Sid, one year later

Sometimes, you just hit the jackpot, as we did when we placed Sid just over a year ago.

Sid is a beautiful Rottweiler with an undocked tail and funny whiskers on his chin. He's a joy to just look at, with a huge smile and enormous brown eyes - eyes that are now filled with the comfort and satisfaction that he's safe and loved. But his story is quite sad - those eyes used to be filled with fear - as he came to us literally a broken and dejected dog.

Sid came to PAWS both physically and psychologically scarred from the abuse he suffered at the hands of a true animal, the "human" who severely beat him with what we think was a baseball bat. This abuse left Sid with permanent injuries to his hind quarters. He also suffered from psychological injuries which caused him to lose the confidence he needed to be a great companion.

Sid in his favorite spot - the kiddie pool!

This majestic dog spent a year at PAWS being rehabilitated physically and behaviorally. Annie, one of our incredible volunteer/trainers, worked endless hours with Sid, rebuilding his confidence and physical strength. She taught others how to work with him, brought Sid home to meet her dogs, and introduced him to men - one of Sid's real fears.


PAWS received dozens of calls from people who wanted to adopt Sid. After all, he's a gorgeous guy! A beautiful Rottie who was looking for a home. But Sid couldn't go to just any home, he needed a special one, with people who were dedicated to continuing his structured training and ensuring that he had a good, safe life ahead of him.

It took time, but eventually Sid met his new parents, fantastic people who - I'll venture to say - are head-over-heels in love with him! Look at these photos. These are the best folks in the world. They've made such a great life for Sid and I have a feeling Sid has added a bit to their lives as well.

 

Why is this dog constantly overlooked?!

Apple. Sweet, never tart! Sorry, I couldn't resist. 

Apple has been at PAWS far too long. And why, I just don't know.

This dog is the perfect companion. He's an office dog at PAWS, which means a few things: He can be trusted not to pull things from the desk, he's perfectly housebroken, AND he doesn't use the computer to visit inappropriate sites! Not too bad for a four-legger. Imagine him in your home. You can leave him for the day, he'll settle nicely, then greet you at the door with love and kisses when you return from a long day at work. Perfection on four paws!

It's true, he doesn't like other animals. As a matter of fact, he doesn't like them at all. So he has to be your one and only pet. You cannot take him to dog parks (which are over-rated in Apple's opinion anyway). But, he does like a nice long walk, a car ride, playing and running in a fenced back yard, and a snuggle - man, can this dog snuggle. He's a dream of a companion - loving and loyal!

In the office at PAWS, he lies at your feet quietly and either rests or plays with a toy. He's really the perfect pet! NO demands, NO destruction of your "stuff," NO constant barking or whining.

So tell me. Why is Apple constantly overlooked? He's perfect, in my opinion!

Apply to adopt Apple.

Casper

Casper, an English Bulldog, is 72 pounds of pure muscle and love! He loves other dogs. And people - boy, does he love people! He is SO sweet, smart, and affectionate!

Although he's good with kids, he's not a small guy - he weighs more than most kids! So we'd recommend that he's placed with kids that are, well, bigger than he is.

He came to us with skin problems due to allergies, and he'll be on a special diet to control this condition for the rest of his life (not a prescription diet, just a grain-free dog food).

Bulldogs aren't for everyone. We'd prefer to place Casper with someone experienced with the breed. They're very sensitive to the heat, and while they need daily exercise to keep them from gaining weight, exercise should be limited in the summer months.

Also they're a short-faced breed, and can become overheated very quickly any time of year. Simply put, if you're looking for a jogging partner, a Bulldog isn't for you!



But, if you're looking for a cuddle companion, filled with love - actually, overflowing with love - Casper may be the one!

Apply to Adopt Casper

"StubbyDog" Features Our Own Volunteer!

PAWS volunteer Sue Smith and her gorgeous pit bull
and PAWS graduate Truffle

StubbyDog is an organization dedicated to changing the way pit bulls are perceived by the public. They hope that their approach of "changing the conversation" - taking it from negative and apologetic to positive and educational - will help to save some of the million plus pit bulls who are being killed in shelters every year.

StubbyDog also brings to light the problems people face just by having a pit bull as a companion. From pit bulls who are service and therapy dogs to people who can't find housing because of the type of pet they have.

Recently, StubbyDog learned about the issue our volunteer Sue Smith faced when her husband Steve's job took him to London. But, as Sue quickly learned, London doesn't "take" pit bulls! Here is what Sue and Steve had to do to keep their family together. (By the way, we're proud to say gorgeous Truffle is a PAWS graduate!)

Luke

Luke is a gorgeous Lab mix who came to PAWS when his owner had to move but couldn't take him along.

He's a giant puppy - 72 lbs. - who is currently learning his manners, and he's doing well! At 18 months, Luke is a dog who loves to play, romp, play, romp... you get the idea! But he also loves kisses and cuddles as well.

He's very strong on leash, which is why it's important that potential adopters continue his training. He's still a puppy at heart, and has such potential. He'll make a great companion - a handsome one, too!

