Happy Tails: Life After the Shelter
It’s a rough life in a county shelter. So much barking, cold hard floors, not much room to move around. We do a lot of happy dancing when our dogs find their forever homes. Here are stories of our dogs once they find their families.
Warning: this is heart warming stuff!
Niko
Niko is thriving in our family. The first few weeks with Niko were funny as he tried testing his boundaries with the home. He’s incredibly smart and quickly learned he can let his guard down and just be the loving doggie that he is. He graduated basic obedience class in January 2023 with flying colors!
As a snowbird, he travels back and forth to Florida and Ellijay 2x a year. While in Florida he LOVES going to the beach and just lounging watching the sunset and all the other dogs running into the ocean. He is still learning to gain his confidence and becoming more secure around strangers and other dogs but this is something we have patience and confidence with him, after all he’s SUCH an intelligent boy.
With his daily walks and green bean diet, he’s managed to drop a total of 13-14 lbs! Every pound he drops he walks and climbs further and further, and you can really see how much more comfortable he is. Some of Nikos favorite things include cuddling, butt scratches, having his shoulders massaged, playing fetch, warm baths/being groomed, site sighting, mini hikes, naps by the fire, and of course eating! Niko was indeed sent to us for a reason. Who rescued who?!
-Alexandria & Eric
Sonoma (Formally Belle)
3 months have flown by since I adopted Sonoma. So many firsts! She had her first trip to FL and hit the beach! Loved the seagulls but not the water. She loved the hiking trail we found. Then her first Halloween 🎃, as princess ballerina. Now her first World Series. Look forward to many more firsts and seconds and thirds.
Can’t thank you enough for doing what you do.
Paris (Formally Clarissa)
Paris is doing wonderfully! She jumps up and down with joy whenever we go for walks. She is so loving and sweet. She loves bully sticks and has to have a shot of whipped cream when she comes back from her morning walk. I think God sent us an Angel ❤️
Gus is doing wonderfully! He is so sweet, snuggly, smart, and playful. He’s so playful that old man Snickers is now playing multiple times a day with him. Gus listens when Snickers needs a break and happily plays with his toys.
Gus is happy to meet everyone in his vicinity and is learning to walk well on the leash. He’s mastered stairs, the doggie door, and curling up in laps for naps. He especially loves waking the girls up with kisses in the morning, walking them to and home from school, and snuggling on my lap while I do computer work at night. He’s 99% housetrained and his mischievousness is mostly really endearing. We love him so much!!
Gus
Jesse (Formally Betty)
Jesse has been with her new family for almost two weeks, and she is adjusting wonderfully! She’s very playful and loves to play with her pack! She loves going for walks and investigating her new environment, which is full of interesting smells. She isn’t sure the purpose of the smaller, four-legged furry creatures that meow, but she knows not to play rough with them. Her pack has taught her that tennis balls are the greatest things on the planet and she should always get one when we go out in the yard. We just love the energy that Jesse has and hope she feels safe and happy in her new home.
Diesel
Diesel is living his best life alongside his big sister, Belle. A few of his favorite things include toys, running in the yard, treats, and cuddles. A few of his least favorite things include rides, baths, and coming inside. We have absolutely fallen in love with Diesel and his fiery personality, and he has made it pretty clear that the feeling is mutual. He truly is the best boy who has completed our little family and we can’t wait to grow with Diesel in this new adventure.
Little Man
Dear Ellijay Paws,
I was formerly adopted by my foster parents Dan and Michelle last week and over the last ten weeks have basically trained my former foster parents and my new step dog sisters as to how I want the house to run. First I want to lead the morning walks. “Ladies please follow me as I’ll warn you of any dangers!” Second, I’ll give a morning lecture on the front steps and attendance is mandatory. The lecture will be entitled “Chihuahua’s get first choice at treats.” Finally I’ll expect to get my afternoon vitamin C by taking a long and leisurely rest while My new Dad makes saw dust. Nevertheless despite my new duties of protecting my step sisters I find time to help my Mom do her washing. I have to admit this is a pretty cushy home for these old bones, but I get and give a lot of love. Everybody seems pretty happy, especially me.
