I posted her pictures last week. We took her in after Animal Control picked her and another boxer up somewhere in town. I was told that she is scared out of her mind and just needs to get out of the shelter until a rescue picks her up or we can find an adopter. She obviously has had one or more litters before, so they assumed she came from a puppy mill.

I have never dealt with or heard any details about dogs from a puppy mill before, so what I expects was a shy dog. Not this! We’ve had her for a week now and if I get her out of the door into the backyard on my first try I’m excited. I’m going to be honest, it is frustrating. And after I get mad at her and realize it is not her fault and getting mad just makes it worse then I get mad at whoever did this to her. REALLY mad. Like I want to cry and hurt that person. A LOT.

For everyone who also has not dealt with a dog like this before, let me give you a couple of examples. Charli has no idea that this world out there is fun, that other dogs are to play with and that people want to love her. She runs almost every time we approach her, if anyone else comes over she hides only God knows where. She is scared to walk on our kitchen floor, because she learned right away that she will slide in case she has to run away really quick. She won’t walk out of the back or front door unless we all (meaning me and all other dogs) go out there. She won’t come back in if anyone is standing within ten feet of the door and definitely not if that person is turned toward her or is looking at her. When we take her on walks (after she didn’t throw herself around like an alligator anymore) she only walks behind ALL of the people that come with. Once in a great while she will attempt to run with the other dogs only to look back after a few steps and realize that she ran in front of us and has to get back into her place ASAP (makes me wonder if the theory of dogs having to walk behind their owners just means the dog is scared out of his mind about what would happen if he doesn’t). And she has absolutely no idea what praise is. Kind words and treats are lost on her and she likes to be petted but first you have to get close enough to be able to touch her.

If I would have done a little more research on puppy mill dogs before, I probably would have spared me the frustration… or at least expected it. Here is what the ASPCA write about what to expect if you adopt a puppy mill dog: “It’s not uncommon for an unsocialized dog to hide under a couch or table for days or even weeks at a time, only coming out to eat and drink at night.” Compared to that Charli is a brave little soul.

So how can you help fight puppy mills:
1. DO NOT EVER BUY FROM A PET STORE unless you know the dogs are coming from a rescue group. And if they do they will NOT cost several hundred or even thousands of dollars.
2. Adopt!
3. If you want to buy from a breeder, make sure he/she is responsible.
4. Be careful about offers on the internet. Instead check petfinder.com where tons of humane society advertise their dogs.
Find more details about how to fight puppy mills on the ASPCA website.

More information about puppy mills can be found here on the ASPCA website.

If you are a dog owner in or around Manhattan, KS, the Manhattan Aquarium Co. needs to be on your list of visits for this coming Saturday (Feb. 6th). As every other Saturday, the Riley County Humane Society is holding their adoption day from 10am to 2pm. But on top of that Hagin Photography is taking Valentines pictures with your pet and we are selling home made dog treats for which your best friend will give you two paws up!

All proceedings will go to the Riley County Humane Society. We will be there from 11:30 until we run out of treats or 5pm at the latest. So mark your calendars and come see us!

They are black, they have been rescue dogs and they have been adopted!

For some reason (unknown to me) black dogs are harder to adopt out than dogs of other colors. It almost seems a little racist to me. But whatever the reason, if you are planning on adopting a dog please don’t make the mistake of (consciously or unconsciously) disregarding the black dogs. Because a good dog ain’t a bad color!

Tomorrow, on Sunday (January 31st, 2010) the Pott. County Humane Society is taking all of their black dogs to the local Petco in Manhattan, KS. Go and fall in love with them! My little black dog is the best I could have EVER asked for!

Maize is a german shepherd mix and I’m guessing 1-2 years old. She is such a sweetheart. A total people dog, but one that loves other dogs, too. She is about as active as Mac, so those two wear each other out without wearing me out I haven’t found any quirks, yet. But I also have to admit I’ve only had her for two days. But so far, she would be an adoption candidate for our family, too.

Anyway, I know you want to see pictures. Here she is!

And please don’t judge my polaroid skills, I am just starting out. And I can tell you one thing, Polaroid cameras and moving animals are not a good combination! At least not when they are as hyper as my two guys here. Whenever I move they move, no matter if they have been fast asleep just a second ago.

]]> http://www.modernmuttshots.com/2010/01/bella/feed/ 3 http://www.modernmuttshots.com/2009/12/part-1-of-a-doggy-filled-weekend/ http://www.modernmuttshots.com/2009/12/part-1-of-a-doggy-filled-weekend/#comments Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:15:39 +0000 http://www.modernmuttshots.com/?p=323 The first of my three sessions this weekend was at the Shelter in Wamego for the Pott. Country Humane Society (and one pup for the Riley County Humane Society). Who could not want these eyes???

This is Buddy. He has been with his foster parents for a couple of months and really wants a forever home! Go here to learn more about him.

This little gal is supposed to be some kind of a bulldog. I’m not sure about that, but look at that eyeliner! More about her, here.

This is Banjo, he is also with the Pott. Country Humane Society.

By the way, the Pott. County dogs are at the Manhattan Petco all weekend!