America's Dogs

Goodness, I have neglected my kind readers something terrible.  I have been using a different browser which does not have the app I use to prepare and post this blog.  Thus, I have been reading and writing merrily along with no content going to you.  Ach.  Mea culpa (my fault).

I am not going to talk about fireworks and heat.  Have done that - BUT, should you see a dog or cat in an enclosed car, DO SOMETHING - call the police at the very least.  Don't let them die.  Having said that, if it is my car, it will be running with the AC on and the doors locked.  Justus is becoming quite the car buddy - he has a long way to catch up to sweet Spanky, RIP.

Last week, June 20-24, five (5) dogs were confirmed and adopted from Silverwalk, two from the Puppies for Parole program with which we participate as part of Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary.  Hoss (!) is finishing up his training and will test for his Canine Good Citizenship.  He has learned to speak on command, though reportedly does reserve the right to comment independently, just not as often.  Sadie, his house-mate in their former home, went home just this past week; she had not been in the program as long as Hoss but also did not need the more extensive training.  Sadie is a sweet, house dog who went to a wonderful home and person who simply raves about her.   Queenie, Lady Bug and Taffy also found homes.  I am not sure if Taffy's little feet will ever touch the ground again - her new owner is over the top in love with her.   Check out Dog Blessed @ Silverwalk for more links/discussion about these wonderful dogs and adopters.

With this activity leaving me a little breathless, I was able to accept an owner surrender of a "Redbone Coonhound."  Phoebe is a red hound mix who lived and loved with her owner till she wouldn't/couldn't tolerate the new baby crawling.  Keeping baby safe was paramount.  Having loved Phoebe as her first and wonderful dog, this owner responsibly sought placement for her, though it breaks her heart.  Phoebe is here - and some lucky family with older children need to snatch her up.  She is house-trained.  I won't say that about many of the dogs here but Phoebe and legally blind Cyrano are both truly house-trained. 

Many rescues dedicate themselves to only pulling dogs on death row into their shelters.  There certainly is a need for that - thank God they do.  Silverwalk has always accepted owner surrenders first as fully sponsored dogs and now with a good donation and complete vetting.  I want to help keep dogs in families.  Phoebe is confused this evening in this foreign environment (however, true to hound form, she did eat all her supper!).  Of course, she would rather be with her family.  I was in the situation years ago of giving up my cat and a dog due to personal circumstances - they went to good homes but I hope to spare others similar heartache.  The unfortunate part is the number of dogs to whom I can offer sanctuary is limited by ACFA regulations - and rightly so.  Because of the way dogs live here, I cannot take in so many that the pack is unmanageable or becomes dangerous to itself.  I have seen the tension ease over this past month as dogs moved on to training and were adopted out. 

Silverwalk has welcomed Darling Clementine from HSSEMO - when my dogs are adopted, my friends there ask me to let them know when I have room; and Clementine moved here.  She, too, is house-trained, lost her home due to owners' personal circumstances and is hilarious - esp. after I come home from work in the morning.  She comes in the house doing zoomies throughout every room.  Yeah, Clemmy!