Judy and Freddie: A Love Story

4/24/2019

Shelter Stars - April 2019

Judy and Freddie both needed a friend. Now they're inseparable.
- Story by Denise Jacobs

Some of us adopt shelter dogs because it is the “right thing” to do, and doing the right thing feels good. Others find that adopting a pet evokes a sense of pride, kindness, and social responsibility—also feel-good emotions.

But Judy Reeves just knew that adopting Fredericka, affectionately known as Freddie, was the right thing to do.

Judy Reeves was a volunteer at the original Hancock Animal Shelter in Waveland (which has since been replaced by a new facility on Texas Flat Road in Kiln). By all accounts, the old shelter was a sad place for an animal to find itself.

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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.”

Judy and Freddie.

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!
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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!
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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!

Roma

This 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!