Mikey
Mikey is a tan and white Boxer cross. He is approximately 5 years old and has
been at ICHS since May of 2007. Mikey is a large, muscular dog with an expressive
face and the most endearing “grin”. Most people describe him as ‘charming’.
Mikey has participated in the Iowa County 4-H Dog Project. He knows and obeys
some commands – some days complying better than others. While Mikey was
being walked the other evening I was trying to get a couple of pictures. When
it comes to Mikey’s five-minute walk (twice a day), I’m sure the
last thing on his agenda is posing for pictures. But “sit” and “stay” were
obeyed time and time again (the problem was the photographer). Finally—pictures
taken – Mikey’s on his way! By the way, depending on the day, Mikey
can be a joy to walk or a challenge. One thing that we notice about Mikey is
that when returned to his kennel, he settles right down. Rather than jumping
and barking until food arrives, he just lies down and waits. Because of this
odd behavior (odd for a shelter dog) it has been suggested that he may be depressed – but
perhaps it has something to do with manners and patience!?!
I am not sure why Mikey would be depressed – other than the fact that
he has been at ICHS just shy of 3 years. Actually Mikey was adopted briefly – twice – by
two different families. He was returned both times because of young children.
Being a large and dominant dog, it would be best that Mikey not be around small
children.
In addition to his size, Mikey can also be possessive about his toys
and food. Mikey does need a family that will keep him in line. He is a wonderful
dog, but he can be pushy and will take advantage if allowed to do so.
Trio of Torties
Sandy, Callie and Kala are torties. It seems where torties are concerned – people either love them or they’re at the bottom of the ‘favorites list’. Their color, of course, is their most distinguishing characteristic but so is their temperament which is often referred to as the ‘tortie temperament’. I did some ‘googling’ to find out more about the ‘tortie temperament’. Torties are described as “being very sweet and loving when calm, but are easily riled and very high strung. They are ‘quick-witted’. They can be nervous and jumpy with an attitude (referred to as a ‘tortietude’). They tend to be like ‘queens’ and don’t do well with other cats (having an attitude towards their own kind). They tend to have ONE person who they are fiercely loyal towards.” Hmmmm…actually most of this sounds typical of most cats. Let’s take a closer look at our featured torties.
Sandy
Sandy has been at ICHS since October of 2008. She came to the shelter with
her four kittens and immediately went to a foster family. Upon return, the
kittens were adopted but Sandy remains. She lives in the large room with several
cats and gets along well. Well… OK, maybe she is a bit bossy, but someone
has to be in charge…right? It just happens to be Sandy. Sandy is friendly
and relishes attention, but she will probably not make a great lap cat. She
loves to be petted and groomed, but she prefers not to be picked up and held.
Callie
Callie has been at ICHS since October of 2008. She is a beautiful long-haired
tortie. Callie has come a long way since she came to the shelter. She was very
fearful at first and new situations still upset her. Callie appears to be one
of those ‘one-person cats’. She has chosen Angela (ICHS staff)
as her person and she doesn’t want much to do with anyone else. She needs
someone with much patience. Despite her “tortietude”, she will
be a wonderful companion for the SPECIAL person that is willing to provide
lots of TLC. She will probably need to be an only cat.
Kala
Although Kala was in the previous “Pets” feature, I can’t
resist putting this special torti back in the spotlight. Kala has been at ICHS
the longest of any of the other cats. This ‘torti queen’ has been
reigning over ICHS since August of 2006. She is unique, independent and a favorite
here at ICHS. You really have to get to know her to appreciate her. She will
probably do best as an only cat although she possibly would share YOU if the ‘getting
acquainted period’ is closely monitored.
If you are planning to adopt a cat, these torties may or may not be the cat for you. I found out while ‘googling’ that torties have made their mark in history/folklore as being ‘good-luck charms’. The Celts believed that a torti brought good luck to a home, and in Scotland and Ireland it was believed that a stray torti settling in one’s home was a good omen. Whether you are looking for a ‘good-luck charm’ or simply a delightful companion, these torties are waiting for YOU.
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3207 Bennett Road Phone: 608-935-1381
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