Turned in to the shelter for being "too active," a feisty terrier-mix proves to be the perfect match for this local writer.
- Story and photos by Lisa Monti
On the way home, Brody became Boudreaux, a nickname my family affectionately applied to small children. He didn’t seem to notice the name change as we both worked on getting used to our new living arrangement. On those first few days, I’d leave him in the kennel until I got home from work in the evening. After some play time, he’d go back in the kennel to sleep. On about day four, when the sound of car keys meant kenneling up, Boudreaux disappeared under the bed and couldn’t be coaxed out. If he felt that strongly, I thought, I’d gamble on this unknown guy and give him the freedom to roam the house all day. Turns out, he behaved perfectly. Nothing was out of place, chewed up or wet. After that, the kennel was stored in the garage. I had really lucked out with this one, I thought gratefully. There were adjustments to make, of course. He’s not a tall dog or overly curious, but I quickly learned that Boudreaux could access places a Westie could not. One morning I left a cup of coffee on an end table and came back to find it empty. Under caffeinated and confused, I couldn’t imagine what had happened until I noticed the dog panting happily with coffee stains on his face. His next attempt – to get a glass of wine – was averted. The high energy level of my new puppy was a challenge, especially trying to teach him to walk on a leash. He darted and jerked and yanked in every direction, giving me a full body workout trying to keep up. If I didn’t match his movement, the leash would ensnare my arm or legs. People watching our erratic motion would get a laugh, asking who was walking who, as if they couldn’t tell. We haven’t missed many daily walks in these almost 13 years, and the credit mostly goes to Boudreaux, who’s never too tired, or too hot or too cold to walk our one-mile route to the beach and back. He still tugs on the leash to pull ahead, but he walks mostly in a straight line, stopping at his favorite spots to “read the mail,” as an old neighbor used to call the sniffing that dogs do. For the most part, Boudreaux has been low maintenance with the exception of grooming (our haircuts cost the same) and a regular supply of treats. At 13 years, he can be grumpy if the treats don’t come fast enough or the door isn’t opened quickly enough. His hearing is about gone, the eyesight isn’t as sharp as it was and he takes pills every day for pain. Jumping up on the furniture isn’t an option anymore, so he sleeps on a rug or squeezes himself under the bed if the weather is bad. But even at his advanced age, Boudreaux is still a fierce protector of the fence line, barking loudest at bikes and golf carts. And he still likes to ride shotgun when it’s time for a vet appointment or haircut, paws on the dashboard, scouting for anything that gets near. From that first solo day he spent at home13 years ago, Boudreaux has never tried to get into the trash or eat shoes or gnaw on furniture, as some of his predecessors did. His worst habit, honestly, is digging extra deep holes in various spots in the yard to cool off in on summer days. As much as he loves to soak in the water at the beach, he never used his own small plastic swimming pool except as a giant water bowl. The two of us have covered many a mile on our walks, and we’ve met some very nice people and their pets, including lots of rescues. More than a few people have asked me what kind of dog Boudreaux is, given his mixed background. I use a line that a fellow dog rescuer told me years ago. “He’s a lucky dog. That’s what he is.” Hancock County Adoptables
The dogs below are available at the Hancock County Animal Shelter as of June 12, 2019. Call the shelter at (228) 466-4516 for availability.
Presley and PhoebePRESLEY & PHOEBE are six-month-old Hound mix puppies, surrendered by their owner due to the death of his wife, and his inability to care for them any longer. They are rather docile at the moment, but their shyness is to be expected under these unfortunate circumstances. They are, however, very sweet-natured and are beautiful in their markings and coloring. Presley is the reddish-brown and white cutie on the left, and his sister Phoebe is predominantly white with brown brindle patches. We resisted the urge to names her Patches! Lol! They are good with adult dogs and seem uninterested in our shelter kitties. They will likely require house, crate, and leash training, but the effort will be well worth it. In return, you will receive a lifetime of unconditional love and companionship from these pups. ❤ Our adult dog/puppy adoption fee is $75, which includes worming, spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. An approved adoption application always applies! Mighty Mouse
This dude here is none other than MIGHTY MOUSE!! This youngster is so much fun and is so full of personality that he deserved a fun name, and one of our dedicated kennel techs (obviously a cartoon buff) gave this 18-month-old pup his name. So, we think the whole "one ear up, one ear down" is pretty adorable, don't you?! Mighty Mouse would be the perfect pooch for a family with kiddos, who are seeking a buddy to pal around with and explore the outdoors. If you are a single person/couple and find yourself/yourselves wanting a canine companion to join in your adventures, then Mighty Mouse would be ideal for your lifestyle. He is super cool, sweet and playful, and is happiest when in the company of people. He is great with other dogs, and seems curious but not aggressive towards cats. He keeps his kennel pretty clean, but we cannot guarantee that he is house or crate trained. However, with consistent, positive training, Mighty Mouse should prove to be a quick learner. He enjoys going for walks and picked up appropriate leash manners quickly enough, thanks to our volunteers. Wanna add a real "character" to your family? Then come meet Mighty Mouse!
