I’ ve been doing my part to save gas and stop global warming. Instead of driving, we have been walking to some of our favorite trails. I get to spend more time in the neighborhood and meet all kinds of cool dogs. I gotta say what’ s up to my friends Oso, Keelie, Bullet and Nica. Nica was at the Humane Society for so long that they still get her mail. But seriously folks, I do enjoy walking around my block. It’ s nice walking in the road (on the side of course). It’ s like a giant emery board. My toenails get a nice manicure on every walk.
I did have to drive over to the shelter to meet Sparky. Sparky is mostly if not all Queensland Heeler aka Australian cattle dog. When I first met Sparky he had just been neutered. We went down to the Truckee River by the shelter to take it easy and get some fresh air. Sparky wasn’ t supposed to get wet but we took him to the river’ s edge just to get some water. Sparky proceeded to stick his entire head underwater. He would be great at bobbing for apples.
A few days later I stopped by to check on Sparky. He was playing in his own yard having a blast chasing tennis balls. He even has a pool in his yard. Sparky loves to chase tennis balls and is very athletic. Throw a ball into his pool and he will dive headfirst for it with no regard for his own safety. He piled into the car with me and my sister Olive and we headed down to the river. Sparky is a little dude with short legs. He probably weighs 35 pounds and is about two years old. He sure can swim. Sparky and I jumped off rocks and fished tennis balls out of the water. Olive waited on the shore and barked at Sparky every time he brought the ball back. This didn’ t phase Sparky. He just ignored her and brought the ball back. He’ s already better trained than my goofy sister.
After a long afternoon swimming and chasing tennis balls it was time to head back to shelter. Sparky didn’ t really want to go back. The shelter was pretty full the day I stopped by and all the dogs were barking at him. Sparky thought about running away but he pulled it together and settled into his temporary home. While I was saying goodbye to Sparky I met Clint. Clint is some kind of Sharpei mix. He’ s about two years old and loves to play fetch. We’ ll have more on Clint next month.
When I got home I got on the internet and checked out some cattle dogs. It’ s hard to surf the net when you don’ t have thumbs but I manage. I found cattle dogs that couldn’ t possibly be as cool as Sparky for sale. They wanted between $200 and $500 for one. Sparky is available now to good homes for just a small adoption fee. Next time you are looking for a pure bred dog check with your local Humane Society. Do some searching and you may find that perfect companion at a shelter.
If you are interested in Sparky, Clint or any of the other fine animals at the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe you can always see pictures at hstt.org. If you would like to foster an animal or adopt drop an email to nanettecronk@sbcglobal.net or give a call to 587-5948. Finally this month I’ d like to wish a fond farewell to my good friend Bob Barker. Bob has been hosting The Price is Right for 35 years. His last show airs on June 15. For years Bob has closed his shows with, ‘I’ m Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population – spay and neuter your pet today.’ I would add to that ‘don’ t breed or buy while shelter animals die.’ Have a great month.
