doer, Wilbur needed a job, a way of not being bored.  So we worked on skills together.”

And work, they did. Recently they completed training for Wilbur to earn his Trick Dog Champion certificate! Once he mastered all of the required skills, I videoed his performance to submit to the Do More With Your Dog national organization. As Karla says, “The video is a testament to positive-based training.  Applied with an understanding of its underlying principles and concepts, almost anything is possible.  And most importantly, positive training makes for a happy dog!”  

After submitting this video, we waited anxiously to see if the two of them would pass. Well, Karla and I waited anxiously, Wilbur was oblivious. He was happy as long as he could spend time with Karla and work for treats. Last week I returned to Karla’s for pictures so I could share their success with you.

Congratulations, Karla and Wilbur!

 

 

We had an amazing dog adoption week with twenty-four going to their new homes! Included was our long-termer, Girlie! Here are all the Blog Dogs who have new families.

I was lucky to be at the shelter when both Noel and Pixie went home with their peeps.

 

 

 

 

Need a buddy? Well, that’s my name!

Look at this face. Did you smile? Buddy is a twelve-year-old Lab mix who is looking for a relaxed, adult (teenagers are fine) retirement home where you and he can play some fetch, go for some walks, then stretch out on the couch and nap. He is house-trained (of course, has been for years), knows basic commands, and loves to be with people. Being a senior, he can have issues with some dogs, so should be the only pet in the home. If you’re looking for an uncomplicated, easy-going new best friend, you may have found your buddy! Here he is with Caitlin who has become one of his many shelter fans.

 

 

 

Yes, I’m another senior. Yes, I, too, am in search of a retirement home.

From the moment I met Mabel, I was smitten. She arrived recently from another Oregon shelter where she was not adopted. Mabel is at least seven years old and is an American Staffordshire Terrier mix.

I wrote about her in last week’s post, but she is still waiting for someone who enjoys the company of old souls, so we decided to spend some time with her in the Ed Hall and show you just what a couch potato she is! She isn’t much interested in getting up to play with toys, as you’ll see. Mabel wants a home where she can spend her time snoozing next to her person, going for relaxing strolls, and hanging out with her peeps. She walks slowly and we’re not sure how much she can hear anymore, but she loves to cuddle and is a happy gem of a gal.

Here she is with volunteer Brendan on Sunday afternoon.

 

 

 

I’m new and I’m staying in a foster home right now, but you can still adopt me!

Meet beautiful Felina, a one-year-old Shepherd mix. She was very nervous when she arrived and staff decided she’d do best away from the shelter, so she is spending some time in a foster home. But I got to meet her before she left, and in the quiet environment of the Ed Hall, even though she still looked uneasy, she relaxed enough to pose for some pictures. Felina knows several commands (sit, down, shake), is food-motivated, and a quick learner. Because she is shy, she’ll need slow introductions, and a patient and understanding family. Here she was with Caroline on Sunday. She is a sweet dog with terrific potential to be a wonderful family member.

 

 

 

Spent some time in the Ed Hall Sunday. I like it in there!

Axel is still at the shelter, but doesn’t seem to be stressing out about it. He continues to be his usual goofy self, loving his outings and attention from his many fans, like Marianne.Axel is a three-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix. He is an active boy who loves to play with any toy he has (as you can see in these pictures!). But after some energetic exercise, Axel loves nothing more than relaxing with his peeps, toy stuffed in his mouth. He is house-trained and knows basic commands. He is a good listener and loves to learn. He’d be great in a family with older (10+) kids, but wants to be the only pet.

I love it when he looks up at me like this…it happens when I have cheese. 🙂

And if you have ever wondered if one could have too many toys, wonder no more!

 

 

 

 

I’m a playful pup and I can’t wait to find my new family!

Hadley is a seven-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix who is a happy, exuberant youngster who can’t wait to meet his new family. This boy is smart, eager and excited to learn new things, have adventures, and explore the world with his people. He will need a family without small animals, as he thinks it’s fun to chase them. And while he loves children, he’ll need to go home with older kids who will be conscientious about not letting him run loose where he can get into chasing trouble in the neighborhood. Hadley will never be an off-leash kind of dog. But if you’re looking for an affectionate, devoted friend who will love to play and then plop down with you and relax, Hadley may be your perfect fit. Here he was on Sunday with Laslo.

