Dogs in shelters have food and water, and
medical attention, toys and walks if they’re lucky. Staff, volunteers and visitors may even lavish love on
them, but that love isn’t permanent. Shelter
dogs simply don’t have the security and comfort of a loving home where they’re
part of a caring family. 
Betsy
“Home is where the heart is” may be a cliché,
but at its best, it’s also true. A
stable home gives a dog the chance to be all s/he can be: healthy, playful,
energetic, loving, trusting. Shelter dogs
often experience positive personality and behavioral changes once they’re out
of the shelter.
Now managed by Trenton Animals Rock, the Trenton Animal
Shelter is open to the public by appointment Monday-Friday 11-7 and Saturday
11-3. Adoptable dogs in shelter and foster can be seen on Petfinder,
along with pictures of each one, and info like age, breed, back story, temperament,
health, adoption fee.
Here’s
how to reach the Trenton Animals Rock (TAR) gallery of adoptable dogs: Go to
tarnj.org, which takes you to Petfinder.
In the top-right corner, click on “View Our Pets,” then click on the
image of any dog for additional images. Finally,
scroll down to read about the dog. 
Marley
Thanks
to a TAR volunteer, here are descriptions of the 3 dogs mentioned above.
Betsy -- She has had a tough time adjusting to the shelter. Surrendered by her owner, she’s scared and confused, and cries in her kennel all day. She had mange when she was surrendered and she has had at least one litter of puppies. When out of her kennel, Betsy’s whole demeanor changes. She becomes very playful and even has a favorite ball she likes to chase after! She’s a very sweet dog who loves to be petted and cuddled. She loves people and has been gentle with all the volunteers. Betsy knows basic commands, is housebroken and walks nicely on a leash. She’s 3 years old, about 45 pounds and dog-friendly. She’d be fine to be in a home with children and also a great dog for a first-time pet owner.
Marley -- This poor 8-year old guy lost his home when his owner became ill. For months, he has been living with the coolest foster parents who adore him, but there is a small problem: CATS! He likes them just a little too much! Marley needs a home without cats so he can just be the big loving guy he wants to be. He has a pretty funny personality -- he LOVES wearing his raincoat on walks! He’s low-energy and happy with a few short walks a day. He has moments of playfulness when his foster dad comes home from work, then it's right back to his favorite spot on the couch. Due to Marley’s size and limited history, we recommend a home with children over 12.
Serena -- This beautiful girl came to the shelter in bad condition. She was skinny, weak and covered with a skin disease. After being hospitalized for a few days, she went to a foster home to start a feeding schedule to gain weight. Now, Serena’s coming out of her shell: she loves cuddles and kisses and TREATS! She is also just figuring out that she can bark and it's adorable; she’s pretty much learning to be a dog again! Serena should keep gaining weight till about 50-60 pounds. We believe she's about 2-5 years old. In good health now, she’s up to date on all shots, housebroken and spayed.
Serena TAR images
Just think: in adopting a shelter dog, you become an animal rescuer, you gain a new best friend and you make room in the shelter for another dog needing a home. And, adopting this month gives your new family member time to adjust and enjoy being home for the holidays!
#
#
Please comment at 1moreonce.blogspot.com
– and tell us if you’ve adopted a dog this month, or plan to!
I hope they get adopted this month.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anonymous, for summarizing my feelings too: I hope they get adopted this month! (And now, to find out what month is "Adopt a Shelter CAT Month" because cats have a much harder time in animal shelters than any other animal, and that includes their hideously high rate of euthanasia.)
ReplyDelete