The 47 dogs that we received from Parkersburg, West Virginia, on Friday will be available for adoption on Wednesday, September 3, at 12:00.  People interested in adopting are asked to come visit with the dogs and fill out a questionnaire. 

Most of the dogs are friendly and have no serious health problems.  The two Chinese Cresteds must be adopted into the same home; the female is very shy and they are quite bonded.  We promised the staff at the Humane Society of Parkersburg that they would remain together.

Most of the dogs are under five years old, and many are under three years old.  Two of the shih tzus are under a year, and three of the dachshunds are under a year.  A couple of the dachshunds have some dental issues, one was dehydrated, and one is thin with back problems.  One of the Jack Russell terriers is especially high-energy and needs to be in a home with active people, preferably with prior experience with Jack Russells.

The dogs are not housebroken, but most are adoptable. 

We have had people from North Carolina and other parts of Virginia ask questions about the dogs, but we hope that most can remain in this immediate area.

You Deserve to Know the Truth!

     Before our new behavioral assessment program was fully operational, we had an adoption fair at PetSmart.  One of the dogs chosen to go to the fair was a young (about 5-6 months) black Labrador.  This dog came to us from Henry County one Sunday.  He had come to a house several weeks before, and a man decided to keep him.  On that Sunday, the dog did not act exactly right, so the man called the authorities.  A deputy told him to shoot the dog.  Other humane organizations did not help.  A firefighter referred the man to our police dispatch because he heard the Danville Area Humane Society helps whenever they can.  (We do.)  An extra employee was called in to help clean so another employee could pick up the dog in Fieldale.

    At the adoption fair, the dog exhibited aggressive behavior, and the volunteer assigned to the dog mentioned that to the shelter employees.  Nevertheless, he applied to adopt the dog. On Monday, I requested the dog be given the tests.  He failed, showing aggression to touch, food issues, and toy issues.  At one point, he cornered an employee and would not let her pass.

   With a great deal of sadness and regret, we had to decline the adoption, not because of the people, but because of the dog.  The people who wanted him would give any animal a wonderful home.  But, our risk is too great if we adopt a dog that we know has aggressive behaviors.  The adopters may sign a waiver, but what about their friends or family members or even strangers? 

    Another black Lab was offered to them; in fact, we offered to waive the adoption fee.  Our offer was declined.  The appeals process was utilized, but the committee of board members and members upheld the decision that the risk was too great.

   Humane societies and animal shelters have been sued for adopting animals with aggression issues.  We have to be very careful.

  If you have any questions about this case (or other rumors, half-truths, or misconceptions you may have heard, please call me.  Paulette Dean:  799-5306