? Mighty Mouse's adoption fee is $37.50, which includes worming, neutering, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Heartworm status is unknown. An approved adoption application always applies! HarleyHARLEY is a sweet-natured 12 month old German Shepherd/Doberman Pinscher mix, who came to us as a stray, but she seems to have been part of a family rather recently. She came in very clean and in good condition, plus she has a wonderful temperament. We think she's pretty cute, too, with those little fuzzy-wuzzy caterpillar eyebrows! Lol! We hope her stay with us will be brief, and that her second chance family will come her way soon. Harley has been very sweet and outgoing with our staff and volunteers, and she is playful and friendly with the other dogs in her living area. She was a star at our recent adoption event at Pet Smart. She is a bona fide lap dog, and loves kiddos of all ages. She would be very happy to be part of a family with kiddos, and take on the role of confidant and best friend. She made many new doggie pals at Pet Smart and could easily join a home with existing family dogs. We are unsure yet if Harley is house or crate trained, but she has yet to have an accident. Harley looks forward to daily walks and is great on a leash/harness. She sits for treats and is eager to please. We think she is very smart, too! Please stop by and meet Harley. She may be just the furry friend you've been looking for!? Harley's adoption fee is $75, which includes worming, spaying, vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Heartworm status is unknown. An approved adoption application always applies! ArielARIEL is one of the sweetest dogs that you'll ever meet. She is beautiful, too, but our photos just haven't captured her unique gold eyes and "chocolate drop" of a nose. Ariel obviously gave much of herself to nursing puppies, but she is steadily gaining weight, and we are ensuring that she receives high protein food and lots of treats. She simply exudes love and kindness, which extends to other dogs as well. She is able to be paired with any of our other dogs for playtime in our doggie exercise yard, and she is always welcoming and friendly. She is, however, far more interested in the company of humans. She truly loves people! Ariel would be a particularly wonderful dog for a single person/couple, seeking a loyal companion. She is likely 2-3 yrs of age, so she is rather calm in nature, but very much enjoys going for walks and playing. She is great with kiddos of all ages, so she could easily join a home with children and pets. We are unsure yet if Ariel is house or crate trained, but she keeps her kennel pretty clean both here at the shelter and at our weekly adoption event at Pet Smart. Please visit this lovable girl, and discover what we know: Ariel has heart of gold! ? Ariel's adoption fee is $37.50, which includes worming, spaying, vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Heartworm status is unknown. An approved adoption application always applies! BuzzBUZZ has the "head tilt" down pat, doesn't he? This adorable 8-month-old Labrador Retreiver/American Staffordshire Terrier mix puppy is innately sweet, loves attention and affection, and despite being a youngster among mostly adult dogs, he is incredibly confident and upbeat. He loves going for walks, and looks forward every day to playing in our exercise yard. We find that he does best when walked using a harness. Buzz would be an awesome addition to any family large or small, or fill the role of BFF for a single person/couple or active retirees, looking for a fun-loving buddy to share adventures. Buzz is great with other dogs and sweet with kiddos of all ages. He is also super smart and learned both the "sit" and "down" commands in just one afternoon! This cute fella appears to be house and crate trained, but additional training may be required. He is, however, always well behaved in his crate at PetSmart, especially when he has lots of toys to amuse himself. FYI: Buzz is crazy for toys, so be sure he has a whole toy box full of toys! The rewards of the love and companionship this fella will bring you, is worth the responsibilities of puppy training. We hope you'll consider giving Buzz his forever home...he promises to love you "to infinity and beyond!" ?❤
Quirky, compulsive, lovable - and oh, those eyes - Frank climbed his way into Ann Weaver's heart.
- Story by Denise Jacobs, photos by Ann Weaver
For Heidi, it was love at first sight. She adored Frank right from the start. Penny noticed Heidi’s attraction and hoped the street dog might have found his forever home. Weaver was unconvinced. “Taking him in seemed overwhelming,” she says. Still, she couldn’t quite forget about the street urchin. By the time Weaver decided she would take Frank into her home, it was too late. Frank had been adopted by a first-time dog owner in her 70s. But being just a year and half old and 40 pounds, Frank proved to be too much for his senior rescuer. He was, as Weaver puts it, “high maintenance.” Frank was returned to foster care again at Penny’s Pampered Pets in 2008. This time around, Weaver was ready and willing to open her heart to the cocker with the big blue eyes. Frank had found his forever home. From the beginning, Frank was “food insecure,” probably from living on the street without a family for the first year of his life. Regardless of how well Weaver fed Frank, he would still occasionally climb on the dining room table and even, on occasion, the kitchen counters. Weaver learned to keep crumbs at bay. “I exercised him a lot,” she remembers, “because he would eat all day every day if I would have let him.” Frank was also obsessed with tennis balls. A chaser of anything that moved, rabbits and squirrels above all, Frank would chase a ball until he couldn’t run anymore. If he couldn’t coerce a human to toss him a ball, Frank would gently nurse a fuzzy tennis ball, chewing it and whimpering all the while. Weaver speculates that Frank may have been separated from his mother too early. At home in Bay St. Louis, Frank shadowed Heidi. As she aged and went blind a few years after his arrival, following Heidi around the house became a full-time occupation. Later, Frank companioned Heidi through the loss of her hearing and the onset of dementia. When Heidi died, Weaver didn’t have to grieve alone; Frank was right there beside her. Frank’s passing came more abruptly than Heidi’s, and his obsession with food factored in. One night he helped himself to an unopened box of dry, unsweetened cocoa powder that Weaver had left on the dining room table as part of a science kit. She planned to use the cocoa the next day at work to demonstrate how dirt interacts with water. Frank consumed the entire box of cocoa powder and died of toxic food poisoning. Weaver hadn’t even thought of the cocoa as food - just part of a science experience - otherwise, she would not have left it on the table.
Frank was a senior himself at the time, after enjoying ten years of a lush life and lavish care by Ann. Nevertheless, Weaver remembers it taking many months to come to terms with the loss of Frank. Things that helped were allowing herself to feel the grief, to reminisce over pictures, and to talk about Frank - a lot - to her friends. Her advice for surviving the loss of a pet?
“Don’t go home to an empty house,” Weaver says. At the time of Frank’s death, Weaver was lucky enough to be fostering four-year-old Willie, another cocker—a “sweetheart of a dog.” “All my dogs in heaven must have looked down on me with compassion and decided to send me a really well-behaved and healthy dog,” Weaver says of Willie. Why does Weaver gravitate toward cockers? The energetic dogs are a good fit for Weaver’s active lifestyle. “I can play with them,” she says. “Cockers are always up for something, like if I pulled out a leash right now, even though we’ve already been out, Willie would jump at the chance to go again.” “And they’re always happy - their tails wag constantly. They always crack me up!” If Weaver is such a fan of Cockers, why doesn't she buy one from a breeder? "I prefer to adopt," she said. "There are so many dogs that need homes, and although they come with their challenges, fosters are so unique and great companions!" Hancock County Adoptables
The dogs below are available at the Hancock County Animal Shelter as of June 12, 2019. Call the shelter at (228) 466-4516 for availability.
BuzzBUZZ has the "head tilt" down pat, doesn't he?! This adorable 8-month-old Labrador Retreiver mix puppy is innately sweet, craves attention and affection, and despite being a baby among mostly adult dogs, he is incredibly confident and upbeat. He loves going for walks and looks forward every day to playing in our exercise yard. We find that he does best when walked using a harness. Buzz would be an awesome addition to any family large or small, or fill the role of BFF for a single person/couple or active retirees looking for a fun-loving buddy to share adventures. This little guy will likely require both house and crate training, but the rewards of the love and companionship this fella will bring you, are worth the responsibilities of puppy training. We hope you'll consider giving Buzz his forever home... he promises to love you "to infinity and beyond!" ?❤ Buzz's adoption fee is $75, which includes worming, neutering, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. An approved adoption application always applies. CapCAP has taken little Colette under his paw; they share a kennel and since doing so, she has blossomed and is no longer a fearful, trembling pup. Despite his stature, Cap is very gentle with small dogs and kiddos.
Cap is an affable, goofy, sweet-as-pie 4-yr-old Hound dog, who if he could, would likely sing a song about the woods, squirrels, and "the one that got away!" He is most definitely a country boy! He is quite content to hang out with his many doggie pals at the shelter, romp around our play yard, and follow our kennel techs around as they clean. He will pick up toys and carry them around, and then "zoom-zoom" around the courtyard, amusing himself. Cap is likely not house or crate trained, but he walks fairly well on a leash/harness. He truly loves people, and he is quite gentle with children.
