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The profiles listed below are those animals who have

waited the longest for homes or have URGENT needs.

All remaining adoptable animals are

listed at the bottom of the page.

NOTE: We have puppies available for adoption!
Not all available pets are featured on this page.

 

Ray--“When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ray is a 1 year old American Pit Bull Terrier who has been completely blind since birth. He came to us at just 6 months old when we also discovered he has a rare form of diabetes. Completely treatable with an oral medication, neither blindness nor diabetes has dimmed the light in this very special dog’s heart. In the face of adversity, Ray has overcome. He knows nothing different than the darkness he was born with, but in his eyes there is hope and celebration of life. If only we could all have such a positive outlook.

Ray is currently in a foster home and his foster family reports that he is very affectionate and loves people of all ages! But as you can imagine, new places and strangers are frightening for him until he has a chance to acclimate. Ray would ideally like to find a family with a female dog that can be his guide. And he is absolutely smitten with little, female puppies! He loves them so much that he gets flustered, hunkers down in the play bow position with his rump in the air, ready to play! He likes to show off for the females, doing tricks and acting like a fool…typical boy!

Ray loves to go for rides in the car, hanging his head out of the window to smell the fresh air! He especially loves it when you sing to him in the car. He’ll rest his big ol’ head on your lap as if you were J.Lo singing to him! A few of Ray’s other favorite things include cookies after he goes potty and cookies before bedtime. He’s quite the snuggle bug and just loves being loved!

Ray does suffer from diabetes insipidus. Unlike the diabetes most of us are familiar with, this condition is easily managed with oral medication, not insulin injections, and requires no special diet. His medication completely controls the symptoms of this condition (primarily frequent urination and excessive thirst). He is like any other dog on his meds and totally house broken! Ray's medication has been sponsored, so there is no cost to a foster.

Don’t underestimate this amazing guy, his zest for life is unequalled! He’s been waiting for almost a year to find his forever family. Please don’t make him wait another day.

If you’re interested in fostering or adopting Ray, please email hamiltonhumane@yahoo.com for more information.

Tucker: I would like to be a Great Dane when I grow up.

It is hard to be taken seriously when you are a small breed dog. I am a white & tan Jack Russell mix, about 4 years old and under 20 pounds. My previous owner surrender-ed me to the HSHC on October 21 because there was just “not enough time for me”. Because people tend to think I am just some little frou-frou doggy, I wish I could be as big as I’d like to think I am!

Just between you and me, I am actually pretty insecure. All my big talk is just to make up for my inferiority complex. I have never been taught to believe in myself. I may be feeling scared to death but my pride won’t let me appear weak. I am used to being in a managerial position and it upsets my apple cart when someone else wants to be boss. Therefore, when confronted with something new or someone wants to take my food or toy, it rubs me the wrong way!

The dog behaviorists call this an insecure dominant personality. However, in my defense I am really quite an affectionate fellow. When I am not feeling threatened, I seek attention and love from human beings. You can see in my photo that I am a Packers fan, love ball sports and sitting on a human lap.

I think I was neglected during my formative puppy years and no one ever thought to teach me patience, self confidence, or being part of a pack. I need to learn to relax, go with the flow & begin to trust my human as pack leader.

Therefore I would be best suited to a family with kids 16 or older. Please help me become the sweet boy that I really am underneath my insecurities.

Cashmere:
She is still waiting for her forever home. The first time I wrote this pretty girl’s story I had nothing but happy things to write about. She had been surrendered to the HSHC on January 4th 2010 because her owner could no longer afford to keep her. But she was a sweet tempered, friendly one year old with a desire to please and a love of people. She passed all of her temperament testing with A’s. She was adopted in April of 2010 and lived with this owner until he surrendered her back to us on January 21, ’11. We are not sure what happened to Cashmere in the intervening 8 months, but she returned to us as a frightened and mistrustful 2 year old. I think she is truly brokenhearted to find herself back at the shelter and perhaps she does not think she will ever be happy again.

We had a dedicated volunteer who worked with Cashmere for 2 months and she reported the following things about this beautiful Pit Bull Terrier mix:

• Cashmere is incredibly smart! The professional trainer Julie Case taught her to sit in 8 minutes! I have since taught her “down” and “up”. I’ve also been working with her to sit and stay seated in her kennel on approach as well as leave it take it, taking treats gently and lead pulling. I'm happy to say that she has progressed in all of those areas, especially taking treats gently- she was a pig but is now so sweet and polite.
   
