Things have gotten a little chilly at my house this month. It’s a good thing I have so many friends (and a lot of firewood) to keep me warm this winter. I’ve spent a great deal of time supervising wood cutting and stacking and I am exhausted. My sister Olive has been busy stealing the neighbor’s dog toys and bringing home things like deer antlers. I think the antlers are pretty cool and whenever one of our friends comes over they make a great conversation piece. We also love to chew on them.
The people in my house just don’t like it when we chew antlers and bones on the bed, but I think if you are going to really tear into a bone or some antlers you might as well be comfortable. Otherwise all that money you spent on the memory foam mattress is just going to waste.
I expanded my horizons this month and spent quality time with some kittens. I couldn’t help it. They seem to be everywhere lately. I’ve seen kittens at Scraps Dog Bakery in Truckee, at Sierra Pet Clinic and at the shelter. I’m holding my snout as I write this but these kittens are pretty cute. I met Gibbs at Sierra Pet Clinic and I tried to control myself as he clawed at my collar like it was made out of catnip. I think Gibbs would be surprised to learn that I don’t wear the collar strictly for his amusement.
A few days after being assaulted by Gibbs and his fellow kittens I stopped by the shelter and met some even more rambunctious felines. One of the cat rooms was filled with eight black cats. These cats were taken in by the Humane Society after making headlines in Sacramento. Animal control officers responded to complaints from neighbors, and when they gained access to the cat’s house they found 77 of them living inside. Actually they could ‘only’ round up 77 on the first visit. They expect to find more when they return. The cats are now at the shelter and are healthy and ready just in time for Halloween.
There are still some dogs looking for homes. I’ve been hearing a lot talk around town about my buddy Noodles but he still hasn’t found a permanent home. Noodles is a sweet Rottweiler mix who was featured in this space a few months ago. There is a military theme at the shelter right now. We have a new pit bull mix named Major and a Chihuahua named Patton. Patton is small in stature but he has clearly taken a leadership role at the shelter.
Many of the dogs are actually in foster homes as HSTT and Truckee Animal Services work to add more outdoor space for the canines. They are also adding some cover for the outdoor spaces to provide shade in the summer and protection from the snow in the winter. Nice work everyone.
One pooch who is staying at the shelter during the upgrades is a German Shepard/Akita mix named Beauty. I don’t really know who Beauty’s parents were but that is as good a guess as any. Beauty is a very striking young lady. She has a nice brindle coat and eyes that just beg you to take her home. Beauty was staying at another shelter was going to be put down when the Humane Society came to the rescue.
Beauty is a little skittish and keeps her tail tucked between her legs most of the time. We went for two walks together and she was very mellow. She did not like having her picture taken but we did mange to get a few good shots of her. Beauty takes treats nicely, knows a few commands and plays nicely with dogs of all sizes. Beauty didn’t seem to like my picture-taking person very much but after we visited the Truckee River she gave him a kiss. I think with a little special attention Beauty is going to come out of her shell and blossom into a lovely well adjusted young lady. Doesn’t everyone need some Beauty in their life?
~ For more information on Beauty or any of the many cats at HSTT visit hstt.org. Have a great month.
