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12 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, November 4, 2010 Hunter says: `Please give me a chance!' By JUDITH-ANNE KOLU Upper Credit Humane Society volunteer Self-pity is not pretty, desperation is ugly, homelessness is sad, being unwanted will kill the very spirit of your being. My spirit is in an endless struggle to keep from being extinguished. I tore at my legs until they bled at the Shelter, and screamed my frustration and anguish. But then Foster Mum offered a temporary shelter to me together with companionship and love which has eased the pain in my soul but that permanent family and home is still way out of reach... I was known as "Hunter" at the Shelter but since being with my loving Foster Mum I am also called "Gunther". I am a large EXTREMELY handsome, tricolour, young male American Foxhound, approximately 2 years old, roughly 63 lbs, exhibiting medium energy except when excited to see you. I am leashtrained but as a hound my nose is my entertainment and I love to sniff, sniff, sniff....so stimulating. I wish I could stay forever at Foster Mums but due to her own circumstances I cannot. I understand the situation but I do feel that I am caught in a revolving door because in two short years no one has ever given me enough time for me to trust and love them. Shortly I will be on the move again through no fault of my own. I will share with you that I am VERY sensitive, old tapes play of yelling and aggressive behaviour and if I hear loud voices and sounds, I cannot help it but I do a little pee pee because I become so upset. I think it is because of this lack of any security in my life that I just react. However, I am a quick learner and Foster Mum thought I barked too much, so she shook a can with pennies in it which startled me and now when I see the can I know what to do! I am learning to come when called by voice and also by hand signals which I find fun, and because I like it here I YOU AND YOUR PET Pet of the Month trust Foster Mum and try to overcome the urge to sniff and obediently come to her side and she is very pleased. I am playful with the other dogs, and am called diplomatic as it has been noticed that I adapt my style to suit the wants and needs of new friends, I even entice shyer ones to play. There are also some cats here and I have let the kittens eat out of my very own food bowl! They have to live too! I am also not particularly interested in those clucking things and big animals that live here too...and I get praise for this lack of interest which is fine with me! I might like to have a companion dog in my forever home but realize that an "only" dog home might be good for me as I would get more attention which Foster Mum thinks I need. My leash walking is improving and I can be let off leash now because I am getting much more reliable on recall. We go for long walks and I love it! I would like an adult-only home, or with teenage young adults because babies and small children make me fearful and uncertain with their loud voices and sudden moves. I have cute little ways and like to bury my treats in hidey places in the furniture, oh and I love to recline in comfort and style, sometimes I become so happy that I roll and kick my legs in the air while vocalizing, this makes Foster Mum laugh she knows that it means I am happy and content. I also like to play "Stalk my Foster Mum" games and it seems to be something we both enjoy! Foster Mum also boasts that I have the most gentle mouth ever...it seems that's good! Sadly even in this "looks are important society" and constantly declared handsome, I have not found my very own permanent family yet. They love me here, and I have shown that given the right direction I can be such a good boy. There is more work to do, of course, but I have so enjoyed not being in prison at the Shelter where I was going beserk. Thank you dear Foster Mum....I will never forget you as you are helping me towards my future. Hunter can be contacted through the Shelter, 519-8332287 or e-mail adoptions@ uppercredit.com to make arrangements to meet him and his Foster Mum. We're adopted! Thank you Independent & Free Press readers and You and Your Pet advertisers. Check out www.uppercredit.com for many other worthy pets needing homes. CAYMAN DENIM JAKE HARLEY MITSOU FLEUR CHARLOTTE GLAMOUR MUSKOKA KOKANEE GLOBAL PET FOODS The Health Food Store For Your Pet At Global, Going Green will take you places EARN BONUS AIR MILES for every "green" brand you buy! Located in the Georgetown Market Place Holiday Pets on Parade to be published in Come and visit our "Play "N" Learn Kampus" Monday to Friday In Celebration of 21 Years 13417 22nd Sideroad, Georgetown, ON January InFocus email for details features@independentfreepress.com Visit us on our website for details on our upcoming classes, seminars and workshops or call for more information. www.campaigndogacademy.com 905-873-7086 www.globalpetfoods.ca 905-702-7600 Mobile/House Calls Dental Services Preventative Medicine Professional all breed dog and cat grooming Surgery Wellness and Senior Programs Kitten and Puppy Programs Separate Cat Suites for boarding Spacious runs for all breed dog boarding Pet Supplies Hospital tours welcome and visiting hours encouraged. ARGYLL VETERINARY SERVICES SHOPLOCAL SHOP SMART... SHOP HALTON HILLS Pet Pictures with Santa Saturday Dec. 4 Vet Care for Your Pets In The Comfort of Their Own Home + in home exams and vaccines + in home blood collection + in home euthanasia & transport R.R. #4, Georgetown, Ont. 905-873-1354 www.terraglen.com $10 Book Early for Holiday Season Pet Grooming & U-Groom Facilities Call to book your appointment Dr. Anna Moss Welcoming Your Call (905) 873-9274 Corner of River Rd. and 10th Line (Across from Eagle Ridge Golf Course) Proceeds will go to local Animal Shelters 140 Guelph St., Georgetown 905-873-0933