• Cashmere has little confidence so I took her to Pet Supplies Plus for some socialization. A few people have stopped to pet her and she does fine.
   
• Cashmere can now walk well on a leash. She does get excited about being outside! If I stick a rope toy in her mouth as we walk, she seems to find that comforting.
   
• Cashmere simply doesn’t do well at the shelter. She’s stressed and lonely. But she’s a different dog when she gets outside. She gives lots of kisses, is mostly obedient and wants to please. You can almost see her smile when she gets out of the building! She has been living at DOG DAYZ for some time now and enjoys playing with the dogs there.
  

Our Animal Programs team has also been working with Cashmere on her insecurities. She is making good progress in her food bowl behavior. She has learned to wait to eat until given permission and has no issues with the trainer putting treats in the bowl while she is eating. Her biggest issue seems to be when she is touched while eating her meal, she tenses up and her tail stiffens. She hasn't shown the same response to touch when she is eating treats however. She needs to gain confidence and would probably do better in a single dog household. If there are other dogs, the owners need to be very experienced with bully breed dogs.

Cashmere does not do well in the shelter environment. She hates being behind bars! When she is outside though, she really is the sweetest thing ever. We recommend that Cashmere will do better with kids ages 13 and up. You must be 21 to adopt Cashmere and if you adopt her you must promise you will give her every opportunity to become a happy well adjusted girl again. No more returns to the shelter!

Sophie:

I like to tell everyone that I am a “Great Boston Terrier”. If you look at my pictures you can see the resemblance. I am just a smidge bigger than your typical Boston. I tip the scales at 50 pounds. I may have some Boston in my background but I am mostly a Pit Bull mix. I arrived at the HSHC on May 6, ‘11 when a nice man found me and my friend off of SR 32. My companion has already found her forever home but I am still waiting.

I came into the shelter with some various cuts, scrapes and wounds. I had an infection in my nail beds and to top it all off, I am Heartworm Positive. I found out that this condition can be prevented by a monthly dose of medicine. But since I am homeless I have not had the benefit of veterinary care. The good news is if I can find a foster home in which to take the treatment for Heartworms I have a very good chance of full recovery! So I am keeping all my toes crossed that someone will see my smiling face and want to offer me a bunk at their house.

I am a very sweet and lovable little gal and everyone here says that I will make a wonderful companion for some lucky someone. Although I was pretty scared when I first got here I have settled in and revealed my friendly and happy personality.

Despite the rough life I have lived I have a positive outlook about my future. I just need a chance to show off my personality and give you some of my famous kisses. Some really nice people sponsored my heartworm treatment, so now I'm getting better and will be available for adoption very soon!

Preston: Ah, being young is beautiful; but being old is comfortable! ~ Unknown
Nice to meetcha! Around these parts they call me Preston which seems like a nice enough handle for a fellow like me. I am a Senior Citizen (8 years old), neutered and proud of it. I am what you call a Miniature Dachshund with particularly short legs. I move at 2 speeds, slow and slower and some might say that I tend to waddle. But hey, it’s gotten me where I want to go all these years. I was found by a nice lady back on May 12, strolling along a highway. She brought me to the HSHC because she thought I was too cute to just let me go on my way.

It’s a good thing she did because I do have a bit of a health concern. I am either overweight (my undercarriage seems to drag a bit on the ground!) or I may have another condition that causes me to retain fluid. They are doing tests and feel confident that there will be a good treatment for me. Until then I am rooming with a very loving foster mom who says I am easy as pie to care for. I sleep with her at night—I know when I’ve got it good! I enjoy walks at a leisurely pace and get along pretty well with other dogs. I really only want to be close to my human, get frequent pets and belly rubs and be shown affection. I am a bit of a piggy when it comes to taking treats; make sure your fingers don’t get too close to my mouth because I might nip you in my rush to get the delicious morsel. I should know better, but I have let my manners slip since being homeless.

I would really love to have a quiet home with kids over 10 who won’t expect me to be an active playmate. My idea of a dream evening would be sitting next to you on the couch gazing adoringly at each other while you scratch my ears.

