By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
With his tail wagging non-stop, Manny stands with the stuffed toy in his mouth – waiting for someone to join him in a game of tug-of-war.
Manny was found walking alone down Rudolph Road on New Year’s Eve, and no one came to redeem him. He is one of a handful of dogs who have been long-timing it at the Wood County Dog Shelter. (Update: Manny was adopted late last week – but there are several other pups there looking for people.)
Years ago, the lifespan of shelter dogs was very limited. If they weren’t redeemed by their owners or adopted by a new family in a couple weeks, they were euthanized.
That has changed.
“As long as they are healthy and happy, they stay here till they are adopted,” said Wood County Dog Warden Jodi Harding.
But dogs spending long periods in shelter kennels tend to struggle.
“They go stir crazy,” Harding said.
So shelter staff and volunteers try to give them as much time out of their kennels as possible. They spend time with staff in the office area. They go for walks. They get some loving in the visitation room.
But even with these respites, being caged for long periods takes a toll.
To help dogs like Hottie, Grover, Murray, Peanut and Boss – the current shelter residents – find homes faster, BG Independent News will be regularly posting photos and profiles of long-timers looking for families.
“They’re good dogs. Some of them need a little more than others,” Harding said. “Don’t judge them in their cage.”
The dog shelter takes steps to make the dogs more appealing as pets. Unless they are adopted quickly, the dogs get all their vaccines and are neutered. People adopting dogs before they can get their shots and be neutered, are given a $75 voucher for veterinarian services.
Volunteers take the dogs on walks, giving them an opportunity to work off some energy.
“Our volunteers are also helping on obedience training – so they are helping with their manners, which will help,” Harding said.
A Facebook page shows photos of all the dogs at the shelter and gives personality profiles on each. Dog rescue groups are regularly contacted to see if they are interested in dogs that have been waiting a long time for a home.
When potential adopters come to check out a dog, they can spend time getting to know each other in a visiting room. People are encouraged to bring their children and other pets – even cats.
“We want to make sure it’s a good match,” Harding said. “So we know if it’s going to work or not.”
The adoption fee, which includes a dog license, is $89.
Many shelters are full of dogs right now, Harding said, as families are having to give up their pets because of inflation.
“People can’t afford it right now,” she said.
Last year, the Wood County Dog Shelter recorded 155 dogs redeemed by their owners, 114 adopted, 52 taken in by rescue organizations, 18 owner-requested euthanizations, and 13 other euthanizations of dogs deemed to be unadoptable.
As for Manny, the staff estimated he is 10-12 months old, and is possibly a mix of a Pit Bull Terrier and American Bulldog. He is neutered, vaccinated, heartworm negative, is housebroken, and knows the commands to sit, down, stay and leave it.
And he has a sweet personality. According to his bio, Manny is a “super friendly, very handsome, really sweet, fun-loving, happy boy.”
