The BEST Feeling...saving a life!

It was just three days ago, that yet another urgent list was sent out.  The shelter is full again, people are surrendering their dogs, animal control is seizing dogs from abandoned homes and yards.  The KCMO shelter is only built to hold so many dogs, so here we are again, reaching out trying to save lives and move dogs for space.  18 dogs made the list and these dogs aren't bad dogs, they didn't ask for this, they have no idea their days are numbered.  The shelter environment is just not the place for them.  Some may have slight aggression issues, some have just too much energy for staying in a kennel all day, some have medical issues and need more care.  

I was sad to see my Hansel on that list and it didn't take 20 minutes to decide that he was coming home with me.  He is doing fine with my dog and getting the attention he needs.  And then there were 17.  I can't tell you how amazing it is to see so many wonderful people pull together to save these dogs.  People networking on Facebook, rescues that are already full still taking in dogs, people opening up their homes to foster or calling on friends to adopt.  It has been so wonderful to see these dogs make it, but there are still just 5 more left!

How can you help save a life?  SPREAD THE WORD, click SHARE on your Facebook!  It is that simple.  13 dogs are safe because of it.  Help us save these dogs....

Tyson - Pit Bull, M, 1-3 ys, HW neg.

At first Tyson seems a bit on the cautious side inside of his cage, watching and responding little to a soft voice.  Tyson is very overwhelmed in his cage and sometimes shakes.  You need only to open up his cage and slip a leash on him and he perks right up, ready to go outside. He responds to gentle touch and was comfortable to eat and accept treats from strangers. He seems to enjoy running and exploring on his leash. He showed some touch sensitivity in handling his back feet, moving him around by the collar and attempting to hug him, but he merely tenses up and pulls away from you. He shows no signs of possessive and/or guarding behavior. 

Jolly – Pit Bull, M, 1-3 yrs, HW neg.

If someone is looking for a sweet, gentle and playful pit bull mix, then Jolly is the one for them. He is calm and polite inside of his kennel and easy to walk on a leash as he walks with minimal pulling. The only areas in which he showed sensitivity were his paws and attempting to lead him by the collar, he tensed up and resisted, but showed no signs of outward aggression. He was confident enough to accept food and treats and shows no signs of guarding behavior.  Jolly is dog friendly.

Grace - Older, F, 4-6 yrs, HW pos, not good on intake

Grace is a mellow, affectionate girl who loves to just sit and be petted. She responds well to positive training, a gentle voice and soft touches. She is tolerant of other dogs but seems to prefer people. She is quick to give corrections to any over exuberant dog who becomes too pushy. She allowed all touching and handling and showed no signs of aggression and/or possessive behavior but staff had to interact slowly. She is cautious but a bit curious of cats. Grace is heartworm positive, but eligible for heartworm treatment through the shelter program.

Hannah - Shar Pei X, F, 1-3 yrs, HW neg.

Hannah is a very intelligent, very active little Chinese shar-pei mix. She loves to explore outside and play with her human friends.  She allows all touching and handling and will even roll over and give you her belly once she is comfortable. Her very high energy level may be too much for some dogs. She is friendly and well meaning, 
but can be a bit pushy with other more mellow dogs.  We have been able to introduce her to some dogs while others she’s been too overstimulated.  She needs a slow introduction to other dogs.

Cranberry - Pit Bull X, F, 1-3 yrs. HW pos. 

Cranberry is a quiet, gentle girl who walks well on a leash with minimal pulling. She seems to enjoy being around people and being spoken to in a soft voice. She will lean against you and invite petting and stroking. She is relaxed and friendly with other dogs, although she is quick to give a correction if any play gets out of hand. She seems to prefer dogs who are more mellow like she is. She allowed all touching and handling and showed no signs of aggression and/or possessive behavior. Cranberry is heartworm positive, but eligible for heartworm treatment through the shelter program.

PLEASE - spread the word and help save a life,

it only takes a few minutes!

Too many lives at risk....

