The Animals of our local Shelter

Awww Cory is a cute dog with a sad story. I've been following this thread. Thank you for sharing about the animals at your shelter, and for volunteering!

Thanks.
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Looks like you've got a dog in your avatar. Is it a beagle? The first dog I ever walked at the shelter was a sweet, older beagle.
 
She's a mutt, but yes she has beagle in her. 1/4 Beagle, 1/4 Daschund, 1/4 Jack Russel, and 1/4 Blackmouth Cur. She's very sweet, and just turned 5 years old. I also have a Great Pyrenees who's as sweet as can be, and a Pitbull mix who's quite a handful!
I would like to volunteer at our local shelter one day. Do you have any dogs of your own? Tell us about them if so.
 
She's a mutt, but yes she has beagle in her. 1/4 Beagle, 1/4 Daschund, 1/4 Jack Russel, and 1/4 Blackmouth Cur. She's very sweet, and just turned 5 years old. I also have a Great Pyrenees who's as sweet as can be, and a Pitbull mix who's quite a handful!
I would like to volunteer at our local shelter one day. Do you have any dogs of your own? Tell us about them if so.

Whenever people ask me if we have dogs I think...
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. We actually have seven of them and at one point had nine. They are all so wonderful but a HUGE handful to deal with. I live in a family of 8 and most of us spend the mornings and afternoons at home so we have plenty of time to spend with them, but trying to walk 7 dogs, off-the-leash in the field, at the same time, usually leads to just two or so coming home in the end. Then I have to go out and search for all of them and tell them if they don't come the others will get treats without them (this usually gets them running pretty quickly).

Our oldest is Rax. He is a golden retriever x poodle and our first dog we ever got. Because of allergies all our dogs have to be non-shedding. Rax is around 10 or so now, and though he has bad arthritis in his back-legs, he gets around quite well without many other problems and enjoys swimming in our pond. We also use to have his brother, Arby (as in the fast-food places Arby and Rax) but Arby passed away a couple years ago, most likely from cancer.

Cinnamon and Cedar are the mini Goldendoodle brothers we got next. they are just a year younger then Rax, but their smaller size means far less issues with arthritis. Cinnamon is my dog in the family (each of us has our own dog to train, walk, ect). He is so loyal and sweet and intelligent, and so handsome.
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(Then again, I guess all the others would say their dogs are the best).

Esther we got next, and she is a cockapoo (cocker spaniel x poodle). For a little while we considered whether or not we wanted to breed her, but thankfully we chose not too. However, because of the hesitation she entered her first heat before she was spayed and now, though fixed, still enters heat (which drives all our other poor dogs crazy). Poor thing just wants to be able to be a mother and can't.

Blonquita (Kitty for short) is a Maltese x poodle that we adopted not long after Esther. The two were good sisters, until Kitty tried to kill Esther when she was in heat (yes, she did litteraly try to kill Esther) and now, though they get along, they don't play together like they use to. Girl dogs sure do have issues as far as their relationships with one another.
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Gerbil we got as a puppy not long after Kitty, so that the three could grow-up together. Gerbil is a Toy Poodle, but more the size of a Miniature. He is very sweet and cuddly, but can suffer from "hot-spots" on his face and neck if he is injured, something we have struggled with a lot in the past. He also is SOOO picky when it comes to food.

Our latest dog, and the only puppy of the mix now, is Epsilon (or Oopsie for short). He is a Australian Shepherd x Poodle and by far the most difficult dog we've had to deal with. Full of energy, intelligence, and a built-in drive to herd things and keep things in order, he drives the other dogs crazy trying to boss them around. As he grows he will hopefully settle down some, but we still love him anyways.
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Other dogs we have had in the past include Cleo and Jingle. Cleo, the labradoodle, went to live with her daughter at our Aunt and Uncles after she assisted Kitty in an attempt to kill Esther (Cleo was the more dangerous of the two, since she was three times Esther's size and also in heat). Jingle, a black Cockapoo, went to live with our dentist because he had social issues with other dogs (he was not raised properly and so didn't know how to act around them) and so did better when he was in a calmer house-hold. He is very happy there, just as Cleo and her daughter are very happy with their new family (we even get to pet-sit them sometimes).

Yep, its a long list, I know. I wouldn't want to have it any other way though, I love each of our dogs so much. If it weren't for allergies in our family (three family members are allergic to dogs and cats) then we would so be adopting half the dogs at the shelter. Maybe, in this case, allergies are a good thing. Lol.
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So, you get to go to the shelter and walk dogs all day then come home and walk even more dogs. Sounds like fun. :) The most we've ever had at one time was 8.
It seems like a lot of the dogs in shelters are bulldog or Pitbull mixes. Am I right?
 
