Sammy Jo was about to get a new name and a new family. She seemed pretty happy about it, if a wagging tail is any indication.
Jan and Brett Saunders of Lake Orion were signing papers to adopt the dog recently from the K-9 Stray Rescue League in Oxford. The 2-year-old female was going to be, they were sure, a perfect match for their family? a good size, gentle and sweet with a moderate personality, and, a labrador mix.
‘We think diversity is nice,? said Brett, smiling. ‘We also think more people want puppies. The older dogs are more difficult to place, but they don’t chew. We are older people and like older dogs. Their personality is already developed.?
Jessica Bartlett was also at the K-9 Stray Rescue League at the same time, ready to take home her new love? a year-old Chihuahua-dachshund mix named Malcolm who was safely snuggled in her arms.
‘He’s so cute, I knew I wanted him right away,? said Bartlett of North Branch. ‘It’s so awesome what they do here. It’s so much better to rescue a dog. I went to a couple animal shelters and the dogs had issues. Now I have another dog to cuddle with.?
K-9 Stray Rescue League was founded nearly 20 years ago by Carol Powell, whose mission was to save dogs on the euthanasia lists at local shelters. The non-profit organization is run out of a spacious Oxford home located at 2120 Metamora Road, with heated kennels on the property sheltering 50 dogs at a time. At any given time, another 20 are in foster homes with volunteers. Each year, the rescue helps 800 dogs find new homes.
‘Temperament is the biggest thing for us,? said Karen Kronk, a K-9 Stray Rescue League volunteer and member of the management team. ‘The dog has to be adoptable and a good fit for a family. So many good dogs are euthanized. We want to save them? it doesn’t matter if they are old or young, purebred or pure mutt, they can be a wonderful dog for someone.?
On the second Saturday of every month, K-9 Stray Rescue League brings adoptable dogs to Groveland and Brandon townships. From 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Nov. 14, the K-9 Stray Rescue League will be at Pet Supplies ‘Plus,? 22 N. Ortonville Road, and from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 14, dogs can be rescued at Tractor Supply Company, 700 S. Ortonville Road.
K-9 Stray Rescue League finds strays from shelters in Genesee, Muskegon, Sanilac and Tuscola counties and evaluate the animals for temperament, keeping only the ones who they deem adoptable and likely to fit in well with a family.
‘We can’t save them all? for every mean, nasty dog saved, a good dog could be put to sleep,? Kronk explained. ‘We give people as much information as possible about the dogs.?
At the Oxford home, only adult dogs are kept in the kennels. Puppies are available, but not on site. They are kept in foster homes until they are ready to be adopted. Kronk is more excited when an adult dog finds a loving home.
‘Especially with long-term dogs that get overlooked because they are too big or too old and not that fuzzy puppy? the grown-up dogs that just want a family to love them,? she said. ‘Don’t overlook them, because these dogs are trained, wonderful companions, they want to hang out with you. They have so much love to give. They want to be by you, not run out and chase anything.?
K-9 Stray Rescue League spays and neuters animals prior to their adoption. Dogs are all tested and treated for heartworm and given one-year vaccinations for distempter and rabies. The adoption fee is $185 for all dogs except for senior dogs that are 8-years-old and older, for whom the fee is $110. Fees cover all the medical costs of the dog.
‘It’s a big commitment to adopt a dog, but they give unconditional love, joy and fulfillment,? Kronk said. ‘They don’t ask for the car keys and you don’t have to send them to college. They don’t ask for anything but your love and attention and they give so much back in return… Our goal is to get them into their forever home where they can be a happy member of a family.?