Apply to adopt Luke

 

Vincent

How could such a tiny, delicate dog wander the streets - how could someone let this happen to such a teeny dog?? Well, we don't have the answer, but we're thankful that he's now safe here at PAWS.

Vincent is an Italian Greyhound/Chihuahua mix who was found wandering the streets. He's a silly pooch who entertains just by walking into a room. Vincent's secret is confidence - he thinks he's a Great Dane! This fellow's personality shines like the sun, and almost matches the size of his ears! :)

Because of his small and delicate bones, we'd like to place him in an adult-only home, or a home with older children who will respect his size. Which is far from that of a Great Dane!

Apply to adopt Vincent

  

Yeller

This beautiful, friendly, cuddly hunk of a yellow Lab is ready to become part of your family!

Whether it's a Little League game, soccer, football, or a walk in the park, you'll have to beat Yeller to the car! This boy loves riding in the car!

Yeller also loves the company of other dogs and people - boy, does he LOVE people - and cuddling! He knows his commands, too - sit, down, roll over, paw, stay, fetch, drop it - he's the perfect addition to just about any family!

Apply to adopt Yeller

Sir Winston

Sir Winston is a 6-year-old Cocker Spaniel, recently surrendered by his owners. We're still getting to know him, and we've noticed that he's not very fond of men, but we're working on that! :0)

Winston will be ready to meet the public on or about June 14.

Apply to adopt Sir Winston

Rochelle

Rochelle came to PAWS after another local organization had a moderately successful adoption event, and called on other rescues, like PAWS, to take in the remaining animals so they wouldn't be sent back to... wherever.

She was painfully shy, almost feral, in her approach to humans. Okay, simply put, she didn't approach humans. It took quite a while for her to trust certain people, and those were the only people she'd allow near her. She was never, ever aggressive, she'd just shrink back into her crate as if she could disappear.

But, if you were one of the lucky ones she trusted, you would be greeted at the door with a wag of her tail, bright eyes, and that calm, relaxed face of a happy dog! It was worth the time spent with her to see this beautiful girl come out of her shell!

Finding the right home was difficult. She needed a fenced yard - a fence that she couldn't jump! And, she absolutely loves the company of other dogs. Her shyness melts away when another dog is around. She plays without a worry in the world. So another dog in the household was key.

Well, it took almost a year to find the right home for her, but it happened. A wonderful couple had recently lost one of their beloved dogs and heard about Rochelle. They were looking for a companion for their dog who is also shy, so they thought they'd give it a try.

The two dogs hit it off and have become fast friends! Rochelle has taught Sebastian a thing or two and vice-versa.

The couple who adopted Rochelle are perfect for her, because they have the patience and love to work with her and bring out her best. We couldn't have asked for a better fit!




I think these pictures say it all!

Mikey

Why is this dog smiling? He'd been waiting for a home since early 2010, and he finally found it!

Handsome Mikey came to PAWS following the death of his owner. He's a cuddly, teddy bear of a dog, who loves all humans, but didn't seem to care for other four-leggers, which made it tough to find him a home.

He met plenty of people - individuals, families, retirees, people from all walks of life. But no one wanted to take on a senior dog who didn't care for other animals.

Finally one day, a nice couple came in who were looking for a sweet, older, housebroken dog. Well, did we have the dog for them: Mikey!

They met Mikey, who impressed them with a few of his "tricks," like "sit pretty," and "paw." They also loved the fact that he still had plenty of spunk, but also settled down nicely - another benefit of adopting an older dog!

So now you know exactly why this dog, and all of us at PAWS, are smiling!

Bandit

Remember this guy? Boy, how I love this dog! He used to play with Vendi all the time. (Now, before you fall head-over-heels in love with Vendi's goofy grin, she needs an experienced Pit Bull loving home! She's an energetic handful, but she's worth the love training you invest in her, believe me!)

Anyway, Bandit had been with us since Christmas of 2009. Why? I can't say - he's one of those belly-rub-loving, friendly, cuddly, playful dogs who likes other dogs. He's certainly a handsome boy. He stole a million hearts along the way, too.

But no one was as interested as one family who came to see him in Spring of 2010. They fell in love (who wouldn't, honestly). But the timing wasn't right and they couldn't take him home. Oh, well. An opportunity missed. Back to the kennel, Bandit.

Well, in March of 2011, they contacted us again. They had rented a house and saw that Bandit was still available. Could they see him again? ABSOLUTELY!

It was as if Bandit remembered them. They all "clicked" and everyone just knew it was right. A few weeks later, Bandit moved into his new home, has a next door doggy neighbor to play with, and is now living the good life! And he deserves it!

Bandit in his new home

We're Baaaack!

I did it again. Crazy with work and PAWS, neglecting this blog... Okay, no excuses!


Well, I'll give you a quick update on some of the pets you've seen posted here, then we'll get down to the business of posting adoptables again. I'll sit in the corner for a bit to punish myself and promise to try to be a better blogger in the future! :)