Future adoptables

There are numerous articles written about "kill" shelters or "no kill" shelters on a monthly basis all over the country. Most people believe in the no kill philosophy, but when pressed, believe everything which is written. It is the behind the scenes which the general public normally knows nothing about. This is where people get angry because they feel they are being lied to. They really are in a way. Dead, as I have said before, is still dead. Many judgement calls are made on incoming animals and whether someone is qualified to make that call is anyone's guess.

Satchels, which is where I volunteer and work is a true, no-kill shelter. When an animal comes into Satchel's, they are there until they find a home. They are treated medically as well as an owned dog or cat and can live there until it is time for them to cross the Rainbow Bridge if no suitable home can be found.

We like to think we can find all our guests a new home, but realize some of the issues our animals may have make them unsuitable for a general household. These are our sanctuary dogs. We also have adoptables and then, there are our future adoptables.

Our future adoptables, for whatever reason, were brought to us because the threat of euthanization was high for them in a normal shelter. Many of these issues are training or trust issues due to neglect or abandonment when they were young. These issues are worked on daily to try and get these dogs to the point of being an adoptable dog. Many of these dogs could go home with the right owner, it is simply a matter of finding the right fit. No matter how badly someone may want to adopt one of these pets, if the home is not the right home, they will continue to live at Satchel's.

One of my project dogs, Winter, was adopted last week after living at Satchel's for years. He is doing well, but his new Mom realizes his issues and is prepared to deal with them. Our wish is all our animals can find the same kind of home.

My next project dog, who I have been working with, has also been at Satchel's for several years.

He is a future adoptable but no one has ever inquired about him. He has been a loner for many years and has never developed a bond with anyone except those who work there.

He is a great dog. His name is Handsome Harry and he is a pit bull/whippet mix. He can run as fast as lightning. When he gets to know you he loves to have his back scratched and ears rubbed, but if he is not ready to come in, he will streak past you like a bolt of lightening, all the while looking back as if to say, "Catch me if you can." Harry likes girl dogs, but has never learned to play properly, so is very rough. This means he has no playmates and he doesn't do well with other male dogs. He would do well as the only pet.

He would love a quiet but active household because although he is middle-aged, he is still a puppy at heart. He would also need a fenced yard because you won't be able to catch him if he runs. Although he has had some basic training and knows sit, down and stay, he would need a human who would take him to class and bond with him. This could take a while since he has never lived in a home.

I will be writing more about Harry. You could always come and visit him. He is a future adoptable but I think his future looks bright.

Check out all the animals at Satchel's here and give us a call. We would love to introduce you to our animals.