Pick your personality type

Last week I took just a few dog photos, mostly because I decided to spend most of my time sitting with this little lady.

Cookie (ID: 73097)

She was frightened by most everyone walking through the kennel and slinked to the back when I came through looking for who needed a photo shoot. And with all the extra cute puppies filling the shelter she needed a little affection in the hopes she would show better.

Cookie had been dumped at someone’s place of work, I’ll call her Mary, and although she took Cookie in, her house was already full of kids and pets. Mary did say that Cookie is house trained and did well with her kids, dogs, and cats.

Poor sweet little thing

I got in the kennel with Cookie, took a few photos and sat down on the floor. Cookie pressed herself in the corner and cried. There was one quiet growl, but mostly she just cried. She had no interest in taking a treat from my hand so I tossed them in her direction. I quickly realized that my inner cheerleader needed to make an appearance. It’s hard to bring out your inner cheerleader when all you really want to do is hold them tight and tell them it’s okay. When I held out a treat with my left hand she’d look at it, but she would watch my right hand.

It took about 20 minutes but not only did she eat treats from my hand, she also let me pet her and hug her neck.

I think with the proper encouragement Cookie would be a wonderful family dog – don’t you? Well, don’t just sit there, head over to the shelter today between noon and six to meet her. Remember, it will take a bit for her to warm up, but she’s just a sweetie!

The other reason I didn’t get as many photos taken as usual was this guy. I can’t believe it but after two years he broke my perfect record – no dog had escaped as I went in and out of their kennels until him! I guess I was just off my game as he pushed past my feet as I was heading in to take his photo. No one was in there and he didn’t “run” from me, but I was without a lead and ended up having to pull on his scarf to get him back in his kennel.

Riddick (ID: 73142)

As you can see by his photos he’s a good natured chap. Also, while he was loose he ran to several other kennels, but not only did he not react to any of them, no one reacted to him – a good sign of a calm inner nature in my opinion. He does seem to have a playful energy to him that would lend itself to a back yard and nice long hikes. Does that sound like your kind of boy? Well, get down to the shelter, he’s waiting there with Cookie to meet you.

Well, that’s it for last week. Remember that June is “Adopta Shelter Cat” month and special adoption fees are available through June 30^th.

Can you believe …

It’s been two years since I first started volunteering at the Wake County Animal Center and they’re throwing a big party this coming Saturday, June 25, to celebrate and I want to make sure you are coming.

ROTFLTIC!

Yes, I’ve been volunteering for two years now and yes there is a big party planned for next Saturday but it’s merely a coincidence.

It’s the 2^nd Annual Adopt-an-Addition celebrating the expansion of the facility in 2010. There’s going to be food, rescue groups, Andy Coats and one third of the Bank Walkers (a.k.a. my Charlie) and lots of specials to help you find your new furever family member.

So, mark your calendar, tell all your friends on FB and Tweet it to all your followers – Saturday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wake County Animal Center at 820 Beacon Lake Drive off of New Bern Avenue (click here for directions).

Also, click here for more information about the activities and specials.

And don’t forget to cruise the pet gallery for who you might want to visit – or get down there before Saturday to make sure your family member goes home with you and no one else.

See you Saturday!

Pass it on and make a difference

I did not get to the shelter to take pictures of all those pups looking for a home, but I did finally get the Foster Bulletin Board updated. And I realized that here was another opportunity for spreading the word about some of our very special dogs (and cats) looking for their new homes. So, here is the WCAC Foster set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/suziqred/sets/72157629849385996/)– pass the link around, post it to your page and Tweet it to all your followers. I’ll add more as the foster family grows and the foster board is updated – I’ll also make sure to tag the ones who find their very own homes.

Check them all out but I want to bring your attention to a couple of special pups.

I keep coming back to Bosley when I cruise the shelter foster list. I think part of the reason is the wonderful photos of him – be sure to check out all his other pics on the WCAC pet gallery. His foster family tells us that he has a heart of gold and a gentle spirit. He’s a little shy and needs a family who has the patience to bring out that perpetually happy side in all situations. This cuddly guy loves to curl up on the bed with you to watch a little TV and he’s house trained. Now, he did test positive for heart worms; he’s currently on the ‘slow-kill’ method of treatment, which is a low cost option. Email the folks at the WCAC to set up a meet and greet date.

And look at this ham – you can tell she’s just a total love bug. She’s in foster care improving her leash (& other) manners. They also say that she’s been doing well with dogs, livestock, horses, chickens, and even turtles and hamsters; still cats seem to hold a little too much interest for her so she probably needs a cat free home. She, like Bosley, is heartworm positive and on the slow-kill treatment method. Check out her full bio in the WCAC pet gallery and email the folks at the front desk to setup a meet and greet date.

Check out the WCAC pet gallery or stop by the Center any day between noon and 6 PM to visit pets available for adoption and don’t forget to check out the Foster Bulletin Board as your next family member may just be getting some extra attention in a foster home.