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Our Weekly Falmouth Enterprise Column

By Pamela Alden Kokmeyer

Friday, January 27, 2012

The world may see gold as precious metal but we at Friends of Falmouth Dogs see dog tags as precious metal—especially when it means that dog has a home and family. And perhaps more important even than a license are identification tags, with microchipping an excellent backup system (which is why we microchip every dog that goes through our adoption program.)

Case in point: over a recent weekend, we had three strays at the shelter and another family arrived looking for their dog, which had bolted from the yard. None of the dogs had tags or were microchipped. Two of the three dogs remained at the shelter for several days; one was picked up that afternoon; and the dog that had bolted from its home, well, it never came through the shelter. We remind dog owners that keeping an ID tag on your dog at all times will help reunite you with your pet more quickly, saving you plenty of worry and saving your pet extreme stress. (One of the strays just sat in his kennel and howled inconsolably.) If your pet has a tag with your phone number, chances are that if someone finds your dog after the shelter is closed, that person can contact you directly. And remember, a rabies tag may not be enough if the dog is found after your vet's office closes.

Scout is still away at school, so to speak. The trainer confirms that this young boxer is exhibiting typical puppy behavior but was never given boundaries or guidance, and he needs to learn self-control when excited. What's cute when a dog is 3 months old is not at all cute or acceptable when the dog is 13 months old. But Scout is getting the tools he needs in the way of training to learn how to fit into a family that will continue his training. We're hoping he will return to us soon, a freshly minted candidate for his own home.

Tina....This 5-year-old American bully-mix in foster care continues to expect that a home will come her way. She's gentle and loves to cuddle. Oh, wait, we already told you that. She has excellent leash manners. Uh oh, we told you that, too. Housetrained? Yep. Loves people? Ditto. Here's a thought: why don't you make arrangements to see her. Don't take our word for it; see for yourself.

Eva is a 3-month-old pit bull cross who is a "tiny little sweet pea" and as cute as can be. Eva is being fostered locally. She loves to play with other dogs and has met a cat, with whom she did well. She already knows sit, paw, and other paw. Think of a puppy as a clean slate, ready and eager to learn from you. This is a great opportunity to really have a hand in shaping a dog's future. More information and photos of her are on Adopt-a Bull Rescue's Facebook page.

Have you noticed by her absence that Sweetie now has her presents? Her foster family, indeed, her "forever" family, made it official this week. When we put out a call for a foster home, this family stepped up to the plate when they heard of the need. Sweetie repaid their kindness and generosity with happiness and devotion. We know that this new little family will share all that's fine and good.

As soon as a special dog is placed, another comes to our attention in acute need of a foster home. His name is Maverick. He is a 3-year-old male Siberian husky. Abandoned at a boarding kennel, he was turned over to a local rescue group, which discovered he has heartworm. He needs to start treatment soon, which will be covered by the rescue group, but treatment cannot start until he is in a foster home, where he can be kept quiet. His prognosis is excellent if treatment begins shortly. He has been terribly stressed by a lack of exercise and attention, but the rescue experts are evaluating his needs and, so far, their reports are very optimistic. He has been temperament tested and shows no signs of aggression. He is friendly and takes treats gently. The only caution is he hates cats, which could well translate into other small animals, too. The rescue group, MUSH, has plenty of information on this poor guy. They can be reached at athelp@mushdogs.org.

Have we told you that we love visitors at the shelter? We love to show off our dogs and our grounds. And the dogs love to see new people. We are open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 AM to noon; Sundays from 1 to 3 PM; and Monday and Thursday afternoons from 3 to 5 PM.

From our bulletin board—Athena/Tina. Her foster parents have renamed her Tina. They describe her as "the best dog ever!" She is an American bully, a mixed breed. She requires minimal exercise and is fully trained in obedience and is fully house trained. She crates like an angel, but really doesn't need a crate. She loves to cuddle and does very well with other dogs. She does have the medical condition called hypothyroidism, but the meds are very inexpensive. She comes with her raised double feeder, a bag of food, treats, collar and leash, No Pull Easy Walk Harness, her toys, and all of her medical records.

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