HAPPY TAILS

Sharon

She was a perfect Lady, a gentle, affectionate dog who loved snuggling and belly rubs. She was a bright, eager-to-please dog who learned how to Sit, Down, Shake, Heel and other cool behaviors. She was shy of strangers, and frightened of rowdy dogs, but learned to cope graciously and elegantly with both in her ladylike way. She was a great favorite at the thrift store, where she loved to visit and get petted by our wonderful thrift store volunteers. Thanks to them, and to the marvelous training work done by Deb Franzini on the shelter’s Behavior Team, she became an Ambassador for her breed. Sharon was a Pit bull, and a really cool dog. If she had been in the body of a Golden Retriever, she would have been out the door within days. But since she was a Pit bull, she got over-looked again and again… which turned out to be just fine! Sharon kept having odd skin rashes, until we found out that she was allergic to some of Mt. Shasta’s pollen! Getting her into an urban home, away from our piney woods, was highly recommended—but there was a problem. Despite the fact that Miss Sharon was close to Pit bull perfection, other shelters simply won’t accept out-of-area Pit bulls: they have too many already. So Sharon was with us for nearly a year—and kept getting better in mind and worse in body. At last, after a special plea to Oregon Humane Society in Portland and lots of behavior prep by Deb, the divine Miss S got her ticket to freedom. Deb and her sister Carol drove her up (we hear there was especially delightful cuddle time in a Motel 6 bed!), and Sharon was taken into the fold at Oregon Humane. Within days, she was placed in a new loving home, far away from our wicked pollen! Good dogs come in all packages. Sharon was a good dog. Sometimes it takes a village to rescue a life; in her case, the village was there for her. Thanks to Deb, for never giving up, to all the volunteers—some of whom were afraid of Pit bulls until they made friends with Sharon—who taught Sharon how to trust new people, and to Oregon Humane for making an exception for an exceptional dog. Way to go, Sharon!

Gracie

After losing our previous dog to illness, several months passed, and we realized we needed a new addition to our family. We went to the Siskiyou Humane Society website and immediately noticed Gracie, a brindled Pit Bull mix. But we weren’t entirely in love, and it wasn’t until two weeks later, when our eldest daughter was visiting from Portland, that we decided to go check out Gracie in person. After meeting her and taking her for a walk, we fell in love and took her home.

During Gracie’s eight months at the SHS, the staff spent many hours teaching her tricks and loving her. We were impressed with how smart Gracie was. We were warned that she had some separation anxiety and that it would be best if we could be home a fair amount. Yes, we replied. But do you think she’ll learn to be affectionate? The staff members smiled and assured us she would. After a few weeks, Gracie settled down nicely and is now surprisingly calm, even when left alone. She loves to go everywhere and anywhere with us (even kayaking). She runs like the wind and jumps like an antelope. Our younger daughter says she’s a cross between a deer and a hyena, but we think she’s part kitten, because she loves to curl up in a lap—all 46 pounds of her.

Our favorite trick that she learned from the SHS staff is “waffles.” On this command, Gracie makes the quietest little breathy growl/bark that is meant to be her “inside voice.” It’s hilarious!

Gracie has already provided us with many hours of fun and entertainment. She is a great addition to our family. We encourage you to visit the Siskiyou Humane Society and adopt your own new friend soon.

John & Lori Harch

Roxy