Dogs for Adoption

Rescue of the Month

RESCUE OF THE MONTH: CATAHOULA RESCUE OF NEW ENGLAND Caring for Houlas & Heelers

By Susan Spisak

In 2006, Shannon Nachajko adopted a black and white Catahoula Leopard, a southern hunting and herding dog, from a local shelter. Poncho was 9 months and had been transported here after Hurricane Katrina. The poor guy had been misunderstood - adopters weren’t familiar with this breed also referred to as Catahoula Hound, Catahoula cur and Houla. Not understanding him or his needs, he’d been adopted and returned nine times. She fell for him and adopted him. She didn’t realize it then, but Poncho would lead her to the world of rescue.

Once Shannon was well-versed with the breed and to help others like Poncho, she began volunteering for a Catahoula rescue. Then in 2014, knowing she was well prepared, she founded her own national 501(c) 3 nonprofit based in Warren, Catahoula Rescue of New England, adding Australian Cattle Dogs, “Heelers,” to her efforts. Prior to Katrina, their breed was rarely seen in New England and people knew very little. She knew education was key and said one of her goals with their rescues is that the adopters understand the breed.

First, they need a leader and role model who will not let the dog become boss. They can be difficult if an adopter doesn’t know how to channel their energy. This breed needs a job to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Love and guidance build trust and the human-animal bond.

She cited a recent success story that hits home with this philosophy. Sparky was adopted from a Connecticut pet store – he had been transported in from Missouri as a pup, likely from a mill. He had congenital defects with his eyes and couldn’t see well. He would accidentally bite his owners because their hands weren’t clear to him. The owners reached out to a humane society, stating if they didn’t take him, they were going to have him euthanized. Shannon was one of a few rescues the Humane Society contacted for assistance – she was the only responder.

Fortunately, she has a cattle dog savvy foster in that state who took in Sparky and worked with him. Shannon knew exactly what he needed in a new home and found it for him. He was adopted by a single woman, a horse gal, who takes Sparky to the barn daily, he visits with the horses, and he gets plenty of exercise.

She strives for all success stories such as this. As a result, she likes to dot her T’s and cross her I’s with potential adopters. They’re very particular because they’re looking for those who will fit the bill of a good pet owner. Of late, they have had to turn away potential adopters because they did not pass their extensive adoption guidelines, including vet, reference, and/ or home checks. Some haven’t been happy about it, taking their complaints to social media. Shannon said they’re professional when they let people know they are rejected, but there has been drama that is hurting the dogs in the end and is tying up potential adoptions.

For more info on adoptions and to see all their dogs, nehoularescue.com/.

LENNY & SQUIGGY – PAIR

Lenny is a Catahoula Leopard Dog Mix, a chill guy with an occasional case of the zoomies. Lenny looks to his person for guidance often. He is shy of new people, leaning to his person to help him meet and greet. Lenny is a talker and will let you know when it is time to potty, play, and eat with whimpers, groans, and soft barks. Lenny prefers tug-of-war to fetch and is happiest laying on the couch or in a sunny spot outside. He is kennel trained and often naps there when the door is left open. Lenny gets along with other dogs and older children. Lenny is still working on leash training and enjoys learning new tricks (sit, lay down, stay). He is treat-driven.

Squiggy is a Catahoula Leopard Dog Mix, a Velcro puppy. He enjoys running in the yard, playing fetch, & is good with other dogs. He never digs in the yard and minds well when it’s time to go in and out. Squiggy is kennel and potty trained, with the occasional accident if left in the kennel too soon after a meal or drink. He is working on sit and stay and enjoys his treat rewards. Squiggy walks well on a halter, not so much on a leash. He still gets anxious in new places and around cars; shows it by stopping in place and looking to his person for guidance. He would love a family with other dogs to play with but would be just as happy with an energetic and playful person. He will steal children’s stuffed toys, balls, and the occasional sock or two! Ryder is an AMAZING dog in the right hands. He needs a home that understands Cattle Dogs. This a high drive dog, who needs work and time to bond up with his owner - but the rewards will be amazing. Agility, fly ball, you name it, this guy has the skills! He is not a family dog. He is great for a single person or a couple that wants a canine kid. See him in action at facebook.com/profile/100064815455928/ search/?q=ryder. Reach out with questions, visit nehoularescue.com

RYDER, AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG, 4 YEARS

If you are interested in adopting, visit our website and download the application: nehoularescue.com/adoption-application.html.

