The last of the relatives and their dogs left this morning, and I need a break after all this holiday hoopla. It started for me when my family decided to take a trip without me. All of our friends were out of town so I had to be boarded. It was awful. I had to share a kennel (cell) with my sister Olive, and wondered for an entire week if my family was ever coming back. But they did return, and to cheer me up they bought me a new couch. It’s a nice couch but boy is it making me lazy. Some strange people came to the house the other day and I barked at them to scare them away; I did not however get off the couch.
This month my team of journalists traveled the country searching for new friends. We found a few on the east coast in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and some great new friends in our own backyard. My folks visited the Hilton Head Humane Association (HHHA) on vacation and met some wonderful dogs and cats. There was even talk of buying a plane ticket for a hound mix named Mr. Spot. He’s a friendly 10-year-old with eyes that won’t let you say no. They also visited the cats, and my 16-month-old two-legged sister Maeve loved it. Mango was one of our favorites. This sweet girl was pregnant when she was abandoned at the local vet. She’s now about three years old and loves affection. Pet Mango and her motor starts running. My folks were very impressed with the nice people and animals at HHHA.
Back at home there are still plenty of great friends looking for homes. When I visited the shelter I saw several feisty looking cats enjoying their new mural. The mural, designed by Truckee artist Adam Peot, is another great addition for the cats, who recently got two new rooms with windows. I hope I don’t ever meet a big cat like the one featured in the mural.
On the dog side of the shelter, last month’s featured friend Sam has found a home. Way to go Sam! I hope your new family can keep up with you. In the backyard there was the happiest, goofiest group of dogs I have seen in a long time. Happily wrestling and playing with some rope were Minnie, Lucky, Domino, and Eddie. Lucky is a skinny young Whippet mix full of energy and enthusiasm. He’s not very coordinated yet but that does not slow him down. Domino is a stout Pit Bull mix who could be the leader of the group. He spends his time wrestling with Minnie (also a Pit Bull mix) while Lucky jumps up and down barking at them. A few feet away is Eddie, clearly enjoying being part of the crew but keeping his distance. It’s a funny little pack.
We took Minnie for a walk along the Truckee River and she was pleasant and gentle, taking treats out of my person’s hand without trying to bite his fingers off. Minnie played a little with Olive, but as we walked Minnie could hear her brothers and sisters at the shelter bark in the distance. She would stop to cock her head and listen. For the first time ever we had a dog that wanted to go back to the shelter. Minnie is a petite little girl. She weighs about 35 pounds and is about 5 months old. Whether she knows it or not, she really does want a good home.
We walked back the shelter and put Minnie back with her shelter pals. When we left they were still wrestling.
For more information on Minnie or any of the other great animals at the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe go to hstt.org.
Have a great month.
A Purrrrfect Picture
The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) commissioned artist Adam Peot to paint a mural in the cat socializing room at the Town of Truckee animal kennel.
‘Adam’s work has completely brightened up the kennel,’ said Stephanie Hiemstra, executive director of HSTT. ‘Not only are the volunteers happy when they see the mural, but I kind of think the animals are, too.’ Peot originally volunteered as a dog walker and cat socializer for HSTT. During his volunteer orientation, HSTT staff said they would like a mural to brighten up the cat rooms, and Peot took on the task. This was his first mural. ‘I’d been wanting to get into painting murals, and this just seemed like a perfect situation,’ Peot said. ‘It was really cool seeing an old, dirty room transformed piece-by-piece and day-by-day into to something totally different.’ Peot included felines large and small in the painting, as well as a view of Donner Lake from Old Highway 40. See the mural during HSTT’s Adoption Days, Saturdays between noon and 2 p.m. at the Town of Truckee Animal Kennel. hstt.org, or call 530-581-3199 for an appointment.
Humane Society Gala Event
February 14
Get out your ball gowns and tails. The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) announces its first Black Tie and Tails fundraiser. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening of dining and dancing – with or without their dog – while raising funds for HSTT. This black-tie-optional event will feature a Hollywood-style red carpet entry lined with PAWparazzi, champagne reception, elegant sit-down dinner, live music, silent auction, canine-themed entertainment, and an opportunity to purchase professional portraits and participate in a Best Dressed Pet Contest. 6 p.m., in the Alpine Ballroom at the Resort at Squaw Creek. $100 per person, including one dog. Tickets are now on sale. hstt.org, 530-587-5948.
Beyond Obedience Graduate Training
February 19 through March 16
These classes are designed for dog owners wanting better response from their pets. For graduates of Private In-Home Training, Kindergarten Puppy Training, or Basic Companionship Training with Jeanie Collins Duffield, CPDT. Many of these dogs are adolescents, a challenge for even the best of trainers. Continuing the training and socialization of your dog will help to transform him into the kind of companion all of us love to have around. Mondays from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. $145 (10 percent discount for repeating students.) Glenshire Clubhouse, 15726 Glenshire Drive, Glenshire (Truckee.) Registration required. beyondobedience.com, 530-400-DOGS (3647).
Pet Tails
We would love to share your heartwarming, funny, and/or consciousness-raising pet tales with our readers. Please send your stories to wellness@moonshineink.com. Write Pet Tails in the subject line. We love photos, too. Make sure they are print quality: at least 200 dpi at 3 by 5 inches.
