On Sunday, June 26, Canines and humans alike will strut their stuff enjoying the 15th Annual "Lucky Mutt Strut," a two-mile run/walk in Wash Park and participate in the day’s festivities. MaxFund has nominated 10 special needs animals to be the ambassadors of the Lucky Mutt Strut, Who are YOU Walking For? Money raised will help MaxFund care for the ambassadors and find all animals of MaxFund forever homes.
Walk for ME, won’t you please???
Gemini I’m Gemini – or Gemmigemgem, as the MaxFund family likes to call me! I came to the shelter in 2008 and I am a darling, young at heart Black Lab who has 11 years under her belt. When I arrived at MaxFund, I was trained with all the basics and extras to boot! I want nothing more than to please my beloved humans. I will spend all day snoozing at your feet if you let me! I get along with most dogs, but need to be reminded that cats are to look at. I do listen! Treatment is inexpensive. (Even if it was not, I would be worth it!) Because I am an older girl, I do have some arthritis and am also given a supplement for this. I should not be in a home with children; they make me nervous. A retired couple who would love a true blue friend would be ideal.
Boogie Hi! I’m Boogie a 4 year-old male Shepard-Chow mix. I’ve been at MaxFund since July of 2009, when my owner was deployed. I tend to suffer from stress and anxiety but my kind friends at MaxFund have me working with a behavioral specialist, and take a lot of time talking with me and caring for me. I am very sweet, although I can be protective of my family members. It would be best if I could be part of a household that doesn't have lots of visitors bustling in and out. Also, I’d suggest that we ask visitors not to make a fuss over me when we first meet; rather, let me set the pace for our introduction, and allow me to get to know them in my own time. That being said, I am a very loyal and pooch who will be your loving companion forever. I also get along with other dogs and well-mannered older children. I’m looking for a family who has time to be patient with me as I work through my stress.
Jake Hello! My name is Jake and I am a 6 year-old, 50# Shar-Pei/Mastiff mix. When I arrived at MaxFund in 2007, I had several ailments – the most serious being an injured hip. My hip injury and other scarring are consistent with my having been hit by a car. Ouch! Since being at MaxFund, I have undergone all necessary medical treatments and recuperated completely from hip surgery. Now, I am a healthy, active and happy dog. I have regained complete mobility and I love walks. On the other hand, I don’t think I can ever be a running partner. I am taking two chewable glucosamine chondroitin tablets a day - just like humans do when they want their joints to feel better. These tablets are inexpensive and I think that they are a yummy treat! I am afraid of children (less than about 13 or 14 years old) and I must not be expected to interact with them. It is unlikely that I will ever be able to be around children – for my safety and for theirs. I am wary of unfamiliar people and I can become protective of my chosen humans especially if I have bonded with them. Generally I am more comfortable with women than men but I do like several men on staff and who volunteer here at the shelter. I would be better as an “only dog” or perhaps with a well-mannered female dog about my own size. I have also been to a professional boarding training school for a couple of months. As well as learning many commands, I learned some social skills and I had my temperament evaluated. It turns out that I need a structured environment with calm humans who can exert affectionate but strong leadership at all times. It would probably help if they are experienced dog owners. That all sounds a tall order but when you get to know me you will find me an affectionate, loyal and equally rewarding companion. As part of my foster/adoption package, after being approved my foster family or adopters can consult and take me for a lesson with my professional trainer so that the transition to my new home can go as smoothly as possible.
Maverick Hi! I am an energetic, fun-loving 2 year old boxer weighing 58 lbs. My name is Maverick. Probably I was so named because I have to admit that I am a bit of an independent thinker! I was found as a stray by a kind woman who brought me to MaxFund so I would be safe until my family came to claim me. However, no one has come to claim me so I am now looking for a family to call my own forever. I am fine with men, women, and older children (16 and up). However, I do need to be in a setting where I'm not exposed to strangers. You see, my shyness and fears can make me react unpredictably when confronted by a stranger, even a well-meaning one. So for everyone's safety, please avoid having me interact with anyone I don't know well, whether at home or on walks. I get on with some other friendly dogs and I tend not to mind cats. I love going for walks and I walk calmly on a leash. However, I am easily scared (I try to duck and run) if you raise the end of the leash or shake it suddenly so I need my family to understand that such leash movements can bring back bad memories. Positive reinforcement techniques can help me overcome these fears. I am not sure if I have had “formal training” but I am a smart dog who already understands how to sit and I behave well. However, I am still young and I know I would benefit from further reward-based training classes since I enjoy learning new things. Also training would help my family and me get to know each other better. Playtime is very fun and it would be great to have a backyard to run in - however I will need a 6 foot high fence to keep me safe since I am quite an athlete! Please come by to meet me if you are in the MaxFund neighborhood. I am always ready for a walk and it is interesting having visitors. Maybe you will even want to take me home!
