One of our great featured pets from last week Arthur the shepherd mix was quickly adopted last Saturday. His mini version Bear has enjoyed a few small dog play groups this week and lots of loving from our volunteers but he is sad his forever person has not come yet. He is waiting at our Eastside shelter.
People often wonder how dogs end up in a shelter. Lost dogs are understandable although it is always surprising that people do not come to Albuquerque when looking for their lost dogs. There are many reasons dogs are surrendered and most are not there because of being a bad dog. This week’s featured pets have different stories to tell but sadly they are not unique and have been told before.
Remington (ID# A 1718714) is a 1 year old, male black & white smooth coated Border Collie mix. He weighs 57 pounds. Remington was in a happy home. He was well taken care of as he is a good weight, has a lovely gleaming black coat, he walks well on leash and already knows the cue for sit. His family had a baby. Like many dogs this tiny human was a bit disconcerting. He was unsure and growled initially so rather than help him adjust to this new child replacing him he was put out into the back yard. His family said he became destructive in the back yard and would not play any longer. Most likely he was lonely for his family. Herding dogs like border collies are very smart. Like any dog that is left alone in a back yard for too long it can find things to keep their brains working and keep them occupied so digging or chewing is the easiest option. Perhaps being sad from lack of attention and a bit jealous of that baby he quit playing. When Remington arrived at the shelter he was in shock with his new living arrangements. He was quite shy and unsure. We quickly noticed he appeared to be house trained made sure our potty brigade volunteers took him out at least twice a day. During these early days he quickly bonded to those that gave him attention and love. Remington loves to take walks and is pretty good on leash after the initial excitement of getting out and now getting showered with love and attention. He began to play with rope toys and loves to take a few spins running around the play yard. He is quite the attentive boy looking right into your eyes sitting quickly when asked. He takes treats gently and also will bring the rope to and drop in into your hand. He enjoys doggie play too. He has not been overly energetic yet but enjoyed a game of chase and sharing some splashing in our kiddy pool with a pretty golden lab. Any change including a new home can be hard for any animal. With just a bit of patience and guidance they can acclimate. Even though it may have taken a bit of extra time and attention to help Remington understand what that wiggly crying tiny human was people have been doing it for hundreds of years. Occasionally Remington can be a bit shy at first but warms up quickly and loves to cuddle and give kisses. Children over 12 should not be confusing for him. He would enjoy daily walks and he would enjoy learning new things in any kind of training class. This week he helped a very shy dog that has no socialization with humans and no leash training learn to walk by following Remington with encouragement and greetings from Remington. Come meet this great dog at our Eastside shelter.
Tea (ID# A 1717845) is a 1 year old, female golden red Redbone Coonhound mix. She is smaller weighing only 35 pounds. Tea and her twin sister Smores were surrendered when her family said “we just don’t understand why our dogs keep having puppies”. “We found homes for all of them except these two”. They had too many dogs and to avoid citations they surrendered Tea and Smores. Of course our staff suggested they bring in any other dogs they have to be spayed and offered a few lower cost programs they could use. Tea & Smores had to be carried because they did not know what a leash was for. They were not fearful but very shy and sadly touch and petting was foreign to them. They were put into our Shy Dog Program and began to blossom quickly. After carrying them out the first two days to a quiet play yard they no longer “pancacked” and began to walk on leash. Now, they are quite good even excited to go for a walk. Tea and her sister love people and crave attention and touch. They never enjoyed puppy hood as it appeared each of them had puppies at one time. Now they are enjoying puppy activities. They do take care of business as soon as they are taken out so with some patience house training should go fairly well. They are enthusiastic about the person they are with and do jump up so now we are using calming techniques which is pretty easy as belly rubs are a favorite activity of theirs. They have learned cues for sit and down and Tea has caught on very quickly. Tea like her sister loves affection and just being with people. Probably they were just left in a yard with all their other brothers and sisters so people are a treat now. Tea and Smores were quite shy and occasionally still loud noises like a garbage truck may frighten them. Like many puppies; young or shier dogs, just taking them places on leash to see, hear and smell new things will help them become accustomed to those every day things we can take for granted. Tea and attended play group with her sister Smores as well as on her own with other dogs. They do not have to be adopted together. So far Tea has become a bit more playful during our play groups even herding a bit during a spirited game of chase with Remington, Corra the golden lab, Cooper the Tibetan Terrier, tall lanky Merle and our pit bull greeter Hope. Looking for love in a perfect package then Tea is your gal. If you are looking for two Smores is an exact twin in all ways although a bit less playful with other dogs. Both lovely girls are at our Eastside shelter.
June is Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month
Albuquerque: In honor of Adopt-a-Cat Month, the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department is offering a special adoption promotion to encourage the public to adopt shelter cats.
Starting Thursday, June 4, and continuing through Tuesday, June 30, you can adopt a cat one year or older for just $10. You’ll find a wide variety of adult cats to fit many lifestyles and personalities, in all colors, shapes and sizes.
If you adopt a new feline friend, keep in mind you’re doing your part to deal with cat overpopulation. Giving a sheltered cat a starring role in your life, you will gain a faithful companion, a friendship will be formed, and a life may be saved.
All cats from the shelter are spayed and neutered. A cat adopted from Animal Welfare also comes with a microchip, the first round of vaccinations, and a free first visit to a veterinarian.
Where: Eastside – 8920 Lomas Blvd. NE – 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
Westside – 11800 Sunset Garden SW – 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
Lucky Paws in Coronado Center (Between Boot Barn and Kohl’s)
6600 Menaul NE – Hours: 11:30 am – 7: 30 pm (Sunday Noon – 6:00 p.m.)