While he is happy here at the shelter, he deserves to have a home and family of his own. He would do best in a home with a (privacy) fenced yard or with lots of acreage to explore. This agile boy can climb a 4-ft chain-link fence with ease. Cap would love to join active kiddos in their outdoor adventures, so please consider adding him to your family. Cap's adoption fee is $37.50 ("Lonely Heart"), which includes worming, neutering, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Heartworm status is unknown. An approved adoption application always applies. Dottie
SIX MONTHS AND COUNTING...
? That is how long beautiful, sweet DOTTIE has been hoping for her "second chance" family to come her way. Why doesn't anyone want her? We just can't figure it out. She is one of the sweetest, easiest, most loving dogs to come through the shelter. PLEASE come meet our sweet Dottie soon! ? She came to us as a stray, so although we don't know much about this beautiful girl's past, her body gives us a few clues. Motherhood is behind her now, and we hope her future will be one of love and family. This 4-yr-old Pointer/Hound mix has a gentle nature and a sweet spirit about her. Dottie just wants to be loved, and she seeks out the affection of our staff and volunteers. We think her "dots and spots" are unique and beautiful, and so is her personality. She is friendly with other dogs and seems oblivious to our shelter kitties. Her calm nature would make her an ideal companion for active retirees, a single person/couple, or even a family with children. She is just that well-socialized and trustworthy. We do not know, however, if Dottie is house trained or crate trained, but she does keep her kennel clean and "goes potty" as soon as we take her outside. She looks forward to going for walks with our volunteers, who equally look forward to hanging out with her. She is pure joy and happiness! Please consider adding this mature, curvaceous gal to your family. She has so much love to give her forever family! Dottie's adoption fee is $37.50 ("Lonely Heart"), which includes worming, spaying, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Dottie is heartworm positive, but she is currently on a heartworm preventaive and doing great. An approved adoption application always applies. MattThis handsome boy is MATT, a 2 yr old Treeing Walking Hound, with a stellar personality who never meets a stranger. He can often be found lending a paw to our kennel techs as they clean kennels and make their rounds. He has many doggie pals here at the shelter, and he loves to play with kiddos of all ages. Matt would love to join an active family or single person/couple, seeking a fun-loving canine partner and friend. Matt walks well on a leash/harness, and although he keeps his kennel clean, we are unsure yet if he is 100% house or crate trained. This sweet boy exudes all of the wonderful qualities for which the Hound Group is known and beloved... except for the trademark "hound dog" barking. Matt is kind of quiet and prefers the company of people to raising a ruckus. If you've never had the good fortune to share your life with a hound, well, here's your chance! ? Matt's adoption fee is $75, which includes worming, neutering, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Matt is heartworm negative. An approved adoption application always applies. ZestaZESTA is as sweet as she is lovely! This 1-year-old Calico loves to be rubbed behind her ears and settle into the first available lap for cuddles. She has very discerning tastes, which includes listening to country music, dining on yummy fish dinners, and relaxing on a comfy bed (when not in your lap). Zesta would be a welcome addition to any family large or small. She is great with other friendly cats, too. She is litter box trained and utilizes a scratching post. Go meet this beautiful, gentle cat, and you're sure to fall in love. Zesta's adoption fee is $30, which includes worming, spaying, vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. An approved adoption application always applies. Seal
SEAL loves people, and can't get enough of his BFF here at the shelter... our dedicated volunteer Nancy Dahlgren, who volunteers her time working with our doggies. She is especially fond of this sweet 2-year-old Labrador Retriever mix with lovely light green eyes and reddish-blond fur.
While Seal is friendly with the other dogs in his living area, he can be dog selective when choosing new pals. So, we recommend a meet-and-greet at the shelter with existing family dogs, if he is to join a home with multiple pets. He is great with older children, and would also be a fun companion for a single person/couple, or active retirees. He enjoys being outdoors, so a home with a fenced yard and daily walks are a must. Seal is very affectionate and will reward your attention with lots of kisses. We are unsure yet if he is house or crate trained, but he does keep his kennel clean. Please give this fella the chance to show you the same love and affection with which he showers our staff and volunteers. Seal's adoption fee is $37.50 ("Lonely Heart"), which includes worming, neutering, vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Heartworm status is unknown. An approved adoption application always applies. LaneThis happy, loving boy is LANE, a 3 yr old American Pit Bull Terrier mix, who is not only handsome, but very charming as well. He gives great hugs and kisses, and never meets a stranger. He a pretty calm fella with other dogs, and makes friends easily. He is a super friendly and loving boy! Lane came into the shelter in very good physical condition and is very well-socialized, so we feel he was part of a family very recently. He walks well on a leash and never seems in a hurry. Lane is a very content and obedient dog, and is best described as having a medium energy level. He sits for treats, and seems eager to please, so it may a great bonding activity to continue Lane's learning of new commands. If you've been seeking a buddy for companionship and to share in your adventures, then Lane is your dog. He would also be a great choice to join a family with children of any age because he dotes on even the smallest of kiddos. We hope you'll stop by and meet this terrific boy. Lane's adoption fee is $37.50 ("Lonely Heart"), which includes worming, neutering, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Heartworm status is unknown. An approved adoption application always applies. PrincessPRINCESS is a lovely one-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix, who possesses a gentle spirit and sweet nature. She is very quiet and would rather impress you with her good manners than with "showy" barking and silly antics. Instead, our Princess is quite regal, as her name implies, but very warm and appreciative of affection. Our techs are observing her kennel habits in hopes of determining if she may be house trained; thus far, she has kept her kennel very clean. She behaves cooperatively in her kennel and walks cautiously on a leash/harness, but she does not pull. Princess is great with other friendly dogs, and enjoys the company of calm-natured children. We are unsure yet how she feels about cats. As soon as we know more about this sweet girl, we will update her profile. But, in the meantime, please stop by and meet her. She may be the perfect addition to your family, whether it be a single person/couple, active retirees, or a family with children. ? Princess's adoption fee is $75, which includes worming, spaying, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating. Princess is heartworm negative. An approved adoption application always applies.
Judy and Freddie both needed a friend. Now they're inseparable.
- Story by Denise Jacobs
Judy, a self-described "Irish Setter person," became a Shelter volunteer out of a need for canine companionship after her beloved setter Colleen died in 2011. While not ready for another dog, Judy thought volunteering might help take her mind off her loss.