 

 

 

We have one update, and it’s about a dog I didn’t get the chance to meet. Lucy, a senior girl at nine years old, arrived at WHS in January, very shy and unsure. She went very quickly into the loving foster arms of volunteer Krystal who gave Lucy the time and security she needed to be adopted. Her new family is over the moon in love with Lucy. Here is their update:

“Lucy is doing wonderfully. She was accepted by my other Chihuahuas with kisses the moment she walked in the door. I think they were so happy to finally have another sibling. We lost 3 of their siblings in the last year and things just weren’t the same. When I saw Lucy on the website I just knew she was the one. She has brought joy and happiness back into our home and lives. I like to think of it as she rescued us, not the other way around. There was no adjustment period at all for her. She just walked in and it was like she’d been here all along. Words can’t express how thankful I am to have her, not only for my girls but for myself. She has brought light back into my days after so much grief. She is constantly wagging her tail. I think she knows she is finally home and won’t be going anywhere else. She snuggles with my girls and runs around playing with them, too. She’s like the puzzle piece that was missing. She is an absolute joy every single day. She’s spoiled rotten, of course, with lots of cuddles and kisses and car rides and extra goodies. She gets to go on a walk every day with her sisters. She’s getting the life she deserves and I can’t thank the Humane Society and her foster mom enough for allowing me to be this sweet girl’s mommy. Thank you so very much. We are truly blessed and she is very treasured.”

Lucy is the tan one. 🙂

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,

It was an incredibly busy week for Willamette Humane Society. Over thirty dogs were flown to us from California on Friday! They have been settling in and on Sunday I took pictures of twenty-five of them, the rest I got today. Because there are so many newbies and because I don’t know them well yet, there will be a lot of “Quick Look” dogs this post. We have some terrific new faces who were a bit overwhelmed on Sunday, but are looking forward to becoming adopted into Oregon families. I also have some wonderful updates to share with you.

But first, here are the Blog Dogs who were adopted since last week’s post.

Friday’s swim dog was Pippy and Marianne and I had a great time with this sweetheart. Since she’s already been adopted, I’ll just post a few of her Bailey’s Journey swim pictures.

 

I’m going to start this week’s post with three terrific dogs who were recently adopted but have been returned to us. In each case their new family loved them, but because their circumstances changed, or the family just wasn’t quite the right fit, they could no longer keep the dog. One of the best things about our shelter is that we welcome back any of our dogs who need to find a new home.

 

I’m back, but it’s not my fault. And now I have my own fluff ball!

Our wonderful giant puppy, Charlie, was returned after being adopted again last week. While he was a good boy, there were landlord issues that were not his fault. The first time Charlie was adopted, we learned that he cannot live with cats. After he was returned the first time, I bought him his own giant fluff ball since he LOVED to play with one I brought from home. But before I could give it to him to take home, he was adopted the second time. I still had it in my car when he was returned on Sunday, so I’m happy to say he now has his own giant ball to take home with him next time, which we all hope will be soon. Charlie is a very active nine-month-old giant puppy. He’s a seventy-four pound American Staffordshire mix. He is looking for a family who wants a playful, happy dog to have adventures with. Charlie loves kids, but because of his size, needs to go home with older, sturdy ones. And he’ll need some brush-up on house-training. He enjoys playing with other dogs and would love to meet any dogs he would be going home with. Charlie also requires a feline-free home, as he does not like pesky cats (his term). If you are up for a happy-go-lucky, let’s play, play, play youngster, Charlie may be the one for you. I’m posting his play video again this post in case you missed it last time. This boy is such a goof! This afternoon, after all the dogs had been walked, Marianne and I took Charlie into the Ed Hall for some play time. He got to play with HIS fluff ball and it was a huge hit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m the whole giant package!

Caroline, Marianne, and I fell in love with eighty-pound Opey the minute we met this lovable giant and I planned on featuring him in my blog—but he was adopted so quickly, I didn’t get the chance. Opey is back now, and like Charlie, his return was not his fault, and his people loved him. Opey is a two-year-old Staffordshire/Bull Terrier mix. He is such an easy-going guy, his family reported that he got along with the cat, the other dog, and he loved the children. Because of his size, he’ll need older kids, but what love and fun he will bring to his family! He has done well in our shelter play groups, but would like to meet any new dog siblings. Opey loves toys and his favorite place to hang out at the shelter is in our Real Room with his peeps. Here he was before he was adopted, relaxing with two of his many fans.

Yes, he thinks he’s a lap dog!

 

 

 

I’m looking for someone who will be patient with my insecurities.

Alana is a sweet senior girl with a heart-grabbing face, who is waiting for just the right person to fall in love with her. She is a nine-year-old Boxer mix and is so gentle, she is rated “G” for any age! Alana was adopted once, but was returned because she needed more time than the busy young family could give her. Alana wants nothing more than to hang out with her family, take leisurely walks, and curl up leaning against you. She feels the safest when she is touching you. Are you retired and in need of a quiet, loving companion? Alana may be your perfect match. She’d enjoy spending time with your grandchildren, then curling up with you to nap. Here she was a few weeks ago, before she was adopted, spending time with Kim in the Real Room.

 

 

 

I’m a Blog Regular! Still here. Still waiting for my new family.

