Dear Fellow Dog Lovers,

It’s good to be back! This week’s post will be a potpourri, as I catch up on a lot of shelter news after being gone for two weeks.

First of all, the WHS annual Bowser’s Boo Bash (the biggest shelter fundraiser each year) was Saturday evening. As always, it was wonderful and a total of $125,000 was raised for our dogs and cats! Here are a few shots I took of some of the attendees: people, adoptable pups, and alum dogs.

 

 

 

Kittens!

It was great to be back with my “shelter peeps” and meet new dogs on Sunday. But before I talk about this week’s adoptable dogs, I want you to meet three adorable kittens who are available. When one volunteers for as long as Marianne, Ayla, and I have at WHS, I guess it’s inevitable that at some point the staff runs out of ideas for names during kitten season and decides to name a kitten after you! Here are Marianne and Marianne, Martha and Martha, Ayla and Ayla who are all waiting for their forever families (the kittens, not the humans! :).

 

 

 

Adoptions!

There were three very happy adoptions while I was at WHS on Sunday and I was lucky to get their going-home pictures. First was little Jake. While he was not thrilled with having to wear a cone, his new family was over the moon about taking him home.

 

 

As you know, we are always so excited when one of our senior dogs gets adopted. We are absolutely THRILLED when a BONDED PAIR of seniors gets adopted! Toto (16) and Missy (14) have been together their whole lives. They went home with a family who didn’t blink an eye when they decided to take TWO seniors home.

 

 

 

 

 

I became an instant favorite at the shelter when I arrived. I could be YOUR most favorite dog EVER!

Marianne couldn’t wait for me to meet Torque on Sunday afternoon. And when I did, I could see why. What a face!

 

Torque is an old soul in a youngster’s body. He is an eleven-month-old Bassett Hound mix couch potato with such an expressive face! Torque has a great history with other dogs and is enjoying our playgroups. He also has lived with a cat and wouldn’t mind having a younger cat sibling who would want to play with him. Torque also loves kids and because of his docile and affectionate personality, he is rated PG +5. His former person hopes he will go home with children. Torque was happy to pose for his photo shoot with Marianne, though he didn’t want to smile.

 

Torque’s former family reports that at home he is a lap dog who also loves his blanket and his bed. He enjoys car rides, toys, and just hanging out with his people. What doesn’t Torque like? He does not like to be yelled at (neither do I!), fireworks, or being left alone (he’s fine if he’s left with another dog). He is house-trained and is used to a dog door. He would be the happiest in a home with another dog, a cat, and kids. He can be uneasy in new situations and with new people, and just needs a little time to feel comfortable. We decided to take him into Mary’s Place and see just how much of a couch potato/lap dog he is. We were not disappointed.

Torque wasn’t interested in playing with toys, but really enjoyed attention while relaxing on the couch with Megan and Marianne.

 

 

 

Yes, he’s definitely a lap dog!

 

 

 

 

Yep, I’m still here waiting for the perfect person for me! Could it be you?

I’ve written about Swayze several times, but still he waits for his right fit of a family. Swayze is a ten-month-old pup, looking for a puppy-savvy family who has the time, energy and patience, using positive reward-based training, to continue to teach Swayze the skills he needs. The reward for this endeavor will be huge because this boy is so worth the effort! In full disclosure, Swayze has been adopted and returned four times. But he knows his perfect home is out there, we just need to find it!

Swayze came to us on June 3rd, a transfer from an over-crowded California shelter, where he had not received any training. After being returned several times, Swayze is now enrolled in our behavior training program, as well as working with volunteer trainers. He is hoping—in fact, all of his many fans at the shelter are hoping—that the fifth time will be the perfect fit.

Because of his youthful enthusiasm, Swayze can be jumpy, so is recommended for kids thirteen and older. He also will need to be an only pet. So for a family with older kids who believes in positive, rewards-based training who wish they had an exuberant, friendly pup to teach, here he is. And since he LOVES treats (especially cheese bits), this guy will be an eager and fast learner. With some time and effort, Swayze will grow up to be a wonderful family companion. Swayze is being shown by our training department. Please submit your adoption questionnaire and allow them to contact you for an appointment to meet him. You can fill out an application here.

With being at the shelter for so long, Swayze is getting stressed. We took him out to the big yard for some fun fetch time. He loved it and did so well. He waits for you to throw the ball and returns it, dropping it at your feet when asked. He is such a happy boy when he’s outside playing.