Most of her Judy's shelter work involved walking the dogs, an activity she heartily embraced as both a woman of action and a woman of accountability; she was happy to get those dogs outside and into fresh air for as long as possible. Upon arriving at the shelter one Friday morning, Judy spotted a new dog in the fenced-in area outside. Her heart went out to the pup, and, quick as a wink, she made a decision to rescue the animal. It wasn’t a thinking thing; it was just the right thing to do. Judy immediately went inside the shelter and lay claim to Fredericka - a name she'd shorten to "Freddie" - but she insisted on taking the dog home with her right then and there. Many of the shelter dogs were already infected with Parvo, a deadly dog virus. Judy wanted to get the Freddie out of harm’s way. That was not the way it worked. There was a formal process for adopting a dog. Yet since it was a weekend and Judy was a volunteer, rules were bent. She was allowed to take Freddie home on the condition of returning on Monday for processing. Judy agreed. Neither of then knew it then, but Freddie had seen the last of the old Hancock County Animal Shelter. But the first weekend at home with Judy, Freddie became sick as the proverbial dog. Judy took her in to see Dr. Charlie West, her favorite local veterinarian, saying, “She’s not my dog, but I want you to save her anyway, and I’ll pay for it.” Judy remembers Dr. West looking at Freddie and then Judy and back again before saying, “Ah, Judy, she’s your dog.” It turns out that Freddie was already infected with Parvo. Somewhere between the medical treatment and the healing process, Freddie inched her way into Judy’s heart, where she remains. Judy says Freddie’s best attribute is a willing and eager spirit. From the beginning, Judy remembers that Freddie was game for whatever she had in mind. The has been sailing, motor-boating, kayaking, and canoeing. She even has her own life jacket, something Judy recommends for all water-loving dogs. If Judy’s on the water, you can bet that Freddie is beside her. The pair also got a “minor start” in agility training.
“Freddie was game,” Judy says, “but I’m not as agile as I used to be.” Still, Freddie can ace the balance beam!
Regardless of the rationale behind our canine redemptions, the rewards are almost always more than we could have anticipated. Hancock County Adoptables
The dogs below are available at the Hancock County Animal Shelter as of April 23, 2019. Call the shelter at (228) 466-4516 for availability.
Xavia
This beautiful, sweet girl is becoming increasingly despondent at the shelter. The stress of living in a noisy, strange, unpredictable environment is taking its toll on Xavia. Her zest for life and the enthusiasm that she once had is slowly diminishing, and it is heartbreaking for us to see her waning spirit. Xavia needs a hero, and she needs it ASAP! Please take the time to read her profile below and if you've been considering adoption, please come by this week and meet Xavia. She is an awesome dog!
❤ We can't figure out why this unusually beautiful gal is still available. Her sweet disposition and good looks combined make her a great catch! She doesn't even need those green beads to accentuate her natural beauty! XAVIA is a gorgeous 2 yr American Pit Bull Terrier/Basenji mix, with the most perfect head tilt and curious personality. She is super alert and attentive and loves both other dogs and people, including children. We adore her head-to-toe freckles! She would love to join an active family. Whether it be an "on the go" couple looking for an activity partner or a single person wanting a BFF to share adventures, Xavia would be the ideal companion. She loves outdoor activities, so a family with middle school-age kids or older would also be a great fit for this fun-loving gal. She sits on command, especially for treats! And she seems very smart and eager to learn. We are not sure of Xavia's training, such as house or crate training, but she keeps her kennel clean. Don't wait, though, to find out if this is the pal for you... come see her now! ? Xavia's adoption fee is $37.50 ("Lonely Heart"), which includes worming, spaying, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Heartworm status is unknown. An approved adoption application always applies. Caspian
Caspian came to the shelter as a very nervous stray, who preferred the security of his kennel to interaction with our staff, but thanks to our awesome volunteers Mrs. Gail and Ms. Shay, this handsome 2-year-old German Shepherd mix has gained confidence and trust. Their gentle persistence with Caspian, which included treats, kind words, long walks, and brushing his beautiful coat, enabled him to bond with humans, maybe for the very first time.
We sense that this sweet boy did not receive the positive, loving attention and interaction one would expect between a pet parent and dog. Caspian is still spooked by loud noises and sudden movements, but he is more relaxed now with our staff and regular volunteers. When meeting potential adopters, we recommend the same approach as our volunteers took with him... gentleness, bonding activities, and patience. The reward of gaining Caspian's trust and having him by your side as a loyal companion is so worth it! At this point, we are unsure how he will react to children, so we recommend your kiddos meet him at the shelter. He is good with other friendly dogs, however, and has never shown aggression towards other animals or people. This handsome boy just needs his family to show him unconditional love and understanding. Please take the time to meet Caspian! ❤ * Caspian's adoption fee is $75, which includes worming, neutering, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Heartworm status is unknown. An approved adoption application always applies! RomaThis super loving lap pooch is ROMA, a 3-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix, who loves nothing more than snuggling in the lap of our dedicated kennel tech Matt Ladner, and most recently in the laps of her foster family, which included Mom & Dad, a teenager, and a toddler! She was in her element – lots of cuddling, kisses and playing! Roma was brought in as a stray along with her fur sister Ruby, who has since found her forever home via a Labrador Retriever rescue. We fervently wish the very same for this adorable, loving girl. Her foster family told us that Roma is crate, house, and leash trained, loves to go for car rides, and absolutely adores kiddos! She greets everyone with the full body wag, whether it be her caregivers, visitors to the shelter, or the many new friends she meets at PetSmart. She is looking for her very own person, though, and would be an awesome partner for a single person/couple, retirees, or a family with school-aged children. She is truly happiest when in the company of people. Roma is most compatible with other female dogs her own size or smaller, and with submissive male dogs (also her size or smaller), so a meet-n-greet with existing family pets is recommended prior to adoption. Please come meet her...she is back at the shelter in hopes she'll find true love. You couldn't ask for a more loving, devoted furry family member than Roma. *Roma's adoption fee is $37.50 ("Lonely Heart"), which includes worming, spaying, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Heartworm status is unknown. An approved adoption application always applies! Scarlett
SCARLETT was brought to our vet by Animal Control because she was found limping along a roadside with an injury to her leg. She is no stranger to life on the streets, and scrapes with adversity seem to be her norm. Yet all she wants is the affection, attention, and love of humans!
