Dear Fellow Dog Lovers,

This week’s post is packed with some terrific adoptions, four wonderful dogs who are hoping their forever families will find them soon, two happy updates, and a touching memorial. So find a comfortable chair, put your feet up, and let’s get started!

 

 

Our very shy and almost deaf Sanders was adopted last Thursday into a very loving and understanding home where he will be much loved and pampered.

 

 

 

On Saturday, spunky youngster Luna was adopted. She will keep her new family happy and busy!

 

 

 

Tulip was adopted on Monday. Here is what WHS Trainer Nichole wrote. “Wonderful news! Our shy Great Pyrenees mix with a blossoming personality, Tulip, was adopted! Her new family is a young, patient couple and a four-year-old lab mix (who was hard to photograph).

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Adoption Process 

WHS is keeping people safe while continuing to match dogs and cats with their perfect fits of families. WHS is open for adoption appointments 10:00 – 3:00 every day.

To find out exactly how the adoption process works, click on the link below:

Adoptions Continue! But Your Patience Is Crucial

 

 

 

I’ve been here before, I am wishing for my FOREVER home THIS time!

Some dogs win your heart simply by looking at you with soulful eyes as if telling you that so far their life has not been easy. Sherman is such a dog. 

 

 

We think Sherman is about two years old, and he is a mixed breed. He was originally found as a stray last February. He had been in an area for three days before a good Samaritan was able to coax him into their car to bring him to the shelter. When he arrived, he was overwhelmed, extremely shy and nervous. It took several days before staff and volunteers could convince Sherman that we were his friends. He seemed to want to be close to people, however, was so timid he shied away from human touch. I had to zoom in with my camera to get the shot below, as he didn’t want me to get too close to him.

 

 

But oh, what a difference a few days made. He was soon cuddling with volunteers Ayla and Marianne on the couch and playing fetch. He enjoyed playgroups with other dogs, too.

 

 

Sherman was adopted twice, but neither was the right fit for this sensitive young dog, and he was returned to WHS. We learned that he should not go home with cats, as he chases them.

Sherman has been spending time in a foster home since early September.  His foster dad, Chris, has many good things to say about this boy.

 

 

“Sherman has a heart of gold! He looks tough on the outside, but he’s a big softy on the inside. All he wants is to show you how much he loves you. He has very short hair, so shedding is not a problem. However, he gets cold easily, so he often wants to snuggle up next to you, preferably sitting in your lap or under a blanket.

 

 

 

“Most of the time Sherman is very quiet and calm. As long as he can lie near you, he is content to just chill out. Around the house he is almost like a plush dog. However, he is a very enthusiastic greeter, and try as he might to keep four on the floor, he does sometimes jump when his family first comes home. After a few minutes of squirming and asking for pets, he will run to get a toy, preferably a plush animal. He likes to catch soft toys and to play tug, but he will very readily give up a toy if you let him know he needs to release it. Sherman is polite and friendly with visitors in the home.

“Sherman walks well on the leash and knows ‘stay,’ ‘down,’ and ‘wait,’ but he will tug if there is a cat or a squirrel nearby. He does need a home without cats. He is very interested in other dogs, but is polite and friendly.

“Sherman is very strongly motivated by food and by love, and will try his hardest to please you if he knows what you want.

 

 

“He is house-trained and knows the command ‘go potty’ when it is cold outside and you want to keep your bathroom trip short.

“Sherman does have some separation anxiety—he’s had to say goodbye to a lot of people he loved when they couldn’t take care of him—so he gets worried when people leave. This can be a problem if he is left home alone for long periods but he does not mind being crated and does well for several hours, especially if he has a Kong or other treat and some warm blankets with him.

 

 

“With his short fur, Sherman’s skin gets irritated easily, and so regular bathing with a gentle shampoo is important. He doesn’t love this, but tolerates it, especially if he will get a treat at the end.”

Sherman’s skin issue is currently being treated with antibiotics to rule out a bacterial infection. He will need to remain on meds for two months. 

We are really hoping that Sherman’s next home will be his forever one. He’ll be so happy in a family with older kids or just adults. And it would be ideal if he didn’t have to be left alone for long periods. He would be over the moon if his person is retired or works from home. His foster dad, Chris, adds, “Sherman is very affectionate and a very good dog.”

 

 

Sherman has not had a lot of stability in his young life and yet he is still eager to open his heart to a new family who will recognize and appreciate what a wonderful boy he is and who is willing to give him the time, love, and patience he will need to adjust to a new home.

If you are that lucky family, fill out the Adoption Questionnaire by clicking on the link “Ask About Sherman” under his picture on the WHS adoptable dog page found here: https://whs4pets.org/adopt-a-pet/dogs-2/

 

 

 

 

I’ve been through a lot. But now I’m ready for my new family!