 

There are times when he gets ahead of himself.

 

 

Even Swayze gets tired after a vigorous fetch game.

 

He was happy to take a rest with Megan and Ayla.

 

Later we took him into Mary’s Place to relax a while before taking him back to his kennel.

 

We are so hoping that Swayze won’t have to wait much longer for his perfect family.

 

 

 

I’m new here and a little nervous. I hope I find a home very soon. I won’t be much trouble.

Meet Rita, a Terrier mix who is as cute as she can be.

 

 

She was found as a stray, so we don’t know anything about her, but she was excited about her photo shoot and couldn’t have been more cooperative with Ayla and me. We guess her age at about five years old. She will need some dental work down the road, but otherwise seems very healthy.

 

I have a feeling she won’t have to wait long for a new home.

 

 

 

 

We have THREE terrific updates this week!

Thor

Remember our silly Thor?

 

His new family came to meet him after reading my blog post about him, brought their dog, Gunner (WHS alumnus), for a dog meet. The meet went well and Thor was adopted. Here is a combination of two updates they have sent.

“Thor has settled right in. He has had no problem with our three cats. One of them actually comes up and rubs against him!  His bed is in my daughter’s room, and boy, did he love it the first night. I actually had to go get him out of bed the next morning to take him outside!! He and Gunner are great together. They both like to lie around. He has adjusted to our family so well!!! Gunner, I think, is actually helping him with some of his issues (being scared of some noises for example). Thor goes on a walk every morning with Gunner. The first couple times weren’t very good. He was quite afraid. Now he’s like a totally different dog!! He doesn’t really like car rides. But again, he really watches Gunner, who loves car rides. We took them both down to the Mudbay pet store, and everyone there loved Thor!! He had his first vet appointment and again everyone fell in love with him. We are very happy we could give this boy a forever home!! Here are some pictures.”

 

 

Could Thor BE any more relaxed?

Even matching sweaters!

 

 

 

Cooper

Cooper arrived as a stray last December. He was a friendly, goofy boy and we were very happy when he was adopted quickly.

Last week his family sent me an update and I had a delightful surprise on Sunday when Cooper’s family brought him to WHS for a visit. Such a lucky dog!

 

 

Here’s the update:

“We adopted Cooper in mid-December of last year, shortly after we lost our dear 14-year-old Ashley (Australian Shepherd/German Shepherd mix). Her big brother Jax, who is a four-year-old Doberman/German Shepherd, was definitely feeling lonely and missing her. When we first visited Cooper at the Humane Society along with Jax, they were instant best buds and started playing together right away, which was amazing because Jax is usually very dog-selective about who he accepts into his pack. Since then, they have bonded to the point of being inseparable! Cooper has boundless energy and he really keeps Jax going, especially when they are getting into trouble and having adventures in our back yard. We really enjoy bringing him back to see his old pals at Willamette Humane Society and it’s awesome to see him so loved and treated as a favorite visitor. We hope to continue bringing him back to see everyone, for many years to come.”

 

 

 

Leo/Yugo

One of Megan’s all-time favorite dogs is Leo. This ten-month-old Great Dane mix puppy is absolutely hilarious. We loved spending time with him, especially in Mary’s Place. Leo was adopted once, but had to be returned when the adopter’s job changed and she had to travel a lot.

 

Megan has missed this giant couch potato/snuggle bug and will be thrilled to see this update!

“Randall and I came in so many times in search for the perfect addition to our home. I, of course, fell in love with all the dogs at the shelter, but Yugo (previously Leo) was the one that stole both our hearts. We were actually at the shelter when he was being brought back and I remember telling Randall, “Why would someone return such a good dog? He just seems like a happy boy.” The next day we came back to remove the hold on the dog we had looked at and decided to adopt Yugo! 

He has been the greatest addition to our home. He is the best snuggler and will snuggle ALL DAY LONG. (In fact, he is curled up next to me as I write this email). His tail is constantly wagging… or thudding the bed… or wacking the wall… because he is just so darn happy. And, he is the stereotypical little brother personality to Rocky (another WHS rescue). He will lie on top of him, can’t stand if he is close to him and can’t give Rocky love nibbles, and just straight up begs for Rocky’s attention.”

 

I laughed out loud when I saw this picture! Poor Rocky!

 

 

On these happy updates, that’s it for this week!

