Tamara Gregor: SCHS Column: Extended stay pups look for a warm family to love

Sep. 11—With the thought of cooler months approaching, there are several pups who would love a home to warm up in at the humane society.

As part of the Stephens County Humane Society's Take Out Tuesday program this week, The Banner is featuring a few dogs who sometimes get overlooked at the shelter — Dakota, Talullah and Cory.

Dakota is around 2 years and 2 months old and a pointer, German shorthaired mixed breed. Dakota has resided at the humane society for 89 days.

Dakota weighs in at around 41 pounds and loves going for walks outside, especially to the dog park. According to the humane society, when Dakota first leaves the shelter, she tends to want to get her zoomies out, but will eventually settle in for the car ride.

This sweet girl already knows a few commands, from sitting to shaking paws. She dons a beautiful black coat with a few undertones to mark her gorgeous look.

Humane society staff noted Dakota will need a tall fence while she is out in a yard, but has already proven she will be a great and loyal companion all of her days.

Talullah is around 4 years old and a mixed breed. Although Talullah is a shy dog, she is extremely friendly. This sweet mama came to the humane society around 72 days ago, but longs to settle into a home of her own.

With a beautiful tan and brown coat, Talullah has a few white markings on her chest and paws. All this sweet girl needs is a little extra patience from her new family to show her how much she is loved. Talullah will be sure to make a great cuddle buddy indoors or a great walking companion outside.

Cory is around 3 years old and a hound mixed breed. Cory has taken up residence at the shelter for the past 102 days.

Cory's hound tendencies have him eager to sniff out everything in sight, from cats and other dogs to toys to play with whenever he gets the opportunity. Aside from playing with toys and running around the yard, Cory will take the time to jump high to catch a toy or a treat in his mouth.

This sweet young boy will continue to outgrow his puppy phase and he looks to be a great cuddle buddy for his new family.

Patti Whitaker, with the humane society, said it's heartbreaking to see these dogs overlooked for adoption.

"Each of them has so much love to give, and if you take a moment to look into their eyes, you'll see the stories they're longing to share," she said. "Come meet these wonderful dogs — perhaps take one out for a day, enjoy a pup cup together, or go for a walk in the park. You'll understand what we mean. Even if you can't adopt, you can still help by spreading the word."

For the felines

As seasons change, it may be time to adjust outdoor times for cats and bring them indoors.

Autumn is a time when it's good to watch out for seasonal toxins, such as chrysanthemums and fallen leaves, which can be toxic to cats.

Provide a warm and cozy place for your cat to curl up during the times the temperatures drop.

With Halloween activities approaching, candy, decorations and costumes can bring choking hazards if cats get ahold of these items.

As always, maintain regular grooming for your cat to keep fur from matting and schedule routine veterinary visits to keep your cat healthy during the winter months.

For more kitty cat tips sponsored by Minson's Veterinary Hospital, read next week's column.

To inquire about any of the dogs or cats, or to set up an appointment, call 580-252-7387 between the Humane Society's hours of noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from noon to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. SCHS is open from noon to 2 p.m. on Sundays for adoptions only and closed on Monday for surgery day.

The SCHS column is sponsored by Minson's Veterinary Hospital and Tractor Supply Co.

For more information about SCHS or to donate, visit https://stephenscountyshelter.com/.