Yukon is a stunning Siberian Husky mix who is in search of a special home. At eleven years old, Yukon is a senior. He was rescued during the September Oregon wildfires and brought to WHS.

 

 

Yukon is waiting for a Husky-savvy family who understands the breed and can provide the kind of environment that he will need to thrive.

Yukon has been an outdoor dog his entire life and as far as we know, has never been inside a house. He also has had limited interaction with the world and people. He will need time, patience, and positive reinforcement to learn to be part of a family. He will also need either a large yard with a high fence or, even better, an enclosed outdoor kennel to live in as he is gradually introduced to the indoors.

 

 

Yukon has won the hearts of everyone he has met at the shelter and has come so far. He was very timid and hesitant when he first arrived, only feeling comfortable with brief pets. However, within a few days he was loose and wiggly, asking for attention. WHS Trainer Nichole wrote, “I took Yukon for a morning walk and to a yard. He got the zoomies. I tossed a rubber frisbee and he ran after it, sniffed it, picked it up, shook it, and tossed it around as he jogged in the yard. I also played chase with Yukon. He zoomed around me as I jumped back and forth. I hid behind a tree and used a squeaky toy. He found me!” A few days later, Nichole added, “Yukon can fetch! He will drop it close to you two to three times, then he tires of running.”

 

 

Yukon has continued to make progress in his social skills as he acclimates to shelter life. He is learning to walk politely on leash, will now take treats from a hand, is learning to wait at a door until told to exit, and is coming when called in a yard.

Yukon has done very well in our shelter playgroups. WHS Trainer Jessi writes, “Yukon is social in playgroup. I have had him with larger dogs and with smaller dogs and he is respectful and adjusts his style to interact with them. I supervise him, as we don’t know his history with small dogs. He has an old leg injury, so we have him stay mostly in the mellow dog yard because he can get too rambunctious with rowdier dogs. He takes treats politely and I am impressed by the way he controls his mouth, even with other dogs. I love him. As a Husky, he is a shedder, and I wear his fur home daily, but he makes my heart happy so I don’t mind. Such a sweet guy.”

Jessi brought her dog, Graceland to meet Yukon and they were instant friends.

 

 

Because of his breed and no known history, Yukon should not go home with cats. Since he has always lived outside, he is not house-trained. He will need help and patience in learning how to live in a home.

Yukon is not an apartment dog. Being a Husky, he loves to be vocal and enjoys an occasional howl for attention.

Because Yukon is a senior, he does have some age-related issues including some arthritis, but medication is helping a great deal. Volunteer Heidi took Yukon on an outing and he loved smelling the flowers.

 

 

Yukon is a staff and volunteer favorite, and while he has some special needs in his new home, the rewards and joys in having such an endearing older soul will be many for his adopter. 

 

 

If you think your family could give Yukon the happy new life he deserves, fill out the Adoption Questionnaire by clicking on the link “Ask About Yukon” under his picture on the WHS adoptable dog page found here: https://whs4pets.org/adopt-a-pet/dogs-2/

 

 

 

 

I’m looking for an active family ready to have lots of adventures with me! Are you it?

Are you looking for a young social extrovert who is excited about life and will keep you active? If so, you need to meet Lacey, a one-year-old Rottweiler/Doberman Pinscher mix. At 73 pounds, Lacey needs a family who is up to the challenges and joys of using positive reward-based training to teach this enthusiastic youngster all about living in a family. 

 

 

Lacey was surrendered because her people were seniors and Lacey had too much energy for them. The WHS staff is smitten with this joyful girl who is overjoyed to see you whether you’ve been out of her sight a day or five minutes.  

Lacey has never lived with another dog or cats, but the neighbor’s cats hung out on her yard fence and she ignored them. She loves the shelter playgroups and is a rough and rowdy player, sometimes too much for less boisterous dogs. 

Lacey craves affection. A WHS staff member writes, “Such a sweet pup, returns frequently to handlers during playgroup to check in, will dive her face into you or push your hand onto her head, soliciting attention. She is treat-motivated and dog social, performed well in playgroup.”

 

 

Lacey is crate-trained and will go in it on her own when she wants to sleep. She does like to chew on inappropriate things, so was crated when her people were gone. She will need a secure yard, as she loves to go on adventures on her own.

 

 

Lacey loves people as well as other dogs. She takes treats very politely and is thrilled to learn new skills as she earns them.

 

 

Wishing you had a jogging partner? A friend who will encourage you to get off the couch? Someone who will cheer you when you are down? If so, you just might be the right fit for Lacey.  Fill out the Adoption Questionnaire by clicking on the link “Ask About Lacey” under her picture on the WHS adoptable dog page found here: https://whs4pets.org/adopt-a-pet/dogs-2/

 

 

 

 

I’m a little timid at first, but give me a minute and I’ll show you what a good girl I will be!

