MEET OUR TRAINERS

Every dog needs a foundation of canine good manners in order to live happily and successfully with a human family. Too frequently, dogs end up in the sad predicament of being abandoned or surrendered because their first owners didn't take the time to train them. Taken to shelters or dropped off at the side of the road because of "issues" at home, so many of these poor pooches just needed a chance to learn what was expected of them. Because our mission here at WagsInn Canine Charities is to find loving homes for unwanted and rescued dogs, we address that need by working with our rescues to help them become more "adoptable" once they've learned their basics.

"People are much more likely to adopt a dog," says Lori Wolcott, "if they can greet their new family by sitting, shaking a paw, lying down and relaxing on command. Training makes for a much more promising long-term relationship." 

Our goal at Wags is to make the transition from "rescue" to adoption as smooth as possible, but also to help the dogs in our care have a full, stimulating, and rewarding time while they are here, interacting with other dogs and getting used to people. 

That's where our professional trainers, Brit Insley and Katie Schalk, come in. With extensive background in dog behavior and training, both of these women are highly qualified to provide the stability, guidance, preparation, and fun that will help our rescued pups find their new "leash" on life.

For four years Brit has been training service dogs for children with disabilities as well as for veterans who have combat-related issues. Brit says, "I graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Rehabilitation Services, so I've always wanted to work with individuals with disabilities. I started to foster for our local humane society and "Speak for the Unspoken" and my passion for dogs just grew and grew. I decided a career that would include both my interests would be best and I started working at "4 Paws for Ability." I learned to train under the direct supervision of the Director of Training, who became my mentor." Using positive reinforcement methods, Brit has trained dogs, in both on-leash and off-leash obedience, as well as specialty tasks such as, retrieval, scent work, mobility work and "hearing ear."

She believes that obedience is the cornerstone of dogs' relationships with people, and that they learn best when positive reinforcement rewards are used to focus their attention on the trainer and the commands being taught. Brit says, "I am passionate about dogs finding forever homes. I believe that when rescue dogs have the foundation of good training, it will absolutely be beneficial to them in an adoption." 

Brit began training on a regular basis here recently at Wags. Her work with Freddy, for example, has meant that he has come a long way from his initial fearfulness. His prior situation had resulted in him having issues with trust and reactive to being touched. He had a tendency to be hesitant around people. "Once he trusts you, then he becomes your best friend," Brit says, "We have worked on basic obedience so that he has a foundation of manners and confidence." 

Brit and Freddy working on the basics

Because of this training, Freddy now reliably demonstrates commands such as down, sit, side, place, rollover, high five, shake, give me five, heel and stand. "Freddy will do best in a home where his family is patient until he warms up to them and will benefit from continued training as he settles in," says Brit.

Lori reports that Brit's work with two dogs, Petey and Penelope who were found abandoned on the street, is visible in how much calmer they are than when they arrived. "They are more confident, their bodies have relaxed, and they are eager to learn their basics," Lori states, "We are so encouraged by such positive results and can introduce them to families that might have perfect homes for them." 

Petey

Katie discovered that she had a passion for training when she got her first dog while in graduate school studying physics at University of Texas, Austin. It didn't take her long after that to pursue volunteering at the Humane Society Austin and taking classes. When she moved to Dayton in 2015, she began work at Bigger Road Veterinary clinic where she further developed her skills, but "being an absolute dog behavior and training nut," she says, "I wanted to take it to the next level and decided to become certified with the Karen Pryor Academy" where she earned the KPA Certified Training Partner ("CTA") in November, 2016. Shortly after, Katie launched her own dog-training business, "Life with Pup."

Katie and Roscoe after a run in the rain

"Dog training should be fun," she says, "It's all about the relationship between humans and dog. Some people might think of training as some sort of chore, but it's more about learning to communicate with your new best friend — in another language!" Katie maintains that it is as much about the dog learning all the human rules as it is about us learning what makes our dogs tick. She uses the clicker as a clear means of communication for successful behaviors, and takes a play-centered, games-based approach to help dogs make good decisions in their life with their family.

For some dogs, the experience they have had with people in the past has not been a happy one. "Training," says Katie, "can help repair the relationship with humans, help them to trust again, and relax in our presence." 