If you would like to meet me to see if we would make beautiful music together, please call the Animal Programs Team at 774-1263 to arrange a time to get together. I qualify for the PAWS program; in case you are 55 or older I can be adopted for a discounted fee.

In the meantime I will continue being comfortable in my foster home and taking it easy!
 

It is hard to keep a good woman (or dog in this case) down. On May 25, Hope was a stray with a serious problem. This 9 year old Lab-Shepherd mix had a massive, exposed tumor growing out of her back. However, after the horror of seeing such a painful condition, the next thing that struck us was her irrepressible spirit. We knew we just had to help this sassy senior. We found a wonderful foster home where Hope could recover and enjoy a more peaceful environment than the noisy kennel. Her foster mom reports the following:

Now that the mass has been removed, Hope is doing all she can to live life to the fullest. While her favorite activity is going for long car rides where she can bark "Hello, hello" to everyone she passes, she also likes taking short walks, annoying her canine foster-brother, Milo, and polo matches (yes, that's right, she likes polo matches). She is already spayed, is housebroken, good with kids and other dogs. She is playful and needs to be supervised when playing with smaller dogs.

Hope is very vocal, and her foster mom is working with her on learning to use her inside-voice. It’s as if she has had a long drink from the fountain of youth and is feeling like a puppy again! Hope has a small internal tumor which will be removed at the end of July. The best situation for Hope would be a foster-to-adopt situation until the second tumor is removed, with a family that enjoys a dog who refuses to age willingly. Because Hope will bond quickly and completely to her new owner, her next home should be her forever home.

Hope qualifies for the PAWS program, if you are 55 or older.

We do need your help to cover the cost incurred to remove the cancerous mass from Hope’s back. Your tax deductible donations are greatly appreciated.

Kamora

If I had my way I'd make health catching instead of disease. ~Robert Ingersoll

Wouldn’t that be a wonderful world? Unfortunately, bad things happen to good people and dogs get sick. I was surrendered to the HSHC on August 6 because my owner had become homeless. When the medical staff did some blood work on me, it turned out that I was Heartworm positive, which is actually a bad thing.

I had never heard of heartworms before arriving here. I guess I was bitten by a mosquito and was not taking a heartworm preventative medicine. So now I am faced with the need to find a foster home where I can rest and take the heartworm treatment. I sure hope the people at the shelter can help me do this because I don’t know anyone besides them!

They did a personality assessment with me, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was so happy to be with the tester--we had a blast! I got to play tag and get treats and get hugs and tickles on my feet, ears and tail. And to top it all off I was given a bowl of food just for me! I gobbled it up but tried to do it in a lady-like fashion.

Even though I have this heartworm problem, I still have plenty of energy for a 5 year old. I am an American Bulldog/Pit Bull mix. I am covered in a silky coat of brindle and white. I am truly a snuggle-bug; I love to try to climb up on your lap for some really close face-time.
However since I weigh 52 pounds I would prefer to live in a home with kids over 8 so that when I curl up on their lap, I won’t smash them flat!

If you would like to sponsor my heartworm treatment you can contribute online at the Humane Society for Hamilton County website. If you would like to welcome me into your home to take the treatment please call the Animal Programs Team at 774-1263.

I’ll be waiting to hear from you. I can be ready to hop in your car at a moment’s notice!

She may not have her sense of hearing….but her sense of fashion is off the charts!

Star:

Even a small star shines in the darkness. ~ Finnish proverb

Although our Star was surrendered to the HSHC on May 14 because her owner did not have enough time for her, we are pleased to have her because we know we can find the right person to love and care for her. This pretty 3 year old American Pit Bull mix has her share of hardships. She has obviously been used for breeding and was not spayed when she arrived. She had a severe skin allergy, due to the flea infestation she had when she arrived. She scratched herself until she bled, so the Veterinarian prescribed medicine to help her skin recover. You might notice that Star's left eye is sky blue. This is often the case in dogs that are deaf. Star does not let her deafness prevent her from fully participating in life!

On the contrary, Star is sweet and social and she LOVES to play! She does not mind being touched but being hugged scares her a little. Tag is one of her favorite games to play and she can act as silly as a puppy when she gets into the game. Probably because of her deafness, Star is a bit insecure and cowers a bit at fast movements. Once she feels comfortable though, she releases toys easily, takes treats gently and has absolutely no problem with having her food bowl moved or touched. I think Star is so grateful for any love or attention she receives that being at the shelter is a welcome change.

