Fountain Valley News - Your Hometown Community Newspaper

This week, we feature two dogs: Olive Tree and Free Man. What? you ask. Actually, they are Oliver and Charlie. I just like name origins; of course, any dog you adopt can have a name change; it's not hard to train him or her to a new moniker. (Treats help.) My Willow was once Marla (and something else before that down in Texas) and my other dog was a stray who is now, What-the-Halo?! – but only when she (Halo, obviously) runs off with my flips and turns them into flops.

Oliver is a Chihuahua Dachshund mix, sometimes known as a Chiweenie. About 2 years old and 15 pounds, he is shy, and arrived terrified of people. He was obviously abused and is thus hand-shy (afraid of hands). He needs a person (just one in a household will do) to bond with and trust utterly. He is very sweet, good with kids and other dogs, and will sit happily in a lap or on a sofa, waiting for his "twist-ending," i.e., from abused to beloved.

Charlie is a Shepherd/Lab mix born in early July, so he's under 4 months old. He's outgoing and playful, and, like Oliver, loves other dogs and kids. He's very smart, learning things quickly. He's got really big ears, the better to hear you with regarding his training. Is your heart free of some room for this sweet little man?

One thing about fostering or adopting: having a dog is not a good idea if you are gone for, say, 12 hours a day. A dog needs to be able to go outside regularly; otherwise serious health problems (also, behavioral) can evince. An adult dog can go eight hours without urinating, for instance, but smaller dogs need to go more often. Ideally, dogs should be taken out to relieve themselves three to five times a day. You can also have a designated area in your home, using pee pads, for instance, or something called Doggie Lawn. If not allowed to have a stool for long periods, this can result in an impacted colon, which can involve surgery to remove and repair the damage. And dogs who hold their pee too long can get kidney stones and even cancer – or blockages, which can be fatal. So please think about whether a dog will fit into your lifestyle/work schedule, before adopting.

Adoptable Animal Rescue Force of Colorado also has other dogs and puppies for you to consider adding to your family. Most of them are boarded at Tumbleweed Kennels on Old Pueblo Road. As a volunteer living right here in Fountain, I can go with you to meet and play with them. Even if you can't adopt, we are in great need of foster homes. There is no financial responsibility on your part for fostering.

AARF also holds adoption fairs at Petsmart on Powers Saturdays 11-2: 2965 N New Center Pt., Colorado Springs, CO 80922. For more information, call Julie (i.e, me, my other name) at 375-1200, or Cathy at 761-5320. And thanks so much for considering adopting from us! Facebook: AARF Colorado; website: aarfcolorado.com