1 week Ago
The shelter recently received a gorgeous little Australian shepherd. We had her one day, posted her on social media and an explosion of phone calls and emails occurred. Everyone is happy when a homeless dog or cat finds a home, but this time it was a little disheartening.
Yes, the dog was beautiful. But no one even asked about the dog’s behavior..
. was she friendly? Was she loving? That didn’t seem to matter. These people had great homes, fabulous farms and would travel hours for this dog they never met.
I was receiving calls at home all evening from people wanting to be bumped to the head of the line. Dozens of calls and emails were flooding into the shelter for this one pretty dog. Imagine being a volunteer or staff member and loving the other 99 dogs at the shelter.
The ones that have been sitting in kennels day after day, waiting patiently and doing everything right. People fighting over a dog they hadn’t met because of the breed? That was hurtful to many. We teach our children to love each other, to treat everyone equally.
It’s 2025. We have worked so hard for equality. Yet when it comes to pets, it’s perfectly acceptable to ignore personality and fight for the pretty.
Don’t be fooled by pretty; some of the grouchiest dogs are pretty. Some of the gentlest dogs have big mouths. Some of our most loving, family friendly dogs come in bigger packages.
The bigger the head, the bigger the heart, right? I just hope that people will consider dogs like Buggs. He is a big goofball. His eyes are crossed, he gives big kisses and he loves everyone with two legs or four.
Smart? Well, maybe that’s a stretch. Loving? Absolutely. Rue is amazing with everyone he meets.
He doesn’t have accidents, he doesn’t chew things, he loves dogs, he loves kids, he is an easy walker...
yet the weeks pass and no one picks him. Chloe is the perfect walker, she is housetrained, friendly, a non-barker and a couch cuddler — why doesn’t she get picked? Please don’t get hung up on breeds. We all like pretty.
That’s human nature. If you want a pet that will love you and cherish you, a loyal and grateful friend — look at the mixed breed. These dogs often live longer than pure bred dogs and they often attach themselves to their owners more than others.
When you fall in love with one of these dogs you will think they are the most beautiful dog in the world. They will think you are the most beautiful human, too. We have had a tough year.
Shoot, over the past two days we’ve taken in over 60 animals. Yes, over 60. Shelter staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to find homes for the unwanted strays and owner surrenders.
Their lives are in our hands..
