Pig News

Meet Charlie, this week's Pet of the Week at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. He's an easy-going, good-looking middle-aged dog. He's white with a gold "helmet" and patches, and is apparently a shepherd, Australian shepherd or heeler mix. Our volunteers and fosters sent me a ton of adorable pictures of him, and if almost every one he's wearing an adorable smile! He is truly just a happy, lovely guy to hang out with.

Charlie came to Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter with another shepherd mix - likely his brother - when his previous guardian was moving and unable to take the bigger dogs along. They'd also lived with two toy poodles. He sometimes barks in his Shelter kennel, but that just seems to be because he can't do stuff with you or get petting and attention while he's in there. Out of the kennel, he's relaxed, super-cheerful, loves to go on walks or hikes, and literally "leans in" for petting and attention.

Charlie has met several other dogs at the Shelter and has been perfectly pleasant, but not terribly interested in play. His previous guardian reported that he was a bit selective with dogs - liking some but being a little less tolerant of others. This is common and completely normal for dogs, especially as they age. Dogs are a LOT like people in that sense... Charlie would thrive in a home without cats - in his previous home he had a tendency to chase (or try to chase) cats in the neighborhood. He didn't live with children but was reportedly quite good with them, and he did pretty well crated for several hours a day in his previous home when left alone and enjoyed lounging in the back yard. Charlie's previous guardian reports that he LOVES attention. His favorite activity is sleeping and he really enjoys snuggling up on blankets. He knows "sit" and "shake" and likes treats, so additional training is totally in his wheelhouse.

Charlie has gone on sleepovers with a volunteer who reported: "We really enjoyed our time with him. He was very affectionate and wanted to be close to us while we cooked dinner and watched TV on the sofa. Overnight, he was quiet and slept through the night, either on the floor next to the bed or on the dog bed. He really seems to enjoy sleeping, especially in a pile of blankets or jackets. And he loves treats! He can be quite "talkative" in his kennel, but he was sweet and quiet at home with us. He was also easy in the car – either laying down or putting his head out the window."

Charlie is available for preadoption - he just needs to be neutered before he can go to a new home!

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering "Pawsitivity Bucks" with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw!

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

Upcoming Events:
Thursday, April 16th
Don't Litter! A special $15 cat & kitten spay/ neuter clinic
Visit our website for a link to get a cat registered - ALMOST FULL!!

Saturday, April 18th
Capitola Mall, 10am - 2pm
Adoptable Dogs at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Classic Car Show

Friday, April 24th
Healthy Pets for All pet vaccination clinic for pet owners on public assistance
10am - 1pm at Franich Park in Watsonville

Saturday, April 25th
Taste of Monterey Bay Beer, Wine & Food Festival
A 21+ live music and unlimited tastings event with proceeds benefitting the shelter!
12 - 3pm at Bayonet Black Horse at 1 McClure Way in Seaside
Tickets available at www.bayonetblackhorse.com/bayonet-blackhorse-food-wine-beer-ticket-sales/  

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