Shasta

I don't normally think of Chows as being black; my experience has mostly been with red ones like Harlan. In fact, the only black Chow I've ever had any prolonged dealings with was a much-less-than-friendly neighborhood bully who lived downstairs from me many years ago. Shasta, probably a Chow/Border Collie or Shepherd mix of some type, falls about as far from that as a dog can.

When we first met, I wasn't sure what to make of her. She was frightened and uncertain, and wrinkled her nose oddly when she sniffed my hand (I later realized that her nose just does that). I had to pick Shasta up and carry her outside because she was so afraid; but after getting the feel of grass under her feet, she did a complete turn-around. Inquisitive, adventurous and affectionate - a far cry from the shivering, cowering bundle of fur in her kennel.

Shasta's a girl who knows just what she wants, too. When I had to run out to my car to look for some kitten-feeding supplies, she vaulted up into the car, hopped over to the passenger seat, and curled up in anticipation of a road-trip adventure. And when it was time to go back to her kennel, she sprawled on the floor in protest. I picked her up, and she wrapped her front paws around my neck, licking my cheek imploringly. She hammed her way dramatically all the way to her door, where she calmly hopped down for a drink of water. I half expected her to take a bow.

UPDATE: Shasta got to take that road-trip today when she was reunited with her owner. We're so very glad that she found her way back home!

Harlan

When I saw Harlan come into the shelter, I thought, "Now that's one dog that won't be here long." Weeks later, I honestly have no idea why he hasn't been adopted. It might be because he's more than a year old, or because he's part Chow. Or maybe because he tends to jump up on you when he gets too happy. Maybe he just shoots laser beams out of his big, brown eyes when I've got my back turned.

Rarely have I seen a dog this hungry for human affection. What Harlan lacks in basic discipline he makes up for in eagerness, and would probably be a fantastic companion with a little bit of training and some regular exercise.

And as for the jumping up? He's already very gentle when he does it; the trick is to teach him when it's OK, and when it isn't. Unfortunately, that takes more time than we have to work with him at the shelter. And if animals keep coming in at the rate they are, it's very unlikely he'll last very much longer.

UPDATE: Harlan was put to sleep. You were a good dog, little pal. And you were loved.