June 2009

Keno came from a small shelter in northern Idaho where the manager decided there were too many dogs. She proposed to euthanize all of them and start over, and one of the workers immediately pulled six purebred dogs to save them. This is the story we heard, and although we can’t verify it we can say Keno was one of the dogs. With help he made it to Coeur d’Alene where he stayed overnight with Kristina. We arranged for a Malamute Rescue volunteer who was taking a dog from Portland to Post Falls to take Keno back to Portland. The following morning Melissa picked him up and he has been there since.

This month we’re happy to report that Keno is in his permanent, forever home. It’s the same home he has been in since April 26, with Melissa and Terry. He fits in perfectly.

Nicky was found as a stray, and after some work we found his original owner. She gave him away several years ago, and he ran away from that home. We couldn’t find where he has been for the last two years but we can say he will be safe now. Nicky is a rare dog, completely content to be with other dogs or leaning against a human getting attention. He is the only dog we have ever fostered who never evoked a growl from Charlie, our resident alpha. Nicky is just finishing a major shed and is also one of the most naked dogs we have hosted. We have a potential home lined up for him and hopefully he will be moving on soon to his own home. We’ll be honest and say we’re really going to miss this one.

Stoney appeared in the shelter in Kalispell, Montana. He was found as a stray with a rope tied around his neck, dragging behind him. The people at the shelter told us they try to return dogs to their owners, but in this case were glad the people decided not to take him back. There was no elaboration but we know it wasn’t a good place for him. Stoney is about 7 years old and we understand he was tied out most of the time. After we committed to him, we learned he was not a purebred Samoyed. Now that he is here we believe he is half Sammy and half Collie or some similar breed. At first glance he could be easily taken as a biscuit Samoyed.

Sandy Nelson picked him up from the shelter and did some grooming to get the worst of the mess off his coat. She brought him along to the Spokane/CDA shows on May 22 and dropped him off with Kristina. We were unable to find anybody at the show who could bring him back, so Kathy had to drive to Coeur d’Alene and back that weekend to bring him here.

Stoney is a product of his earlier life, and like many dogs who have been tied he was not immediately comfortable in a pack. He likely had other dogs harass him when he couldn’t run away, and a lot of his training has been aimed at keeping him from feeling threatened when other dogs crowd around. He has needed a strong alpha to explain proper behavior, while at the same time needing a lot of one-on-one comforting from humans to show he is safe here. We’re going to find a home for him where the people understand his past, and where he is the only dog. He has a lot of affection and companionship to give and we’ll try to make sure he gets the chance.

Our annual rescue picnic is July 11 this year, less than a month away. This is the TENTH annual picnic, continuing the fun that Cheryl and Steve began in 2000. Last year was our best attended ever with about 40 dogs joining us and this year we hope to have even more. The Nisqually show is the same day but there should be plenty of time to stop by on your way home. If you’re driving south we’re on the way, and if you’re heading north it’s only a six mile detour. Please stop by and be part of the fun!