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Pound Puppies Bring Many Happy Returns

I am a firm believer that shelter dogs can make the best potential animal companions(nothing against cats, I just prefer animals that don't cough up hairballs) . I'd like to share with everyone my own personal story about my mutts to illustrate how rewarding dogs can really be! I'm sick and tired of hearing about animal abuse stories in the news(Mr. Vick, this includes you!), so let's talk about a little good news!

Skinny1 These two came into my life as abused leftovers that someone didn't want. Abused, malnourished, and amazingly enough, too young to have developed a fear of people.

I was able to count each rib individually. They were brought to the pound together, likely from the same litter, suffering from identical problems, namely, neglect.

They were so tightly bonded to each other that they did not know how to cope with being separated, so the employees at the shelter had to leave them in the same kennel.

They didn't have much interest in dog food, but got really excited when an unlucky cricket or beetle tried to pass through their cage.

Barking was not an option, as both of them stubbornly refused to make any sort of noise whatsoever; a far cry(or bark, if you will) from your average pound puppy.

Skinny2 It was impossible to say no, and obvious that they were going to be a package deal. A few documents and a vet visit later, they were on their way home!

I don't know who did what to them prior to my care, but sudden movements made them cower, convincing them that dog food was just that took over a week, and getting one of them to bark has taken a year(as for the other one, well, she chooses to remain silent). They were obviously victims of mistreatment, and convincing them they weren't going to see the same treatment again took some time.

Happy1 Today I am very happy to say that they are happy, healthy dogs, and one of my greatest joys. The excitement they have when I come home warms my soul and just thinking about them causes a smile to break out.

They're still completely inseparable, so when I walk around the house I always have both of them right at my side. They let me know when they're tired and make it a point to curl up in my lap when I watch TV(I've tried to explain to them that they're NOT lap dogs, but they're confident they can convince me otherwise).

Happy2 I've had other dogs before, but none that ever seemed so completely appreciative of the fact I take care of them. I'm a firm believer that dogs understand the difference in care and attention, and
these two have helped me to feel happier and more complete. It's a mutual admiration society, really. We all think the world of each other for the happiness and comfort that we all provide!

There's no reason in the world to pay big money to a breeder when you can find dogs like this at the local shelter or humane society. The next time you consider bringing home a dog or cat, consider looking there first. The shelter and the animals will thank you!

~Jonathan Benya
Century 21 New Millennium
301-653-8116
Website
Blog
Posted Thursday Nov 29
( 11/29/07 01:36AM ) — Tom Braatz, South Eastern Wisconsin

Jonathan,

A nice meaningful post-Thank you.

I love little puppies. Look at what they grow up to look like at http://www.tombraatz.com

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

( 11/29/07 01:40AM ) — Gary Bland R (S) E-Pro, ABR

I am a animal lover also.  They are great and supply our lives with many new ways to look at life.

( 11/29/07 06:42AM ) — Jeanean Gendron ~ Redding & Shasta County Specialist

Johnathan, great story and wonderful to hear about your two puppies. We took a rescue golden when she was four years old. She had been mistreated and we never got over some of the things she was afraid to do. She had been punished for giving kisses and it took years before she would give us the tiniest little kiss. Those kisses were worth gold to us. Enjoy your puppies....it is total bliss and love! I am happy for you.

( 11/29/07 06:50AM ) — Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector

I am an animal lover too! Love the feeling of a cold wet nose against your cheek. As far as Michael Vick goes, I hope he gets put in the pound - but with his money, he most likely will get off with a slap on the wrist - community service or something light.

Good post! Touching.

( 11/29/07 12:01PM ) — Bonnie Westbrook Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Marketing

You are so right, Jonathan. We adopted a stray from the pound and she was THE BEST dog we ever had. I think dogs know they are getting a second chance and it sounds like your two adorable pooches have hit the doggie lottery! What are their names? Thanks for this inspiring post.

( 11/29/07 12:25PM ) — Southern Maryland Real Estate~ Jonathan Benya

Jeanean- It's so great to hear that there are other people like me who open up their hearts for stray and abused animals, thank you so much for sharing!

Michael-  Mr. Vick is pure scum in my book, there's no jail sentence long enough for the actions he took

Bonnie- I'm certain dogs are aware of the second chance they got, or at least aware of the vast improvement in care, love and attention.  Their names are Brit (the lighter colored short hair female, who still chooses to remain silent) and Morris (the darker, long hair male).  I swear sometimes that they are absolutely polar opposites, Brit is extremely hyperactive despite her silence, and Morris is very mellow but no longer has hesitation speaking on command.  I jokingly call him the youngest old man I've ever met- I've been entertaining the idea of training him to spend time keeping company with nursing home patients because of his mellow temperament.

 I'll have to post some more photos when I get the chance!

( 11/29/07 12:47PM ) — John Novak - Las Vegas and Henderson NV Real Estate

I adopted Sundance from the local shelter about 7 1/2 years ago. Didn't really know too much about his history, and he was a little shy the first couple of months, but has since really made himself comfortable in my home.

In fact, it's almost like it's his home, and I just live in it! But definitely worth it for all that he has given to me over the years.

( 11/29/07 02:21PM ) — Elaine Manes IRIS~Colorado Stager ~ A Wonderful Space, LLC

Jonathan, I LOVE to meet people like you. You GET IT! Good quality pets are "thrown away" every day.

Here is my dog, Bear, adopted from a shelter eighteen months ago:

Bear

He is still terrified of children, but we are working on it. And here is Abby, who was found in a cardboard box in an alley in downtown Denver. No mother, no litter mates. She thinks TV is interactive!

Abby

My third pet is Little, an all black cat, who was found in the woods of eastern Kansas at the tender age of 5 months. He is now sixteen. I love them all. They give me so much more than I can ever give them!

Thanks for being a shelter advocate!!!

( 11/29/07 02:45PM ) — Marsha Benya

Great Post Jonathan, I love seeing photos of your dogs!  I'm going to see if I can get Thomas to post some photos of our puppies for us!

( 11/29/07 04:21PM ) — Wilmington NC Real Estate Ginger & Roger Sala Keller Williams

Jonathan, What a great story, yeah! There are dog owners and dog lovers, What a diference. How long have you had these tow?

Ginger Bella's Mom

( 11/29/07 07:14PM ) — Terry Haugen STAGE it RIGHT! 321-956-2495

Woo hoo for you Jonathan!  I did animal rescue for 20 years and was the dog adoption person for our humane society.  I'm a firm believer that rescued dogs and cats make the best companions.  They know where they came from and they know where they are, and each and everyday, in subtle little ways, show their gratitude!!!  You did good!

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