I never knew what great dogs you could find at a shelter until I met Cody. One night at work I was looking at all of the adorable puppies on Petfinder, and there was Cody. It was love at first sight! He had 3 pictures posted, one of which he was lying on his back, belly up! I just wanted to rub his belly so bad! Cody was brought to the shelter around 3 months old with a broken elbow. He received such great care at the shelter. He was recovering at the shelter for 6 months! While in the shelter, a wonderful volunteer took Cody into her own home and fostered him to good health. He has a little limp but he wouldn’t be himself without his limp! Lynn raised him as her own and potty trained him and taught him some puppy manners. I don’t know how she was able to give him up because he really is the greatest dog! Lynn is a great person and has saved so many dogs lives! Thanks to the Medical relief fund and Lynn, Cody is a very happy 2 year old lab! Cody is even a poster child for the Medical relief fund! Cody wears his heart on his tail! His tail is constantly wagging. He can clear a coffee table in under 2 seconds flat with that thing! He gives kisses to anyone that would let him and loves everyone, especially children. Kids are usually a little scared due to his humongous size, but Cody seems to gain everyone’s love! He is a gentle giant! His doggie daycare calls him the World’s friendliest dog! I am really glad that I found Cody. He is forever enriching my life. He makes me smile and laugh and he is the only boy that has never hurt me =) He is just great and Cody and I both thank the Shelter for everything they have done for him!
The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter is gearing up for the production of the 2010 Shelter Dogs calendar, and we need your help…correction our dogs need your help! For just $25 per photo you can have your dog included in our 2010 calendar, and at the same time your contribution will go to the Best Friends’ Medical Relief Fund. This fund helps to care for the sick and injured dogs at our shelter. To learn more about this promotion please go to: www.cuyahogadogs.com/calendar-photos-instructions.
Like all living beings, our newest family member, Robin, wants safety, security, kindness, fun, and to have her basic needs met. Robin was not “the one” we had come into the shelter to adopt. When our first choice was adopted a split second before we came in for the second time, our hearts first fell, then opened. We decided to visit Robin, who had been trembling in her cage and missing some fur due to flea allergy. In the visiting room, we were impressed with her affectionate nature and the fact that the trembling completely stopped. In the cage and out, she never barked. Not once. This puzzled us, but the vet said “wait and see.” At home, we have made her part of our pack by walking and eating with her, providing lots of touch, and keeping our commands simple. Imagine our surprise when little by little she has found a voice, first howling, then barking. She is still quiet much of the time but protects our turf. Robin gave birth at some point in the past, and there was an initial sadness in her eyes that even a neighborhood child noticed. Robin has progressed from no interest in retrieving anything to being an enthusiastic ball, frisbee, and “squeaky bone” (a toy) player. She wags her tail for each of us and loves company. She puts her squeaky bone in her mouth and approaches as if to say: “Let’s play.” She walks politely on the leash and except for an accident or two is housebroken. As we bond with her, we wonder what is in her heart. We are dealing with her separation anxiety although we have not been leaving her for long periods. Strays may especially suffer from separation anxiety, we have read. Robin likes her crate, but one day we didn’t use it; she chewed a hole in the screen dividing the porch from the family room. She wanted to be inside, with a family member. We will be consulting with a trainer for some tips.
Cuyahoga County’s stray and abandoned dogs and puppies need your help! If you’re thinking of adding a canine companion to your family, this is a great time to visit the shelter. With 72 adoptable dog kennels full of wonderful dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes, you’re sure to find the dog of your dreams!
