Join us for a multi-week blog series as we share some of YOUR favorite pet stories. Thank you for sharing them with us!
Pet's Name: Pepper
Owners: Ann Sheehan, Roanoke County
Breed: American Standard
Age: 6
Gender: Female
Gets his/her shots and pet care at: Vinton Veterinary Hospital
Your Pet's Story: Our Beagle Berta died at the age of 17. Kirby was now an only dog and he seemed a bit more anxious and insecure. After listening to our 2 sons, one in college and the other in high school, talk about wanting a Golden Retriever. I loved the personality traits but I knew I could not keep up with the dog hair. So I began shopping on adopt a pet.com. I found Pickle who looked like a miniature Kirby in Mount Airy. We were told we had to come visit Pickle and introduce Kirby to her before we would be allowed to adopt her. We drove to Mount Airy and walked up to the door. This tiny little girl came to greet me. She was immediately happy to see us and curious about Kirby. She jumped in my lap when I sat down and stayed there content.
Favorite Place to Play: Wolf Run greenway or kayaking at Smith Mountain Lake
Favorite Treat: Hot dog pieces
Favorite Toy: Rope
Best Trick: Jumping over and on things. The grill, the kitchen table etc. She is cat like and cat sized. She loved agility but it is pricey to keep up with.
Best Advice for Pet Owners: Animals love a consistent routine. Take basic obedience so you can break your bad habits before they cause bad dog behavior.
Pet's Name: Gertrude (Gerty)
Owner: KeishaGraziadei-Shup, Roanoke City
Breed: Pure Havanese
Age: 4 years
Gender: Male
Gets his/her shots and pet care at: Angels of Assisi
Your Pet's Story: Gerty is a puppy mill rescue. She was very skittish, had severe separation anxiety (sounding like a cow if we even left the room), was not potty trained, tried running away on multiple occasions, trembled constantly.
Now, she stays quiet while we're gone (though she sits by the front door for hours waiting for me to walk in), is potty-trained, walks right beside me with no leash, jumps, runs, wags her tail - after just five weeks!
I know this is typical for any other dog, but for Gerty, the abused rescue who never had healthy or regular human contact for her entire life, it is a miracle. She makes me smile every day!
Favorite Place to Play: In the front yard with no leash.
Favorite Treat: Prosciutto :)
Favorite Toy: A roll of toilet paper which she will rip to shreds if given the option.
Best Trick: Being so adorable she makes humans want to die.
Best Advice for Pet Owners: A little bit of patience goes such a long way with a rescue dog. :)
Pet's Name: Trinity
Owner: Dreama Secrest, Boones Mill
Breed: Pittbull/Corgi mix
Age: 7 years
Gender: Female
Gets his/her shots and pet care at: Angels of Assisi
Your Pet's Story: Trinity is a survivor. She was used as a bait dog and was rescued by Angels of Assisi. She has lots of scars, lost a front leg and has some vision problems. She is very particular about the people she trusts as well as other animals. As a result she spent over 2 years at Angels trying to find her forever home. I adopted her last year when she began to deteriorate from being in a shelter too long. Although I have another dog at home, we keep them in separate parts of the house and walk them individually. We love her and she has come out of her shell and began showing her true personality. Her hair, that she had lost due to kennel stress, has all grown back and being a tri-paw has not slowed her down one bit.
Favorite Place to Play: In my son's room on his bed.
Favorite Treat: Jerky treats
Favorite Toy: She destroys every toy she gets within minutes but has a great time doing it. Her very favorite thing that lasted the longest was a Kong Wobbler that had a bottom that rocked and small holes where treats come out if it dips over far enough.
Best Trick: Catching tennis balls from across the room.
Best Advice for Pet Owners: Love your pet, and treat them like a family member. Never mistreat or neglect them.