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!

Marla

Marla is a bit of a dog of mystery. She's big and fluffy, and we're not quite certain yet if she gets her looks from Malamute, Shiloh Shepherd, Husky, or any of a number of "wolf-like" working dogs. She keeps her kennel quite clean (except at mealtime, when it's a big game of "flip the dish and watch that food roll" at times), leads on her leash but doesn't pull, and is generally affable and gentle.

Like Maggie and Romney, Marla seems to be one of those dogs that gives whatever she gets, be it affection or indifference. She's very observant, too - picking up on subtle body language, both in people and dogs. When I approached her kennel today, she barely reacted to my greeting of "Hey there, girl." But a quick glance at her and a jerk of my head toward her door had Marla on her feet and ready to go. On her leash, she appeared to be quietly patrolling our route, zig-zagging steadily to and fro as she moved.

Our mystery girl is also apparently as used to communicating as quietly as she listens. When approached by a boy with a playful puppy, I gently rested a hand on Marla's back, and she quickly sat down and waited for the little tyke to approach (she waited patiently for the boy, too). Layla, the puppy, jumped around and mugged on her, and instead of eating her, Marla dropped down onto her belly to be less threatening and more "puppy height." After Layla departed with her new family (congratulations, girl!), I leaned my head against Marla's and gave her a big hug. After a few seconds, she soundlessly shrugged and backed up a step to let me know that was enough glomping for one day. We'll have a great time getting to know more about this girl, I think.

UPDATE: Marla was rescued on June 16th, and it looks like if all goes well, she'll have a new forever home and family by the end of the week. We've got our fingers crossed for you, Sugar!

UPDATE 2: June 29th-- Marla was taken to her new forever home where she is already bestest friends with a sweet and smart 6 year old little girl. We could not be happier for her or for her new family!