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Our Weekly Falmouth Enterprise Column

By Pamela Alden Kokmeyer

Friday, May 17, 2013

If perchance Goldilocks stumbled across the threshold of the shelter, she would, almost certainly, remark on Sammy's accouterments and accessories of daily living. His kennel, excuse us, his condo, his bedding, his food bowl, his water bucket, his toys, his collar, his leash are all super-sized. And his wading pool! Even that is super-sized. This special boy, himself, is super-sized.

And this is Sammy's turn to shine. So let us reintroduce you to this gentle giant.

Sammy is a 9-year-old Alaskan malamute. His real name is Sampson, and he easily carries such a strong name. He moves with a peculiar grace for such a large dog with catcher's mitt paws. The malamute is considered the largest and oldest of the Arctic sled dogs and is possessed of great strength. Bred to pull heavy loads, these dogs have heart and when performing at their best, great endurance. Of course, our Sammy is a senior fellow so his heavy sledding days are behind him but he still enjoys some brisk walks followed by strolls. He is being treated for Lyme disease, so we watch for any signs of fatigue, because he certainly won't tell us to take it easy.

But even when not walking—or especially when not walking—Sammy adores attention. He loves the human touch. He's never happier than when he leans his 120 pounds against your leg and gets a massage. Interestingly, as large as he is, he doesn't require huge amounts of food, and given his size, he doesn't require huge amounts of running around.

We won't kid you: he is strong and he has a high prey drive so when out walking, his leash-holder/buddy needs to pay attention. But when there aren't squirrels (or cats or small dogs) crossing his path, he walks well on a leash and is learning to respond.

His coat is coarse, his eyes a little cloudy and he doesn't always respond to his name, but when he looks at you, there is such life in his expression that you know that he knows that he's loved. And true to his breed, he does have heart. Is there room for him in yours?

Come with us while we shadow Sammy in a typical day:

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Of course, we also have other dogs looking to capture your heart. Cody is a 2-year-old Yorkshire terrier. He is little and cute and very friendly. He is also all dog. We remind you of that because some small dogs are treated like toys; they are carried about, dressed in clothes and generally fussed over. Cody, while loving being fussed over, would prefer to run with his gang (which until recently, consisted of another terrier close in age and equal in energy). Cody is not housebroken so he will need some help with that, which means someone will need to be home much of the time.

Lucy, who is still in her own home, is a ready-made family dog. This year-old boxer/mastiff cross has spent her life with children (a 4-year-old and two teenagers), so she knows all about a lively family dynamic. She needs lots of exercise. Lots. She loves other dogs and really loves going to the dog park. As we said, she is a ready-made family pet as long as that family is athletic and has the time to devote to her. Give us a call if you'd like more information.

From big to small and back again, we have all sorts of dogs for all sorts of families. And remember to check out our website for other dogs in need of homes that come to our attention after this column goes to press.

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Nothing is as good for remembering as repetition, so here we will repeat. We have two major fundraisers on the horizon; both will benefit our medical fund. On Friday, June 28, please join us at Grumpy's Pub in Falmouth and be entertained by the Med Hedz musical group. The event will run from 6:30 to 9 PM and there will raffle prizes as well. Then, on Sunday, June 30, the K-9 5K Trail Run will start and end at Falmouth Academy. Runners and walkers with dogs and without are all welcome.

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We are at the shelter Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to noon; Sunday from 1 to 3 PM; and Monday and Thursday afternoons from 4 to 6. Come visit!

 
 
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