Over the past two days, two dogs have been abandoned at Hillside Dog Park. They are currently being fostered in the nabe, and are available for adoption to good homes.
I’m fostering the Akita, which Akita Rescue believes is a full breed. He’s male, and the vet estimates he’s between 4-5 years old. He’s a gorgeous dog (see accompanying photo), and I’d love to keep him, but I’m only allowed one dog in my apartment. I’ve had Akita (that’s what I call him) for two days, and this dog’s disposition is extraordinary. He’s trained, good mannered, sweet, affectionate, mellow, and gets on well with people and other dogs.
The vet gave Akita a rabies and distemper inoculation, and we ran a heartworm and fecal exam and the tests are negative. He’s in good shape, but was underfed when abandoned. A few more days of good food and this dog will be in proper form.
Warning: if you meet Akita you’re going to want to make him part of your life. As Friends of Hillside Dog Park president, I see a lot of dogs, and they are all good, but Akita is exceptional. He’ll make a great companion for someone who wants a big dog, but also one that’s laid back and well trained. I think he’d do fine even in a small apartment. Someone’s going to adopt a great dog. If you’ve been thinking about it, and you want a big dog (he’s an underweight 72 lbs and will likely be at least 80lbs), he’s right here in Brooklyn Heights waiting to meet you.
The second dog is a beautiful and super-sweet black and white female Pit mix puppy, approximately 5 months old and 40lbs. At first no one knew this dog was abandoned today because she was playing so well and actively with the other dogs at Hillside Dog Park. But it became apparent after many hours that the puppy’s prior owners intentionally left her. No tags, no microchip, no collar. She’s currently being fostered with a neighborhood family that already has a 10-month old puppy (and a 8 year old daughter), and won’t be able to foster this new pup for long.
As you’ll see from the photo, this pup is very sweet, playful, and is great with children and other dogs. This is an active dog and will need a good amount of daily exercise (at least an hour at Hillside for some off-leash fun).
My fellow neighbors, the economic crisis is overflowing the animal shelters with abandoned dogs. There’s no room left. Let’s take care of our own during these tough times, from our neighbors to our pups.
If you’ve been thinking of adopting, now’s the time–these dogs will make their new owners very happy.
For more information or for an interview to see one of these dogs, please contact me at mparker@hillsidedogs.org. Both dogs are being fostered in Brooklyn Heights.
You can see more photos of both dogs here: http://tinyurl.com/ousnu9 (you’ll need to log in with a Yahoo account)