She works eagerly to be noticed – the full body wag, big smile and purposeful eye contact. It's as if she is begging to be seen: "See me, pet me, love me!" It appears that it has been a long time since anyone took an interest in Scarlett, and that makes us so sad, because she embodies all that is good and pure about dogs, yet her exterior comes across as "rough," and she is overlooked for adoption. This 3-year-old Labrador Retriever/American Staffordshire Terrier mix would be a loyal companion for a single person or couple. She is calm, sweet, and just wants to please everyone she meets. She would also thrive as any child's best buddy. In fact, she gravitates towards kiddos and other dogs for confidence and security. Although she gets along great with new doggie friends, she does need to be fed separately from other dogs (in her crate), as she is protective of her food. Unfortunately, this habit is symptomatic of scrounging for food while straying. Please consider giving Scarlett a chance to know unconditional love and be part of a real family. Scarlett's adoption fee is $37.50 ("Lonely Heart"), which includes worming, spaying, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. An approved adoption application always applies! Lane
This happy, loving boy is LANE, a 3-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix who is not only handsome, but very charming as well. He gives great hugs and kisses, and never meets a stranger. He is a pretty calm-natured fella with other dogs and seems to make friends easily.
Lane came into the shelter in very good physical condition and is very well socialized, so we feel he was part of a family very recently. While he keeps his kennel clean, we are still observing his kennel habits to determine if he may be house trained. He walks well on a leash and never seems in a hurry. Lane is a very content and obedient dog, and he is best described as having a medium energy level. He sits for treats and seems eager to please, so it may a great bonding activity to continue Lane's learning of new commands. If you've been seeking a buddy for companionship and to share in your adventures, then Lane is your dog. He would also be a great choice to join a family with school aged children or older. We hope you'll stop by and meet this terrific boy. Lane's adoption fee is $37.50 ("Lonely Heart), which includes worming, neutering, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Heartworm status is unknown. An approved adoption application always applies! Czar
**UPDATE** Because CZAR meets and exceeds every criteria for rescue transport and apparently has no local adoption interest (we can’t figure that out), our rescue partner, ARF, Inc., has generously offered to fund his fast-kill heartworm treatment, so that he can be transported to Maine. However, he MUST have a local FOSTER while he undergoes treatment. The foster period would be approximately three months. All vet care and supplies are provided at no expense to the foster. Please consider giving this awesome boy, and our longest residing dog (7 months and counting) this amazing chance at a forever family in New England. Please contact Denise at 985-285-2244 for info on fostering Czar.
CZAR is a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever/Husky (medium) mix, who has endeared himself to our staff and volunteers with his happy disposition and fondness for everyone he meets. He is great with other friendly dogs, and he is always excited to see the kiddos and play with them at our adoption events. He is even cat friendly! This smart boy sits on command, especially for treats! He understands "kennel up," and travels well, but he is not completely crate trained. We can't understand why Czar has been continually overlooked for adoption. He came into the shelter as a stray, but in very good physical condition. He also has the most intense deep amber-colored eyes and cool look (in our opinion). He was wearing a collar but with no rabies/ID tags or microchip. He is just so sweet and jolly that we feel he was part of a family very recently. He would be an awesome family pet, or he’d be a fun partner for a single person/couple. Active retirees would also find a great companion in Czar. Please stop by and meet this loving boy...he is an all-around great dog who has been waiting way too long for the unconditional love he deserves. *Czar's adoption fee has been generously sponsored by Brandilyn Strahan. He is wormed, up-to-date on vaccines, neutered, microchipped and receives a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Czar is heartworm positive, but he is currently on a monthly heartworm preventive and is doing great. An approved adoption application always applies!
The Andersons brought supplies to the Hancock Animal Shelter and brought home a beloved new family member - Otis.
- story by Denise Jacobs
“That was it,” Anderson says.
That wasn’t quite it. The family brought “Ox,” now Otis Kevin, home on trial. As Anderson explains, you have to put a lot of thought into adopting a dog. “When we got Otis, we had another dog at home. We had to make sure that Otis would be OK with Lucy, our border-collie mix before we could keep him. You make a commitment, and we had made a commitment to Lucy; she would be the one that stayed.” As it turned out, Otis Kevin - Otis after a favorite football player and Kevin after the cumbersome, lumbering Kevin of The Office fame - was perfect. “Sweet,” “laid back,” “gentle,” and “quiet” are the words Anderson uses to describe Otis. He loves children and car rides but is afraid of hissing cats, thunder, and the vacuum cleaner.
He’s a good eater. When the family adopted the boxer/mastiff mix in July of 2013, he weighed 75 pounds. Shelter staff, who estimated Otis to be about three-years-old, had found him walking the streets, much too skinny for his size.
He was chipped, but when shelter volunteers called the number, they found it was disconnected. Someone at the shelter recognized Otis and thought he had belonged to someone who had given him to a friend who apparently had not taken care of the dog. Six years later, the full story will probably never be known. Meanwhile, Otis seems to have reached his full weight at a short and stocky 85 pounds.
In total, the Andersons have three dogs and six cats. They foster kittens. Otis loves the kittens and licks them until they are drenched, but if the kittens hiss at Otis, he and his tongue step back until the next litter arrives.
The cats exercise a certain dominion over Otis. If, for example, a cat gets in Otis’ bed, Otis finds another place to sleep. He is so big, he should be the alpha, but Anderson says, “He’s not pushy at all. He just goes with whatever.” By the way, the family fosters kittens instead of dogs because of a family tendency to adopt the dogs they foster. While the family won’t admit to any of Otis’ faults, he does have his quirks. For one thing, he’s a pre-cycler. Otis enjoys pulling cardboard from the family’s recycling basket and tearing it to shreds. For another, he’s a little on the lazy side. Rather than trouble himself to rise in greeting when Shannon walks into a room, Otis prefers to pretend he doesn’t see her - but his wagging tail tells another story.
The Andersons recommend adopting shelter animals because they are so happy to have been adopted and to be loved. She does recommend taking your time when making the decision to adopt, however, and she discourages the giving of shelter animals as gifts.
So, until you’ve made the decision to adopt, it might be a good idea to avoid looking at too many Facebook photos of dogs. No, seriously, look! We have followed this article with a few adorable pictures of pets awaiting homes as of this writing. You can also check out the Facebook page of the Hancock County Animal Shelter for the latest adoptables! Hancock County Adoptables
The dogs below are available at the Hancock County Animal Shelter as of January 2, 2019. Call the shelter at (228) 466-4516 for availability.
Roxy
ROXY was initially slated for transport via our Rescue Transport Program; however, she was "bumped" last minute due to circumstances beyond our control. So, rather than finding her forever home in snowy Maine, she'll be looking for true love right here in humid subtropical South Mississippi!
