HOT WEATHER SAFETY | It’s a scorcher out there today! Don’t forget to limit your dog’s time outside and be mindful of their needs!

CLOSED TODAY | We are closed today in Observance of Memorial Day. Please call 449-3000 if you need officer assistance.

DID YOU KNOW? | It can cause your dog pain or discomfort to ask them to sit by pressing on their hips. Check out this great article on Negative Reinforcement! This is a great resource that might just change the way you interact with your pet! https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2018/05/what-is-negative-reinforcement-in-dog.html

RETAIL RESCUES TODAY | The shelter is not open for business today but we will be at Glenbrook Square from 11-2!

Treat your dog | No time to go shopping? Check out some fun and easy treats that you and your family can make for your furry friend!

NATIONAL HEAT AWARENESS DAY | Tomorrow is National Heat Awareness Day! It is NOT ok to leave your dog in the car. If you wouldn't leave your ice cream in the car, don't leave your dog. Even on a mild day with the windows cracked temperatures can quickly rise above safe levels. Better safe than sorry!

Featured Friend Friday | Brantly 2 Year old neutered male, white and black Jack (Parson) Russell Terrier. Brantly is a good boy. He and I did not, however, hit it off right away. I saw Brantly on a few different occasions. On a Sunday when I was working in the back, I fed him, took him out to potty a few times, and gave him a few different enrichments. He didn’t seem all that happy about any of it. I also offered him some dried meat as a treat a few times. He seemed to like that, although taking them from me was kind of like a hit and run, or eat and run.  But he did take them. On a Wednesday I took some pictures of him when he first came into adoptions, but was still staying in a kennel in the back. It was only a few pics inside his kennel, he was the 11th dog out of 16 that I photographed that day. I hung out with him in his kennel for a bit, snapping pics. But I really never saw him relax or smile. Brantly was one of the dogs to get a bath at dog wash last Monday night. He was barky as we walked past his kennel in adoptions (he’d just been moved up front). There were three of us volunteers washing dogs that night. I brought Brantly back to the wash station. But for the actual bath, I stayed back and let the two lady volunteers wash him. He still kept a watchful eye on me, but allowed himself to be washed. During washing, we always strive to make it a fun positive experience for the dogs. We always offer treats (hot dogs pieces usually) to the dogs. Sometimes they don’t take them until it’s over. I took Brantly back to his kennel after the bath, with a few more hot dogs for the road. He was a little bit better, and he took the treats from me. And he wasn’t barky anymore. This past Wednesday, I got to take Brantly out to the Pooch Playground. Another volunteer, Kay, came out with us. I leashed up Brantly and walked him out. When I unleashed him in the Pooch Playground, he at first stayed pretty close to Kay. I threw some toys for him to fetch, and he would go for the toy, but then look back quickly to see where I was before trying to pick it up. We hung out for a long time, as it was a beautiful day. I was just giving him space. Eventually, he seemed to loosen up. He finally came around. I even got him to run and play a little bit. He smiled and relaxed a little. And the last picture I took, he was actually laying down leisurely, with his paws crossed out in front of him. You can see his progression in pictures. They say pictures are worth a 1000 words. See for yourself. So, I guess the moral of the story, is that each dog is individual, and they may accept you (or not) or bond with you at their own pace. It took a while for me and Brantly, longer than normal. I don’t know why. But if you stay consistent, don’t push, and let them come around on their own, they might just surprise you. Some dogs love everyone at first sight, some dogs not so much. But it is a big part of volunteering, to me at least, to try and connect with the dogs. And it shows that if you take your time with them, you can have a positive impact. Brantly will be a great dog for someone. Give him a chance, and he might just warm up to you. -Rob

Come on in today between 12 and 5:30! We have a million adorable dogs and cats

MURPHY LOVES TREATS | We needed a model to help us taste test the end product of some new treats we made and Murphy was just the star we needed! He was jumping for joy over these delicious treats! Stay tuned for an instructional video this afternoon! Murphy is a 2 year old neutered male Pit bull. Come get him today between 12 and 5:30!

ADOPTION SPONSORED | Let's make sure Queen Elizabeth isn't the only royal getting a new family member this week! We have royalty right here in Fort Wayne! Meet Queen! She is a 10 month old spayed female boxer mix. She has a ton of energy but she's super smart. Her adoption fee has been sponsored by The Urban Hippie so you'll have plenty of money to spoil her like she deserves! We're open until 7 pm tonight!

HOT WEATHER SAFETY| Thank you WANE-TV NewsChannel 15 for covering such an important topic! Please make sure to follow these safety reminders as hot weather has finally returned.

YOU COMING TO 'DOPT ME? | This is Terrance and he is quite cute! We're open 12-7 today and this little cutie along with several others will be available! Click here for the complete list https://bit.ly/2ptcrs0.