Incognito

As the Seniors from Kelly High School began to finish out their assigned areas just before lunch, I sat in the newly cleaned out flower beds and soaked in the sun. Despite the wet morning, the sun came out and made it easier for the workers to sit outside and eat their pizzas and enjoy great company. Personally, I'm kinda sweet on a couple of them... but I can't tell you who. I may have to visit the school one day. Then maybe I can find out if my feelings are returned!

What a gorgeous day!

A Busy Day with New Friends

Please pardon me while I admire the guys these hard workers. They helped moved a good bit of that pile of dirt today. Despite the hard rain during the early morning hours, these guys were able to plant several new Rose bushes. They worked together as a team and accomplished their task beautifully.


These young ladies also helped. They were making new signs for the kennels to help promote adoptions. They even allowed me to sit and watch their artistic abilities. One of these fine ladies worked to help draw some ideas for a new logo for the Humane Society. Shhh... we can't show you ... yet.

Can you see me... I was trying to blend in as I quietly watched this handsome young man spread fresh mulch in the flower beds. The group who was working here pulled weeds surrounded by thorns on the roses, pulled off dead flowers and built up some of the ground with fresh dirt.

Why Are Black Dogs Less Adoptable?

from Guest Blogger Audine ....

Huey

While some may argue the point but workers who deal with dog adoptions day in and day out say that they see perfectly adoptable dogs get rejected by potential owners simply because of the color of their coat.

A few of the most common thoughts behind this are:

1. Black dogs are difficult to photograph. It is difficult for people to see their beautiful features and capture their personality for all to see.

Bear

2. Movies --- black dogs are often portrayed as mean and/or evil dogs that are out to harm. Because they are difficult to photograph, they are not used in commercials or market campaigns. We don't see them as the warm and loving friend as their lighter colored counter parts.

3. Not all shelters have good lighting. Without the help of the shelter staff guiding future adoptive families in their directions, black dogs (and cats for that matter) are often passed by because they do not stand out as others.

Socrates

As a former teacher of children with disabilities, I am quite familiar with similar thought process. It is interesting to note the innocence of each and yet both are so eager to love no matter if that love is returned so freely.  It's not fair to those who are not always able to speak for themselves to be prejudged on appearance alone. Get to know this precious animal who just wants to be loved like all the others.

Please remember: 

* A dogs coat color has no affect on the dogs temperament and personality. 

* Black dogs are just as playful and loving and fun as dogs of other color.

If you or a friend want to adopt a dog or cat... don't forget to look for the black ones. Take a second look and make an effort to see ALL of the animals that are available. Unfortunately, black dogs and cats tend to have a higher euthanasia rate because it is difficult find them good families.  Don't walk out of the shelter thinking there is no dog for you because you over looked the black ones. Make your adoption decision based solely on the dog that will be the best fit for your family regardless of the color of his/her coat.

Saucy

I leave you with this quote by Mother Teresa: 

. "When we judge others, we leave no room to love them"...  won't you open your heart to love them all? 

We all have to do different things around the shelter. I decided to help do my part today outside of the confines of Audine's office. So, I climbed up the side of the trash can to throw away some trash in the break room. I threw it in the trash... and then ... my paw was stuck!! As today is such a busy day of cleaning, it took forever!!!! for someone to rescue me. But alas, a kind soul found me and returned me to resting place. I have decided I will not venture out on my own again. I could have ended up on the outside and never seen again. We just cannot have that. You would have missed me.... right? .... right?!?

I have had the honor to make so many new friends here at the HSSET. However, I want them to find forever homes. Our staff work hard every day to help each of my furry friends to learn good manners and how to adapt to being in a family with a safe and secure home.

Please remember, when you take me home, I many not know how to act in the beginning. I may need some extra time, extra loving and a lot of patience. My friends will love you unconditionally and are so excited to be with you. They will make mistakes. They will frustrate you. But, I can guarantee, they will always love you.

 Are you willing to help them through the transition? Do you have the patience to work with one of these lovely animals? We have several looking for homes and we know there is the "just right family" waiting... come by and see who is waiting.

Volunteer Groups Abound

We have a few groups that visit the HSSET to volunteer time. One of the requirements for groups is they bring in donations with them. This group of cub scouts all brought in large bags of dog food.

Their visit helped us in two areas. First, their donations allowed us to save some money on food and second, it gave our beloved some more lovin' time


Each area is important to us and we enjoy hope to continue to build relationships with young men and help them learn the importance of good dog care as they continue to come.

Another New Volunteer... Lot's More Lovin'

Gretchen came in Saturday to spend some "Canine Companion" time with some of our beautiful dogs. Here she is with one of our smaller dogs, Coco Chanel, Chihuahua/pug mix.  She knows how to wiggle her tail, step the right way and win her way into the heart of the one holding her. She certainly had Gretchen's attention... and when she thought she was not getting it, she would bark just the right way to get all eyes on her

. It sure made Gretchen ready to come back and spend more time loving our dogs. We have enough to keep everyone busy. All our sweet furry friends need extra attention to help prepare them for their forever families... we are just waiting for a few more volunteers.