Katie's work with Roscoe, a Border Collie mix, who was having some trouble finding a re-home situation, led her to adopt him herself — and to continue his training at home. He is now becoming a calm, comfortable companion for her other dog, Rio, and is thriving with daily training and exercise. Katie has also been training Clarabella and Jet. Both dogs have their own issues, but with calm attention, they are learning to make the right choices in their behavior.

"There is something new to learn from each dog," Katie says, "And with positive reinforcement, they absolutely enrich our lives."

OUR TEEN TEAM; TALENTED AND TERRIFIC

MEET OUR TEAM OF TEEN EMPLOYEES

Behind the scenes, on the other side of the fences here at WagsInn, there is a special team helping us take care of the dogs — and we'd like you to meet them — our terrific teen employees! If you made their acquaintance in person, you would discover that each one is a treasure. You will not run into a nicer group of young people — brimming with kindness, responsibility, compassion, perseverance, and boundless energy. 

We have been employing students at WagsInn since 2010 in a program that we developed to provide local kids from the South Charleston area with after-school jobs. The teens we hire are class presidents, active in sports, love being outdoors, are level-headed, keep up good grades, and get glowing references from their teachers. Many are 4H members, or belong to Future Farmers of America ("FFA"), and are no strangers to hard work. And of course, they all LOVE dogs — that's a job requirement! 

Our student workers arrive at Wags when classes are over for the day — between 3:00 and 4:00 — and perform a check-list of tasks until doggy bedtime around 8:00 or 9:00. They take groups for walks, feed their furry friends, and administer meds to those dogs that need them. Their chores include sweeping, mopping, washing dinner and water bowls, scooping poop, and cleaning canine suites. Along with a supervisor, they get everybody out for "last potty" of the night, make sure all the dogs are settled, and every head counted, before saying goodnight and "lights out." That's a description of their "regular" responsibilities, but they will tell you that there is no such thing as a "regular" day at WagsInn! Every dog is an individual, every situation is unique, and because dogs live very much in the moment, every activity, whether it's with boarders or rescues, means that no day is ever the same. And of course, they will certainly admit that the best part of the job is, "getting to love on puppies!" 

You will meet our current team, Madison, Taylor, Aubrie, Payton, Paige, and Hailee, coming up in this blog. We asked each of them to complete a questionnaire about themselves and their experience at WagsInn. Some of their comments ring true for everyone here — their love for the dogs, their sense of community among the WagsInn family, and their joy at seeing one of our rescues adopted into a loving forever home. They all say that they love making connections with our boarding guests, and even more so, they cherish the special bonds they develop with our rescues. In their interviews, each one expressed their appreciation for the fact that rescues live like part of the family at WagsInn until they are placed in adoptive homes — and that no dog is surrendered to other shelters. They wanted everyone to know the importance of that. 

For these teens, working at WagsInn often represents their first real employment. "So much better than a fast food job," they tell us, and they are quick to declare that they learn teamwork, time management, working toward a common goal, communication, persistence, determination, and a great work ethic. For us, the learning goes both ways. Our student employees are valued members of our Wags team. They collaborate with us and teach us a lot, too. We listen to their voices when they make astute observations about day-to-day operations, or bring forward objective ideas about interpersonal issues. 

We are so proud of our young team — and apparently they get a lot out of working here. Many who have graduated and gone on with their education and careers will stop by in the summer to see us. We are ALWAYS happy to see them!

And now, here is our Teen Team:

HAILEE:

At WagsInn since: 2017 —  Hailee joined us when her best friend, Payton, who was working here already, suggested she apply for an opening. 

Studying: Early Childhood Education ("ECE") at Springfield Career Technology Center.

Plans: To attend University of Cincinnati to major in ECE; to come back to WagsInn on weekends and holidays. 

Activities: President: Family Career and Community Leaders of America ("FCCLA"); member of Young Life.

Best thing at WagsInn for her: "When everyone gets here, we all talk about the previous shift and then get busy with walks and our other tasks." Mostly, "I get to spend all day loving on puppies!" Hailee says that she will never forget the day she met our rescue Josephine and all her puppies, and her heart was stolen by little Felix and Oscar -- that's Oscar Hailee's holding in the photo. 

PAYTON:

At WagsInn since: April, 2017 — Payton heard about WagsInn from her mom who works at a vet clinic where Wags takes some of the rescues.

Studying: In high school right now.

Plans: To attend Morehead State University in the fall of 2018 to major in pre-veterinary medicine. After MSU, Payton plans to get her degree from Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine in the hope of becoming an equine vet.