Sponsored by

Raymond (207)655-6760 • So. Paris (207)743-8960

Bridgton (207)647-2383 • Jay (207)897-3333 • Lewiston (207)783-1366 Newport (207)368-4329 • Turner (207)225-2525 • Winthrop (207)377-2614 North Conway, NH (603)356-5669

parisfarmersunion.com

Help us find a forever home!

View more available dogs on our website, downeastdognews.com. Many rescues are showing dogs by appointment only right now. Some rescues do not offer phone numbers and require you apply online.

Please see the contact info. highlighted in yellow below each dog.

VADER

3 years old, American Bulldog

Vader is a big, goofy boy looking for a calm, comfy home where I can have some daily activity! I'll need adopters that will be patient with me as we slowly try new things. Living with other dogs, older children and cats may be possible with careful introductions..

FMI: midcoasthumane.org

Rising Tide Co-op

323 Main St., Damariscotta, (207)563-5556, risingtide.coop

MERCEDES

6 years old, German Shepherd

Mercedes has a lot of energy still but likes to chill out, she is sweet and loving. She does well with kids but needs to be the only pet.

FMI: miraclegsdmaine.org

Sponsored by: First National Bank

18 Branches from Wiscasset to Calais, 1-800-564-3195, thefirst.com

GODZILLA

6 years old, German Shepherd

Godzilla is a large dog with lots of energy. He is good with other dogs if properly introduced but cats are a no for him.

FMI: miraclegsdmaine.org

Sponsored by: Mason’s Brewing Company

15 Hardy St., Brewer, (207)989-6300, masonsbrewingcompany.com

DAISY

6 months old, Mixed Breed

A total lovebug. She loves to play with toys and cuddle, run and play with the other dogs. She is very smart!

GOLIATH

3 years old, Husky/Shepherd Mix

If there was ever a name suited a dog, it is Goliath. He is high-energy, treat motivated, and is happy to sing you the song of his people. An intelligent guy, his ideal home will have experience with large dogs that can be a little headstrong and a lot of fun!

GLADIATOR

2 years old

Gladiator is such a sweet boy who loves his people! He seems fine with other dogs, cats may be fine, and older kids would be fine as well. He will be a great addition to a home.

FMI: fetchinghope.com

Sponsored by: Bagel Café

25 Mechanic St., Camden, (207)236-2661, bagelcafemaine.com

HAZELNUT

6 years old, Lab Mix

A beautiful girl looking for a dog-savvy home where she can be the only pet, and with no small children. Hazelnut is bright and trainable, loves to play and go for car rides. She is good on leash and needs plenty of exercise.

FMI: popehumane.org

Sponsored by: Green with Envy Salon

Camden, Rockland, Belfast, Augusta, (207) 236-3689, greenenvysalon.com

CALI & MILO

7 years old, Shar-Pei & Lab Mixes

Bonded littermates, Cali & Milo need a home together. They love wrestling together & cuddling. They are good on leashes & can easily be walked together. They need to be the only pets in the home and older children 8+.

FMI: pawsadoption.org Sponsored by: Green Tree Coffee & Tea

2456 Atlantic Hwy., Lincolnville, (207)706-7908, greentreecoffee.com

KIBA

8 years old, Rat Terrier

This handsome guy is independent, loves going for car rides, walks, and chasing anything that moves! Kiba needs to be the only pet in an adult only home.

FMI: olddogsnewdigs.com

Sponsored by: Water Bark Wellness

4 Commercial St., Rockport, (207)230-8455, waterbarkwellness.com

ROWDY

5 months old, Lab Mix

Rowdy is too sweet for words. He loves to play with other dogs, snuggle, and be held in a human lap. He lives in a house with a 13-year-old and a pack of other dogs- tiny and large. He does great with all of them.

FMI: olddogsnewdigs.com

Sponsored by: Fogtown Brewing Company

25 Pine St., Ellsworth, (207)370-0845, fogtownbrewing.com

OLIVER

2 years old, Mixed Breed

Oliver is an adventurous dog who likes to climb and work his brain. He’ll be your shadow wherever you go.

FMI: harvesthills.org

Sponsored by: Kompletely K-9 Dog Training and Rehab.

248 Choate Rd., Montville, (207)322-5111, kompletelyk9.com

QUEENIE

3 years old, Mastiff Mix

Queenie adores all people but needs to be an only pet. She is super calm and relaxed.

FMI: fetchinghope.com FMI: animalwelfaresociety.org FMI: pulledfromthepits.com