Remo

We first ran into little Remo about four days ago, and he was so scared I thought he'd shake himself apart. He's still a bit shy coming out of his kennel, but perks right up when he's out with an old friend - or a potential new friend.

In fact, we often use Remo as our "social interaction test dog" when we want to see how other animals react to strangers. He's about as non-threatening as a dog can get (somehow, there's almost nothing terrifying about a Pit Bull/Basset Hound mix), and he's pretty fearless when it comes to meeting other dogs or cats. And with people? After a minute or two to stretch his stubby little legs, he's all wags and glomping. Everyone loves Remo - just ask him.

Well, except for that time when Maggie scolded him. But who knew she didn't want to wrestle? Sometimes grownups just don't make sense, you know?

UPDATE: Remo was rescued on 6/12 and is a step closer to finding his forever home! Good luck, little buddy! We love you.

UPDATE #2: Good ol' Remo was rescued by the fantastic people at Metroplex Mutts. He's been neutered, house-trained, had his oil changed and tires kicked, and is ready to be someone's #1 sidekick. His Petfinder page is here; I got a little wibbly to see that he's still got the collar I gave him as a going-away present.

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.

Tootie

A lot of people come to the shelter looking for "apartment dogs" - small dogs they think will do well at home most of the day. Tootie gets constantly overlooked, because she looks like a large puppy - despite most likely being 3 or 4 years old. She weighs in around a demure 28 pounds, but has the lines of a much bigger dog. Tootie also isn't very energetic in her kennel, being a "grown-up," so people think she's not as friendly as the younger dogs jumping up and down and proclaiming loudly their youthful enthusiasm.

Unlike a chihuahua or terrier, Tootie doesn't usually have a lot to say. She's quiet, extremely friendly, and seems to like nothing better than a good roll in a sunny patch of grass. And as far as we've seen, she loves just about everyone - human and animal alike. Tootie's pretty thoughtful as well; she almost never pulls on her leash, and seems to prefer to keep "kennel" and "bathroom" two distinctly different things.

Sadly, as we mentioned earlier, Tootie has been passed over in favor of smaller and younger dogs for quite a while. If more animals aren't adopted than come in (not an easy feat in late spring/early summer), she'll likely have to be euthanized to provide space for incoming animals. It looks pretty grim at the moment, but we're still hoping she'll have a happy ending.

UPDATE: Tootie was rescued this morning and will soon have her own yard to wallow in to her heart's content. She is available through OPERATION KINDNESS. Please check out their website!