Winston

I (Sophie) was told by another volunteer that there was a new dog that needed to be worked with. This unnamed little boxer/ridgeback mix was snapping at anyone trying to touch him. He was small, thin and looked more mournful than menacing. I figured I would just take it slow and easy, so I got in the kennel with him and knelt down. He backed up a few steps and I reached over and took his food bowl. He didn't seem to mind. I put a few kibbles in my hand and held it out to him. He sniffed it, then sort of half-heartedly mouthed the kibble, not really eating but at least touching his face to my hand. I didn't watch him or stare at him, just acted disinterested and kept offering kibble in my outstretched hand. Before long, I was briefly stroking his face and head while he investigated my hand. He got closer and seemed to be pressing against my hand a little more like a dog that wanted to be petted. Within a few minutes, he was on my lap, getting petted from nose to tail. Terri, (the volunteer coordinator and someone we both admire immensely) had previously been able to pet him as well, which made us wonder if he wasn't just afraid of men. So naturally I went to Tim to test that theory.

Check out that cute ridge down his neck

With me in the kennel, sitting against the far wall, Tim came in and sat down by the door. Winston--as Terri and I had named him moments prior--kept close to me but didn't seem aggressive toward Tim, just wary. Gently and reassuringly, Tim offered Winston small bits of dog biscuit from his hand. And just as with me, Winston learned to trust him to the point that I left them for a bit and came back to find Winston curled up and sleeping on Tim's lap, content as you please. But he still growled at one of the Animal Shelter staff members just a little while later, even while Tim was holding him. Without knowing Winston's story, we can't know just what has caused his fear of certain people, only that he isn't a hopeless case and that he does, very much, want to be loved and comforted.

Winston learning that he's got friends.

UPDATE (1/21): Winston has been quickly getting his confidence back, to the point where he'll even occasionally strut around outside, his head and tail held high and proud. It's really encouraging to see. Most of the time, though, he's just thrilled to have some attention, and is quickly turning into a very affectionate young dog. And as he gets less emaciated (though he's still pretty wasp-waisted), Winston is actually shaping up to be a pretty handsome guy.

UPDATE (2/6): We stopped by the local Petsmart (where Lost Paws Rescue of Texas holds adoption events every weekend) to see young Winston, and he was as happy to see us as we were to see him. He was charming people right and left, and seems to have finally met a good play partner who moves at his speed, along with the rest of his new family! We all met back at the shelter to fill out the adoption paperwork, and had a great last get-together with Russell Posch and Terri Walker, the shelter's volunteer coordinator (and Winston's foster mom for the past two weeks). It was a fabulous way for Winston to start his new life.

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Ways to Help Your Local Shelter

Those of us that love animals tend to already have a lot of them. We always want to do more, but often it seems like we don't have the space or the money to take in another dog or cat in need. But there are other ways in which folks can help make the lives of shelter animals a bit brighter, and although they may not have the glamour of sweeping in to rescue a pet from certain doom, they are all important and necessary to keeping the animals happy and comfortable, no matter what the final outcome is.

1. Come play with us!

Your local shelter or humane society needs volunteers to walk, feed, groom and socialize the animals. Being cooped up in a cage for hours on end can make even the nicest pet grouchy, territorial and untrusting. Don't worry - you can do it at your own pace and only with the animals you are comfortable with. Even just sitting with them in their kennels or on a leash in the lobby can make a lonely dog or cat feel loved and hopeful. It also gives you the chance to talk about these pets to prospective owners as they come in. This is a great volunteering opportunity for anyone, from college kids to seniors. Contact your local animal services or Humane Society for information on volunteer classes.

Gordo, Morgan and Sophie resting after playtime.

2. Toys, Towels and Blankets!

We always seem to be in dire need of clean towels and blankets. Even with the washing machine running nonstop all day, there never seems to be enough to deal with the constant messes and spills that crop up. Keeping our friends' kennels clean and pleasant is important, and keeping warm blankets available for the sick, injured, very young and very old is also critical. Puppies, kittens, and many small breeds of dog have a difficult time maintaining body heat on a concrete floor, and with young and small animals alike, it may only be a couple of hours before a warm, clean blanket has become a soggy, smelly mess in need of laundering.

New or gently used baby blankets, towels, pet-safe toys (cotton-filled rather than polyfiber-filled), dog-safe rubber balls, cat toys, grooming brushes, clippers, leashes, collars, etc, can often be found at garage sales and thrift stores. Toys may not seem like critical items until you see a small puppy, newly separated from its littermates, snuggle up to a stuffed Spongebob Squarepants doll for comfort. We've also seen quiet, stoic dogs spring to life when a ball or frisbee is tossed across the play yard.

Check with your local shelter before bringing in any edible items, please. Some shelters may be under contract with specific pet food companies to provide only that brand's food. Treats are usually welcomed, although certain items (such as rawhide chews, which can clog plumbing) may be politely discouraged.

3. Spread the word!

It's a constant struggle against the bad and inaccurate information being circulated about animal shelters and the people who work there. Get to know what's really going on, get involved in helping, and help spread the word on the wonderful animals that need homes. Got a website? Twitter account? Flickr page? Help find these guys and gals new homes. And always remember that we are trying to be ambassadors and role-models for these animals; everything we say and do should reflect kindness and dignity, the things they need most from us.

Just as importantly, educate yourself. Help fight the tide of misinformation and ignorance regarding breeds, behaviour, animal services, and the dog trade. Discourage buying from puppy mills and disreputable breeders. Get to know the legitimate breeders in your area. Read up on behaviour, communication, training and care for animals. In addition, try and encourage others to do the same.

If cruelty, overpopulation, neglect, ignorance, fear and bad "parenting" are diseases, education and knowledge are the best vaccines.