The Today Show seems to have gone to the dogs this week, which is right up our alley. This morning they did shelter dogs a great service by highlighting adoption. The variety of dogs shown is a great reflection of those who pass through our own Robins-Starr Humane Center before finding permanent homes.

On Wednesday, the focus was instead on the AKC’s annual list of the most popular dog breeds in America. The photos are undeniably compelling, but is a dog’s breed really an important factor in making him a good pet? Shelters and adoption centers usually label available pets by breed, which is usually a guess based on their overall appearance. This is true at the Richmond SPCA as well, but we try to focus more attention on the pet’s individual traits. Dogs are individuals, and even those with similar breed backgrounds can vary widely in their Canine-ality, which helps determine what type of home is a good match. 

At the Richmond SPCA, every life is precious, and I’ve asked our staff to suggest dogs for a top ten list of our own. The top ten dogs adopted in 2008:

Orchid: This 4-year old shepherd and pit bull mix was with us for many months before finding the right home. Regular runs filled her exercise needs and learning agility skills taught her focus.

Olive first came to us with bare, pink skin irritated from untreated allergies. With medical care, her fur began to grow back. After receiving lots of love from our staff, her confidence also grew, and Olive went to a new home over the summer. Her family said they were sure to pack her sunscreen for their beach vacation.

 

Stella has maturity on her side, but sometimes age is a deterrent to otherwise great dogs finding a home. She found her perfect match spending her days in a local retirement community where she is said to bring lots of joy to the residents.

Finding an outlet for Mortimer’s boundless energy was the inspiration for the Richmond SPCA’s popular Running Buddies program. Mortimer came to us as a small puppy with normal puppy habits like jumping and mouthiness, but because he is deaf, he had more trouble learning appropriate behavior. Our trainers prepared his adopter with sign language signals and tools for managing his energy, and he was doing great when he came for a visit on Christmas Eve.

 

Quincy and Cheyenne found a home together because of the way they rely on one another. Quincy (left) had surgery to correct a problem with her eyelids, after which she regained her sight, and was able to help Cheyenne, who has limited vision, find her way around.

 

Kermit is such a handsome, young lab mix that he seemed sure to find a home right away. Yet month after month, he waited for someone to take him home. Surely the adopter who now enjoys Kermit’s companionship is grateful that he had a safe place at the Richmond SPCA, no matter how long it took to find the right home.

 

 

Frieda’s owner used our low-cost boarding program to temporarily house his two dogs after losing his home. Unfortunately, his new apartment only allows one pet, and he surrendered Frieda. She is an older poodle with an undaunted spirit, even though she has limited vision and other health issues. Frieda is an Angel Pet whose medical care we will continue to assist with now that she’s in a home.

 

Don represents all 29 dogs we rescued from the puppy mill in southwest Virginia. He was the first of the rescued pooches to go to a permanent home. Most of the dogs required extensive dental work; Don was the exception because the poor diet they were fed already caused this guy – though only 3 or 4 years old – to lose all his teeth. His adopter assured Don that his toothlessness is no distraction from his overwhelming cuteness. She was very impressed with how quickly he began showing affection after having been denied human companionship for so long.

The photo on the left is Astrid when she first came to us, emaciated and weighing only 26 lbs. The “after” was taken at Canine Café in January. She has a condition that prevents her food from passing through her esophagus, so she must eat standing on her hind legs to allow gravity to aid digestion. Helping Astrid maintain a healthy weight is a big commitment that many passed by in the months she was available for adoption. Her current guardian says, “Sure it takes me a lot of extra time to take care of her. But you know, I do not mind the extra time required at all. I am rewarded 10 fold.” 

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