She is learning sign language and agility…and is proving that those with disabilities can shine as bright as anyone!

Dogs that are deaf can learn all the same tricks and skills that hearing dogs do. They need a patient owner who will use hand signals instead of his voice to teach them. She will do best in a home with an experienced dog owner who can work with Star's special needs. Often someone from the deaf community can form a special bond with deaf dogs. Because Star still tends to get carried away when she is playing, we recommend she will do well in an active family with kids over 10. You must be 21 to adopt Star.

Bindi--“Made with equal parts love and sugar.”

Bindi is darling Beagle mix with one eye that is half brown, half bright blue! She arrived as a stray on June 17th with her bottom and back were covered in flea bites causing severe irritation and hair loss.

Bindi had a hard time adjusting to the kennel and was very frightened. As with many dogs who are stressed out here, she became ill with an upper respiratory infection almost immediately…and ended up battling pneumonia for well over a month. It was clear Bindi couldn’t fight illness in this environment, so she is now in a foster home where she is doing so much better. Now that she’s not being eaten by fleas, and her skin has been treated, Bindi is feeling so much better.

During Bindi’s temperament test she was very friendly and submissive. She didn’t protect her food or toys. She’s really a very good girl who would be great in a home with kids approximately 8yrs of age and up since she can be a little nervous and submissive around new situations.

If you’re interested in adopting Bindi, please contact our Foster Team at 317-774-1263 or email animalprograms@hamiltonhumane.com.

Jadon:

Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many. ~Author Unknown

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Looking into the eyes of Jadon, seeing his gently extended paw and his wrinkled brow shows the depth of Jadon’s tolerance and love for humans. This face has seen more than his share of hardship. His skin is scarred and calloused, his ears lumpy with old scars and flea bites. When I look at his photo from 2009 when he was first a stray it seems he has aged more than the 2 years he was living in his adoptive home. We first met Jadon when he was found sleeping on an old discarded couch next to a dumpster. The police officer brought him to us in November when the weather was getting cold. This American Pit Bull Terrier was emaciated, had ear infections and an old hematoma scar on his left ear. He weighed only 55 lbs. He was adopted in January ‘10 and lived with his owner until November ‘11 when she surrendered him because she could no longer afford him. Now Jadon 9 years old, grayer on his muzzle and he weighs 95 lbs. But his sweetness and gentle demeanor have not changed.

Jadon is still the picture of love and gratitude. His temperament tests have not changed; he is still an easy-going boy, friendly and sociable, gentle in taking treats and comfortable with having his food bowl moved. Because Jadon has had ear infections and his ears are painful, we feel he would do best with children over the age of 8 who will be gentle with him. He has some health issues (skin allergies, ear infections) which may be completely controlled by an improved diet. His previous owner could not afford to take him for regular vet visits. We are hoping Jadon’s new family will be able to give him a healthy diet and veterinary care, to make sure he is happy and healthy.

Jadon will be happiest in a quieter home with older children and would be great with an easy-going, submissive (preferably female) dog. He qualifies for the PAWS program if you are 55 or older.

This is my femme fatale look.

My glamour shot. Hubba, hubba.

Don’t try to resist my charms!

Button

Single, reddish-brown female looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right! Large, liquid brown eyes; a touch of “frosting” on face; cold black nose. A bit of a cougar, will happily live with a much younger person. Hobbies include testing pillows for softness, stretching, walking slowly, checking her facebook page, jigsaw puzzles and reading tea leaves.

Our Miss Button is a 13 year old miniature Dachshund who first arrived at HSHC on July 11, ‘11 suffering from heat exhaustion & heat stroke. She had been kept in a closed car during 90º weather. But this tough little gal made it through and showed her spunky personality. She believes she is quite the looker and has lots of self confidence.
Being an “older woman” Button does have some health concerns and takes medicine to control her Cushing’s syndrome which she needs to take every month for the rest of her life. This is a glandular disorder found in both humans and dogs. One thing for sure, it does not seem to effect Button’s enjoyment of life.