I love all your pictures and stories! You should find out who is in charge of publicity for the dogs and cats and see if you can help them! You do a really nice job spotlighting each of the animals.

That shelter looks like a really nice one and I'm so glad you are having fun volunteering. Volunteering at a local shelter in college is what really made me decide to become a veterinarian. I really felt like I was making a difference while I was there!

I did a shelter rotation a couple weeks ago at our local shelter and really got a look into the whole medical side of things. The shelter was great and my experience was really awesome. If I wasn't already set on going into poultry medicine, I would probably choose shelter med!
 
So, you get to go to the shelter and walk dogs all day then come home and walk even more dogs. Sounds like fun.
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The most we've ever had at one time was 8.
It seems like a lot of the dogs in shelters are bulldog or Pitbull mixes. Am I right?

I certainly get my exercise.
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Yes, a lot of dogs in shelters are Pitbull and Pitbull mixes (we call them Bully-breeds, since they all look so similar). There are a number of reasons for this; they are high energy dogs that are more likely to be surrendered for hyper behavior (rarely aggression, at least in our shelter). They are over-bred so there are a lot of them around and many more dumped on the streets. Those are the streets breed with dogs that have not been fixed and have mix-breed puppies that are then surrendered to the shelter.
Pitbulls are not aggressive if raised properly, but they are SOOO strong and SOOO full of energy that they just aren't good for people who can't give them long, daily walks and who isn't strong enough to handle them pulling on a leash or jumping up on you to greet you.

Karmin, the pitbull girl who has been with us for a while, was so excited on our walk today that when I let her into the fenced in yard she ran around in excitement, ran back to me, and then nipped me on the arm. I instantly calmed down and stopped playing with her, but it just goes to show that her (as well as the large Zorro, who scratched me up really good today in his excitement) are not great dogs for families with young children. And it isn't because of aggression!

I love all your pictures and stories! You should find out who is in charge of publicity for the dogs and cats and see if you can help them! You do a really nice job spotlighting each of the animals.

That shelter looks like a really nice one and I'm so glad you are having fun volunteering. Volunteering at a local shelter in college is what really made me decide to become a veterinarian. I really felt like I was making a difference while I was there!

I did a shelter rotation a couple weeks ago at our local shelter and really got a look into the whole medical side of things. The shelter was great and my experience was really awesome. If I wasn't already set on going into poultry medicine, I would probably choose shelter med!

Thanks.
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That's so awesome that you are studying poultry health! There certainly aren't enough people doing that, and there are so many people keeping poultry of all kinds that often have injuries, diseases, ect that need assistance. I think this area of veterinary training will grow as more backyard poultry keepers search for people to help them with their flocks care. I know there have been a number of times I wished that someone with experience could help me out but I had to just rely on guessing and the mixed information on the internet.
 

I certainly get my exercise. :p

Yes, a lot of dogs in shelters are Pitbull and Pitbull mixes (we call them Bully-breeds, since they all look so similar). There are a number of reasons for this; they are high energy dogs that are more likely to be surrendered for hyper behavior (rarely aggression, at least in our shelter). They are over-bred so there are a lot of them around and many more dumped on the streets. Those are the streets breed with dogs that have not been fixed and have mix-breed puppies that are then surrendered to the shelter.
Pitbulls are not aggressive if raised properly, but they are SOOO strong and SOOO full of energy that they just aren't good for people who can't give them long, daily walks and who isn't strong enough to handle them pulling on a leash or jumping up on you to greet you.

Karmin, the pitbull girl who has been with us for a while, was so excited on our walk today that when I let her into the fenced in yard she ran around in excitement, ran back to me, and then nipped me on the arm. I instantly calmed down and stopped playing with her, but it just goes to show that her (as well as the large Zorro, who scratched me up really good today in his excitement) are not great dogs for families with young children. And it isn't because of aggression!

I couldn't agree with you more! Our pit mix is fine with children 4 and up as long as they don't try to play with her! She just gets too excited, easily, but is still very sweet and people friendly. Another thing is breed discrimination. I think many people don't want them because they think they're all aggressive. Definitely not the case.
 
