Pig News

Our first Pet-of-the-Week this year at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is Oakley, a four-year-old Beagle/Dachshund mix.  She's a somewhat shy, somewhat serious smaller dog who has only really known one family in her life. Unfortunately her people felt they were unable to provide for her needs now that they have a new baby. Oakley takes a little time to warm up and get comfortable with new people but she responds well if you're patient, calm and respectful with her. She's used to living indoors, and the shelter expects that after some adjustment time in a new home she'll gain confidence and start showing more of the playful, active behavior she reportedly had in her previous home, where she loved balls and squeaky toys and enjoyed the company of another small dog. She was LESS happy being around their larger dog and is generally a bit worried about larger dogs.

She enjoys walks as long as she's protected by her person and gets to keep her distance from those scary bigger dogs or strangers who are overly quick to come up and pet her. Since she appreciates calm, predictable behaviors from others, she'll do best in a home without young kids and with relatively predictable daily routines. Slightly worried dogs like Oakley really appreciate folks who pay attention to dog body language, understand it, and respond to it appropriately by not rushing in for uninvited pets or kisses.

Oakley has a little bit of thinning hair near the base of her tail that is likely flea allergy dermatitis. Keeping her on monthly flea medication and a healthy diet will likely be the cure, but further evaluation by a vet may be needed. Oakley is already spayed and vaccinated, so she's ready for her second chance in a loving home! Her adoption fee is just $150. The shelter hopes some folks with a mellow home and decent skills in canine communication will come and scoop her up soon!

For more info, listen to Pet-o-Rama Thursdays at 11:00am or visit the shelter, located at 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz and open from 11am to 6pm every day.

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