The Washington Humane Society pledged in 2006 to find a good home for every adoptable animal. This is no easy task while providing care for over 20,000 animals a year, taking in an average of 33 animals a day at two different shelters. Their goals are to "increase adoption, decrease the number of animals in need, and teach responsible pet ownership." With shelters around the country being forced to euthanize 4 to 5 million dogs and cats a year, we applaud the WHS's efforts to find good homes for the pets of D.C. So we've decided to help by highlighting adoptable dogs and cats in the District. This new column will feature some of the four legged friends who are currently waiting to find a loving family.
Tancho
If you have ever wanted your own little Ewok, then Tancho is the dog for you. Tancho is a 6-year-old male Shih Tzu/Pekingese mix, two breeds that can normally live 14-16 years. Tancho is house trained, and he is good with other dogs, kids, and cats. His previous family surrendered him to the shelter for no other reason then that they, "did not want him anymore." Tancho requires very little exercise, but will need regular visits to the groomer. He also has an untreated skin allergy and will need to be seen by a vet. He is a very mellow dog, who can sit, stay, lay down, and as you can see, dance adorably for treats. After meeting Tancho, and temporarily appeasing his desire for chin rubs, I can say that he would be an ideal candidate for Underdog to Wonderdog. Underneath all that blinding fur is a sweet, happy dog who just wants to sit in your lap.
Nina
Nina is a ball of puppy energy. She is a happy 7-month-old Pitt Bull mix whose life before the shelter was a very miserable one. She, and her brother who is in foster care, were living outside. She was malnourished and had very little fur. Since she was rescued, Nina has put on weight and grown back most of her fur, but she still has some patches of skin issues. Both mange and ringworm have been ruled out, and there is hope that she will grow out of her skin problem as she gets older. Nina is a sweet girl who will sit patiently for treats, which is a tough task for a young pup whose tail wants to run like a wiggly motorboat.
Sumi
Sumi is a 3-year-old Akita mix whose owner was forced to surrender her because he had too many dogs. He chose to keep Sumi's puppy instead of her, and now Sumi needs a home where she can get a fair amount of exercise. She is past the energetic puppy phase, but still needs to get out and have some play time. Several employees at the Humane Society stressed how smart Sumi is, and how she is picking up her training very fast. Sumi is already house trained, good-natured and eager to please. She sat very still for her portrait and is even more beautiful in person.
Kate
Kate is a 2-year-old hound mix, whose spirit is more joyful then her story. She was found at a bus shelter in Maryland, and her owner was located via her tags. The owner had moved out of state and had given her to someone else. The second owner could not be located and the original owner told the Humane Society to keep her. Now Kate is looking for a home where she can stay, and be loved, forever. Kate was shy at first, but is very sweet and loved to be rubbed. Maybe you could be the person to love her forever?
If you are interested in adopting any of the animals featured, please contact the Washington Humane Society.
All of these dogs are located at the Georgia Avenue shelter:
7319 Georgia Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20012
tel: 202-723-5730
If you want to help but cannot adopt an animal, you can donate to the Washington Humane Society. A $150 donation will cover the average cost of an animal's stay, and help WHS complete their goal of finding a good home for every animal.
Photo of Dallas - currently at the WHS