Some up-date photos as well as some of our new residents. Things are going pretty well, though adoptions have slowed some with the crazy schedules of the end of spring heading into summer. Hopefully they'll pick back up as Summer-brake lets people have more time to focus on socializing a new companion. The weather has been crazy, it got really warm and exercising the dogs meant drinking a ton of water and still being dehydrated by the end. The dogs, however, loved it (as long as they got to go back to their cool crates in the end, with a fan blowing to keep them from being hot).


Fulton is doing better then when he first arrived. For those who don't remember, Fulton came in covered with injuries, thin, and weak. He is showing more energy, though being deaf it can be hard to notice this energy if he doesn't see you. He has had some surgeries on his neck but still needs to grow back some fur, so he doesn't look all that good right now. He started howling to get people's attention, which is actually kind of nice compared to the sharp bark of some other dogs. Its a gentle, low sound, like a wolf. Hopefully he'll be well enough soon that he can be walked, as he is very gentle and sweet from what I can tell.


Here is Matrix, still waiting for his chance to get a walk. He isn't officially allowed to be walked by volunteers, but I make sure to say hello and give him a treat. He has, thankfully, gained some much-needed weight but is still very calm compared to many other pit-mixes we have here. It might all be an act, most of the dogs get crazy (really, really, really excited) once you let them out, no matter how calm they appeared. Hopefully he will remain calm for the walks, but then again, he is a dog... energy is what makes them who they are.
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Here is a new dog to our shelter, a Lab x Husky mix named Frankie. She is a female, despite the name. She has a lovely pattern, soft fur, and gorgeous eyes (one blue and the other half blue and half brown). I'll post more on her later, as she is one of my "project" dogs (a dog that needs more time to help it behaviorally).


Goose, an Australian Shepherd mix puppy (around 5-6 months if I recall) came in not that long ago and was adopted out really fast, which I am very happy with. I might never have gotten a chance to walk him or play with him, but a good home is far better then a little time spent with me. Hopefully he is doing great.


Garrick has been gaining some weight and learning the routine around here. He recently had surgery done, as he weighed enough for it. I'm not sure what the surgery was, though I don't believe it was being neutered (possibly a small tumor had to be removed). He is gaining energy and adores treats (so much he can nearly take your hand off if you aren't careful). I got to walk him for the first time today, and he was good, but shy at times, especially around other dogs. The walk was pretty short because of it, but it is progress. I'll post more pictures on him and his first walk with me later.


Another photo of Fulton, better showing the one ear that is lower then the other. I have to wonder if it has anything to do with his deafness. I think that is one of the reasons he always gives such strange, side-ways looks, because he is using his eyes only and not his ears (most dogs perk their ears and sit up straighter, but he doesn't generally). Interesting how you can pick out a blind or deaf dog by their learned behaviors. Fletcher, for example, is blind and has learned to pick his feet up higher then most dogs so that he won't trip on steps.


A bad picture, I know, but its the only one I got of Gideon before he was adopted out. He was brought in with Grady, I believe they are bothers, but Gideon is far bigger. Both puppies have found homes (at least Grady is pending adoption). Gideon was far more energetic as well as larger, making me think the Border Collie came out in him more then his brother.


Zorro is hard to get a good picture of, but this one at least sort of shows his slim, muscular build. He looks like a German Shepherd x Lab to me, but he is very large, so it would have to be a large German Shepherd. He also has a partially curled tail? Anyways, his behaviors are starting to get a little better. He still pulls, but I have been teaching him that if he grabs the leash then I will stop running until he lets go, so he has learned not to do it most of the time. He just needs an owner that enjoys long walks or hikes in the local Forest and he'll be an awesome companion.


Tank is getting bigger, but no less adorable. Here he is, trying to chew through my apron pocket to get to the treats there. His white patch on his ear is so cute! We aren't sure of the size he will be as he matures, since his paws are so big (though many bully breeds have big paws even as adults). We do know that he is sweet as all can be.
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Fender, the Yorkie mix. He is around 10 years of age and was adopted by a staff member, but still comes in while she works to rest on a comfortable bed and watch the world go by. Being older, and suffering from nerve issues in his back-end, the rest is good for him, he doesn't need to be too active. I'm glad he got to find a home so soon, as he is older and may not have much longer to live if his condition worsens at all. He's very happy right now though, which is so nice.


Frankie, the husky mix girl, showing off her half and half eye (her right eye). They can look kind of creepy, true, but they are also really cool, the kind of eyes that stare into your soul and catch your attention. They make her extra special.


