Hi, Diana,

I just thought I would give you an update on Barney. We now call him, ‘Sam.’

He’s doing wonderfully. After we left the shelter on Sunday, we went to Leadbetter Point State Park where he and Shadow ran on the beach and played in the water. They had a great time. Then we made the long drive home. He started in the back of the car, but then moved to the seat w/Shadow. She wasn’t thrilled about that, but she’s adjusting and is very tolerant of him. For his part, he’s been very nice to her, not clobbering her or jumping on her. He’s also been fine w/the cat.

Yesterday, I took him on a 5 mile walk through the neighborhood. He literally greeted everyone on the sidewalk (old men, children, women w/baby joggers, other dogs). He needs a little work on the lease, but it shouldn’t be much. He seems to pick up things quickly. I’m going to sign up for a basic skills class with Shadow’s old trainer, so he’ll be busy learning new things.

This afternoon, I’m taking him to the vet, so I’m hoping that he has a clean bill of health.

Anyway, I’ll send you another note soon. I just wanted to let you know he’s in good hands and very much appreciated! He’s a great dog! What a sweetheart.

Thank you for your help (meeting us on Sunday, answering all of my questions, giving me your opinion about him, etc). You’re the reason that we have a sweet new dog in our family.

Thank you,

Jill

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Hi, Diana,

I hope you remember us. My husband and I drove down from Seattle to adopted that chocolate Labrador named Barney (now called Sam) back in February. Well, I thought I would email you with another update…..

Sam is an absolutely fabulous dog! He’s great hiking on the trail, great cross-country skiing, great running in the neighborhood. He’s very attentive and a complete love bug, so sweet with everyone (young, old, little, big, strangers, neighbors). He’s ALWAYS happy.

We just finished our Basic Obedience Class at Phinney Ridge Community Center. In the training exam, Sam finished top in the class of twelve dogs when he got the extra credit task of heeling while off leash! He was the only dog in the class that could do it…. all with a smile on his face. Can you believe it?! Ha!

The instructor loved Sam, too. She couldn’t believe that he was from a shelter. So we’re doing our part to spread the word about great shelter dogs.

We’re still working on the water retrieve. Since my older Labrador loves the water, I want Sam to swim, too, but he seems to wade more than swim, so I’m hoping by the summer he’ll be more comfortable in the water. Once he’s swimming, I’ll send you a picture!

I hope you’re well and everything is going well at the shelter.

Thanks again,

Jill

By Cory McKeown with photos by Melanie Epping

Please help Sammy get the heck outta Dodge!!

While we are totally committed to the concept of the no-kill shelter movement, the fact that the pets are sheltered until they find a home can mean that the more needy animals, the ones without the built-in cuteness of kittens and puppies, can linger.

Sometimes the pets just settle in well to shelter life, and are very content with the comforts a well-run shelter can provide them. Some, however, like poor Sammy, get more restless with time, and their good traits become hidden by their escalating energy levels, as they bark and jump to get attention.

One on one, Sammy is a very nice dog. He is playful and affectionate, and very bright. But, it will take the right person, a person who knows dogs and has love and patience to give, to get Sammy back on track. If that person doesn’t come along, Sammy will continue to be overlooked day after day. What a shame it would be for this nice Border collie mix to spend even more of his time searching the faces of the shelter visitors for the one person who will give him a chance.

Weak in the knees for Siamese??

Cisco and Trudy are the kitty equivalents of the dog Sammy, but as cats are inclined to do, they don’t get more energetic as they spend more time at the shelter- they withdraw and hide.

This trait is truly unfortunate, as people tend to pass by the “fraidy cats” and are drawn to the more outgoing felines. But, just as it is with Sammy, there must be cat lovers out there who would have tender hearts and would give these two beautiful Siamese’s a chance.

Cisco is a handsome flame point Siamese, with gorgeous blue eyes and orange coloring on his “points” (you Siamese lovers know what this means!!). Trudy is a pretty petite Snowshoe Siamese that became homeless when her owner lost her home. Both of these classy felines would be very happy in quieter homes, and both of them are desperately hoping to be given a chance. It is time for them to come out of hiding. Frightened cats need love, too.

Shelter Wish List

Our adult kitties have informed us that they are running low on dry cat food, and would be very happy to receive donations of kitty kibble. They thank you very much for caring about them and the other needy shelter pets.