This 11-month-old Border Collie mix puppy is super smart and loves to give sweet kisses. In addition, she is great with children. She is crate-trained and almost completely house trained. She does require additional leash/harness training; she does pull at first because she is so very excited to join her human on walks. But, once in full stride, she relaxes and is a great walking partner. Roxy would be an ideal companion for an active single person/couple, or retirees. She would love to join in your many adventures. She would also be very happy to join a family with children, especially ones looking for a BFF. A home with a securely fenced backyard is a plus, as she loves the outdoors... just as much as snuggling and cuddling on the sofa. We learned a lot of info from Roxy's former owner, who sadly had to part with her beloved dog due to a serious of unfortunate events. Unfortunately, Roxy is not acclimating to shelter life, which is very stressful, especially for owner-surrendered dogs, who are accustomed to living in a home environment. She is exhibiting kennel aggression, and dominance over smaller dogs. So, at this time, we are recommending that Roxy join a home with dogs her own size, or be the only pet. Absolutely NO cats! We hope she'll find her forever home soon before anxiety and stress take their toll on her well-being. ? *Roxy's adoption fee has been generously sponsored by Robby Lumpkin and his family. ? She has been wormed, is up-to-date on vaccines, microchipped, and upon adoption, she'll receive a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. An approved adoption application always applies! Roxy is light heartworm positive, but she is currently on a monthly flea/heartworm preventaive and is doing great. River
RIVER was rescued by a Good Samaritan, who found this sweet boy in dire straits. He seemed to have been attacked by another dog and was suffering with infected wounds. But, just look at this handsome boy now!
Thanks to our dedicated vet Dr. Ladnier and her wonderful staff at River Bend Veterinary Hospital in Diamondhead, River is all healed up and looking for his "someone special" or forever family. This two-year-old Hound mix has a most soulful face, but he's far from a "serious" dog. In fact, he is all about the TOYS!! He's a goofy, playful boy, who can almost always been seen carrying one of his many toys around the exercise yard. River is friendly and welcoming of other friendly dogs, but we are not sure how he feels about cats. He is kennel trained, and may even be house trained. We'll be updating River's post next week once we learn more about him. Please call Denise at 985-285-2244 to arrange a meet-n-greet with this sweet-natured boy. ? *River's adoption fee is $37.50, which includes worming, neutering, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Approved adoption application applies! River is heartworm negative. Yazoo
This frosted face fella is YAZOO, a 5+ year-old Black-Mouth Cur/Labrador Retriever mix, who has given us all a reason to smile since meeting him. He is so adorable, so eager to make friends and please us... he just wants to be in the company of kind people, who show him affection and attention.
Sadly, no collar, no microchip, no calls! So, we are now seeking a true forever home for this sweet boy. He seems almost relieved to be with us, so perhaps he has been straying for some time. He has those eyes that look right into your heart and make you want to reassure him that there's a happy ending/new beginning awaiting him. ❤ And, we are committed to finding Yazoo that loving home that he deserves. He is friendly with the other dogs in his living area, and he wags his tail enthusiastically whenever kiddos approach his kennel. We think this mature boy make a loyal companion for a single person/couple, or active retirees. Once we observe Yazoo more so with children, we'll update his profile. Please consider opening your home and heart this precious soul. ? ❤ *Yazoo's adoption fee is $50 (senior 5+ yrs old), which includes worming, neutering, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. An approved adoption application always applies! Clancy
Look at those big, brown eyes and loveable expression! CLANCY never meets a stranger...he literally loves everyone he meets! He is still searching for his forever family, so please come by and meet this wonderful dog! Please read on...
This innately sweet boy is CLANCY, a three-year-old Treeing Walker Hound mix, who has been on quite a journey over the past several months. He was found in a local junk yard with a severely broken leg, and unable to move. Thanks to our wonderful vet Dr. Ladnier and her dedicated staff, Clancy's leg was splinted and saved from amputation. He is now all healed up and looking forward to finding his forever family. He has the most affable personality... loving other dogs and people with equal fervor. He is a hound dog, after all, which if you have experience with the breed, you know what sweethearts they are! ❤ Clancy would do best in a home with a privacy fence, as he has been known to jump and climb a chain link fence. While he enjoys the outdoors (it's Hound thing!), he is equally happy chillin' on the sofa with the "fam." He gives great hugs, and is a very affectionate fella. He really likes going for walks and playing with other dogs, so he would thrive in a home with existing family pets. Clancy is great with kiddos of all ages and would be a trusted family dog, or he is most definitely BFF material for a single person/couple or active retirees. He is almost completely house-trained, but may need additional reinforcement once in his new home. This brave fella is so deserving of a loving forever family! *Clancy's adoption fee is sponsored by Jordan Fisher Morris and Friends of the Animal Shelter in Hancock County. An approved adoption application still applies. He is neutered, wormed, up-to-date on vaccines, microchipped, and receives a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Clancy is heartworm positive, but is currently on a monthly hearyworm/flea preventative and doing great. Can't adopt but want to help?
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Shelter Stars - Nov/Dec 2018
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- story by Denise Jacobs
Irish and Dean Oden are a familiar sight as they walk through various Old Town Bay St. Louis neighborhoods with their Shitszu, Stella, and their handsome mutt, Ronan.
But when Stella was in the shelter and up for adoption, she could have used a remedial course in impression management. She almost didn’t make it to the Oden household, and Ronan was lucky he was wasn't returned to the shelter after adoption. |
Shelter Stars
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“Stella had no interest in us,” Dean says. “She just walked around in the shelter and kind of ignored us. We thought, well, she’s not the prettiest thing, and she’s not showing any interest in us, so we were prepared to pass on her."
Surprised, the shelter volunteer said, “Really? You don’t like her?”
“Well, I don’t think she likes us! She’s indifferent. We were hoping for a little more enthusiasm than that.”
“No, no—she’s great! Take her home and see how it goes.”
So, the Odens put Stella in their car and took her home. “She pouted the whole way,” Irish remembers.

“She picked up speed,” Irish remembers. “She tore through the house, up the stairs, out to the yard, and around the pool. Then she came up to me all happy-like and seemed to say, ‘Hi! I think I’ll stay.’”
From that moment on, Irish says, Stella has been a perfectly obedient dog, and, Dean adds, “sweet to all people.”
If there’s a fly in the ointment, it’s that Stella is a picky eater. Irish and Dean are accommodating people and serve up refrigerated dog food, which they cook in the same pan as they have cooked their own dinner, so it has some flavor in it.
Dean says, “I pour a little olive oil over Stella’s food and add some salt and pepper. She likes it! It tastes like maybe it’s the same thing we’re eating.”
Two years later to the month after Stella's adoption, Dean and Irish decided it was time to get her a companion. Enter Ronan.

“Ronan was biting and breaking skin that first night,” Irish notes. “He wasn’t a good dog then, but we thought he was just scared.”
It turns out that Ronan had been relinquished by his previous owner that very day, so he really was traumatized. Apparently, the dog had spent “life before Dean and Irish” in a crate and had never been socialized. He was afraid of the front door and green grass. He was nervous all the time and, if his growls were any indication, disliked women in particular.