     This week has been an emotional week at the shelter.  So many dogs coming in and the shelter is OVER CAPACITY!  You know what this means?  In order to make space for incoming dogs........dogs are euthanized.  That's the sad truth.  As a volunteer I've received several emails this week with what we call "urgent lists."  These are dogs that have anywhere from 1-3 days to find rescue, foster, or be adopted.  Otherwise.....they are put down.  My heart is breaking for these dogs.  Now don't try and comfort yourself by thinking "oh, they're probably dogs that are really old or sick or aggressive."  Nope sorry, that's not the case.  Or you're thinking "oh they're probably all pit bulls."  Welp that's not the case either.  Shepherds, labs, boxers, terriers, chihuahas......wonderful dogs at risk of losing their lives. 
     So what do we do?  We network.  Volunteers, shelter staff, rescue groups all come together to get the word out about these dogs.  Facebook is our main source.  We are constantly posting pictures, videos, bios, and our own experiences with these dogs.  Pleading for everyone to "share," hoping that just the right person will see that post and step forward to help us out.  It's exhausting, more emotionally than physically.  Our hearts bleed for these dogs knowing that there are only a precious number of hours until they are taken out of their kennel for the final time.  Not to go for a walk outside, not to jump in car with a new family, not to get their picture taken......but to walk through those doors and down the hall to the room.  The room where they will take their last breaths.
    We are so thankful to all the rescue groups and foster families that help us out in these times of need.  Don't blame the shelter, blame ignorance in the community.  People must understand that their pets need to be spayed/neutered in order to control the pet population.  So many puppies and kittens this year....unbelievable.  And people need to know that pet stores and breeders are not their only option!!!!!  I talked to someone the other day with the cutest American Bull Dog puppy....from a breeder of course......EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS!!!!!!! Are you kidding me?  This is why breeders are still in business.  I've seen numerous American Bull Dogs in our shelter!  For less than a hundred dollars!  So frustrating.
     However, even with all the urgent lists this week, there have been lots of moments of celebration.  Everytime I've gotten on to Facebook I've seen another rescue that has pulled one of our dogs or another person who has taken in a foster, even when they already have several dogs at home.  Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those who have helped this week.  Dog lovers as dedicated as us are definitely a different breed!  But we can go to sleep at night knowing that we have done our best to make a difference.  Our goal is to reach more and more people, and to show them why we are so passionate about these dogs' lives.  One of my best friends knows how strongly I feel about these dogs and she surprised me with a present this week......an item with a special quote embroidered on it....."In a perfect world, every dog would have home and every home would have a dog."  Wouldn't that be wonderful.....

Why So Many Black Dogs?

There are so many amazing dogs at the shelter right now and a great majority of them happen to be black.  It is unfortunate but black dogs are  most commonly, the last, if at all adopted - why?  The phenomenon may be due to a number of factors, including fear stigma against certain breed types, and the fact that large, black dogs are often portrayed as aggressive in film and on television.  The dogs on this blog and at our KCMO shelter are all unique in their own way.  They all have something to offer and deserve a home just like all the others.  

These two girls are  Mitzi and Nalla, adorable sisters that came in together, full of energy and fun.  Both great at fetch and enjoying the great outdoors.  They are too big to be stuck in kennels all day and are trying to be patient as the wait for their forever homes!  

 

Below we have Jango - a perfect medium sized dog.  He has just the right amout of energy and you could easily fall in love with his adorable smile!

Here are our big boys - Jerry Lee to the left and Jack to the right.  At first sight you may be a little intimidated by these boys, they are strong, but mature boys and out of their puppy phase.  They are both looking for their new families that they can be loyal to and start new adventures with.  Please don't make them wait too long!

This beauty is Fantasia, a mellow girl, just waiting her turn for her forever family.  She likes to cuddle and get scratches behind the ears.  Loveable girl and too wonderful to be in a shelter!

I couldn't leave out Brooklyn!  The pro at fetch!  It is her favorite thing to do.  She is very much deserving of a big yard and a family who will give her lots of attention.  Look at her face - she's waiting!


These doesn't even begin to give you a peek at all of the amazing black dogs we have.  All fighting to compete with the other dogs and the ones that look exactly like them.  Give these black beauties a chance - they have so much to offer and it is amazing how much you get to know their personalities when you volunteer.  Please help volunteer at your local shelter and spread the word about black dogs - they deserve our attention and love too!