 

All of the dogs I have featured today, along with other terrific dogs waiting to be adopted, can be found at Willamette Humane Society. Here is the link to the adoptable-dog page:

https://whs4pets.org/adopt-a-pet/dogs-2/

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,

We have all heard the phrase, “Dogs are resilient.” Motegro’s story proves it is true.

If you are a regular reader of my posts, you will remember Montegro very well. He was a transfer from our sister shelter in Maui, Hawaii last March. He was not a handsome dog. The Maui shelter thought he had probably been attacked by a wild boar at some point and he was missing part of his mouth. He immediately became a volunteer favorite because of his gentle, affectionate nature. We were worried about him finding a home.

 

 

We didn’t need to worry. On March 17th, a couple came to meet him, knew immediately that he belonged with them, and took him home, shortening his name to Monty. They have been wonderful about keeping in touch with me and have sent several updates.

Meanwhile, the Maui Humane Society was planning their annual fundraiser for September and wanted to make a movie of a happily-ever-after story. They chose Monty and asked if they could use my pictures and some video from his family. Last week Maui sent me a link to the movie and wrote: “Here is the video from our Fur Ball Gala. Please tell Monty’s owners that when the video finished, a room of 450 people did a standing ovation for him. This is what we work so hard for, right?”

Here is the movie.

 

I sent the video link to Monty’s family immediately and got this response:

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I cried the whole way through. We just had no idea he went through so much tragedy before we adopted him. He is so sweet, so innocent and pure, you wouldn’t think anything bad ever happened to him before. Thanks to the Maui Humane Society for finding him and the others, and giving them a new chance at life!”

Monty’s resilience was nothing short of amazing.

 

 

 

Shelter Storytime comes to WHS

When I arrived at the shelter on Sunday morning, there was already a buzz in the air as I heard children’s voices reading aloud from the kennel area. This is what I saw when I opened the door.

 

 

WHS has started a program called Shelter Storytime. Each weekend kids between the ages of five and eleven can sign up to read to shelter dogs (and cats). Did you know that shelter dogs are great reading coaches? Why? Since they can’t read themselves, they are non-judgmental. They simply love the attention and the soothing voices as the kids read to them, and it helps lower shelter stress. It was such a delight to see the interaction between our dogs and the kids.

For more information on this new program, here is the link: https://whs4pets.org/youth-programs/

 

 

 

I’m back. Still trying to find my right family. Hey, maybe it’s yours?

Dani is a three-year-old mixed breed girl who is absolutely adorable.

 

Dani has a few needs in her new home. She came to us from another shelter having been found as a stray, so we don’t know anything about her past. But we do know a few things about her since she arrived. Dani seems to be nervous around other dogs and some strangers, although she warms up quickly to people. She will need to be the only pet in the home. She was adopted once, but because she can be nippy at times, when she wants attention, she will need to be in a home with kids fifteen and older. Her family loved her, said she is a “very sweet affectionate dog. Walks on the leash just fine. Perfectly potty trained. Great dog.” But because of her nipping and having younger kids in the home, they felt they had to return her. To help her new family work with Dani, her adoption includes a free Dog Smart Class, a free 30-minute private lesson with one of our trainers, and 50% off a behavior consultation.

Dani may have a few things to work on, but what a joy she will be to the right family. She LOVES to play fetch. Here she is in the big yard with Marianne and Ayla. She had so much fun!

 

Dani is a great candidate for an active sports fan. We bet she would love agility classes.

 

 

Dani also enjoys hanging out with people in Mary’s Place.

 

 

She loved playing with fluff toys with Megan.

 

 

Linda stopped in to say hi.

 

 

Dani is waiting for her just-right family and we’re all hoping they will come soon!

 

 

 

 

 

My name is Toby. I’m looking for just the right people who will love me.

Toby is a two-year-old mixed breed boy. He was surrendered to WHS in July, when his family decided they didn’t have time for him anymore. He was an outdoor dog and was not house-trained at that time. He was adopted later in July, but recently came back to us. Toby is a sensitive dog and he’s hoping for some understanding and patient people to adopt him. He now is mostly house-trained, and just needs continued consistency.

 

 

Toby does very well in our playgroups with other dogs, romping happily and respecting other players, but in the home he showed signs of resource-guarding toys and food, so he’ll need to be an only pet. It takes Toby a little time to feel comfortable with new people. He is shy at first, but once he feels comfortable, he is a big goof who is affectionate and clownish. He enjoys relaxing in Mary’s Place and tried to convince Megan that he was just the right size to be a lap dog. Oh, and he’s a “leaner,” enjoying leaning all 63 pounds against you.