Activities: National Honors Society, student council, 4-H, and basketball.

Best thing at WagsInn for her: "I've met some great people who have become my good friends, and I get to spend all day with dogs, which makes my day automatically ten times better." She says she loves all our boarders, but her favorite moment was when she met Stitch. "She makes my day every time I see her!" 

PAIGE:

At WagsInn since: March, 2016 — Paige is Lori Wolcott's niece. She started working at Wags when she was 16 and looking for her first job. 

Studying: Currently, she is in high school, senior class of 2018, and also attends Clark State earning her license as an EMT.

Plans: To work at WagsInn until graduating from Wright State University and obtain a National Paramedics with Level II Firefighters Certification.

Activities: Golf, Bowling with the varsity team; Paige also had a four year internship at Ohio Valley Medical Center in Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy.

Best thing at WagsInn for her: "You get to enjoy the outdoors, grow special bonds with boarding dogs and coworkers, and best of all see rescues get adopted." Paige says she has too many good memories to pick just one as a favorite, but added, "We all genuinely care about the well-being of each dog here. Owners (who board their dogs at Wags) can leave here happy, knowing that their dogs are in good hands."

MADISON:

At WagsInn since: June, 2015 — Madison is also Lori's niece, and her brother, Taylor worked here before she came on board.

Plans: Going back to school in the fall with an open heart for new adventures

Activities: Madison likes the outdoors, taking her dog Avery (a Wags adoptee!) on hikes, working out and building relationships with the dogs and people at WagsInn.

Best thing at WagsInn for her: Madison says that her favorite moment came when she adopted Avery, one of Josephine's famous puppies. She had grown attached to him while taking care of him every day and was delighted when she could call the little guy her own. She says, "I love all the rescues here like they are my own. We treat every dog — rescues and boarders — like our own dogs. We spend so much more time with them than at most kennels." 

TAYLOR:

At WagsInn since: August, 2014 —  Taylor is Lori's nephew and said that he heard about WagsInn at family functions, which gave him a perfect opportunity to ask for a job.

Studying: Biology at the University of Cincinnati

Plans: Taylor plans to apply to veterinary school when he graduates and hopes to wind up in a clinical setting. He hopes to establish a rescue organization or become involved with one, and also hopes to do vet visits with our rescues in the future.

Activities: In addition to working at Wags, Taylor delivers pizza for a small business in Cincinnati.

Best thing at WagsInn for him: Taylor loves to see how the rescues transform from their arrival at WagsInn to their readiness for adoption. He says that working here has taught him to "read" a dog's emotions based on their body language — a skill that he says, "I will always be able to use even without realizing it." For him, great moments are, "When a rescue is adopted. It is such a warm feeling seeing the dogs get a second chance with a loving family in a forever home." At Wags, "We try our best to maintain an inclusive environment, while fostering (a dog's) specific needs. I think this sets us apart from other facilities."

AUBRIE:

At WagsInn since: September 2017 — Aubrie heard about WagsInn from her brother Aiden and decided to apply for a job here.

Studying: In high school currently. 

Plans: Going to college in the fall to study accounting.

Activities: Involved in Spirit of Southeastern, ("SOS") a fundraising and community service group at Southeastern High School; Aubrie also plays soccer.

Best thing at WagsInn for her: "A favorite moment was getting the dogs in after last potty in a giant rainstorm — Maddy and I dried them all off and then had to run through mud puddles to the front barn." Aubrie says that it's fun to work at Wags and that it is fun for the dogs — boarders and rescues — "they get to roam around, play with other dogs and be comfortable, just like home," she adds

So, now you have met all the terrific personalities taking care of the dogs — and having great experiences that last through their working lives — and beyond. Thanks to all of them for the great work they do here at WagsInn.

MEET OSCAR AND FELIX -- THE TINY ODD COUPLE THAT WILL MELT YOUR HEART

On February 27th, a caring neighbor brought two dogs to WagsInn that she found peeking out of the weeds at the side of a country road. It was obvious that the little one had been injured —likely hit by a car. He had a road burn on his tiny head as big as a baseball. His front leg was mangled and had open wounds. His pal had not been hurt, but had faithfully stayed at his buddy's side for what our vet said must have been at least two days. It seemed fitting to call them Felix and Oscar — two best friends as in "The Odd Couple," the Broadway hit show of 1967, the movie that followed in 1968, and two subsequent TV versions!.