Button would like to be in a fairly quiet home with no small children to pester her. Kids who can respect her space and need for gentle handling will be just fine. Most of her activities center around napping, cuddling and dining. Don’t consider adopting this lady if you are all about sports, running and other physical pursuits.

Send Button a tweet if you like her. She’s always on her computer!

Timmy: Happiness is a form of courage.
~Holbrook Jackson

When I was living in the kennel I tried to be brave. It was almost impossible for me to relax and let go of my stress. So I was not very happy and not very brave. I had been a stray dog back in June ’11 and I spent 2 months being fearful and anxious and not easy to deal with here at the HSHC shelter.

Then in August I began living at Dog Dayz Playhouse and Retreat. Life was much better there, but I still lived in a kennel and the walls made me claustrophobic. But I was becoming braver everyday. Now I have been living with a wonderful lady who works at Dog Dayz. She lets me live in her house with her and I have finally found a place where I can be courageous AND happy!
This lady reports that in the kennel I became easily over-whelmed. I was timid and fearful. But once she got me home I visibly relaxed & showed my true personality. She calls me a “Love Bug”; she says I love to cuddle and would be a wonderful (albeit heavy) lap dog! She compliments me on my nice manners and good listening skills. I follow verbal directions nicely. I get along with her other dogs and I play gently with them.
I am a golden brown & white American Pit Bull mix who has not had an easy puppyhood. I am crate trained and housebroken even though I am only a smidge over 1 year old. She tells me that I am a smart boy and would love to learn even more. I may be a bit fearful of new people, but once I know you are friendly, I quickly warm up. I have already been neutered so I can come home with my new forever family right away.

It will be important to meet me and spend a little time so that we can get to know each other. I would like an active family with kids 13 and older who can handle my strength and energy. Please don’t make me spend my life in a shelter—where I will never be able to grow into the confident, happy brave boy I was meant to be.
You must be 21 to adopt me.

Calvin: “Girls (& puppies) just want to have fun!”

Don’t be fooled by this angelic little face. Calvin is only 7 months old and he IS adorable! But he is also full of puppy energy, has springs for legs and an insatiable curiosity about everything. He first showed up at the HSHC on August 13, ’11 as a little stray. We all fell in love with his wrinkled brow and mouth full of baby teeth. We knew that this fella was like the Energizer Bunny; he could go on and on and on!

Calvin is the kind of boy who needs to attend puppy classes to learn self-control, manners and socialization skills with humans and other animals. Right now Calvin is a handful because he has not been given boundaries. He means well but does not understand about polite behavior. You wouldn’t expect a child to behave well without first being taught what that means. Our little guy is a blank slate. He will need an experienced dog owner who can give him plenty of exercise. It is very true that a tired dog is a good dog! He will need lots of playtime (which he absolutely adores) and firm but loving guidance.

For these reasons we recommend that Calvin go to an active family with kids over the age of 8—so they can handle his strength and energy! Because he is an American Pit Bull Terrier mix you must be 21 to adopt Calvin. Keep this little guy busy with things YOU want him to do and you will be rewarded with his love and sweet doggie kisses!
Don’t let this puppy grow up in a shelter! He deserves a home and family.

Mr.Teapot is my name. I can’t help it; this is the name they gave me. They alluded to the fact that I’m short and stout…not sure where they’re going with the handle and the spout!

I’m a very jolly looking boy. I have a big head with a big smile that shows off my bottom choppers. I spend a lot of my time grinning, jumping around to get your attention and generally making a fool of myself. I am 4 years old but I think I’m still a puppy at heart; you know you’re as old as you feel and I feel about 17 ½ weeks old! I like other dogs and enjoy snuggling with humans…the ladies here do find me irresistible if you must know. Red is definitely my color!

I was strolling along SR 38 on January 19, ‘10 when an Animal Control Officer first picked me up and brought me to the shelter. I was not able to tell him that I escaped from a really bad situation as evidenced by the scars on my back. It’s unclear whether the scars on my back end are from an animal attack or burns, but they will always be there as a reminder of the life I’m happy to have left behind. I got adopted in May ’10, but just this November I was found as a stray again. What really gets my goat is NOW I am Heartworm Positive. I guess my 2nd owner didn’t believe in preventative medicine.