“For a while, I was sorry I got him,” Irish says. “I thought for sure he was going to bite me, but I knew that if I returned him, the shelter would put him down. I didn’t have the heart to do it. I thought, ‘We’ll figure it out.’”
And figure it out they have.
“We worked to gain his trust slowly,” she says. One strategy was to ignore the dog—to take care of him, of course, but to give him space. Playing hard-to-get proved successful. Eventually, Ronan relaxed and came to Irish on his own.
Seven months later, after some tears and a lot of trial and error, Ronan is a different animal. “Now, he never leaves my side,” Irish says. In Ronan, Stella gained a brother, and Irish and Dean, cosmic merit badges in compassionate problem solving.
After being interviewed for this article, Irish said she hoped their story would inspire more people to adopt.
Hancock Shelter Adoptables
Charlotte
This gal has it all...lovely personality, beauty, and smarts! She is friendly and playful with other dogs of all sizes and demeanor, and she seems oblivious to cats. She has a real affinity for children, and loves to play and interact with them. Charlotte sits for treats, "gives paws," walks well on a leash/harness, and is very well-behaved in her kennel. She is also house trained. She is very affectionate, and gives hugs and kisses very generously. ?
She is so even-tempered and sweet-natured that she could join any family dynamic...a family with children, or she would be a wonderful companion for a single person/couple, or active retirees. Like we mentioned...Charlotte has it ALL! ? Come meet this awesome dog!
*Charlotte's adoption fee is sponsored $40 ("Lonely Heart"), which includes spaying, worming, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Charlotte is light heartworm positive, but she is currently on a monthly heartworm preventative and responding great.
Tilly
Poor Tilly was dumped by her previous owner in Shoreline Park, left to fend for herself and her six-month-old puppies. All four of her puppies were either adopted locally, or were transported to the Northeast via our Rescue Transport Program. So, now it's Tilly's turn to be pampered and spoiled! She would be a wonderful family dog, as she is super loving with kiddos of all ages. A single person/couple, or a active retirees, looking for a quiet, sweet-natured best friend would be a perfect match.
We think she is delightful in every way, and we hold Tilly in very high esteem. We are unsure if she is house trained, but she walks well on a leash/harness and keeps her kennel clean. She is awesome with other dogs, so she could easily join a home with existing pets. Come meet Tilly, and you'll know why we're crazy about her!
*Tilly's adoption fee has been sponsored by a wonderful supporter of our shelter, but an approved adoption application still applies! Her adoption contract includes spaying, worming, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Tilly is heartworm positive, but she is currently on a flea/heartworm preventative and doing great.
Spike
Spike is friendly with other dogs regardless of gender and demeanor, and he even greets pesky puppies with good humor. He is also accepting of cats. ? We feel that Spike could join any family dynamic and be a welcomed addition. A single person/couple, or active retirees would find a loyal and fun-loving pal in Spike. And, he could easily join a family with children and other dogs.
He appears to be house trained, as he keeps his kennel very clean, and he is crate trained. Please come meet Spike...he may be the furry family member that you've been looking for! ?
Spike's adoption fee is $75, which includes neutering, worming, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Spike is heartworm negative.
Honey
Honey would do best in a home with lots of land (securely fenced - wooden privacy) to explore and romp-n-play and enjoy the outdoors. Her previous home included both elementary school aged children and small breed dogs, so she could easily join a family with kids. At our recent adoption event at Pet Smart, Honey made many new friends, including some pretty cute kiddos and doggies of all sizes and shapes. She loved them all! ?
Honey would also be a great partner for an active single person/couple, or retirees dedicated to giving this growing puppy the exercise she needs to a healthy, happy dog. Robust walks, playtime, and lots of quality time with her family would be perfect for Honey.
This smart pup sits on command, behaves cooperatively in her kennel, and appears to be house trained. She walks great on a leash/harness once she settles down from the excitement of going for a walk. If you feel like Honey would be a good fit for your family, please come meet her. She is loving, beautiful, and smart! ?
Honey's adoption fee is $75, which includes spaying, worming, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians.
Manny
If you're seeking a small companion to pamper and spoil, we are pretty sure this mature boy will love being the center of attention. He would be an ideal little friend for retirees, seniors, or a single person/couple. Manny also enjoys the company of older children, who can respect his size and need for gentle play and affection. He is waiting to meet you...come in soon!
*Manny's adoption fee is $50 (senior 5+ yrs old), which includes neutering, worming, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians.
Rocky
Rocky became overly protective of the adult female in his previous home, to the point that he would show possessive behavior when the male adult in the family came near his "momma." Obviously, Rocky has a deep need to bond with just one person, and does not want to share allegiances. So, we feel he would do best as the companion of a single woman of any age in an adult only home.
He does, however, get along with other dogs. Rocky is house trained and is very responsive to praise and affection. Please help us find an appropriate, loving home for this loyal, sweet boy!
?
*Rocky's adoption fee is $75, which includes neutering, worming, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians.
Can't adopt but want to help?
Join or donate to Friends of the Animal Shelter!
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Shelter Stars - Sept./Oct. 2018
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- story by Denise Jacobs
Patricia Urreta does not have a photo album illustrating Maggie’s life between those presumably playful puppy years and her current sleepy, arthritic stage of life. When it comes to shelter animals, we must often employ our powers of deduction. To know what came before, we can only speculate.
“We don’t know what Maggie’s been through,” Ms. Urreta muses. “She had obviously been neglected. I don’t know about abused, but certainly she was neglected. She probably lived outside and had no real affection. She probably never had treats.” |
Shelter Stars
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During the foster phase, Maggie was once adopted out, but as Urreta explains, “She did not get along with the adoptive family’s other dog. It just didn’t work out, so poor Maggie had to come back. I continued to foster her, and it went on and on and on.”
As many of us do after losing a beloved family pet, Ms. Urreta decided she would not own another dog. “When my Jack Russell died, I said, ‘I just can’t do this again,’ but I just felt so bad for Maggie that I gave in.”
And that’s how, in January of 2018, Maggie, with her Basset Hound body and Labrador face, found her forever home. Urreta has no regrets. “Maggie loves people,” she says, “and she has been ‘the best dog ever.’ ”
“Now, you tell me how she did that—because I don’t know!”
Ms. Urreta has also discovered that, despite arthritis in the legs, Maggie is somehow able to reach the middle shelf of the kitchen tea trolley. In the adoptive process, the learning curve can be steep for both humans and animals, but Miss Patricia is a pro, and she solved this dilemma easily with a bit of rearranging. Edibles no longer sit on the trolley’s middle shelf. Adoptive or not, as most dog owners learn sooner rather than later, to train a dog is to train the human.