X-rays and exams showed that Oscar did not have a head injury other than the nasty scrape, nor did he suffer any brain damage, but his leg would need treatment on a daily basis that involved visits to the vet where he was sedated and re- bandaged. Poor little guy, we could tell he was hurting all over when we'd pick him up. He'd whimper, but he never really complained — instead he would lick our hands. In time, we could take him every other day, and now he is stable enough that he doesn't have to go back until March 16th. At that time, the vet will discuss surgery for Oscar to mend his leg.

Oscar (left) and Felix -- two canine BFFs

Meanwhile, his frisky friend, Felix has made himself right at home. He is a bundle of joy and energy and really looks after his little pal, Oscar, just like his human namesake. Oscar is a pretty brave little puppy. In spite of his injuries, it's hard to keep him settled because he wants to play, jump, and kiss you all over your face. He and Felix are the happiest little guys. They are about one year old, Shih-Tzu/Terrier crosses, and love to be cuddled. They are getting up to date on their vaccines. Neither is neutered yet, but we'll get this done soon. They are potty and crate trained.

Felix will be ready for adoption after his "operation" and Oscar will need to get his leg surgery done before we can think about "that other thing" and then find him a home as well. Maybe they can find a home where these two BFFs can stay together. 

Come out and meet our darling Odd Couple — they will make adorable pets for someone with the love to give them that they deserve.

MEET BERNIE: A TALE OF A DOG AND HIS BOY, A HAPPILY EVER AFTER STORY

We love adoption stories with happy endings. There is nothing better than seeing our rescues find good homes where they are loved and become important members of the family. But sometimes something special happens. Sometimes a dog not only finds a home, but a purpose as well. That's Bernie's story for sure. 

"Bernie" came to us as "Jack." He was less than a year old, a big bundle of puppy energy all wrapped up in a Golden Doodle's gangly, teenage frame and curly-haired exterior. In his particular DNA, he got a Poodle's black coat and a Golden's square nose — a handsome dude, if ever there was one. He looked a bit like a canine Bruno Mars.

Jack's first family had three small children, which made it difficult for anyone to spend much time with him. He was on his own a lot. So, to be fair to Jack, his family brought him to WagsInn hoping we'd find him a new situation. 

His new family was waiting for him right around the corner. Sometimes, timing is everything. Jack needed a home. And a young man of 14 needed a dog. And so it was in May, 2017, that Jack met his people. This family of four, three boys and a single mom, had said goodbye to their beloved dog, Sparky in October of 2016. When Sparky's long life ended, it left a giant hole in their hearts, especially for the third boy. The older sons were living away from the house by then, and son number three missed them and his dog. In May, doctors diagnosed him with depression. 

That day, a thoughtful nurse took the mom aside and asked if there were pets at home. She was one of those medical professionals who had seen the wonderful effect that animals can have on people. She asked if a dog might be a friend to the boy, to ease his loneliness; something that could help bring him out of himself, something to draw his focus and give him a living being that he could take care of. The mom jumped on the idea. "Of course," she said, "We absolutely need another dog." 

That's when she contacted Lori. Lori said they should come and meet Jack. The whole family came to Wags. It was love at first sight. The mom said, "We absolutely want that dog."

That launched the adoption process. Application. Interview. Home visit. Lori took Jack to see his potential new home and meet the family in action. "Lori is very thorough and particular about placing dogs in adoptive homes," said the mom, "She needs to feel certain it's a good match." It was! And so Jack found his new family and most importantly, he found his boy.

(Here's the link to our adoption application:
http://wagsinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/AdoptionApp_WagsInnCanineCharities2017-1.pdf ) 

Jack needed a new name, too. His human family already had a Jack, the middle son. The boys thought the dog should be called "burnt," as in "burnt toast," because of his charred-color coat. The mom wasn't so keen on that idea. They tried out "Burt" and "Bert," but, in the end, Jack the dog became "Bernie."

Bernie's life has been busy since then. He goes to work with his mom where he gets lots of attention. He greets everyone who comes into her office with a friendly wagging tail. Repeat visitors bring him treats and he has a long hall to run where someone will toss a ball for a midday game of fetch. Bernie is also on guard duty, watching his mom closely from the window when she has to go out, and patiently making sure she gets back okay, greeting her as if he hasn't seen her in years. "I've had dogs all my life," she said, "But Bernie has to be the best one ever — he's so smart and so lovable. I was having a bad day at work recently. Bernie came over quietly and put his head in my lap. How can you feel bad after that happens?" Sometimes she takes him on long walks in Woodland Cemetery where squirrels tease him into a game of "Chase Me."