They gave me another temperament test and I did even better than the last time I was here. I’m friendly and sociable, not sensitive about my paws or ears; I take treats gently and will release toys just fine. I have even better dining manners than I used to! The tester told me I was a very sweet boy, submissive and loving. She said I am very energetic and will need some dog training in order to learn to keep my enthusiasm under control. I think she really liked me though, ‘cause she gave me a kiss right on the top of my head. We had a moment.

Because of the Heartworm thingy I will need a foster home where I can relax and take the treatment. Wouldn’t be great if you decided to foster me ‘til I am well and then adopt me?! You must be 21 to adopt me and it would be best if you didn’t have kids under 8 because I would probably knock them right over before I could stop myself. I sure would love to live with an active family who liked long walks and games that involve lots of play time! Call the Animal Programs Team if you’d like to foster me: 317-774-1263.

PLEASE HELP SAVE MY LIFE: Your tax deductible donation toward my heartworm treatment can be made here. Thank you!

Conlan:
“Faith and Begorra, in Irish my name means HERO!”

I sure would love to be the hero of my own story. On June 21, my brother Liam and I were tracking a rabbit around 146 and Hazel Dell, when a nice lady offered us a ride to the HSHC. This is where we got our names. Now I don’t know if I have a drop of Irish blood, but green is my favorite color. Liam got adopted already so I am pretty excited to meet my new family.

Now, this new family is going to have to be ACTIVE because I have energy to spare! I am about 2 years old and the word around here is that I am a Lab-Pointer mix. I am mostly white with black ears and a cute little black ring around the base of my tail. No one ever:

1. Neutered me
2. Taught me anything about being a pet
3. Showed me loving, but firm directions

So what you see is what you get! I am however:

1. Friendly and sociable
2. Tolerant of being touched and pulled on
3. Very playful
4. GREAT at chasing the ball and bringing it back!
5. Pretty good at the command “sit”

I greet friends and strangers with a big friendly tail wag and grin. I am not too keen on being hugged, so kids under 13 would probably not be a good match with me. I do respond when you tell me not to do something, so you know I am willing to learn. My food bowl manners are kind of sloppy. I could use some lessons in manners about slowing down and enjoying my food. I am SUPER food motivated and I eat every last bite of my kibble and anyone else’s who does not eat fast! This means that treats are a great way to teach me the things I need to learn.

I have been used to being outside chasing squirrels and rabbits and my nose is probably the reason I became a stray in the first place. So I will need a fenced in yard and leash walks to keep me from following a yummy scent. Like I said before, I am going to need long walks or runs, trips to the dog park, bike rides on the Monon and anything else you can think of to wear me out. Look at me as a Physical Fitness Plan in a white coat and 4 legs!

Lincoln:
“I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.”
― Abraham Lincoln

I am proud to be named after this man. He sounds like a real nice fellow. I don’t rightly recall my original name. Seems like I have been on my own for so long that I am not used to holding a conversation. But I sure do enjoy being with the nice ladies who have been taking my photos and giving me some tests.

I was roaming around a local golf course on October 20. I couldn’t find a scrap of anything to eat, but it surely was a pretty place. The lady who brought me to the HSHC was very nice and said she hoped my owner would come for me soon. I sure hope SOMEONE comes for me a.s.a.p.! This place gives me the willies. When people are here and keeping my mind off my worries I am better, but when I am alone at night in the kennel with all the other dogs I get so nervous I can’t think straight. I think I have what you call STRESS!

There are so many dogs here and they all have sad stories that they want to tell and I want to get away as fast as I can. I am grateful for the food and lodging, but I almost long for my days on the road. Except winter is coming and I don’t like the cold!

The little lady who gave me some things to do said I was a very good boy. I am friendly and social, not fussy about being touched or hugged, playful with toys and comfortable with my food bowl being moved or picked up. I know how to “sit, lie down and speak”. She says I would be a good fit for a family with kids over 8.

The funny thing is, a dog never thinks about “what” he is. I never cared about my family tree. But the folks here think that I am some kind of Hound mixed up with a Boxer. I am fine with whatever you want to call me. My coat is brindled which means sort of black and brown stripes, and I’ve got a white bib. I am about 4 years old, never neutered and real friendly. I was giving the lady hugs and kisses when we were in the play yard.

