By Janet McAfee
Two little dogs in the Coachella Valley are still waiting for a home, two years after they were rescued from high kill shelters. While other dogs dream of a new bone or a squeaky toy in their Christmas stockings, Johnny and Shawna’s hope is for a family and a home where they belong. Maybe this season their dream will come true.
The dogs are safe and well cared for at The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace. Indeed, they are treated like royal residents at this fabulous facility, with access to a wonderful indoor dog park, healthy food, and 24 hour care. They romp and play together enjoying their days in each other’s company. However, there is no place like a home. Dogs are pack animals and want to bond with humans who they regard as their pack leaders. Lori Weiner, owner of Barkingham Palace, explains, “I want them both to get good homes. We’ve taken good care of them here, but they need a real home. It’s time they become household pets rather than pet hotel residents.”
Is December a good time to adopt a new pet? Should you give a pet as a gift? In the past, some organizations concerned about buyer’s remorse the day after Christmas, discouraged adoptions during the holiday season. Selecting a pet should be well thought out any time of year and with commitment. For the right person, a shelter pet could be the “purrfect” present. Just exercise some common sense, and don’t present your mother-in-law who is allergic to animals with a new puppy on Christmas morning. If you have children, take them with you to select a shelter dog to ensure it’s a good match.
Studies show that pet adoptions during December are as successful as any other time. Michael Arms of the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego founded Home 4 the Holidays adoption program. Arms noted that at any given time there are 8 million homeless pets in the United States and between 4 and 5 million are euthanized every year, which adds to the urgency of finding more homes. Iams provided financial support, and today over 4,000 animal welfare organizations receive marketing, media, and event planning assistance to increase their December adoptions. Now in its 14th year, Home 4 The Holidays has facilitated the adoption of over 8 million rescue animals. These festive events make getting a rescue pet an enjoyable experience and groups offer training support to reduce returns. December is about the celebration of new life and giving, and there is no better time than now to adopt a homeless animal.
Johnny and Shawna would love to get a home this season. Johnny, the tan terrier, was rescued from the Indio shelter 2 years ago. His little female buddy, Shawna, was rescued a week later from the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms. Lori Weiner pulled them from these shelters when she became concerned they might not get out alive. Lori has taken in many foster dogs, and Barkingham Palace offers them a lot of exposure to animal lovers. Meanwhile, other fosters have gone happily to adoptive homes. Johnny and Shawna remain behind, still hopefully wagging their little tails at visitors, believing with the optimism and trust of a dog that someone will come for them.
The two terriers are now about 3 years old. They are little dogs, weighing about 8 pounds, a good size for a travel buddy. Johnny is the more active of the two. He’s a playful, outgoing character who loves to run through the indoor dog park and play with the other small dogs. Shawna also loves to play but is a calmer dog. She bonds easily to people, and loves to be held on a lap. Lori would love to see the two get a home together, but they can be adopted separately.
Why haven’t they been adopted by now? Coachella Valley residents favor the “white fluffy” dogs such as Bichons, Maltese, and Poodles. Sweet pooches Johnny and Shawna have been to numerous adoption events only to get passed over time and again. They are terrier mixes, and can’t be identified as a specific breed. Black dogs like Shawna are less likely to be adopted for a variety of reasons. One needs to meet them in person to experience their sparkling personalities. As mixed dogs, they are more likely to enjoy good health and be free from any genetic problems.
Do you have room in your heart and room in your home for Johnny and Shawna? Contact Lori or Amanda at The Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace at (760) 537-1172 if you would like to meet them. The Pet Hotel is located at 34550 Spyder Circle (corner of Dinah Shore, past Sam’s Club) in Palm Desert. There is a nominal adoption fee to help cover the costs of their spay, neutering, and vaccinations. Johnny and Shawna will bring joy to your home this holiday season and for many years ahead!
