Dog Days at the Magic Cottage

Did you know October is
Adopt a Shelter Dog month?

I grew up with shelter dogs and never thought twice about it; in fact, I guess I just always assumed that's where everyone got their dogs! My very favorite dog in the world, Mr. Tim, came from the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, Maine. The AWS does an amazing job with their animals and one of the things I love most about AWS is that they participate in the Paws Across America program; click on the link to read more.

my man Tim, Animal Welfare Society Alum

Mr. Tim says "Throw the ball already!"

Another wonderful local shelter is the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. They too do a fabulous job finding homes for their animals and participate in programs to relieve overcrowding in southern shelters. And then there is the MSSPA - the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals. They are New England's largest equine rescue and rehab facilities, and I just can't say enough about the amazing work they are doing.

When I can, I foster dogs through Almost Home Rescue which, like the AWS, works with partner shelters in the south to find homes for strays/rescues here in NE. AHR does an amazing job! AHR is made up of a super-organized bunch of volunteers who LOVE dogs and spend countless hours and dollars on finding homes for these dogs. And on finding the RIGHT homes. AHR carefully screens applicants because what they don't want is for dogs to end up back at a shelter because the adopter didn't realize the energy level of the dog or how much time it would take to care for it. [sidenote: If you don't realize how prevalent this is, check out a bunch of shelter notes on why dogs were surrendered - overwhelmingly owners state "Not enough time."] But I digress. Please check out AHR and see who might be waiting to be your new best friend!

here i am smooching on foster dog Landon -

who has been adopted by a wonderful family!

foster dog Chili Bean,
who also found a fur-ever home!

Right now my household is in a "hiring freeze" at two dogs (@mrtimidity and @djangofullspot), two cats, and two wonderful kids. I am working, completing a master's degree, an internship, and a thesis, and my partner and I have decided that although we very much want another dog and to continue fostering rescue dogs, I should really put my nose to the grindstone and finish my thesis and internship first! Now THAT'S motivational! After making that commitment, I notice a definite increase of focus, HAHA! ADDENDUM: okay. hiring freeze may be off. stay tuned.

Tim and Django sharing the couch.

In the meantime, I continue to torture everyone on my Facebook friends list with numerous posts advocating for all of the beautiful dogs waiting for their forever homes, and I have a particular soft spot for the most over-bred and misunderstood breeds; the pit bull. And by "pit bull" I mean any of the various breeds that people tend to confuse and lump into the category of "pit bull." Turns out, lots of people think they know one when they see one, but they really don't. (Do you?) I have fostered a wonderful lab/pit mix (shout-out to Yoda!) and I live with an American Staffordshire Terrier and know what amazingly loveable, goofy, and loyal pets these dogs make. I also know that they are the most-euthanized dog breed - thanks to overbreeding and persistent myths about their personalities. In many states, even owning a pit bull is illegal but backyard breeders continue to pump them out, so guess what happens to them? They die by the millions in kill-shelters. I wish that were an exaggeration but sadly, it isn't.

If you are considering a new pet, PLEASE consider a shelter or rescue dog!

DAKOTA!

This is my new foster dog! He is a handsome lab/pointer mix about 2 years old. He's got this big boxy head I am just mad for and he is very, very laid-back. I picked up Dakota at transport and he greeted me with a kiss and then demonstrated he could "sit" and "give paw" for a treat. He walks well on a leash (doesn't drag you around), loves to ride in the car, and upon his arrival here at my house demonstrated some pretty socially-savvy dog manners. He defers to my resident dog, Tim, and even though he had just endured a grueling day on the transport trailer from Arkansas he patiently let Tim sniff his butt repeatedly, try to hump him, and follow him around incessantly - all without complaint.  He mostly just ignores the cats (except for Ebbie, who sidled right up to give him a cat greeting (rubbed up against him); and in return Dakota just gave him a lick on the head.

I love Dakota's "mittens."

We are not sure why this dog ended up in rescue; most of these dogs were simply found as strays in the South. As handsome as he is, Dakota is a victim of "black dog syndrome." My guess is that this guy had a loving home at one point; he is so well socialized and affectionate that it's hard to imagine that he has spent any great length of time on the lam or in the shelter. Previous foster family vouches for his awesomeness with their children and other pets also.

What strikes me the most about Dakota is that after all he's been through the past couple weeks, he is so trusting, so happy, so eager to please. He is constantly looking to my dog and to me to make sure he is doing what he is supposed to do, and his tail virtually never stops wagging. I'm getting all verklempt just thinking about it. He's going to make someone a GREAT family dog.

 
"Aren't I handsome!?"

DID SOMEONE SAY "FRITOS???"

I HAS A STICK

Here's Dakota, just chillin in the yard, catching a breeze. Dakota is such an awesome guy, he totally deserves to catch a break too; if you would like to meet Dakota drop me a note. If you are interested in adopting Dakota, or becoming a foster to one of these great dogs while they wait for their forever family to find them, visit Almost Home Rescue for more info and to fill out an application!