Snoopy is continuing to make progress. Though he is still over-weight and sometimes dog-aggressive, he has started to enjoy running as well as being gentler while sniffing other dogs through a fence. I think he just builds up aggression when he is in his crate, which might be linked to it being his territory. He also loves grazing on fresh, spring grass. All the dogs do... they must enjoy a source of fiber.


Chico the chihuahua, taking a sniff in the flower bed (a favorite marking spot for all the dogs). He is a little sore after being neutered, but is sweet as all can be, very calm for his breed. However, he will lunge at certain dogs through the cage doors (fence fighting is what we call it, which is when a dog is more aggressive through a barrier then face to face). All and all, I am guessing he will be adopted soon.



I'll update soon. : )
 
Tomorrow is the rabies clinic, so I will be going there to help in whatever way I can from 12-4:00 pm. Its right in our local area, but I still have no idea what is done there, as this is my first time doing it. I hope to see a lot of dogs though.
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As far as up-dates and new dogs go, there continue to be a lot of these too. The longer a dog stays the more you get to learn their personality, likes and dislikes, favorite treats, intelligence (all dogs are smart, some just show it off better then others), and even routines. Some of the dogs have a favorite marking spot upon being let out of the kennel, others are more hesitant to return to their kennel when they are finished with the walk while others leap inside and await happily their rewarded treat and a drink of water. Each dog is unique, and I think it is important for anyone adopting a dog that they try to learn some of these subtle personality traits before adopting a dog, since some are some cute and others can cause trouble.

Harper is a Chow x Australian Cattle Dog mix who came in for just a few days and either was returned to his owners (possibly a run-away or in boarding) or was sent to another shelter. I really don't know the story behind him, but I did take a picture because he was a handsome, friendly dude.



Tank, the puppy from earlier, when he was young.


Tank saying hello and hoping for a treat


Thank wagging his tail for joy as he hopes to keep playing


The little guy trying to steal a treat from my pocket
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You can see where Fulton had surgery done to remove the tumor on his neck. It looks pretty bad because of all the fur they had to shave, but once he grows it back and there is nothing but a scar he'll be a handsome husky ready for a new home.


The blind double-merle dachshund, Cory, showing how she's gained some nice weight and is happily enjoying her life in the shelter with proper food, lots of love, and a clean environment. She is still stained on her fur, but otherwise clean and healthy.


Chico the chihuahua, sniffing around the recycle bins.


Chico posing for a picture by the dog fence during a walk. He likes to sit on your lap and be held, but he doesn't seem a big fan of other dogs and sometimes, possibly because of recently being neutered, he seems a little sore and reluctant to be held in certain ways. I have found many little dogs to need gentle lifting and careful handling. After all, anyone with bones that small would be afraid of being crushed or dropped. Proper handling can lead to less fear about being touched.


Fulton, being so cute (if not a little strange looking). That side-ways look of his was what I described earlier, and seems to be related to his being deaf.


A new dog, an owner surrender, Zoe is shy but sweet and once she is cleared for adoption I bet will go quickly. She has a lovely golden coat, a pink nose, and little paws that don't seem to match her body or legs in size.


Captain is a shih-tzu who is full of spunk, loves to run, and his only issue is a skull too small for his eyes (due to dwarfisim, which stunts the bone growth and can lead to eye, nose, mouth, tooth, and brain problems). However, with some eye-drops he gets along well and greatly enjoys time with people. For a little dog he seems to enjoy running outside more then sitting and cuddling, even though I believe he is around 6 years of age.



Another picture of the pit-bull, Matrix, showing off lovely green-grey eyes and his steel-blue coat.


Fulton's surgery site is healing, but again, he looks pretty bad with all those bald patches. At least he gets to snuggle up on his Tinker-Bell blanket.
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Here is the tough boy, Garrick, going on his first walk. You can see how much hair he is missing and how much his poor spine and ribs stick out. However, he was enjoying the time most certainly and enjoy sniffing around the laundry room.


Garrick outside. His tail is very small, as you can see, almost non-existent it seems. He has issues with diarrhea if I know correctly, but hopefully he is gaining some weight all the same and can begin growing in some of that fur of his too.


I brought Chico into the connections room and he enjoyed sniffing about before coming to sit on my lap. Because of territorial issues, sitting with dogs in the kennel is not allowed for volunteers, as some dogs may act aggressively. Instead, the dogs can be taken back into the connections room to play, be petted, brushed, or just enjoy some time sniffing around and exercising their mind and bodies.
 

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