The Complete Package

Although I don't consider myself a superficial person, I admit I can be swayed by a pretty face...especially when that face is furry, is framed by fuzzy ears, and rests on a four-legged, tail-wagging body. And I readily admit to finding some dogs "prettier" than others.

I also realize, however, that good looks don't always mean good--or psychologically stable--dogs. There are plenty of canine Sylvia Plaths hiding behind Audrey Hepburn facades and Charles Mansons masquerading as George Clooney. But still, it's hard not to be influenced by appearances.

So how wonderful it is to discover Mother Theresa in the doggy equivalent of Giselle Bundchen or Bill Gates behind the fido face of Daniel Craig.

Yesterday, I met such a dog. His name is Patrick. He's a 9-month-old Plott hound/Boxer mix currently residing in a foster home of the SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George's County (PGSPCA). I had the pleasure of sharing a car ride with him on his way to a TV appearance on WUSA-TV9's "Petline Nine" segment.

Patrick was a perfect gentleman. Although I'd never met him before, he hopped on my lap (yes, he thinks he's a lap dog) as soon as I sat down on his foster family's sofa, ready for a quick cuddle (typical male!). He went willingly with PGSPCA adoption coordinator Sandy Twigg and me to the car and positioned himself on the floor where he could occasionally stick his head up between the front seats for a scratch behind the ears.

Once at the station, Patrick went about making friends with staff, even endearing himself to an on-air guest waiting to film her segment on mint juleps. He sat and shook paws with anyone who asked. And once on air, he calmly received the attention of the news reporter.

What amazed me most about the whole experience was the fact that here was a dog about whose early life we know almost nothing, who was found as a stray, and ended up in the county animal shelter. Yet he exhibited a more adaptable, accepting, good-natured personality than many dogs I know--including my own--some of whom can trace their ancestry back several generations. Like I said, wonderful!

I expect that Patrick's TV appearance will result in lots of adoption applications. Still, if you're looking for a handsome, medium-sized dog who gets along well with dogs and people of all ages, you may want to check him out. If I were in the market for another dog, he'd already be home.

Saving Ajah

As much as I love photographing shelter dogs and helping to give them extra visibility--and perhaps greater chances of adoption--there is a distinct "downside" to this involvement. The animals that need the visibility the most are often the ones at greatest risk of euthanasia...at least at "open" shelters, which are required to take in every animal relinquished by his or her owner or picked up on the streets as a stray. With a seemingly never-ending flow of such unwanted, abandoned animals, this open-door policy means that space is at a premium and animals that have languished, "un-rescued," must make way for the newcomers.

Given this harsh reality, I find myself in utter awe of the dedicated shelter staff who interact with these animals on a daily basis, giving them the best life possible during their window of opportunity for adoption. I don't know how they cope when animals they've gotten to know and maybe even love are euthanized. I know I couldn't.

Which brings me to my current situation.

I recently photographed several dogs at the Prince George's County Shelter in Maryland, an open shelter that takes in some 15,000 animals every year. (In a county with such abysmal intake figures, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, thousands of adoptable animals never make it out alive.)

But I digress...

All of my recent canine models have been adopted, picked up by a concerned owner, or transferred to a rescue organization...except for one. Ajah is still waiting...and her time is running out.
I know full well that thousands of dogs and cats die in shelters every day, and I can't save them all. But having photographed this brindled beauty, I unwittingly established a relationship with her and feel compelled to at least try to save at least this one dog. I look at the images of her bright, smiling face and I can't bear the thought of her death.

So...I'm reaching out wherever and however I can to find Ajah a home, and I beg your assistance...especially if you live in the DC/Maryland/NoVA region. If you can't give Ajah a home, perhaps you know someone you can...or a rescue organization that has room for "just one more." Please spread the word far and wide.

At 2 years old and 57 pounds, Ajah is that perfect mix of age and size: past the puppy nonsense but still full of energy(!) and not too big or too small. She is also already spayed and appears to be housebroken. Her shelter paperwork describes her as a Lab/whippet mix, but given her compact, muscular build, she could just as easily include boxers or terriers in her ancestry. Whatever her genetic mix, she's gorgeous!
Ajah is somewhat timid meeting new people but once she's given some time to relax and get comfortable, she likes nothing better than to sit in your lap, be petted, and give kisses. She doesn't seem too interested in toys at this point...perhaps because she never had any and doesn't understand what they're for (isn't that sad).

Because of her strength, muscular build, and exuberance and energy level, Ajah is looking for a family with a fenced yard and no small children. She'd love a person who can build her confidence, teach her leash manners, and give her the time, attention, and exercise she craves.

If there’s any way you can help this girl, please contact the shelter at 301-780-7200 in reference to Ajah (ID number is 343322) or email Virginia at jonesvii@verizon.net.


You have my deepest appreciation.