Pets of the Month

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.

If you are planning to adopt a dog, Mikey may or may not be the dog for you. Mikey is more than ready for his ‘forever family’. As I had written in the previous write-up regarding Waldo, these shelter dogs just need a chance (by the way, Waldo is still waiting for that chance). Many of you may remember the ‘hound brothers’ - Poindexter (Jay) and Palmer who had been featured in previous “Monthly Pets” articles. The ‘brothers’ had been at ICHS for three years and were finally given their chance. Mary Beth adopted Jay and Sue chose Palmer. Sue and Mary Beth tell us that both dogs have fit right in and have become part of their respective families. Sue’s comment, “It saddens me to think he (Palmer) was at the shelter for so long. I just hope others can see how dogs who have been there for a long time can be great dogs if given a chance by adopting them.” That is what Mikey needs – a chance to ‘charm the socks right off’ of you.

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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