Later on, Bernie will wait for his boy to get home from school This is the happy reunion part of his day. His boy is responsible for feeding him, getting him outside and for exercising. They might run crazy circles in the yard or go out for a leash walk. Maybe sons #1 and #2 will come over, and Bernie will have a play date with son Jack's dog, Presley (so named for his swively hips when he wags his tail.) At the end of the day, Bernie gets a good night's sleep on a giant bean bag at the foot of his boy's bed, content and confident that he has found his life's companion. 

Bernie, feeling quite at home!

Bernie has made a huge difference in his family's life and his boy's sense of purpose. Needless to say, this is a happy ending for Bernie's story too. But the story doesn't end there! Mom, boy, and dog are talking about taking Animal Assisted Therapy training so that they can become a dog therapy team with a mission to help others in the community. Sounds like Bernie will ace this assignment. 

This is the kind of adoption story that we love to tell — one where everyone lives happily ever after. Congratulations, Bernie! 

Isn't this where all dogs want to be? On the couch in their own home.

Bernie, ready for play time.

Meet Tuffy, and the Lost and Found Gang

MEET TUFFY; OUR SENIOR "SPOKESDOG"

If there were such a thing as Canine AARP, Tuffy would make a great representative -- facing the challenges that come with aging, living gracefully in his retirement, and being a spokesdog for the benefits of adopting a senior pooch.

Tuffy is a wonderful little Lhasa Apso,10 years old, and blind. But that doesn't stop him from enjoying life. He gets around well and will check every inch of a new environment so he can figure it all out. The AKC characteristics for his breed say that the Lhasa Apso has very keen hearing, which, for Tuffy, probably makes up for his lack of sight. AKC also states that the Lhasa Apso is a tough breed (that's maybe how Tuffy got his name!) and will be staunchly loyal to his family. In Tibet, where this ancient breed originated, the Lhasa Apso was known as the "little lion dog."

Tuffy is a sociable little guy who loves all kids, people, and dogs alike. He can sniff out food a mile away. If you offer Tuffy a treat, he will be your new BFF — FUR-ever! He likes to tag along after the younger dogs, following play-time as closely as he can. And he loves afternoon naps on his comfy bed close by our feet in the office. His gentle snoring gets all of us breathing in rhythm. 

Tuffy, looking snazzy in his OSU T-shirt

Tuffy came to us when his first family could no longer care for him. Like most senior dogs, he has the usual health issues in addition to his blindness — his digestion isn't the best, but he is on a special GI diet and some meds that help him a lot. And glucosamine helps keep him limber.

Costs of caring for older dogs can really mount up. We would so appreciate your help. But what they mostly need is love. As they enter their senior years, dogs are still devoted and charming companions, just slower and sleepier. They may not fetch a ball for hours or take long hikes with you, but short walks, a snuggle, a massage, or a good neck scratch does as much good for them as it does for the humans who take the time to share a lap or a corner of the couch. 

Won't you come and meet Tuffy? He would love to nap by your feet or snuggle on your couch, or better still, curl up on your lap.  What better therapy is there for Tuffy or for you?  

MEET LILY, NORRIS, CONNER AND FRANKIE

Currently, here at WagsInn, we have four other "more grown-up" dogs in our rescue program. Lori found Lily and Norris, our two Shepherd-mix rescues as pups when she was on vacation with her family at Norris Lake. These sisters were both so shy, sick, and fearful that it took almost a year to win their trust. But they have come a long, long way with lots of love and attention. 

Say hello to Norris who loves to be brushed!

Lily and Norris have grown into healthy, happy adults who love having their long blonde coats brushed and combed. Norris would love a family who would walk her in the woods and let her sunbathe in a big back yard. She is still shy with new people at first but gets along with everyone after a bit and is one of our greeters here at WagsInn. She and her sister Lily sleep together on cots in the same room and spend a lot of time with Lori in the house — they adore Lori and are so good in the house. Norris and Lily both love running and hunting in the fields here at WagsInn. Lily is also a bit shy when she first meets someone, but she warms up and is trusting and loving. She would do best if she could stay with her sister in a new home situation, but she certainly could thrive with the right family. She would love to go on long walks in the fields and woods with you. 