If I could have one wish granted it would be to get adopted very soon! I am really not cut out for the shelter life. [Frankly I don’t think anybody is cut out for shelter life!]

Mac ~~What does surrendered mean?

I keep hearing this word in reference to me and I don’t understand it. Maybe it’s because I am just a puppy and can’t read. But I do know what it feels like to have your family take you someplace and leave without you. They did not have room for me. I guess a growing puppy needs more space than an apartment.

But I am not letting this turn of events get me down. After all, I am a cute boy with lots of life in front of me. I am nearly all white with little black spots, big brown eyes and pink ears. They call me an American Pit Bull/Labrador Retriever mix. All I know is I just love to play “chase the ball” and run around the yard. Also, I am crazy about treats!

My owner never had time to take me to puppy school, so I have lots to learn~~but I do know how to SIT (especially if you have a treat in your hand!)
I am going to be a big boy someday because I already weigh 52 ½ pounds at 9 months of age! This means that I will need plenty of room to exercise and a good sized dog bed for nap time. I would prefer to sleep with you but that is certainly negotiable.

Because I am big and strong I will need to live in an active family with kids over the age of 5. My first family had kids and a dog and we were best buddies. I cannot say the same about cats however; cats just give me a pain!

If “you like big mutts and you cannot lie” then I think you just might love me!

Shadow ~ There is not a shadow of doubt that this boy is a great dog!

Can you tell that I’m blushing? My ears are anyway! It is hard to accept a compliment when you haven’t always had a lot of self-esteem. I was surrendered to the HSHC on September 28, ‘11 because my owner just didn’t have enough time for me. She found me on the internet and I lived with her for one year. But I don’t blame her; I do require plenty of exercise and socialization. I am not a slug-a-bed—I like to play and run and chase toys. So if you don’t have time to take me for walks, trips to the dog park and romping in the yard, I am not the dog for you. Workaholics should look for a new kitty to adopt!

HOWEVER: if you are an active person or family I think we will be perfect for one another. I am proud to be an American Pit Bull Terrier, about 66 lbs. already neutered, housetrained and crate trained. I lived with another dog & some kids and we all got along just great.

I know the commands “lie down”, “shake” and “sit”. I am not too keen on being in the kennel—the noises and smells scare me just a bit. But when I am with a friendly person I relax and have a good time. Toys are such wonderful things that I will release them easily so that you can throw them again. I will take a treat so gently and softly that you won’t even know it’s gone!

On the flip side, I could use some lessons in walking nicely on a leash and controlling my enthusiasm so that I don’t jump up. Actually doggie classes would be a great way for me to work off energy, improve my skills and broaden my innate intelligence.

I recently attended the Great Indy Pet Expo and I had a blast! There were hundreds of people, dogs, good smells and things to look at. Everyone said I was such a good boy that day. I guess you could say that I’m a keeper. I just hope my new owner feels that way. Because I am a strong boy, I will be best suited for kids 10 or older. I’ll be waiting to hear from you!
You must be 21 to adopt me.

Shiloh:

Yes, I know that show is for girls but when you are this good looking it is sad not to have a category for dogs. I am handsome but I also have a great personality. I am a 5 years old American Pit Bull Terrier mix, mostly white with dollops of chocolate brown on my ears and tail base. As you can see red is my color. I am neutered and house trained of course. I don’t want to brag, but I am “some dog”!

I was surrendered to the HSHC on January 13’11 because I did not get along with one of the youngest family members. When I first moved into the shelter kennel I was scared to death! I didn’t understand why I was no longer living at the only home I ever knew. I was so frightened that I did not really warm up and reveal the true Shiloh until March 19! At that time I passed every temperament test with all A’s. I took treats gently and did not guard my food bowl. I play with toys and am out-going and friendly with people. I am more confident and happy these days so passing these tests was a breeze! The people here think I would be just fine with kids who are respectful of my space, around 8 years and up.

