Shelter Pets

I visited the Story County Shelter today and though the cat room was closed due to illness I did get some photos of some dogs and a couple of rabbits that I’d like to share with you today.

This tri-colored, wirehaired terrier type dog is a friendly but very active dog. I could imagine him making a good family dog with children who have a lot of time to walk him and play with him. Perhaps he’d be a good fly-ball competitor :)

This beautiful girl is lab-sized and friendly but a little laid back. She seemed to be camera shy too. Every time I pointed the camera at her she turned her face away. While the other dogs barked away she simply wagged her tail and smiled in a doggy way. I think she’d be a nice quiet dog to sleep on the couch with you.

 

Then there’s this big happy fella. He may look like a Beagle but he’s nearly 6 foot tall when he stands on his back legs. He was just so happy, happy, happy. He must have a little Lab in him.

 

I tried to get some photos of this unusually colored Cocker Spaniel but he was wary of me and wouldn’t hold still. When I lowered myself to his height he calmed a little and licked my hand. I think he would be best in a home with responsible, understanding adults. He’ll also need some socialization so he isn’t so afraid of people. His color though is so cool. It’s somewhere between buff and liver. Not exactly sure what to call it.

And finally I caught this adorable black and tan Dachsund in the front room just coming in from his walk by the lake. He’s just so darn friendly I couldn’t get a very good picture of him. He just wanted to lick me and be petted rather than have his photo taken!

Then I just couldn’t resist capturing shots of these two bunnies. I don’t know much about bunny breeds so I can’t tell you what they are but the lighter colored one is a neutered male and seems pretty friendly but he didn’t want to face the camera. The darker bunny is a female and just about the most lovable furball I’ve seen. I could just hug her for hours. And those adorable cheek tufts…..what more can I say. I didn’t ask but from the looks of their cages they seemed to be litter-trained

 

Okay, so if you live in central Iowa stop by the Story County Animal Shelter and adopt one of these loving pets. In a week or so the cat room should be open again and there’ll be plenty of cats and kittens vying for your attention. Fortunately there are about 6 kittens in the front room that are available although I didn’t take any photos of them.

Pets As Gifts - NOT

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Mewdy Blue

I must apologize up front if I don’t sound myself tonight; I am on a “Hobbit high.” No, I don’t mean that stuff the Hobbitses smoke, whatever it might be. No, I mean I wrote this in the dark in the theater today while eagerly awaiting the start of the movie. Now, I’m  so happy I’m floating already anticipating the next time I see it – again!

Okay, here goes:

This time of year I usually reiterate my plea to not give pets as gifts. This year I am amazed, however, that at least one local shelter director is quoted as saying she disagrees with this philosophy!

Read this article in the Iowa State Daily to see the actual quote:

http://www.iowastatedaily.com/opinion/article_c9153f0c-3d5f-11e2-9b13-001a4bcf887a.html

I prefer the information in this post at Syracuse.com:

http://blog.syracuse.com/cny/2012/12/pets_as_gifts_not_a_good_idea_experts_say.html

Billy - a Cymric

Instead of giving a surprise pet as a gift at Christmas or any time here are some alternatives:

1.     Gift certificates: some shelters give gift certificates for this very purpose. Or you can make up your own certificate promising a pet of the recipient’s choosing. Never buy a pet from a pet store!

2.     Pre-choose a pet: offer the recipient the chance to pick out a pet themselves before Christmas. Do your research, make sure the source is reputable and be clear what all is included in the adoption fee (vaccinations, spay/neuter, worming, pedigree, etc.?) Make plans to take the pet home after the holidays. The holiday season is usually hectic enough without adding a new pet to the mix. And moving into a new home is stressful enough for a pet without the frantic pace, noise and introduction of strangers to cope with.

3.     Give a list: if you know what type of pet your recipient is considering do some research on your own and present your findings to them. They will appreciate your help. It will make their search that much easier.

Make sure that adding a pet is something your friend or relative is ready to do before presenting them with a new puppy or kitten. Let them do the choosing at the right time in order to ensure a rewarding and lasting relationship between that person and their new pet.