Lily out in the yard - her favorite thing to do!

Conner and Frankie are Lab-cross brothers that were found abandoned as puppies in the parking lot of East High Veterinarians. They were sick, timid and fearful when they first came to WagsInn, but with lots of love and care, they have grown into fine dogs, confident and playful. Frankie relies on Conner for companionship, but gets along with other dogs and people if introduced slowly. He would thrive best if he got all the attention dog-parents could give him and a big yard where he could run free. Conner would do best with older children in a family that would throw a ball for him and run around. He would be a loyal best friend to a family that loves him.

Here's Frankie, ready for play time! 

And Conner, who loves to play ball!

Our Lost and Found Gang are currently living here with us. We would so appreciate your support to help us provide them with the most comfortable life we can. We love them like family, but we would be even more delighted to see these dogs find families of their very own. 

(link to Canine Charities page: www.wagsinn.com ) 

Please come meet our rescues! They need good fur-ever homes to make their lives complete!

Meet Tux, PLUS: Finding Lost Dogs, and Finding Foster Families!

We have no idea where Tux came from. He's our "international man of mystery", all dressed up with his white shirt and tuxedo jacket, looking like a canine 007 on a spy mission or going to a swanky cocktail party. But on the day we found him on October 21st, he wasn't on his way to a fancy soirée. He was strolling up the WagsInn driveway! We don't know if he was on a secret mission far from home or if he had been dropped off by his own "personal taxi service." But there he was, nonchalantly following his nose up the drive.

Tux is such a dapper dude. He is in great shape, muscular, firmly built, and it looks as though he had been well-cared for in his last place of residence. We found no signs of abuse, neglect, or long days on the road. As well, it was clear that he had some basic training. He knew his commands, and he probably had been crate trained. But no chip and no collar (a bow tie wouldn't have surprised us!) So we went to work to try to find his owners. 

Handsome, dashing "Secret Agent" Tux

Whenever we find strays, we do our outmost to locate their families. We list them with Springfield and Dayton Lost Dogs and we post notices in the newspapers. We share information with other rescue sites. We call local vets and the Humane Society to ask about recent reports of lost pets. We post on social media. Word gets around. But after 10 days of trying to find where they belong, we will then take them to the vet for that all-important spay or neuter procedure, if they haven't already had it, for vaccinations and a heart worm test. And then we'll start the process of finding them new families. 

Next, we assess personalities of our "foundlings" and work with them on any specific issues they might have. Professional trainer, Katie Schalk, who owns "Life with Pup," helps us address any behavioral concerns. Our goal is to prepare dogs to become great family members. If an adoption doesn't happen right away, we might place a pooch with a foster home to help him or her socialize into a family setting. Foster situations also allow us to learn more about how they get along in a home environment.

(We could really use MORE FOSTER HOMES!! If you can foster, please call us! We've included links with our foster and adoption applications. Bringing a foster dog into your home could help you see if you wish to be adoptive "parents" — or you will be helping tremendously in preparing the dog for another family to adopt.)

Tux is showing us that he is smart and eager to learn. We've taken him on leash walks with other dogs and will soon integrate him into dog play groups. Tux needs an owner who loves and understands the American Pit Bull Terrier and will know how to nurture his sweet, loyal disposition. 

Tux spends time with Lori in her home and in the office. He likes to look out the window. We aren't sure if he is watching the dogs at play or looking for the family he is separated from. Or is he hoping someone will come to adopt him one day soon? He is our man of mystery. Let's write a happy ending for his story.

Maybe YOURS is the family he is hoping for. 


Please go to our Facebook page and scroll down to see a special video on our post called, "Our Promise to Tux." It'll melt your heart! https://www.facebook.com/wagsinn/

Here are our Fostering Guidelines. Can you help out by fostering a dog?https://wagsinn.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/fosterapp_wagsinncaninecharities_0516.pdf

And here is a link to our adoption application http://wagsinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/AdoptionApp_WagsInnCanineCharities2017-1.pdf.

Meet Bud, Josephine, Scarlet and Fern

Welcome to our Dog Blog where you will meet our WagsInn Canine Charities rescues. We'll tell you their stories, how they come to us, what we do to get them ready for family life, and about adoptions into loving homes. First up: 

Meet Bud. 

