It is beginning to look a bit like fall. This Saturday, October 3rd is the beginning of Balloon Fiesta and all eyes are on the sky. Everyone loves to look up and appreciate all the colors and shapes. They are so beautiful but please remember your pets can become very frightened by the sight of them and the burner sound when/if the balloons are flying over your neighborhood. We frequently have strays come in this time of year. Even when a pet may never have dug or jumped a fence before they can dig or jump over that fence out of fear. Also many people have out of town guests and those guests can forget about the pets leaving doors ajar or gates open. If your companion becomes lost please come to the closest Albuquerque Animal Welfare office with your proof of ownership-micro-chip info and vaccination records so you can reclaim your beloved pet immediately.
I’m a bit sad to say that both our playful boxer mix Sasha and our mellower Schipperke/Labrador mix featured last week have not found their homes yet. They are still presently at our Eastside shelter. Please consider meeting these two great ladies.
We are kicking of Pit Bull Awareness month with fun training classes for anyone who presently has one as a companion. These classes are offered every Saturday during the month of October conveniently two times a day. This morning we are featuring a very sweet, gentle yet playful boy that is a Pit Bull Terrier mix today as well as a handsome easy going German Shepherd/Border Collie mix.
Edgard (ID# A 1723904) is a 4 year old, male black & white American Pit Bull Terrier mix. He weighs 52 pounds. Edgard got lost from his home and came in a very shy boy. He is a gentle soul but no longer a shy guy. He is well loved by our volunteers. Here are a few of his many qualities as noted by those that know him best. Edgard loves to play but he also settles down incredibly well. He is eager to please and tries his best to be the most polite boy around. He snaps to attention when someone calls him ready to do what ever he is asked. He is a quick learner and easy to train because he has excellent focus even when there are distractions. He loves treats! It’s has been a breeze training him and asking him to practice his sits and downs. When his adopter brings him to the free training classes that accompany his adoption or the free classes every Saturday during this month for Pit Bull mixes he will be a STAR. Edgard is impressive on leash after he gets his wiggles out. Again this smart boy stays focused on the person he is with. He has been a very well behaved taking walks near other dogs and even a nose to nose but is not interested in other dogs. We think Edgard probably would be happiest being the only dog getting all the treats, love and attention a dog could want. He may be a bit too interested in cats so we want to find Edgard a home without cats please. Edgard loves his toys especially chasing a tossed toy. He plays a game rolling over hiding the toy rather than giving it back. Again, Edgard is a smart boy. Two toys are always better than one… so we have two… we toss one and he will quickly drop the toy when he has to chase the second one. At times our loveable, affectionate Edgard really would like to be a lap dog. His last parent may have let him jump into a lap. Although it is quite cute he is a bit large for this. Yet, it just proves what a very special and extremely loveable boy he. Edgard is known for his kisses and happy dances. You and your family can meet Edgard at our Eastside shelter.
Teddy (ID# A1682981) is a 2 year old, male black & white smooth coated Border Collie & German Shepherd mix, we think. He is a tall lanky boy weighing 71 pounds. It can be very hard on larger dogs being cooped up in a kennel especially when they don’t get out every day to stretch their long legs. When you come to Teddy’s kennel you may see a bit of his frustration but since he has been moved to a larger kennel he is a happier boy. We often mention that being cooped up in a kennel is hard on most of our larger dogs—that is why we so appreciate our volunteers that faithfully come to walk and socialize our dogs. Once Teddy is taken out and the first moments of his initial excitement due to getting out wear off you will find a friendly polite boy that is very gentle. Teddy is a dream to walk on leash. He has a short tail but he is quick to wag it with happiness. Teddy is a family friendly dog. Even though he is a gentle boy that loves daily walks he could be a hiking partner or jogging partner. Just remember you needed to build up stamina and so does your dog. Someone taught Teddy tricks. He knows sit, down and shakes both left and right paws. He can be nervous around other dogs and has not wanted to play with other dogs. If you have another dog, bring him/her in for a meet and greet. We want to make sure Teddy is happy and content in his new home rather than being uncomfortable and unhappy due to another dog. Even though Teddy may be happiest being your one and only our staff uses him during our SAFER tests because he is so well behaved and polite. Bring Teddy to the free training class that accompanies his adoption and he can learn more talents/tricks. Our beautiful big Teddy is ready and waiting for his forever family at our Eastside shelter. If you go to his kennel and he is not inside ask staff for him as he may be helping them with testing. Take him out to a nice quiet area and I bet he rolls over for a belly rub.
FREE PIT BULL TRAINING DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department is hosting free Pit Bull and Pit mix training every Saturday, at the Eastside shelter during the month of October.
Animal Welfare’s goal is to get much-needed resources to these dogs and the folks who love them. Understanding the breed of a Pit Bull is the first step to being a responsible pet owner. A well-trained Pit Bull can be an ambassador for his or her breed, showing the world that with a loving home and training, Pit Bulls can make wonderful pets. Education and responsible owners are critical in changing the perception of this breed.
Animal Welfare Department staff would like to express heartfelt appreciation to Petco, Pet Safe, and Be Positive! Family Dog Training for their enthusiasm and generous sponsorship in their efforts to help end the current cycle of public misconception and homelessness among Pit Bulls.
Below is a list of 1-hour classes that will be offered over the course of the month of October.
Oct. 3 – Leash, Sit & Learn – 1st class: 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., 2nd class: 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.
Oct. 10 – Fun & Games with your Pit – 1st class: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30a.m., 2nd class: 11: 45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Oct. 17– Good Dog Manners – 1st class: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 2nd class: 11:45 a.m.– 12:45 p.m.
Oct. 24 – Enriching your Dog’s Life – 1st class: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 2nd class 11:45 a.m.-12.45 p.m.