 

 

I did say lap dog, right?

 

 

Toby also loves to be petted and scratched. Here he is with Caroline, closing his eyes with contentment.

 

 

Toby is uneasy around small children, so an adult home or one with teens, fifteen and older, would be perfect for him. In his ideal home, he’d love to have someone there most of the time, as he can be anxious when left alone. Toby is an active dog who would love to go on hikes or jogs with his person. He’s the kind of boy who can be energetic and eager for action, but then settle down and just enjoy lounging on a blanket with friends like Marianne and Megan.

 

 

Working on new skills will be a breeze for this treat-motivated boy. Got cheese? Hot dog? Here he is practicing the art of “leave it.” Not easy, but he’s getting better and better.

 

 

He also had a question for us.

 

 

And then he did this.

 

 

Toby is not a dog for everyone, but he will be a great pal to someone who will help him gain more confidence and who will enjoy a rather large, affectionate lap dog.

 

We’re hoping so, Toby!

 

 

 

I’m fairly new here and very shy. Just learning the rules, but everyone seems to love me.

Meet sweet Raleigh, a nine-month-old mixed breed girl who is just about as delightful a youngster as you’ll ever meet, though it will take a little time to get to know her. Raleigh arrived at the shelter in early September. I met her shortly after she came, and was touched by how timid she was. But what a difference a little time makes. Raleigh is getting braver each day and has become a shelter favorite.

 

 

Raleigh was surrendered because her family lives in an apartment and just didn’t have enough time to give her. They wanted her to have a yard to play in and a family who would give her the attention she deserves. So what kind of home is right for Raleigh? Because she is still quite shy and unsure of herself, she’ll need a patient family who will help her to gain courage and realize that the world is not such a scary place after all. Because she is fearful, older kids about 13 and up would be great. Raleigh has lived with other dogs, and has done well in our playgroups, however she can be intimidated by big dogs if they are pushy. She has done fine with smaller dogs. She has also lived with cats, though she’s a bit afraid of them, too.

 

 

Raleigh loves to go for walks and play with fluffy toys. Her family reports that she is house-trained, as long as she’s on a schedule, and is crate-trained. She rides well in the car. While it takes a few days for her to feel comfortable in a new home, once settled she is very affectionate and eager for attention. This youngster, given the support, understanding, and time she needs, is going to become a treasured family member. Here she was with Marianne shortly after she arrived at WHS.

 

 

We think this sweetheart won’t be at the shelter for long. She is a keeper!

 

 

 

A Very Happy Pre-Adoption

Remember last week when I wrote about Thor and how he had been pre-adopted by a couple and their dog, Gunner (a WHS alumnus)? Because Thor has some upcoming surgery, he couldn’t go home right away, but that didn’t stop his new family from spending time with him. The three of them have come to visit Thor several times in the past week. They came again on Sunday and I was so happy to get some pictures. We think Gunner and Thor are going to be best buds. The pictures tell the story.

 

 

Everyone is looking forward to Thor’s going home soon.

 

 

 

 

Artemis/Artie

Artemis arrived at the shelter in May. What a photogenic boy!

 

 

As sometimes happens, a WHS staff member fell head over heals in love with him and as soon as his stray time was over, she and her husband took him home.

 

 

Last week I got this terrific update.

“We adopted “Artemis” (now Artie) in May. When I saw him at WHS, I sent my husband a text: ‘You need to come meet this dog.’

I had already decided he belonged with us. My husband was skeptical because I am prone to falling in love with every dog I see, but this one was different and luckily he fell in love with him, too. It’s not hard to do!

Artie was found as a stray. He was with WHS for 20 days and the entire time I was sure someone was looking for him, he’s such a good dog! He loves other dogs, our cats, kids and every single person he meets. He enjoys car rides, the beach, and going to the dog park the most. After he is worn out, he is only happy snuggled up on our bed or on the couch, which we are happy to share!  He’s the best boy and we are so happy to have him in our family!”

 

 

 

 

 

Personal note

This will be my last blog post for a while. I’m taking my annual trip to visit family in Michigan. My next post will be on October 30th.

That’s it for this week!

 

All of the dogs I have featured today, along with other terrific dogs waiting to be adopted, can be found at Willamette Humane Society. Here is the link to the adoptable-dog page:

https://whs4pets.org/adopt-a-pet/dogs-2/

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