Shelter aims to curb bad habits

DELAWARE, Ohio -- A few new tricks could be a dog's ticket out of the kennels at the Humane Society of Delaware County.
Many of the dogs surrendered by their owners come with behavioral problems, whether it's barking too loud, jumping too high or chewing too much.
Training pets how to mind their manners improves their chances of being adopted, and that's the philosophy behind a new volunteer-driven program at the shelter.
Dog Behavior Task Force volunteers work one-on-one with animals each week, using praise and treats to teach them basic obedience commands such as sit, quiet and stay.
"Our goal is a zero return rate," said Wade Beane, shelter director. "That every dog that gets adopted out stays in that home."
Unwanted behaviors are one of the biggest reasons pets end up in shelters, according to the American Animal Hospital Association.
"That's definitely the case a lot of times, where they get a dog or a cat and don't know how to adapt them to a house," said Jason Merrihew, spokesman for the Colorado-based association.
The Delaware County shelter houses 22 dogs of all sizes, from Tinsel the Chihuahua to Star the Saint Bernard. During the past few months of training, veterinary technician Angie Bockover said she has noticed the dogs acting calmer while in their kennels and barking less.
One of Bockover's goals in starting the program was to calm the atmosphere on the adoption floor. "It's just so stressful here, being in a cage and being around all the other animals," Bockover said.
The dogs compete for attention from visitors, often jumping and barking, which can make it difficult for prospective owners to envision the pets behaving differently at home, Bockover said.
Volunteers focus on encouraging animals' good behavior and ignoring the bad.
Such training also helps shelter employees and volunteers get to know the dogs in their care a little better. It uncovers any unwanted habits before they are placed in a new home, said Lisa Wahoff, director of the Franklin County Dog Shelter, which runs a similar volunteer program for its 320 dogs.
"It's helping them help the dogs be more adoptable," Wahoff said. "People are always afraid to adopt what they don't know."
The Humane Society of Delaware County is seeking volunteers for all programs, including the Dog Behavior Task Force. An orientation meeting is scheduled for today at 10 a.m. For more information, call 740-369-7387 or visit http://www.delawarecohumanesoc.org/.

Man charged over dog's fiery death

ARLINGTON — Police have charged a 26-year-old man over the death of Spike, whose burnt remains were found near his owners' home in Arlington.
Adam Scott Pigue of Mazourka Drive was issued with four Class C misdemeanor citations; he is the only suspect in the case.
It appears that Spike had somehow been able to get out of the yard of owner Ronnie Villaire, according to police. He was struck by a vehicle and killed.
Pigue told investigators that he found the pet Pomeranian dead in his frontyard and debated how to dispose of the dogs remains.
Pigue claims that he was intoxicated when he decided to burn Spikes remains. Information from a veterinarian and the physical evidence supports Pigues account.
Animal Cruelty charges would not apply in this case since evidence supports that Spike had died before he was burned.
Pigue will appear before the Arlington Municipal Court.

There’s a lotta love for this lurcher

WHEN Bobby the lurcher gave chase to an errant squirrel on Hampstead Heath it ended, against the odds, with 45 stitches and a near-death experience for the three-year-old hound.In fact, were it not for the kindness of strangers, says owner Jonathan Fingerhut, Bobby would have bled to death from the appalling injuries he sustained trying to jump the spiked iron railways near Kenwood House a fortnight ago.Fingerhut children Asher, 13, and Nicole, 8, could only watch in ­horror as Kenwood staff and passers-by rushed to help the family pet, hanging by his back legs with a severed artery.A passing jogger took his T-shirt off and wrapped it around the leg to stem the flow of blood.Mr Fingerhut, from Lawford Road in Kentish Town, said: “If the people at Kenwood had not done what they did he would have died. These people just walking along acted without thought for themselves and saved a much-loved family pet.”Bobby was rushed to Beaumont Animal Hospital in Royal College Street where doctors spent four hours operating to save his life.Now Bobby, adopted from Battersea Dogs Home two years ago, is back at home and ­walking again – albeit a little gingerly.Mr Fingerhut said: “The vets at Beaumont can’t believe he survived. When he goes in for check-ups he gets a hero’s welcome – it’s like Top Gun.”“He’s not out of the woods yet but he’s on the mend – he’ll live to chase another squirrel.