Best wishes,
Little Man
Red
Well….. Susan did it! She saw Red’s sad eyes , in the photo at the vet( after he was neutered), and she immediately told me to “ go get him”! I have to thank her- because he is just the greatest addition to our family- he makes us both so happy( okay- so maybe not when he’s doing his zoomies-but we know he’ll probably out grow them.) Red is adjusting so well …..why not- he’s like us- living in a cabin in the woods, in the North Georgia mountains! Daddy has been busy… “Red- proofing” our decks- 4 new gates now give him some freedom to roam outside…. His new backyard fenced run is next. We are amazed at how he gets so much more relaxed with each passing day- literally. He used to bark at anything or anyone that passed our house…. Now he’s just more curious- and isn’t so scared, or nervous. One of the ways we know he is enjoying his new place- is he now snores…. Not too loud- but a nice, relaxed snore. He’s so adorable…. Like when he walks into his crate at mealtime…. knowing he’s going to be fed….. no begging here- not at all….. and he’s house trained, and sleeps thru the night- without a peep from him. I will say- we don’t know who he is more attached to- Susan or I. He missed her when she had to pick up his little sister from Florida- but his rides in daddy’s truck kept him busy- among with some trips to Lowes, Home Depot, the dog park in Blue Ridge, and a hike to the Cartecay river. We are so lucky with the wonderful dog we feel blessed to have helped…. And we know the future with Red will be a fun, and enjoyable one. We would also like to say that we are great full for the wonderful friendships we have made while in this fostering, and adoption process! The volunteers- (especially Stephanie)- that have been so helpful, are truly amazing people. These animals are truly loved - and it shows , from the dedication of all the volunteers from Ellijay Paws in Need. We have come to realize that It is so true what they say: ”Who rescued who?”
Thank you to our new friends…. Rest assured…. Red is doing fantastic!
Egan (Formally Randy or “Mr. 7” to many staff & volunteers)
We changed Randy’s name to Egan and he seems to love it. It’s an Irish whiskey and an Irish Gaelic name for fire. He fits the name well. Egan has learned our schedules in no time and reminds us when it’s time to go to the “Bark Park”. Which he absolutely loves. He also found the ducks at another nearby park we walk. He has tried to make friends, however, the ducks want no part of this. They are actually rather rude about it. He loves his time with “the man” of the house as he is very much a kid at heart and plays well with others too. He and Egan wrestle around the bed every morning. We have decided that balls are the safest toy for him since the stuffed animals encouraged him to find pillows when he couldn’t find his animals. He loves to throw the balls in the air and catch them. When he’s bored playing by himself he will bring them to you to play with him. He waits patiently for the rumba to push them out from under the couch each morning so he can start again. He is clingy to his humans and hates separation. We are still waiting for the aggressive side of this gentle giant to come out. He has made a perfect addition to our Irish family.
Thor
From the moment I laid eyes on Thor and read his story, I knew he was meant to be part of our family. It was an instinctual knowing, and then we met him: my husband, Eric, and I and our other fur baby Drift. Drift and Thor took to each other, almost like two peas in a pod. After the first week of being in our home, Thor was happy and he and Drift were becoming best buds. They had each other’s back when outside in the backyard chasing squirrels. It was a joy to watch as Thor came alive and ran and played with Drift as they learned their boundaries. Eric stayed home with them for that first week, and each day friendships grew more and more. Now you will not find one without the other. Thor loves to cuddle up and be loved on. He is very well behaved when told to sit, lay down and go to bed, and he even shakes hands we have found out. He loves treats, car rides, and going outside. He is a good boy and a good mature influence on Drift. I believe they have helped each other out quite a bit. We love Thor and would not trade him for anything in the world. Although we are still working out a few quirks with him, we are confident that those can be overcome with some help. We will not give up on him. As the old saying goes, he is attached to us at the hip, and he has our hearts. We are ecstatic that he will live out the rest of his days with us loving on him. You see, Thor is a good strong name. Named after a Viking god in mythology, who was a protector of many. This is Thor, a protector and he is living his best life.
Blossom
Blossom is fitting in nicely and routinely finds a lap she loves to snuggle into! Here she is waiting oh so patiently for my wife to come and sit down with her. She walked 3.26 miles yesterday on a logging road and seems happiest when she is chasing lizards outside. She is our second rescue from Ellijay Paws in Need and we couldn’t be happier.
Luna Blue
We saw a picture of Luna Blue (then known as Bonnie) and fell for her right away. Fate brought her to us when our efforts to meet her failed and she ended up coincidentally being fostered by a dear friend down the street. Our newly blended family has become Luna Blue’s pack that she now herds and protects. We love when we are cuddling and she squeezes her way in, or when she tries to jump rope with her human big sister or shows off her fetching skills. She is always waiting at the door to welcome us and has truly been the glue that has turned our new family’s house into a home.
Charlie
When I come home, Charlie gets so excited that he literally smiles. The dog park is his favorite place and he is everyone's immediate BFF.
Charlie is an avid shoe collector and has a passion for belly rubs, snuggling on the big bed, and keeping his 8 and 17-year-old human brothers physically fit by racing around the house with them.
Charlie prefers to sleep while holding hands with me … or maybe that's my preference, but whatever! - From Charlie’s Adoptive Mom, Lynne.