To meet him is to love him. Bud is such a sweet old guy. When we brought this abandoned, elderly dog to WagsInn in late November, he had been found wandering on the outskirts of Springfield by Clark County Animal Control. He was taken to the Springfield Clark County Lost and Found Pets where he was dubbed "Lucky" and they sent out a notice asking for a rescue organization to take him in as their vet thought his time was limited. And so, we brought Lucky, renamed "Bud", to come live with us. We weren't sure what age he was, but it was abundantly clear that he was of advanced years and having some problems. (Clark County located Bud's owners who are being charged with cruelty and neglect.)

Using WagsInn Canine Charities emergency funds, we got Bud to the vet right away. Our vet thinks that Bud is probably around 17 years old — a very great age for a large dog — and, as you would expect with such a senior canine, he has some health issues, including a large tumor in his abdomen. Considering his age, we decided that we wouldn't put him through the trauma of surgery, but would keep him comfortable with meds for his stomach, a special diet, and medication to help with arthritic hips and legs. Bud soon settled in and got some rest.

Well, you should see him now! Bud has perked right up! He has a couple of senior-dog buddies that he greets with a wagging tail when they come to board, and he has a bit of pep in his step that says, "Come on, Guys, let's play!" He smiles all the time now and his tail will not stop wagging. Bud seems to be so grateful to have love and good care, and we are so glad he is spending his sunset days with us. 

If you can help us with Bud's medical and food costs, please let us know — we would be so grateful and so would Bud!

Dear darling old Bud -- home at WagsInn

Meet Josephine

Josephine is one little Southern gal who had an amazing, harrowing adventure that turned out to have a very happy ending!  

Josephine -- our Southern Belle

Josephine is a Tan/Black Catahula Hound Mix, approximately 4-5years old. A WagsInn neighbor spotted her one day lying by the side of the road. She was clearly, considerably pregnant and next to her was a puppy (from a previous litter) that sadly had not survived being hit by a car. Our neighbor knew where this poor, scared mama dog needed to be and raced her to us. We took Josephine immediately to the vet who told us she had at least 4 puppies on board and that they would be born very soon. Sure enough, that same night Josephine began to give birth, to four, then five, then six — and wasn't done until morning when she had produced 10 puppies! 

Josephine's pups -- count 'em! 10!

Normally we house a maximum of 16 rescues at WagsInn, but with Josephine's litter, our numbers grew to 26! Over the weeks of nursing, nurturing, and weaning them, Josephine was such a loving and trusting mom, letting all of us at Wags do whatever we needed to do for all her puppies and herself. She behaved like she never met a stranger, accepting every one of us as though we were her own family, never shy or defensive in protecting her pups. Of course, Josephine made her way  firmly into our hearts — she may well be the sweetest, kindest dog we have ever seen. 

As for the pups, they were adorable, and we had such a fun summer of puppy breath, puppy tummies, and puppy pandemonium! We will never know who the pups' dad was, but they looked like they might have some Lab going on in the mix. We'll also never know how Josephine ended up on a road side about to give birth — but we do know it was just in time before her story might have had a much more tragic ending.

We are happy to report that we found adoptive families for everyone in Josephine's litter of ten! And Josephine herself went to live with a family where she had been in temporary foster care — a test run prior to making it her forever home — and that family officially adopted her on December 13th. Congratulations, Josephine!

Meet Scarlet and Fern

There's more to the story! The day after we got Josephine, two female pups from her previous litter, sisters to the pup that was killed, were found in the same spot as their mom! We brought them to WagsInn as well and named them Scarlet and Fern. 

Scarlet met a dog pal that comes to board at WagsInn that she loved to play with and the dog's family took Scarlet home on our foster care program to see if she would fit in. Well, she did! They adopted her just before Christmas and Scarlet now has a wonderful new home. Her owners, their two small children, and her doggy BFF, Vinny, love Scarlet to bits. Lucky Scarlet — how could it get any better? We are so happy for her.

Scarlet's little sister, Fern, is still here at WagsInn and still hoping for a forever family. Fern is a sweet girl, a bit shy about new people and places, but gets braver with each trip to a new place and with each new experience. We are confident that the right owner will come along one day soon. Call us if you think you might be that owner! Fern would love to meet you!

Sweet Fern waiting for her forever family