Panhandle Animal Shelter: A wonderful Experience - BY:DWT

 I spent the past two Fridays working at Panhandle Animal Shelter and want to  let all our readers know what a wonderful experience it was. The shelter is extremely clean and well organized. I met some great folks who are dedicated to dogs in need. Pat,  in the office, is a very friendly lady who loves dogs as much as I do. Brian Welch, the Kennel Technician, hunts grouse and ducks with his Pointing Lab. We obviously hit it off immediately.

Brian with "Ian"

"Ian" was found wandering the streets of Sandpoint, Idaho, and was never claimed. Brian said when they first got him in, he tried to bite him.

Brian had a little talk with Ian and they came to an understanding.

It's all about love.

 Not only did I meet some great people, I met some wonderful dogs. Tikka is a black lab who was left at the shelter because she chased deer. Lady chases cars and Robby is a pit bull who was used in the fighting ring. Robby's ears are shredded and someone surgically removed his lips so his opponent could not get a grip on him. It's very sad.

"Robby"

 Panhandle Animal Shelter, is a "No kill" shelter and has provided a home and care for Robby for the past seven years. Robby has won my heart and I never thought I would be sitting on the road during our walk, hugging a pit bull and letting him lick my face. Tucker is a yellow lab mix who was adopted by Panhandle from another shelter to prevent him from being euthanized. He is very friendly and has a tail that wags from the neck on down.
  

Many of the dogs at the shelter are there because of behavior problems that were caused by owners and can easily be corrected with proper training. Many others are at the shelter because of the current economy. Owners have lost jobs or homes and can no longer care for a dog, and the problem is escalating. Our canine friends need help as much as many people do.

Volunteers walking "Belinda" & "Boomer"

Panhandle has a sponsor program. If you can't adopt a dog, you can sponsor a kennel. I was surprised that it was only $150 per year. The donation is tax deductible and a plaque is placed on a kennel naming the donor. It was a no brainer for us. We sponsored a kennel and the plaque will read, "Sponsored by Surething Gordon Setters, Dan and Karen Thomason, in memory of Peat and Happy".  A good way to help if you don't have time to volunteer.

Each kennels displays information about the dog, along with their age, breed, and name

If you should choose to adopt a dog, there is a small fee which covers the costs of neutering and vaccinations. The cost is insignificant, compared to the love one receives in return from a rescued dog. If you can't adopt a dog you can always stop by your local shelter and take a dog for a walk. I walked four dogs each visit. The walks were a mile long, so I got in four miles myself which is good for my heart condition and high blood sugar, A  win win deal for both me and the dogs.
 
Stop by your local shelter and lend a hand. I mopped the floor and washed windows on my first visit. (Please do not tell Karen I am capable of such tasks. She might expect me to do this at home!) If you have skills as a carpenter or electrician make yourself available. Or just stop by to give a dog a walk or a hug. It will do you heart good in more ways than one.

To see their adoptable animals, (dogs & cats) Click Here : Panhandle Animal Shelter List