Did you know that I was recently sponsored for 4 weeks of doggie “boot camp” with an electric-collar and I know lots of commands? My new owners will also receive one hour of “owner training” at K9 camp to learn the proper way to use my collar and commands (paid for by my sponsors)! I even love to walk on a treadmill? My ideal pace is 1.9 miles an hour. That will come in extra handy during the rainy or bitterly cold weather coming up! I do best with one long or two short walks a day. After that, I enjoy snuggling on the couch or dozing on the floor! I am also all caught up on my vaccinations. As a result of my training, I’ve been able to relax a little now that I know someone else is in charge. I need an owner that will be consistent with my training. I don’t beg for food at the table, but if you want to give me a treat, I LOVE plain yogurt on my food. It tastes so yummy and it is good for my tummy too! With my training and collar, I am a model doggie citizen and ready for my forever home!!
 
Now that I feel comfortable in my own skin again, I realize my best chance to find a new home is being right where I am! The folks at HSHC understand that Pit Bulls make wonderful pets and they are determined to make a very good match for me. I will need an active family that likes to go for walks, trips in the car and of course, watch TV. In case my whole modeling gig does not pan out, at least I can watch the pretty girls!
You must be 21 to adopt me. Being an agent with a modeling agency would be a plus!

Skipper
I never got to go to doggy school to learn how to socialize with my peers. It’s hard to learn social skills when you are kept in a garage. I am only 1 year old and I think people have just given up on me. I am a female Boxer Pit Bull mix, all white with brown polka dots underneath. I am so young I don’t even know what I don’t know!

I used to live at another shelter when my owner bought me for $20. Then he moved in with his mother whose neighborhood frowned on my breed. It didn’t help that I barked at other dogs and kids, but I just didn’t know how to interact with them. I am actually pretty nervous when faced with something new and different. Just between you and me, I don’t like cats at all. So no matter how much schooling I get, I don’t think I could live with a cat peacefully.

I think what I really need is someone to start all over with me, helping me learn the manners and skills I need, building my confidence about strange situations and letting me know that I am not the pack leader. You can see in my photos that I am a happy girl, playful and friendly with adults. I think I am too insecure right now to live with kids under 10 or so. I need to improve my social skills before faced with a loud, fast, “grabby” child. In addition to the command “sit” I can shake hands and I am house trained!

I would be just fine with a name change as well as a change of address. Most people think I am a boy with the name Skipper. Something more feminine would be nice. Petunia, Eva, or Gwennie come to mind---but you choose. You must be 21 to adopt me and it would be a good idea if you checked to make sure your neighborhood allows Boxer/Pit Bull mixes. I don’t want to have my heart broken, again.

Yogi: I realize I am different. When I’m in a particular mood I embrace it. I realize this is at the cost of acquiring friends though. ~ Author unknown
I want to start out letting you know that I am not your average dog. I am a very unusual looking blend of many breeds; for example I have the tail of a Spitz or Elkhound, the spots of a Cattle Dog or Pointer, the muzzle of a Shepherd, the ears of a Shepherd or Pit Bull, and the fluffy coat of an Australian Shepherd. And my differences don’t stop there. I was a stray, tiny 8 week old puppy when I was first brought to the HSHC. I was quickly adopted because you can imagine how cute I was! Almost exactly 1 year later I was surrendered back to the shelter because my owner died. So I have been in and out of foster homes and living in the kennel ever since. No one knows what happened to me during the year I was with my owner. It is a pretty safe bet that I was not properly socialized with people. Therefore today I am really suspicious and mistrustful of human beings. I am only 2 years old, but I can act like a “grumpy old man”. On the other hand, I LOVE to play! I am crazy about playing with big rambunctious dogs who can handle my energy.

Another unusual thing about me is that I am a bit moody. I become very attached to “my human” and want to cuddle and be close; however I can tolerate just so much togetherness and then I may give you a warning signal that I have had enough. I am a vocal kind of guy, demonstrating both happy noises and irritated noises. A human needs to be skilled at “reading my signals”. That is why I would not be a good fit with a family of kids—they might touch my feet (which I am particularly sensitive about) and I might growl. People 16 and older would be able to give me space when I need it.

The other thing I want you to know is that I am intelligent! I have learned the commands “shake, lie down, stay, sit, & stay in your place”. My current foster mom says I would be a good agility dog. I need plenty of exercise and things to do because I might become mischievous if left to my own devices! I am crate trained, housebroken & neutered. One more thing….I shed.

If you are an experienced dog person & can provide guidance, patience and
a loving home I would like you to consider adopting me. Unusual dogs deserve a happy life. Non-conformists need to stick together!

Petango

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