Shelter dogs can be Pawsitive heroes
“I can’t – if I went to look I’d come out with a dozen.”
“You know they’re just someone else's problems dumped there.”
Dogs in shelters are there for a variety of reasons, not the least of it poor decision making on the part of the family.
The puppies were cute, but as the dogs get older, they require a lot of time, energy and yes, money.
Pawsitive Works knows there are hidden heroes in our shelters.
They are ready and willing to be someone’s new best friend, and they have shown us over and again just how incredible they can be at making a life-long difference in the lives of youth at risk.
For example:
A 17-year-old girl participated only “because my Probation Officer made me.”
On day one of the program when she met "her" dog, she slumped in her chair with an attitude, “I don’t like dogs, or animals.” "Her" dog didn't question or ask for anything. Just bided time.
The gentle female wanted nothing more than a little attention ... The girl asked why the "dog" was shedding so badly.
She was told that there weren't enough volunteers and workers to keep the dogs groomed.
She looked at her a little differently after that, and found out that she made no demands, but always appreciated her attention ... She was always there.
On graduation day, this “non-dog-lover” scored the highest in the class.
As the ceremonies ended, she asked if she could come in early the next morning to give "her" dog a bath.
Give a dog a chance do do what a dog most loves to do, and stereotypes and false conceptions fall by the wayside. In nearly every case ... the trust of a dog
“Small paw prints of love marked a huge change in her heart,” said Karen Schumacher, one of the stalwarts at Pawsitive Works. “This girl thought she disliked dogs, but she really just had difficulty with trust and a huge fear of not being wanted. A dog taught her about trust, boosted her confidence and even gave her a pure taste of unconditional love.”
The beautiful girl who did so much was adopted and she's rightfully considered a hero.
We have two other heroes available right for lifelong homes right now at Kootenai Humane Society in Rathdrum.
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| Prince and a friend |
We located his owner but they were not willing to “bail” him out. Since he got here he wagged and pawed into the hearts of the staff and volunteers by showing off (sit, down, up, shake ... all in one move!) and being so willing to do whatever we asked of him.
Prince has done very well in class. His biggest challenge in class has been learning to do JUST what he asked to do and not anticipate the next command.
The girl he's helping hopes he finds a forever home with someone who sees how awesome he is, just as she does.
Henry is about a two-year-old Black Lab. He was in the SCRAPS shelter in Spokane Valley when he was transferred to Pawsitive Works in June. Henry is the typical high energy, low focus Lab.
Pawsitive Works has been great for developing his attention span. His biggest challenge in class has been loose lead walking & "stay."
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| Henry and a friend |
You can find out more about how the people at Pawsitive Works work miracles with kids who otherwise would distrust ... you can also find dogs who could very well have been put down, had they not been given a chance.
You can find out, most importantly, how you can make a difference.
You can read about and see who Pawsitive Works is by visiting their webs site; www.pawsitiveworks.com.
You can pitch in and help, or find out more, by calling (208) 946-3883. If you'd like, you can even email karen@pawsitiveworks.com.
Volunteers are always welcome.