Our longest-term resident, Rosco, was his usual happy self on Sunday. Marianne and I had a fun time with him in a yard where he was eager to show off his skills, including his sit/stay which he does perfectly. Rosco is a four-year-old Dutch Shepherd mix who is looking for a family where he can be the only pet. His ideal home will be one where his people are interested in continuing his rewards-based training and who will give him physical exercise every day. He loves walks, playing fetch, and toys. He’s a very social guy who greatly enjoys humans—teenagers and above.

He stays so well!

When called to come, he runs up, stops, and sits at my feet.

Such a good boy!

 

 

 

I may be a little older and a little slower than those youngsters in other kennels, but you won’t find a better friend than me.

Mabel is a seven-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix who came to us from another Oregon shelter where she was not adopted. She arrived before Saint Patrick’s Day, and happily wore a scarf, but she wasn’t available yet, so I couldn’t post her picture. Mabel is a sweet old soul who is looking for a quiet retirement home where she can spend her time snoozing next to her person, going for relaxing strolls, and just hanging out with her family. She walks slowly and we’re not sure how much she can hear anymore, but she loves to cuddle and is a happy gem of a gal. For someone with a heart that melts for seniors, Mabel will be a perfect new best friend. Here she was dressed up for St. P’s day and on Sunday with Jenna.

 

 

 

 

And now, let’s meet some of the newbies just arrived in Oregon.

 

Introducing Spring, a one-year-old Carolina Dog mix, here with Marianne.

 

 

Meet Hadley, a seven-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier goofball, posing with Marianne.

 

There is more than one way to get off a couch!

 

 

This is Gallagher, a two-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix, here with Jolene.

 

 

This is Sophie, a two-year-old English Bulldog mix, with Caitlin.

 

 

Meet Jojo, a three-year-old American Staffordshire mix, keeping Marianne company.

 

 

This is shy Pepe, a one-year-old Norwich Terrier mix, here with Jolene.

 

 

This is sweet Audrey, a three-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix, here with Diane.

 

 

Meet Otto, a one-year-old Irish Wolfhound, with Caitlin, one of his biggest fans.

 

 

This is Ginger, a three-year-old Shih Tzu mix, here with Jolene.

 

 

Meet Pixie, a one-year-old mixed breed girl, playing with Jolene.

 

 

I can’t write a post without including Girlie, one of our long-termers and a favorite of both Marianne and mine. Girlie is a seven-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix who loves to romp, but also is a huge lover of cuddles with her peeps. Here she was today with Marianne and me.

No one can say that Girlie doesn’t know how to relax!

 

 

 

We have two wonderful updates this post!

Aragon/Kay-Tuesso!

Aragon was transferred to WHS from another Oregon shelter where he didn’t get adopted. Here he was posing for me when he arrived.

And here is his family’s update.

“We are just shy of one week having brought Aragon, who we renamed Kay-Tuesso (after my favorite Star Wars droid…we call him Kay for short) home. He is the sweetest goofball I have ever had the pleasure of cuddling 🙂

He has been incredible in all his human interactions (even with youngsters!!) and we are slowly working on introducing him to the Queen of the house, our cat, that we also adopted from WHS.

This week has mostly been a lot of new experiences for the goober. We hiked Mt. Pisgah, he met his new vet, made friends with a giant German Shepard pup and he has been disc golfing with his dad twice! He loves discing. It’s outdoors time and things flying through the air, it’s like a perfect day for a rambunctious dog! Although he is quite active and loves to play, he also loves to cuddle up next to us and catch some zzz’s. Sometimes it feels like he thinks he can’t get close enough to us when he is trying to sleep. It’s adorable and I can hardly handle the cuteness!

We have already scheduled some one-on-one training lessons for him, and I can’t wait to see him realize his full potential! Thank you WHS for bringing such a silly, fun and loving pup into our lives!”

 

Milo!

Milo was one of my all-time favorite dogs. I wrote about him several times. Here’s what I wrote in the April 20, 2016 post:

“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.”

Look at that face!

He loved hanging out with his peeps, here with Marianne, Tom, and me.

Milo’s many fans were over the moon when he was adopted. What we didn’t know at the time was that Milo was going to have a wonderful extended family. Kimberley, who came to the shelter in late April to adopt Milo, actually wanted him for her father who was recovering from a major illness. It was love at first sight when the two met. Kim reported that Milo seemed to know that her father needed a quiet new best friend. Since that time, Milo has become quite the traveler with the family and deeply loved by everyone. And much to our surprise, Milo is far from being the “old man” that we thought he was.

Yes, he has his own seat in the RV.

He sleeps UNDER the covers.

No words are needed.

And for those of us who thought Milo was an “old man,” Kim sent along this video.

 

On those very happy updates, 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