She says, “Animals need time to build trust. Shelter dogs have sometimes been in a shelter for weeks and are traumatized. They will have accidents.” Then, sadly, “Adopted dogs are sometimes too quickly returned to the shelter.”
On the topic of shelters, Patricia Urreta praises Denise Hines, her daughter and volunteer with Friends of the Animal Shelter, a non-profit organization that supports the Hancock County animal shelter.
“Denise does an amazing job,” Urreta says. “She has helped so many dogs get adopted. She knows all these dogs. She writes about them and posts about them on Facebook.”
“Besides,” she observes, “Maggie is my speed. She moves at my pace. We both dislike the heat, and neither one of us wants to stay outside very long.” More importantly, “It’s a blessing to be able to give older dogs comfort.”
And no photo album is required to see the love written on Patricia Urreta’s face as she sits on the steps looking down at her precious Miss Maggs. It is, perhaps, the look of one who, while giving comfort, has found a measure of the same. No album required.
Hancock Shelter Adoptables
Nufan
A home with a fenced yard would be ideal for Nufan, as he loves to romp-n-play in our exercise yard with his doggie pals at the shelter. When Nufan's previous owner moved out and abandoned this sweet boy, he was fostered by a compassionate neighbor, who discovered that he is both house and crate trained, and he loves kiddos. ❤
He was the perfect house guest and playmate to her young children. Nufan would be a wonderful addition to any family, or a marvelous companion for an active single person/couple or retirees. This awesome boy deserves a second chance at unconditional love!
*Nufan's adoption fee is $75, which includes neutering, worming, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians.
Kiwi
Kiwi is a playful and energetic pup, and would benefit from daily walks and exercise to keep her healthy and happy. A home with a fenced backyard would be ideal for this sweet girl . She is friendly and welcoming of other dogs, so she could easily join a home with existing pets. We recommend that Kiwi join a home with children at least 12 yrs of age, as she is fearful of small, rambunctious kiddos.
It appears that she is also crate and house trained because she keeps her kennel clean, and no accidents thus far.? In addition to being a trusted family pet, Kiwi would also be a cool companion for an active single person/couple or "on-the-move" retirees. She's definitely a dog who likes to be included in the fun. ?
*Kiwi's adoption fee is $75, which includes spaying, worming, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians.
Spike
Spike walks beautifully on a leash/harness, and he is house and crate trained. He would be a loyal partner for a single person/couple or active retirees. Despite his age, Spike enjoys being active, which includes daily walks, romping-n-playing in a fenced backyard, and games of fetch, which he loves! ? He could also join a family with older children, looking for a best friend with which to exercise and share adventures. Please consider coming in to meet Spike...he is a shining star at our shelter! ?
*Spike's adoption fee is $50, which includes neutering, worming, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians. Spike is heartworm negative.
Zula
Mallory
Mallory initially came to us quite skittish of people, but our young volunteers Sabrina and Kennedy have worked on confidence building and leash training, and now this sweet girl is wagging her tail and enjoying affection and attention. In fact, she revels in being petted and doted upon. ? She makes instant friends with other friendly dogs, and seems drawn to calm-natured older children.
With a little patience and understanding, Mallory will blossom once in a home environment, whether it be in a family with children, or as the constant companion to a single person/couple or active retirees.
*Our adult dog adoption fee is $75, which includes spaying, worming, vaccines, microchip, and a free vet check with one of our participating veterinarians.
Join Friends of the Animal Shelter!
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Shelter Stars - July/August 2018
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- story by Denise Jacobs
I am always meeting out-of-towners and their dogs on the sandy beaches of Bay St. Louis and Waveland. It makes sense. People with dogs tend to consider them family and like to bring them along. The appeal of a dog-friendly town is so strong it sometimes makes residents out of strangers, as it did with new Bay homeowner Linda Belou.
When Linda and I first met with our dogs in tow on the stretch of beach between Carroll Avenue and the Bay bridge, she remarked on the “dog-friendly nature” of this area. |
Puppy Dog Tales
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At first, I felt awkward as the newcomer. Because these women had established relationships with one another, I tried to stand back and give them space—not hard to do given Biscuit’s tennis-ball fixation. It was easy to throw one tennis ball after another and give my potential new friends space.
I soon realized, however, that there was nothing cliquish about the group. We simply aligned per the configuration of the day, and the configurations varied.
Once, Fahey and Karen paired-off on some swings deep in conversation while Diana and I paired-off at the picnic table, also deep in conversation. At other times, Fahey and I might walk and talk about politics, or she might tell me about growing up in Bay St. Louis, a town I was just getting to know. Rebecca and I, both writers, talked about writing. I liked to talk to Karen about yoga—a perfect topic since she had recently completed her 200-hour yoga training at Kripalu.
Sadly, Willie’s companion, Skye, died. That was a blow to all of us, but none so much as Diana, who had rescued him in the first place, and Rebecca, his undercover sleeping companion. Haggis and Karen have since moved far across the country. Deirdre of Long Beach, on vacation when I first joined the group, reappeared with her two Westies and occasional fosters. You just never know, but if you show up, we draw a circle and take you in just as the group drew a circle and took me in.
Love me, love my dog is the rule of the day and more than a metaphor. We admire each other’s dogs. We let them lick our faces and climb on our backs. Biscuit places his drool-soaked tennis ball on a bench to the left of Diana. She picks it up, hands it to me (on her right), and I throw it to Biscuit. Repeat 500 times.
Biscuit, a loner, has become a little more social and now happily greets his human friends if not the dogs. When Haggis’s arthritis exacerbated, we all kept an eye on him, as he didn’t seem to know when to stop. Allie began catching tennis balls of her own. The question is, will she ever return one?
“Willie cannot have gone far,” I thought.
I could see Rebecca walking around her house, the front door wide open. Diana was teaching a yoga class and had no idea Willie was gone. I knew we had to find him before Diana’s class ended in an hour. No one said it, but we all knew that Diana and Rebecca, having just lost Skye, could not take another loss. Willie had to be found before Diana’s yoga class ended. We had an hour.
Biscuit and I walked up to the white picket fence surrounding Diana and Rebecca’s house. As we stood there with a worried Rebecca, a very dirty Willie sauntered up from somewhere underneath the house. He may have been digging to China. I like to think that he knew Biscuit and I were there and came out from under to say hello, what’s up? Whatever Willie’s thinking, we were all relieved to see him.
Later, Rebecca texted a thank you and wrote, “I feel like the troops came out to help . . . now, that’s community!”
It is community. Studies have shown that dogs can provide their owners with more than companionship; they also help create human-to-human friendships and social support. Between our dog adventures and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, our lives here in the Bay intertwine in the very best of ways and our circle of friends ever widens.
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