Romeo I'm a 6 year old German Shepherd who has not yet found my perfect forever home. You see, I LOVE a little too much sometimes. I love all people, and I even love children, but I love them so much and feel that it's my duty to protect them. So, my super-big hear, filled with love has gotten me into some trouble when "strange" people and dogs come around the people that I love so much. Although I really love children, I'm looking for a Forever Family without children (I don't want to feel like I need to protect the little tykes). I am housetrained and am great on a leash. I also know basic obedience commands and I can even get along with cats (I've lived with one before and we got along great!) I love to fetch balls but, even better, I love being chased when I'm carrying a ball!! One thing I don't like is loud noises - thunder and fireworks are the worst! When mom or dad are around to protect me from these scary noises, I can easily be comforted by their care and love - but, if I'm alone, I get very nervous, uncomfortable and worked up. For this reason, I'm looking for a mom and/or dad who can be with me most of the time. Or, if they can't be with me, I may be able to spend time in a doggie daycare because I like other dogs! As you can see, I'm a total LOVER and am looking forward to cuddling with YOU! Please come visit me - I'd love to go on a walk and see if we're a good match! Just ask "Romeo, the LOVER!"
Rueben Hi! My name is Reuben, and I'm a 3 & ½ year old, 70-pound mixed breed, but I am 100% love once you get to know me. I'm loving, loyal and smart, an d I deserve to find a GREAT forever family SOON! I was found as a stray and a nice family brought me to MaxFund. I am forever grateful for the food, shelter and walks I get here. That being said, I am really looking for my Forever loving home. I am a spirited dog who is curious on walks and enjoys searching high and low for things to investigate. I have been known to chase squirrels quite vigorously, and I show my strength when I want to go somewhere. I'm a smart and responsive dog so if you want me to learn how to walk calmly even around squirrels; I will surely follow your instructions if you ask me to. I’m receiving some training from the volunteers here, and I look forward to continuing it. I know that I'll be able to settle in well with you, so that my beautiful soul can come out and play sooner rather than later! Now, what really makes me super-happy is having a big yard in which to run around. I look like an Olympian when I run at full throttle and it makes me feel good. I’m a smart dog, but one who doesn’t quite realize my own strength, so it would be great if I could continue my education to reach my full potential as the A+ canine student everyone at MaxFund knows I can be. I like having a teacher and will make you proud! Please take it slow in putting me into new situations. I have spent the majority of my young life in the shelter here and some things make me feel afraid, like going to the vet, noisy crowds, loud traffic and such. It will take me a little while to learn that I am safe and secure with you as my leader. I may bark when you come to my cage, but that is just my way of saying “Hi, glad to see you! Please take me out…I’d love to play."
Spartacus Hi! I'm Spartacus! I am not sure what the origin of my name is... perhaps the ancient Roman gladiator Spartacus. But I assure you, I am a lover, not a gladiator! I'm a 2-year-old male Boxer mix who will make you smile from ear to ear! I am madly in love with walks, but who isn't really? I'm also house trained, so gold star for me! My previous home accustomed me to the good life, I must say. I had my own couch to sleep on and sometimes I'd change it up a bit and sleep in the bathroom. Some think that was odd, but a cool floor on a warm night is where it’s at! Aside from collecting more gold stars for being undemanding, adorable, patient, great on a leash and sitting on command, I'm just a good old fashioned pup who loves love, attention and a place to call home for good.
Cleopatra Hi, I’m Cleo, a 7 year-old Catahoula-Shepard mix…go ahead, comment on how cute my ears are; everyone does! And yes, that’s the way they stay! I first came to MaxFund in 2004, and was quickly adopted to a great family. Unfortunately, the ecomony left my owners unemployed and they had to return me to MaxFund in 2010. Just like my friend Addie, I don’t like wheels …rollerblades, bikes, cars, etc. and I need to be the ONLY dog in your home. I don’t mind spending time with other canines in neutral territory, but I want to be the queen of my castle. Until I get to know people, I am generally more relaxed with women than men. Sometimes I am a little shy but I warm up quickly and I am naturally very affectionate. I have been teased by children in the past and would be a better match for a family with older teenagers or only adults.
Addison: I’m a 6 year-old female English Bulldog-Mastiff mix who came to MaxFund in 2009 & I love to ride in the car! Conversely, I’m not a big fan of anything else with wheels…skateboards, motorcycles…you get the picture. I’m absolutely an Alpha, so I am very protective of my family and prefer to get to know people pretty well before being petted. I need a human companion who will honor my needs and not just let any stranger pet me. No children, please; I think a family of adults only would be best, although teenagers (16 and older) might be okay. Again, please let me emphasize: I need to be in a setting where I'm not exposed to strangers. I can react unpredictably when confronted by a stranger, even a well-meaning one. So for everyone's safety, please avoid having me interact with anyone I don't know well.
Gunner Hel-lo…I’m Gunner, still at pup at 1 and ½ years young. In case it’s not obvious, I am a Red Bloodhound. I came to MaxFund last summer in June as a stray, so most of my manners have been learned here at the shelter (they take us on great walks!). My breed is often referred to as a gentle giant. I may seem big (since we grow to become 80-100 pounds) but really, that's just my heart. I'm a love-a-holic that just can't get enough affection. I do need to be with a family who has the strength to walk me, the space to let me play and a heart that will love me forever. I'm great with other dogs, people, car rides and definitely water! I'm even great with little dogs, although I think they are toys so I play rough with them. I'm probably best with the bigger kids since I'm way stronger than I realize and could knock the little ones down.
