By Deborah Taylor-French
Animals, like people, are far more than handsome faces. We cannot choose a book by its cover, nor should we make our choice of taking in a new furry family member based on looks. Yet I am like most people, visual first and first impressions haunt my mind.
This weekend a friend and I visited Sonoma County Animal Care and Control. Of course, we wanted to see the dogs, and they were everywhere. Many lovely and calm dogs walked on leads by shelter volunteers. Naturally, I asked to pet one or two. Impressed by their healthy and relaxed behavior, I noticed at least a dozen where young health bulldog mixes.
Give a Good Dog a Home
In the kennels my friend saw a handsome five-year-old Alaskan Malamute. He knew the moment I set eyes on that dog, I would want him. And I did.
I have been secretly wanting a big dog for years. Now this dog impressed me beyond his handsome coat and face. He calmly accepted a biscuit and lay to munch it. He did not wolf it down, he broke it into pieces and enjoyed it!
Although I was able to get him to pose for a few photographs behind the kennel fence, we did not ask to see him, due to a family member not feeling well. When Chinook had completed posing for me, he went back into his den to take a nap.
Be prepared for providing weekly brushing, shedding and tooth brushing. Recommendations from people who raise this breed of dogs do not encourage bathing, just good brushing and skin care.
Sweet Dog Up for Adoption in Sonoma County
SILVER PAWS FOR LOVE
“Thanks to a grant from the Paws for Love Foundation, Sonoma County Animal Care and Control is pleased to offer the “Silver Paws for Love” senior-to-senior adoption program. This joint effort encourages the adoption of senior pets by seniors people. The Paws for Love Foundation subsidizes these adoptions, which means adoption fees are waived .
If you are 55 years of age or older, and you adopt a pet age 6 years or older from Sonoma County Animal Care & Control, you may qualify for Silver Paws for Love!
Call 565-7100 for more information, or visit Sonoma County Animal Care & Control at 1247 Century Ct., Santa Rosa CA, on Tuesdays through Saturdays between the hours of 12:00 and 5:30 p.m.”
ILoveDogs says
Beautiful! So are you going to adopt him? Or are you just promoting him?
dogleadermysteries says
Heavens! I wish I could adopt him. I raised two keeshonds & they only need about 20 to 40 minutes of exercise per day. This guy is mellow but deserves a good hour or more, plus two dog to dog play dates for a good romp.
Please share his profile and help get him a home. Thanks!