Do you have the love and patience to give a shy dog the time and positive attention she needs to feel comfortable and safe? If your answer is yes, Harley is waiting for you.

 

 

Harley is a one-year-old Lab/Border Collie mix who has not had an easy beginning. She has had several homes and was bullied by other dogs. Now she is looking for a forever home where she can blossom into the happy girl she wants to be. 

 

 

Harley arrived at WHS very timid, but it didn’t take her long to warm up. On her second day a staff member wrote, “When I approached her kennel this morning, she was very loose and wiggly, she solicited attention when walking out of the kennel.”

Her last owner writes, “Harley is sweet and friendly and has lots of energy. She is timid in a car. She will cower when first meeting a stranger, then goes up to them and wants their attention. She is afraid of sudden movements.” 

Harley has been mostly an outdoor dog and is looking forward to spending more time inside. In her last home she was left outside during the day and did bark. She is kennel-trained and and slept in her crate at night. She will need some help in house-training.

 

 

Harley has a good history with children as young as five, but will jump on them in excitement.

Being highly treat-motivated, Harley will be fun and easy to train through reward-based instruction. She likes other dogs, but because of being bullied in the past, would need to meet any dog she’ll be living with to make sure they are compatible. She must have a feline-free home, as she will chase cats.

Harley will need a family who will give her the time, patience, and love she needs to adjust to a new home, but once she is settled, her new peeps will see an eager, smart, affectionate new best friend.

 

 

If Harley sounds like a perfect fit for your family, Fill out the Adoption Questionnaire by clicking on the link “Ask About Harley” under her picture on the WHS adoptable dog page found here: https://whs4pets.org/adopt-a-pet/dogs-2/

 

 

 

 

 

Kiley

Remember Kiley, our sweet senior who at 14 found her perfect retirement home last week? Here is an update!

“On Saturday when I got the call to come meet Kiley, my son and I were just leaving town to go spend the weekend with my family in Tri Cities. We turned around and headed to the shelter. After adopting Kiley, we debated on going home or continuing our trip, but since she did so well with our other two senior dogs, we decided to go. I was worried about the four-hour drive, but she rode like a champion! She got to meet my mom’s dogs (also seniors) and played well with them. On Monday, we came home to Salem and she seemed to KNOW that she was home. She was eager to get inside, then once inside went straight to the dog door like she just knew. She’s been a little timid about some things, like going into bedrooms, but with some coaxing and encouragement is coming out of her shell quickly. She is one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever met! She loves everyone and is eager for pets, which she’s getting a lot of! She really loves the comfy dog beds. I accidentally discovered that she loves to chase a green laser light and it was hilarious! We are seriously lucky to have her in our lives.”

 

 

 

She enjoys just standing at the door and peering outside.

 

 

 

 

Talker/Stormi

Talker was another one of the Huskies rescued from the Oregon wildfires in September. Very shy, she slowly gained confidence as the staff worked with her and when she was ready, she was adopted. It took time and patience when she first met her new family. But Talker (now Stormi) was going home with Husky-savvy peeps and she was going to have a new brother, Thor.

 

 

 

Here’s what WHS Trainer Nichole wrote shortly after she was adopted, “Stormi (aka Talker), one of the wildfire Huskies, is doing well. Her confidence is building with the support of her dog brother, and new pet parents.”

We recently got these wonderful pictures. She knows she’s home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duchess

A year ago this month, I told you about a wonderful adoption of one of our seniors, Duchess. At nine years old, this sweet girl needed a retirement home where she was pampered and loved. I was thrilled that on a Sunday, I was at the shelter taking pictures when this family took Duchess home.

 

Last week I got this touching update.

“We adopted Duchess November 3rd last year. She was such a sweet girl. She got along with our young kids and teenagers as well as our other dog. When we got her, she was so overweight and out of shape that she could barely walk a block before needing to be carried back home. But she sure loved walks! She would love it when the kids would take her for walks. She also loved food! She would eat anything and everything. Her favorite place to be was the middle of the kitchen when someone was cooking. She didn’t like to share her food but learned how to share with our other dog, and when we got a third dog, she would even let that dog take the food right from under her without getting mad. She would just look up at us with a pout knowing she would get more. Her favorite was steak but she would eat whatever was thrown at her, even broccoli! We knew she was old when we adopted her but wanted to give her a loving home during her golden years. Unfortunately when she woke up last Thursday, her body had betrayed her and she was no longer in control of her muscles. It was her time. We want to thank WHS who took such good care of her until we were able to find her. We want to thank her previous owners who raised such an amazing dog who brought so much joy to our lives. Thank you.”

 

Duchess was a very lucky girl to get to spend her last year in such a loving home. We are grateful that she did.

We are so thankful that there are families who, even though they know their time with a much-loved dog will be short and their hearts will be broken, are still willing to open their homes to a senior.

 

 

On that note, 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