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All dogs decline in the animal shelter, but some develop problems faster than others. Dogs that come in with behavioral concerns are unlikely to have those problems addressed at the shelter. Dogs are traumatized by the shelter environment.  When dogs develop chronic negative behavior in the kennel, aggression towards other dogs or people, or other … Continue reading Work with shelter dogs who need extra help

Dog day outs are one of my favorite programs at Alachua County Animal Services. Dogs get a chance to stretch their legs, socialize, and decompress. Volunteers get to enjoy a day with a dog without any commitment. This can be a perfect way for volunteers who are unsure about fostering or spending time at the … Continue reading Dog Seatbelts Donated to Alachua County Animal Services

Monday 8/26/19 I am apprehensive as we prepare to go to the vet. I am worried that the dogs will have an imporant medical concern. I leave a little early so that I can take the half-hour drive out to Archer slowly. Jazzy jumps nimbly into the car, while Rasta gives me a look that … Continue reading Jazzy and Rasta Go to the Vet

When I arrive, the sun has not yet made it over the towering pine trees behind the shelter. Already the air is still and wet, promising another sweltering spring day in Gainesville, Fl. The boggy ground, carpeted with moss, squishes as I walk across it. I wish good morning to an orange feral cat who … Continue reading Why I Volunteer with Shelter Dogs

Maggie was adopted! Maggie is a sweet, sweet girl with Alachua County Animal Services. She was a delight on her overnight outing. She was quiet and mellow in the house and didn't have any accidents. Maggie was perfect in her crate overnight. You can never be sure when you pick a dog up at the shelter … Continue reading Maggie’s Overnight Outing

I want to thank Persimmon & Co. for donating these beautiful stainless steel ID tags. These attractive tags catch the eye with a clear “Adopt me” print and our site address. They look great in adoption photos and get people’s attention on outings as well.  These ID tags are rust and tarnish free and completely … Continue reading Persimmon & Co. Custom ID Tags

Playgroups are one of the most important ways that animal shelters keep dogs mentally stimulated and socialized. Playgroups allow staff to get to know each dog’s unique play style and behavior. They use this information to find the best home for every dog.  Playgroups give potential adopters the opportunity to see the real dog instead … Continue reading Animal Shelter Playgroups

Why are there so many Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas in shelters? There are so many Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas in shelters because more of these dogs are being bred, because of breed characteristics like a tendency towards boldness and bravery, and because of public misinformation and misconceptions.

***Trigger warning*** Not every shelter dog has a happy ending. This is the story of my experiences with one of the thousands of pitbulls who are euthanized in America every day. Earl was a powerful dog who showed intense barrier aggression in the kennel. He was a scary sight making horrible sounds, and I had … Continue reading Earl: A loyal dog who ran out of time

Quarantine is an unfortunately common part of life for my local shelter. Ever since I became involved there have been quarantines, some brief and some long. During quarantines, animal shelters separate populations of dogs by creating physical barriers and making sure that staff and volunteers don’t spread disease between populations. Sometimes the quarantine is created … Continue reading Animal Shelter Quarantine: A Desperate Situation