Unless adopted soon, Sophie will spend the holiday at the Douglas County Animal Shelter. She knows all about loneliness " the female Husky mix is blind.
Her only friends are volunteers with Douglas Animal Welfare Group, who tend to shelter animals daily. The golden 10-year-old loves to cuddle up to volunteers, nudging her head into their laps in a quest for the love she desperately seeks.
Sophie was abandoned to coyotes and other hazards in the Ranchos, but was rescued by a good Samaritan who spotted her wandering in traffic in late November. She has been spayed and is current with her shots. She gets along well with cats and needs a good, quiet adult home.
Sophie is just one of dozens of cats and dogs left at the shelter for a variety of reasons.
"It is so sad to see these poor animals sit here, some for very long periods of time, just because they need to find people who will give them time to adjust to their new homes," said Cherie Owen, the club's founder and president for 2009.
Scooter is an 8-month-old cat that came to the shelter with an injured leg. Vets were unable to save the leg, but she seems to do well on just three, managing to tug at the hearts of DAWG volunteers and others who meet her. She is good with other cats and dogs, and is currently being fostered at a DAWG volunteer's home.
Ginger, a 2-year-old spayed female boxer mix, has been undergoing professional training because she's full of excess energy. Continued training is included with her adoption. She'll make the perfect pet for somebody with a little patience and understanding.
It'll be the second Christmas at the shelter for Jake, a 2-year-old Lab mix. He's current on all shots, has been neutered and microchipped. He would make a good pet in an adult home.
Sophie, Scooter, Ginger and Jake are but four of the adoptable animals at the shelter, located at 921 Pinenut Road. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, call 782-9061.
Several of the many dogs up for adoption at the Douglas County Animal Shelter will be at the Douglas Animal Welfare Group's holiday adoption event, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Petco, 911 Topsy Lane in the Carson Valley Plaza.
With each adoption DAWG provides free spay/neuter, microchip and training reimbursement.
DAWG works with the staff at the shelter to care for dogs and cats held there, transport animals for medical attention and assist with adoptions.
Information at 782-3770 or www.dawgrescue.com
