PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – The Calvert Board of County Commissioners are scheduled to present a commendation on Tuesday, June 17, at 9:00 am in front of the courthouse, in recognition of the Humane Society of Calvert County’s 50th Anniversary. Several dogs will be present to help Humane Society Board Chair Tanya Gott accept the honor.
The commendation is in recognition of the Humane Society’s work rescuing high-risk animals and working with the community, including the Linda L. Kelley shelter in Calvert. The Humane Society often pulls dogs from Linda L. Kelley and other open intake shelters in Maryland to free up space in those shelters, and in the hopes of giving dogs a better shot at adoption. They work closely with Tri-County and Prince George’s County shelters as well, and have fostered relationships with other organizations willing to take on the dogs.
This includes police departments or other programs that train the dogs to be service or companion animals.
Lisa Zell, a board member at the Humane Society, shared that the staff has been successful in identifying dogs who would excel in these roles. She called out two recent public sector additions – Sophie who is going to the Prince George’s County Police Department, and Toby (now Ryker) who is working with the Washington, D.C. Fire Department.
Zell says that the Humane Society pulls purebreds from shelters at least once a month, but any breed can make a great working dog.
“It’s all about drive,” she explained. “If a dog wants that ball and nothing but that ball, that’s a good sign they have what it takes.”
Sandford, a gentle pitbull mix and staff favorite, has taken yet a different path. Sandford has had trouble finding a family due to his breed and size. He’s soon heading off to the Wounded Paw Project, where he’ll be trained as a support animal for a veteran.
As for the dogs looking for more traditional homes and families, Zell encourages interested adopters to carefully research the kind of dog they want, and to go into the shelter with an open-mind. You don’t want to get a border collie if you work all day and live in an apartment, for example.
“Often, people come in with a certain dog in mind, and that dog might not be the right fit. Our staff is really great at helping people find the right dog.”
She also acknowledged that not knowing a dog’s history can scare some people out of adopting – the staff knows a lot about the dogs in their care, and there’s no such thing as asking too many questions. Potential adopters can also foster-to-adopt to make sure the animal works for their family and lifestyle.
She also recommends that adopters abide by the 3-3-3 rule that says dogs take 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to adjust, and 3 months to fully feel at home.
The Humane Society is a nonprofit organization fully paid for by fundraising and donations, and doesn’t receive government funding. Adoptable dogs come neutered or spayed, up to date on shots, and have flea or tick heartworm preventative. You can support the organization and learn about future events here, and view adoptable dogs here.
And if you’re not looking to adopt just yet, you can catch Sandford and friends at the courthouse at 9am Tuesday in what looks to be a dignified, fur-tastic event.
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