Shelter Dogs Are Great Dogs
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
Saturday 8/24/19 The dogs do little but sleep and wander the yard on Thursday and Friday. We go on walks each morning down to the creek. They like to sniff the long grass that grows along the bank. I barely keep Jazzy from jumping in after a frog who leaps out from under her nose. … Continue reading Rasta and Jazzy are Settling In
Wednesday, 8/21/19 It was the first post that I saw when I logged onto my computer on Wednesday morning. Six dogs at risk of being euthanized in Dixie County. When I saw the post, the dogs had until noon to find foster homes. I did some quick research on the rescue who had posted the … Continue reading Introducing Jazzy and Rasta
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
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
When I walk a Pitbull from my local shelter downtown, I get strong reactions. Some people squeal and grab the dog’s big head, usually while pulling out their phone to show me pictures of their pibbles like a proud grandparent. On the other hand, I’ve gone so far as to pick up a friendly pitbull … Continue reading The Pibble Problem: Pitbulls in American Shelters
6/8/19 First meeting Earl was a powerful dog who showed intense barrier aggression in the kennel. He was a scary sight making horrible sounds, and I had second thoughts about opening the kennel door. His unapproachability was, however, exactly why I wanted to work with him. He was one of the dogs least likely to … 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
