Aurora

Aurora is one of those dogs that everyone passes by.  Why?  Because she’s dark colored and doesn’t catch anyone’s attention.  But if someone would spend a little time with her and get to know how sweet she is, they would truly be happily surprised.  I know I was.   I am ashamed to say, that other than her basic care, I didn’t really notice her much myself.  Then, one day, she and I had a little chat, than she spent some time behind the front desk “helping” greet customers.  I was very impressed at how she handled herself.  Yes, she was a little excited and hopped in one of the chairs and began a little computer work.  But once I explained the front desk rules to her, she settled on her blanket, gnawed on a bone and played with her toys.  Very fast learner, indeed.

I love belly rubs

When she arrived at the shelter, she had just weaned 17 puppies.  Yes, you read it correctly, 17!  She was completely depleted of nutrients, her skin was dry, and her coat was a dull mess.  She just looked plain exhausted.  Thank goodness she came to the ARL and is now spayed.  Halleluiah!  No more puppies.

She’s feeling better now and would like to be given the chance to be part of a real family.  A family that will treat her with the love and respect she’s been looking for….any maybe a family that will teach her to use a keyboard.

Look at those soft eyes

There's a First Time for Everything

They say there's a first time for everything; and I for one, believe it's true.  In all my years living and working with dogs, this is the first time I find myself falling for a Siberian Husky.  The husky I'm speaking of goes by a few different names...Fluffy Bottom, Fluffy B, and Kawi.

Mr. Personality

If you read the description of a Siberian, you would think they wrote it especially for him.  Social, gentle, playful, and mischievous are a few words to describe Kawi.  Many of the huskies I've met in the past show more of an interest in keeping me at a distance, while Kawi invites play with play bows and a big happy smile on his face.  I had such a good time with him recently watching him play in the snow with a 3 month old Siberian.  He was amazingly social and gentle with her and I'm certain that she learned lots of good things from him.

I don't feel I have a lifestyle that is fitting for a husky, as they need an active family who puts rolling around in the snow at the top of their list of fun things to do.  Kawi would love a companion who enjoys winter activities and is interested in teaching him to be a jogging partner (as he should lose a few pounds).   I can picture this guy pulling a sled and loving it!  Wouldn't that be fun!

Watch a video of Kawi:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmYGmZq6gm4



Goddess of the ARL

Athena

So maybe she's not a goddess, but I think she's pretty special.  After hearing my story of how I first met Athena, one would understand how easily it was to feel connected to her.

She arrived at the shelter with four 4 day old puppies.  I was told by her "owners" that seven of the pups had already died.  Instantly I felt very sad for Athena.  She was a young mom who tried hard to take care of her babies.  Each day at the shelter her pups died one by one.  She was so attentive to them and seemed to know that the number of pups was getting smaller and smaller.  We were able to get Athena and her last puppy into a fabulous foster home.  Her last puppy was thriving, she was plump and beginning to move around and opened her eyes, but sadly, she too crossed the rainbow bridge.

Why?  We asked ourselves over and over.  Some of the pups may have been unintentionally injured when Athena tried to move them from place to place, but for the most part we feel the death of her pups stems back to improper prenatal nutrition. 

So I ask you, wouldn't you too be instantly bonded to this young lady?

She happily spent the holidays with her foster family, but is now ready to move on to her new home where even more people can fall in love with her.  She has lived with children, small dogs, and cats...what more could you ask for? 

                      

                                     Taking a snooze.                       

                                                                            

                                                                                            Looking out the window.

The Blossoming Roxie

Roxie is a sweet, small gal that I am so proud of.  She first arrived at the shelter very frightened and untrusting.  After a few minutes of soft talk, she crawled into my lap and licked my chin...how could you not fall in love?  She continued to growl at most people, especially men; but over time she began to trust the staff and volunteers.  The awesome ARL dog walkers were very patient with Roxie and let her warm up slowly, now everyone, including men are able to take her on walks and visit with her in her kennel.  She's much happier now.  In the beginning, dogs also proved to be an issue for this petite girl, but she is showing some signs of improvement and I think she may actually enjoy having a canine companion some day.  This is something we'll keep working on in hopes we can make her life even better.  Now we need to find a family that is willing to give her a chance.  A family that is patient and loving and has some dog experience.  We have one staff member that has been taking Roxie car rides and outings and truly has a soft spot in her heart for this beauty.  Roxie will make someone very happy if they choose to take her into their home.

Paws in Stripes Puppies

The pups have returned from the prison!  All I can say is WOW!  They are absolutely amazing.  Kudos to their inmate handlers for the wonderful job they did.  All the pups know how to sit, stay and shake paw; the majority of them even know down and come; and one knows how to roll over!  Not only are they smart, they are beautiful!  They are all available for adoption Friday, so stop by and visit.

Snickers

Snickers is a 7 year old chocolate lab who came to us with a severe case of Heartworm disease.  She began her treatment a month ago, but her body is having a very difficult time with it.  This disease is deadly if not treated and, unfortunately, the treatment can be lethal as well.  Our awesome vets have consulted with one another and have decided to take a very slow approach to make sure she makes it through.  Snickers is comfortable and happy in a loving foster home.  She has already become a member of their family and they're planning on keeping her forever.  Isn't that great news?!  Please send Snickers your positive thoughts and prayers. 

Pass this on to every pet owner you know:   Have your pets tested yearly and keep up on their monthly preventative.  Trust me, you do not want your dog to go through this.

Liam the Greyhound mix

It amazes all of us at the shelter that Liam has not been adopted!  He is as handsome and as sweet as they come.  Yes, he may suffer from Addison's disease (http://www.addisonsdiseaseindogs.com/), but it is well controlled and shouldn't be a deterent for adoption.  His medication is very inexpensive and the shelter has received generous donations to help Liam's new family with the cost.  Liam is somewhat timid with new people, but jumps for joy meeting other dogs....it's as if he turns back into the not-a-care-in-the-world puppy he once was.  It is certainly fun to watch and it brings a tear to my eye to see him so happy.  It is because of this that I truly feel he would do best in a home with another dog.



Lady the American Pit Bull Terrier

Lady has a special friend, named Joan, that has taken her home on many occasions for slumber parties.  While in her care, Joan reports that Lady is very affectionate and loves to give kisses.  Sounds like Lady would do well in a home with a resident jogger -- Joan took her on a 3 mile jog and she did very well.  She got distracted a couple times, but it was easy to get her focus back on the task at hand.  When Lady is ready to go for a walk, which is one of her favorite things, she will pull out the leash and put it on the floor...her cute little way of saying "Come on, lets go."  And for you sports fans out there, Lady likes to watch football.  She will snuggle, on your lap if you let her, and watch an entire game with you.  We adore our lovely Lady.

Preparing to go out in the Blizzard.

Welcome!

Welcome to our new Dogs of the ARL blog.  You will be able to tell the world how one of our dogs did on a sleepover at your home, something new you learned about them during a walk, progress they're making in training class, or just how wonderful they are.  If you're a blog follower and don't have direct contact with one of our dogs, please feel free to check back often and share with others what you've read.

I look forward reading all about your adventures with the dogs that steal our hearts every day...the Dogs of the ARL.