Feeding your Canine Companion

2005 Annual Report
Please click here to view the Sequoia Humane Society's 2005 Annual Report (PDF)

Vets who support SHS Spay/Neuter Drives Sunny Brae Animal Clinic 900 Buttermilk Lane Arcata, CA 95521 822-5124 Eureka Veterinary Hospital 4433 Broadway, Eureka 442-4885 Animal Health & Surgery Center 1257 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna 725-6154 Myrtle Avenue Veterinary Hospital 2715 Hubbard Lane, Eureka 443-8686 Ferndale Veterinary 1140 Van Ness Ave., Ferndale 786-4200 McKinleyille Animal Care Ctr 839-1504

What does it mean to be a no-kill shelter? It means that every animal to come through the doors of the Sequoia Humane Society’s Pet Adoption Center will get a home, no matter how long it takes – even JoJo.

JoJo grew up in Mexico. Chained to a fence without regular food, water or shelter, he watched the world go by, becoming increasingly frustrated at his lack of freedom. Like most young dogs JoJo would have liked to be running on the beach, chasing balls, and enjoying the love and companionship of a human friend. Instead he was left alone, neglected, possibly even abused. Lacking any other form of stimulation, JoJo began to bark at the motorcycles as they zoomed by – soon this simple activity turned into an obsession.

Fortunately there are kind people in the world who hate to see any animal abused or neglected. One such Good Samaritan saw JoJo and took pity on him. He rescued JoJo, brought him back the United States, and on his way up the coast stopped by the Sequoia Humane Society to see if they had room for one more oversized, adolescent black lab 'puppy'.

Who could resist those brown eyes? Despite spending the first 11 months of his life in pathetic conditions with no socialization and without proper care, JoJo remained surprisingly sweet and attentive. Unfortunately, bad habits die hard, and JoJo continued to become extremely agitated at the sight or sound of motorcycles. We soon found that this obsessive/compulsive behavior also extended to bicycles, as well as two goats that were being housed at the shelter. Recognizing the potential safety hazard such a behavior could cause if not controlled, we enlisted the help of professional dog trainer Jennifer Kramer while looking for a special person to adopt this special dog.

A year and a half goes by and JoJo is still no closer to overcoming his obsession, nor has the Humane Society staff found an adopter willing and able to deal with JoJo’s special needs. SHS volunteer Steve Haines visits with JoJo several times a week, often taking him for long walks. Yet JoJo sometimes seems listless, as if he knows there is more to life than the inside of a kennel and wonders if he’ll ever find a real home.

Finally his dreams are realized. Jana came to the Sequoia Humane Society looking for a canine companion to replace her beloved pet. She looked into JoJo’s sad eyes and knew she’d found a new friend – he was even housed in the same kennel as the dog she’d adopted from SHS 8 years ago! SHS staff made sure Jana was made aware of JoJo’s special issues and even brought JoJo to her house to see how well he would adjust to his new surroundings. As if he knew he was going home, JoJo romped around Jana’s yard and checked out his new living quarters. Apparently deciding that they were the best thing he’d ever seen, JoJo said he’d like to move in.

"Jana is the perfect match for JoJo," says Wanda Regan, SHS Kennel Manager and a 15-year Humane Society veteran. "I believe there is a home out there for every animal, and I’m so glad JoJo has finally found his."

Jana and JoJo have already been to the beach and are spending lots of time together. JoJo also gets to go to Happy Dog to play with his new canine buddies. Could a poor dog from Mexico ask for a better life?

The Sequoia Humane Society staff and volunteers would like to thank Jana for taking JoJo into her heart and home. JoJo’s story stands as a shining example that together we can create a community where no animal is abused or neglected, and every animal has a loving home.

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Great gift idea! Woofstock 2007 t-shirts are on sale for $10 each. Sizes are limited.

 

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