July 2010
We talked about Kota last month, the dog who came from the shelter in southern Oregon that won’t work with rescue. Once again they said they could do a better job, and once again they blew it. Kota was adopted to a couple with a small yard who were gone from home frequently. We’re fortunate the adopters realized quickly he wasn’t the right dog, and also realized the shelter wasn’t very good placing dogs. They called us instead, and Melissa arranged to meet them halfway for a transfer. The very next day a family from Clackamas visited and meet Kota. He was exactly right for them, and reports have been excellent. When things settle down after the picnic we’ll contact the Jackson County commissioners and try again to convince them we can help.
Melissa has also been working with a family in Battle Ground who wanted to surrender their six year old girl to rescue. She made plans to pick up the dog on the morning of the picnic and bring her along; Lon and Mary were going to take her north and the breeder planned to come across the border and take her back. Just before the picnic Melissa had a call that they changed their minds and would keep the dog.
We’re still waiting for Tara to find the right home. She is a mix, slightly older than most people want, and she had a bad ACL that has since been repaired. Those things combine to make it difficult to generate interest. We promise if people met her in person that we’d have people in line trying to adopt her. Tara is a grateful dog who has been looking for love all her life and finally found it. She is a leaner, a dog who lets you know she is there and looks up with those big brown eyes to say thanks for the scratch. She should be in a home where she is the only dog, or perhaps with another female or easy going male. We have two applications on hand and hope one of them will be her lucky new home.
New this month is Sam, who was found as a stray and taken to the Lynnwood PAWS. They called and asked if we wanted him, and of course we said yes. Oddly, his previous owner came in and said he used to be hers but she gave him away and doesn’t remember who to. Sam is 15 months old, in his teenage stage and full of energy. It’s not everybody who can handle an untrained dog this age but we have a long history of good luck finding good homes. Sam is being fostered by Cyndy, and we are grateful to her for all the extra hassle of an extra male. Cyndy also made neckerchiefs saying “adopt me” for our fosters to wear during the picnic. Thanks!
The Rescue Picnic was July 10 and we had a yard full of Sammies and their families having a good time. We changed it slightly this year by having deli sandwiches instead of hamburgers and hot dogs, which meant a lot more visiting time for us. We also had two neighborhood girls helping with shirt sales and other odds and ends to free us up to sit with our friends. The weather was as perfect as we could ask for with sunny weather and a high about 80 degrees. Lots of people brought pop-ups and there was plenty of shade. The group picture shows about 36 of approximately 40 dogs, and that is very close to last year’s numbers. Pictures are at http://nwsams.smugmug.com/rescue/2010picnic
During the picnic, Jim and Doris met Hope, the girl who has been with us since January. She is still extremely shy, afraid of sudden noises or commotion, and is reluctant to come to a person unless they have food. Nevertheless, Hope went home with them on a trial basis and we’re hoping for the best. At this writing she has been there two nights and so far things are positive.
