Adopted dog runs away before being coaxed back to new home
Sometimes all a person needs to get through the day is a little patience and understanding from others. The same goes for rescued animals.
When Buddy, an American pit bull, was picked up in March by Santa Fe County Animal Control, he was a 1-yearold fearful stray. The agency was able to find his owners but they needed to surrender Buddy.
In April, Marilyn Johnson of Eldorado adopted Buddy.
Johnson gives credit to Lisa, her 8-year-old boxer mix, for choosing Buddy. Johnson and Lisa had been going to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society looking for a new family member. The meet and greets with Lisa were “a bit lackluster,” Johnson said. However, when they met Buddy, “it was love at first sniff.”
Three days after Buddy was adopted, he ran away.
Johnson contacted CMM Lost Pets and Humans Trapping to get assistance on finding Buddy. The CMM team set up signs about the lost dog, trail cameras and food stations to attract Buddy. Shortly after, Eldorado residents and others began calling and texting Johnson with updates on where Buddy had been seen. “You don’t realize how many people in the community care until this happens,” said Johnson.
On the fifth day of Buddy’s absence, a neighbor called Johnson and said Buddy was seen at the end of the street where Johnson lives. She opened her home’s front door and waited. After a while, Buddy appeared and walked into the house and jumped up on the couch to rest.
Two months after his adoption, Buddy has been adjusting to the house. Although he is still shy around most people, he no longer hides in the pantry and has been exploring the house. Lisa, his new sister, has helped him gain confidence. Even though he is still considered a puppy, Johnson is thankful Buddy is very mellow.
Even though every dog is unique and will adjust differently, using the 3/3/3 Rule as a guide helps new dog owners through the adjustment period.
Johnson’s advice to anyone thinking about adopting a shy animal: “Have patience. It takes time, but in the end it’s worth it.”
Tracks
Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society: Luke is a lovable and energetic 2-year-old pooch. He is friendly and happy, never losing his zest for life. Luke takes immense joy in running around and playing with his toys. While Luke is a strong and energetic dog, he walks best with a harness and would be an ideal companion for a young adult who shares his passion for an active lifestyle.
Cerbie is a lovely 1-year-old mixedbreed dog. She is as sweet, always ready to melt into a person’s arms with snuggles and kisses. Cerbie, with her fur tuxedo, is the epitome of style. Her ideal day involves casual adventures and plenty of cuddles. She walks well on leash and gets along with other dogs.
These dogs and other pets are available at the Santa Fe animal shelter, 100 Caja del Rio Road. The shelter’s adoption hours are from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Call 505-983-4309, ext. 1610.
Española Humane: Bryan is an adorable orange tabby who is the life of the shelter’s lobby. The 2-year-old, 8-pound cat loves being the first to greet people as they walk in the front door. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, and his adoption fee is waived.
Mella is mellow and magnificent. The sweet 3-yearold gal is relaxed and easygoing. Mella’s adoption fee is waived, and she is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped and comes with six months of free heartworm prevention.
The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call 505-753-8662 or visit espanolahumane. org.
Dew Paws Rescue: Nonna is a 2- to 3-year-old mixed-breed dog. Nonna weighs under 40 pounds, and will be vaccinated and spayed. She is good with other dogs, friendly with people and cats. Call 505-412-9096 or go to infodewpaws@gmail.com.
Felines & Friends: Two-month-old Purrincess Leia, Yowlda and Obi Wan Catnobi are being raised in foster care. Leia is a lavender-point mix, while sisters Yowlda and Obi Wan appear to be Russian blue and tabby. These girls are still getting comfortable with new experiences, with Leia leading the way. The kittens are ready for pre-adoption with another kitten or young cat playmate.
Dilute calico Peapod is a 1-year-old mom raising her 8-week-old kittens Sugarsnap Pea and Sweetpea. Peapod is shy but gentle and has been a doting mom to her friendly calico babies. They are now ready for pre-adoption.
Felines & Friends needs kitten fosters, caregiver volunteers and adopters.
Apply at FandFnm.org or visit cats at Petco and Teca Tu.
The Horse Shelter: Nola is a 17-yearold bay thoroughbred-type mare who stands 15 hands high. She is generally calm and responsive with volunteers. They say she is a pleasure to work with. Nola is easy to catch, leads well and is ready for adoption as a well-mannered companion/nonriding horse. Call 505577-4041 or go to thehorseshelter.org.