Even the best kennels can't always prevent dogs from exhibiting signs of stress. But adoption counselors can help you find the perfect match.
TRUMBULL COUNTY, Ohio — Love at first sight is what potential adopters hope for when finding their next pet. But experienced shelter staff will tell you that isn't always the right approach. In the case of many animals — it's all about seeing the possible first.
For the perfect example, we've headed east to Trumbull County for a return trip to the dog pound in the city of Warren.
We were there last December to help spread the word about dogs that needed a warm place for the holidays.
It's rare for the kennel not to be filled. Just as other shelters and rescues are experiencing a great influx of abandoned dogs, Trumbull County Dog Pound is, too. But the challenge here is greater through no fault of the dedicated people who work here or donate their time.
Converted from an old garage, the small building has only 14 kennels for all of the county. Another eight dogs can be housed outside — weather permitting.
But there is some good news on the horizon. A new facility is in the planning stages and the groundbreaking is scheduled for this fall.
“We've purchased the property with money that was gifted to the pound and it's going to be right next to the Animal Welfare League, so it will be close to other dogs,” said Tiffany Pasco who is a volunteer with Voices of The Trumbull Pound Dogs.
Pasco has met us at the dog pound to talk about the dogs currently up for adoption and some of the challenges they face when perspective adopters come in.
The kennel is noisy and cramped and for this reason, some simply do not show well.
“They get stressed out in the kennels, they come from hopefully a home where they've had a roof over their head to a noisy pound that's very crowded.”
Voices of The Trumbull Pound Dogs is the non-profit arm of the facility. The volunteers come by every day to walk, exercise, entertain and provide enrichment for the dogs — all to help alleviate their stress.
They also work tirelessly to find foster families for these dogs, so their true potential can come through. Pasco has brought Paige with her — a sweet 2-year-old female pitty-mix who she says is the perfect houseguest.
“She has one of the friendliest temperaments there is. She came in very well trained, knows her basic commands, potty-trained and crate-trained.”
Paige is up for hikes or Netflix nights on the couch and she gets along beautifully with Pasco's other dogs.
Her only drawback is she's not a fan of cats.
Pasco says Paige would be the perfect fit for a young active couple, or older less adventurous couple — she's good with either. At about 52-manageable pounds she'd be a nice addition to any family.
Paige certainly charmed the Ready Pet GO! crew, using her pitty-body to snuggle up and active tail to show her approval. During our interview, she laid at Pasco's feet waiting patiently even as cars went by. We were impressed.
It's important to note that this sweet gal was able to show off all her potential because she's had time to relax in a home and truly decompress. Something Pasco says other kennel dogs can do, too, if given a chance.
“They do a complete 180 when they are in the home,” Pasco said. “They can relax, just decompress, have their own water bowl, food dish, have their couch. Even if you have a 9 to 5 job, the dogs would much rather be in a home, than in a kennel.”
Like a lot of people, Pasco was wary about fostering at first and becoming too attached. But she's in the thick of it, seeing daily the plight of so many abandoned, surrendered dogs.
“One dog leaves, three more come in,” she said.
Fostering a dog can save not just one life, but two. The dog you take in and the dog that can take its place at the shelter. Aside from adopting, this is one of the greatest things you can do to help with the current situation. You do not have to be a Trumbull County resident to foster.
Pasco is so passionate about fostering, she shared the photos below of her the first dog she fostered. She does it she says to “restore for the dogs that not all humans are bad. Watching them and helping them become a dog again. Being their voices. Helping dogs 1 at a time, it's priceless,” she wrote.
If you are looking to adopt, take into account shelter stress that an animal may exhibit at first. Staff and volunteers will work to pair you with the right pet. They've spent time getting to know the animals, and can help you choose the very best match.
The Trumbull Dog Pound is also in need of donations. They are running low on food and supplies.
Interested in Paige or any other Trumbull Co. Pound Dog? Head HERE.
Head HERE to learn more about fostering a Trumbull Pound Dog. You can foster-to-adopt or become a temporary foster.
Do you have time to walk a dog? Plan socialization? Help fundraise? Consider becoming a volunteer with Voices of The Trumbull Pound Dogs. You don't have to live in Trumbull Co. to get involved.
Donation makes a difference too! The Pound is in need of many items including food and other supplies. You can make monetary donations HERE. And check out their Amazon wish list HERE.
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