Let's Celebrate Adoptions, and Gus | Chandra (Update: Adopted!)

What a very, very happy Monday.

I adore seeing PBSOC's Facebook post on Mondays with all of the dogs that were adopted the previous week and today was especially wonderful because there were so many who went home, Including two of my very favorites, Holstein and Harry Potter. When we did Holstein's video, I loved his tiny-bit-shy personality at the river and then his outgoing-comfortable-playful side in playgroups when we got back to the shelter. I got to see Harry Potter when Aimee Sadler was here teaching us all about Playgroups and fell fast for his sweet mug and short legs. Not to mention the lightning bolt on his back. But honestly, I am just as thrilled for the dogs I don't know personally because I know if I did have a chance to spend time with them, they'd crawl right into that space under my heart too.

A couple of weeks ago the PBSOC webpage was looking a little sad, filled with intake photos, because Shannon hadn't been able to keep up with all of the dogs that had come in. Thanks to her marathon session last Saturday, the page was absolutely transformed and it showed in the adoption numbers this week. Those photos, along with the skillfully written bios, make a huge difference in getting people to fall in love online with our dogs. It's all about the happy, about showing the great side of these wonderful dogs, not the down-on-their-luck moment when they first arrive at the shelter. It's about possibility and potential and shining the sun on their beauty and their quirks and their personalities. And Shannon does all of that with her images each and every time.

It truly takes a team to make PBSOC what it is, and what a team we have. From Delyse's fearless and tireless leadership, to Jamie Kain's beautiful words, to Laura Blickle's PR prowess, to all the hours put in by so many people running playgroups and walking dogs and attending adoption events and fostering and just loving these dogs, it's a real group effort. Sometimes I truly do have to pinch myself at how far Bradshaw has come since I volunteered years ago. Is there room for improvement? Of course. But every so often it's important to stop and reflect on the successes and bask for a moment in that light.

To share the happiness, here's this week's lucky PBSOC dogs who found their families:

And then, because we want this week to be just as fruitful, here's a little peek at the lovable, squishable, smooshable Gus. He loved us, we loved him, and he'll love you too. Let's get this beautiful boy home!

(If you cannot see the video, please view HERE.)

Update: Gus has been adopted! For more info on other dogs who are still waiting, visit SacCountyDogs.com.

Happy Monday, everyone.

xx

Chandra

Photos by Chloe | Chandra

Today, a little something different. Instead of taking a dog to the river, PBSOC asked us to help out with updating some of the dogs' photos for the website. There have been a ton of dogs coming in and it's awfully difficult for Shannon to keep up with them all. When they don't have one of her beautiful shots, the dogs just have their intake shot from when they first were dropped off at the shelter. You can imagine that the situation doesn't make for the most comfortable or flattering photos.

While Ron walked dogs, Chloe and I set up right outside the barn and play yards, in the drizzle. Neither of us were bright enough to bring rain jackets, so things got a little damp. She took photos and I did my best to lure the dogs' attention to her camera with chicken, a tennis ball and squeaky noises.

Despite the inclement weather, and my mediocre dog luring abilities, Chloe's shots came out beautifully. (And I did get to use my model agent editing skills to PBSOC's advantage!)

So proud of our girl today.

Most of the dogs below are available for adoption...click on their names to go to their PBSOC bios.

Mitzi

Hank

Holstein (Adopted)

Otto (Adopted)

Penelope (Adopted)

Priscilla

Sannie

Saturn

Bolt (Adopted

Eva (Not yet available)

Morgan (In need of a long term foster; click HERE for info)

Please share!

xx

Chandra

Holstein & Playgroups | Chandra (Update: Adopted!)

This boy. Oh my goodness, that muzzle, I just want to kiss it.

♥ Holstein ♥

I'm pretty sure you will too...



When we took Holstein out of his kennel, he was pretty shy and skittish...his ears back, his tail between his legs. He took a piece of chicken from me and let me put his harness on just fine, but he was clearly scared. Even when we got out in front of the shelter, he still was pretty worried.

The car seemed like a safe place to him; he settled right in, sitting against me in the backseat, my arm around him. At River Bend park, he was willing to walk with us and to explore and to take treats, but still wasn't the happy dog I was hoping to see. But sweet, oh yes, a complete love. And his shyness only made me love him more. Did I mention that velvety muzzle of his, with the adorable spots?

Back at the shelter, Delyse had us hang out for a bit in an outdoor play area and we quickly saw a different dog emerge. This Holstein was prancing. His tail was up high, his ears perky, his mouth open and smiling, He ran along the fence when people walked by and greeted other dogs with his friendly nose.

And then, best of all, Holstein got to join in playgroups. There, running, frolicking, climbing into the wading pool, greeting Delyse and wanting attention, he shone.

Playgroups are magic. They are a place where the shelter dogs can just be dogs, can play with their friends and learn confidence. A place where they can have fun. Holstein is a perfect example. He's able to feel comfortable and learn that people are safe, that it's totally okay to be happy and have a good time. It gives him a chance to open up, and best of all, a chance for people to see him for the dog he really is.

Tomorrow, I am so excited to be starting a three day training on playgroups with Aimee Sadler, of Dogs Playing for Life. She's coming to the Bradshaw shelter to share her knowledge with the staff and volunteers. Delyse already has implemented playgroups for the dogs, and it's made a world of difference. Instead of volunteers having to walk one dog a time, now multiple dogs can play together, develop social skills and get their energy out. They learn to behave in ways that make them appealing to potential adopters, and they have such a great time. There is nothing like a group of dogs running and wrestling, tongues out, with big happy grins on their faces.

That's what Holstein got to do today, and that's where I get to be tomorrow. How lucky am I?

This boy really is something special and he's going to make someone a wonderful best friend.

(Updated: Holstein has been adopted!)

xx

Chandra