They are individuals: hurricanes displace thousands of pets, but each one is unique

by Bobbi Yeo

CEO, PAWS Humane

Copper and Penny, drop-dead gorgeous, one-year old brother and sister bloodhounds, arrived at PAWS North on September 22. True Hurricane Irma dogs, they were picked up by animal control after being left chained in their owner’s yard as he evacuated. Thankfully, the owner signed surrender papers and they were available to be adopted, together, into a loving home. They are both as sweet as they can be and didn’t last long at the shelter.

Staff favorite, three-year old Oliver, looks a little like an oversized Beagle. He is a product of the T.A.I.L.S. Program (Teaching Animals and Inmates Life Skills). This is a partnership between the Florida Department of Corrections/Baker Correctional Institutions and the Pit Sisters. It’s a nine-week program in which each dog is trained by a team of three inmates. 

Those inmates must know what they’re doing. Oliver knows sit, down, stay, high-five, and speak. He is well mannered but can be dog selective so a meet-and-greet is a must. Oliver is a character and anyone would be very lucky to adopt this guy.

Dillon, aka Silly Dilly, is a sweet, gentle boy with bright and intelligent eyes. He knows sit, takes treats gently and walks nicely on a lead. He seems happily interested in other dogs. He loves to play with stuffed toys, so be prepared to make this a line item in your monthly budget as he can be a bit hard on them. He is about 7 years old and this gentleman’s best years are ahead of him.

Landry is a classic with one brown ear and one white. Under the brown ear is a blue eye and under the white ear is a brown eye.  He knows sit and down and will walk nicely on a leash most of the time. He is a toy-a-holic so we watch our fingers when we play with him. He is easily amused and will while away his summer afternoons chasing bees. He is best placed in a home without young children.

Dave and I already have a full house or I would certainly bring any one of the beautiful animals home.  If you’re looking for a dog in your life I highly recommend checking out PAWS Humane located at 4900 Milgen Road – right next to Cooper Creek Park.

Check out our website at www.pawshumane.org to see pictures of our available dogs. We may just have the dog of your dreams!

Bobbi Yeo lives in Opelika, AL. She is the CEO of PAWS Humane in Columbus, GA, an animal shelter and veterinary clinic offering low-cost spay/neuter and other services to the public. Email her at byeo@pawshumane.org with your comments and story ideas.