Finding a Best Friend for Life

By Tracy McCoy & Everett Lampros

You can’t beat a shelter dog! Many have lived the hard life, have been abandoned, abused or neglected and are truly grateful to be treated well. Recently I adopted a 6 year old Bluetick named Wilma. We are still adjusting to each other but she honestly looks at me with those sweet brown eyes and my heart just melts. She loves to be near us; greets us every time we pull back in the driveway, gets excited when we give her a treat. She is smart and as sweet as pie. We are sometimes all the hope these animals have and all they really want is a safe home, to be cared for and loved. Maybe for us to throw in a treat here and there. Isn’t that what all of us crave?

Rabun Paws4Life is a no-kill shelter full of dedicated staff and volunteers who give their all to see that the animals they care for find good homes. They need help from the community because the shelter is always at capacity. They have a wishlist on their website of supplies that are needed, but there are other ways to help. Recently they started a new program called Foster From Afar. It amounts to people who are willing to step up, select a dog or cat in the shelter who they’ll “foster” which means spending time with the animal. You can come to the shelter and walk them, play fetch, petting and brushing them, just helping to socialize the pet, preparing them for adoption. You might find this is a great way to find the pet you’ve been looking for or you may be able to share the dog or cat’s information with someone else who is looking. I think Foster From Afar is a great way to teach children to love animals and familiarize them with the concept of caring for them.

At any rate we want to introduce you to three Rabun Paws4Life long-timers. These are dogs that have been in the shelter for an extended period and are deserving of a home. If you adopt any of the three I want to know about it. Message me at gmlmagazine@gmail.com and send us a photo of you with your new best friend!

Ralph the Redbone

Ralph is a senior redbone coonhound. At 9 years old he was picked up emaciated near Heavens Landing. It took him a while to put his weight back on and therefore Ralph was not able to be shown for adoption for a few months. He is now as healthy as can be, minus a “dry eye” issue easily mitigated with inexpensive eye drops. He loves to run and go on long walks, and if you have trouble walking up hill, he will definitely help you get to the top! If you’re interested in opening your home to a senior, Ralph would be a good one! Please reach out to us at 706-7825422 or email elampros@rabunpaws4life.com

Mumsy the Terrier Mix

Mumsy is a medium sized terrier mix that was brought to us as a pregnant stray. She is a very scared and nervous dog that was probably on her own for quite some time. We are working tirelessly on getting her ready for adoption, but to no avail. If you have it in your heart to come spend some time with her you might very well be what it takes to help her find her family. Call the shelter and ask how to get plugged into our new Foster From Afar program or email Everett at elampros@rabunpaws4life.com

Noback the Blue Pitt

Noback is a sweet and beautiful female blue pitt that was picked up with a huge injury to her back, she had to undergo daily care, cleaning and wraps to get her back to good health. She is sweet with all people but does not like cats. She is selective with other dogs as she prefers to be dominant. She would be perfect for a family with a fenced in yard or someone who goes on daily walks as she loves everything to do with outside. If you are interested in meeting her email elampros@rabunpaws4life.com or call the shelter at 706-782-5422 and they will help you set up an appointment.