Rocky
I saw a picture of Rocky being a good boy on a hike with a shelter volunteer and thought to myself, what a cute dog! After reading the Facebook post that he had been there over 2 years, I knew right then that I was coming to get him!
The first couple of days home he enjoyed exploring his space and found his favorite spot - on the couch. His first time meeting the neighbor’s dog, Sugar, was love at first sight and they play often in a shared backyard.
Rocky has become a snuggle monster and loves peanut butter. He has adjusted beautifully and instantly became a member of the family. Even the cat says he is okay! - From Rocky’s Adoptive Mom, Susan.
Jax
Soon after my husband and I began volunteering as dog walkers at the Gilmer County Animal Shelter, a little grey pittie with a funny bark showed up. For the next several months, we’d see Jax every week during the walks. He always made us laugh with his pig snorts and cute personality. We desperately wanted to find him a home, so we started taking him out to parks and local dog-friendly businesses wearing his “Adopt Me” bandana. Everyone he met loved him and like us, couldn’t believe he was a shelter dog. Finally, after 7 months in the shelter, we decided Jax belonged with us. We slowly introduced him to our other 2 rescues, who are littermates, and in much less time than expected, he became part of the pack and now has an older brother & sister who he insists on keeping young. He’s such a fun guy and we still love taking him out with us but the “Adopt Me” bandana is no more. He’s forever ours.
Tripp
Seeing Tripp relaxed chewing a bone is a little slice of heaven (especially for all the volunteers that saw him jumping up and down nonstop every day in his run). Tripp is enjoying the good life now, with a yard for goofing around with his new brother and a dad with whom he goes hiking and backpacking. Finally, at ease, Tripp is living his best adventurous life.
Abby (Formerly Beatrice)
It didn't take long for the little mangy puppy shivering in the back of her run at the shelter to turn into a playful, happy and goofy snuggle- monster. Abby (formerly Beatrice) loves her brother Roo, her new family and everyone she meets on our walks through the neighborhood. Her fur has all grown back and she is quickly learning basic commands. When she isn't playing with one of her 20 toys, she is running zoomies in the backyard or trying to nap on top of Roo. She has brought so much joy and laughter to our little family.
Reece
Reece’s new life began when Scott arrived at the shelter to get him with Bojangles sausage biscuits as a “welcome to the family” treat! In this photograph, Reece is with his brother Abel on a 2-mile morning walk in the mountains. At the shelter, Reese could hardly hobble down a very short road. What love and care and a healthy environment do! And the fire that Reece curls up next to in the living room on cold winter nights is pretty sweet too. Thanks, Scott and Leigh for loving Reece!!
Ivy
This is Ivy. She was a sweet 13-year-old hound when she was surrendered to the shelter due to her owners being evicted from their home. The shelter was so full at the time that she had to stay in a crate.
Fortunately, Ivy had only a very short stay at the shelter when her new human, Dee, saved her and brought her into her home with her other two dogs, who immediately took to her and treated her with all of the respect deserved of a senior lady. After a change in diet, her long-time scratching issues subsided, and she was able to comfortably settle in with her new pack.
Ivy stayed with Dee for a very short three months before crossing the Rainbow Bridge (due to severe breathing issues), but those three months were filled with tender loving care. May our beautiful Miss Ivy rest well.
Lexi (Formerly Luna)
This is Lexi, a gorgeous yellow lab/retriever mix. She had been in the shelter for over 300 days and returned twice, before being adopted by Patti and her family. She has a sweet, loving personality, and is learning to trust.
At first, she was so happy to have a home that she never wanted to go outside. The only thing that worked was adorning her with her winter coat, which gave her a sense of comfort and security. She loves her “jewelry”, proudly displaying her new name, Lexi (short for “Lexi Luna Tuna”).
Lexi has two lab mix siblings in her new home, Roxy and Max. They run and play in their fenced acre of land and are very spoiled, according to Mama. Lexi likes to sleep on the couch right next to the bed, and is looking forward to her first family trip to Florida later this year. Go, Lexi!!!
Moose (Formerly Gator)
When I began volunteering at the Gilmer County Animal Shelter of course I immediately fell in love with all of the dogs. But one stole my heart – a big black and white pitbull named Gator. Each day he would greet me from his kennel with his big eyes and an unusual bark that sounded more like a song. I was not looking for dog number 4. I started spending more and more time with him. And then came the day that I asked the Director to please heartworm test him. My worst fear came true. Gator was heartworm positive. I knew we had to get him out of the shelter and begin his treatment. Two different friends stepped up and were willing to care for him while we got our house in order. A month after he left the shelter he finally came home. In fact, when each of our dogs met him it was like they had known him forever. He fit right in. He is a giant goofball who still sings but now he sings a very happy song. We renamed him Moose and it fits perfectly.