This week, we are going slightly off-topic and heading back to the Humane Society of the Desert to meet some of their available dogs ready for adoption. While a trip to the shelter may not be on the top of your entertainment list, it definitely gets you out of the house.

I am happy to report that almost all of the dogs in my last blog post, Find Your New Best Friend at the Humane Society of the Desert, have found their “furever” homes (Duke is still looking for his own human). If adding a pet to your family is not possible right now, consider volunteering. It is another wonderful reason to get out of the house. Read on to find out more.

A Quick Recap of the Humane Society of the Desert

The Humane Society of the Desert’s mission statement is “To rescue and heal neglected, abandoned and abused dogs and cats. By providing the space to facilitate the adoption of dogs and cats, the chance to live a full and happy live with loving pet owners is made possible. We are a No-Kill animal sanctuary. The largest in Southern California.”

Founded in 1961, the shelter encompasses over nine acres and houses both dogs and cats. Home to mainly medium and large dogs, both staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the animals are well taken care of. This includes administering proper vaccines, ensuring they are spayed or neutered, training and enrichment. Meet a few of these cuties below.

The Curse of the Black Dog

It’s called Black Dog Syndrome and depending on what you read, it might be an urban myth. According to many animal rescues though, black dogs are adopted at a slower rate than their light-haired friends. Black dogs tend to be less photogenic in pictures which is thought to be a cause. Movies and television often depict large black dogs as scary. At HSOD, we have several black dogs and can attest there is nothing to be afraid of. These pups are awesome.

• Pepper – This beautiful girl is approximately six years old. Full of spunk, she loves adventure and the water. Dog and kid-friendly, she is not shy. Extremely intelligent, she would love her own backyard to explore.
• Jojo – A long-time resident of the shelter, Jojo is a volunteer favorite. This five-year-old was rescued from the euthanasia list at the county shelter. Jojo is extremely gentle and enjoys nothing more than a good butt scratch. Kid and dog-friendly, he is ready to find his own humans.
• Diggity – Diggity is a one-year-old puppy. This handsome guy is energetic but walks well on a leash. He hasn’t met a person he doesn’t like and is dog friendly. There must be an active family out there for him.

How About a German Shepherd?

German Shepherds are known to be good working dogs because of their intelligence, loyalty and guarding tendencies. This herding breed is often used as a police, rescue or military dog, but they also make excellent family pets. With proper exercise and guidance, these dogs thrive.

• Beck – Roaming the Whitewater Preserve, this incredible dog was severely underweight when he came to HSOD. Even though, he showed how smart he is sitting on command and offering his paw. Eager to please, this one-year-old loves people and tested well with other dogs and cats. He plays ball like a pro.
• Leo – Another euthanasia list survivor, Leo is a three-year-old German Shepherd mix. He is incredibly sweet and just wants affection. Good with other dogs and kids, he loves to chase a ball followed by a rub down. Who wants to adopt this goofy fellow?

Adopt a Gentle Giant from the Humane Society of the Desert

Larger dogs are sometimes overlooked in favor of smaller ones especially in the desert due to the vast retirement community. But large dogs make great pets! Being gentle, easier to train, loyal and fun are just a few of the reasons you should consider adding one to your family.

• Max – This four-year-old Mastiff mix has the most gorgeous brindle coat. He lights up when playing ball and has no problem picking up two at the same time. Another euthanasia list survivor through no fault of his own, he knows his basic commands. Surprisingly, he does not require as much exercise as you would think, and short walks do just fine.
• Pee Wee – Beautiful markings make this 3-year-old Doberman and Shepherd mix stand out. Dog and people friendly, Pee Wee was shy when he first arrived to HSOD from a county shelter. Now, he loves to fetch ball, go on walks and spend time with the volunteers. You can literally hold his leash with your pinky, he is so mellow. It’s time Pee Wee found a home to call his own.
• Lucky – Who is looking for a Saint Bernard? Lucky is 120 lbs. of love. He has been at HSOD for some time now and needs to find a home where he can feel understood and safe. Good with other large dogs, this fluffy 5-year-old would flourish in a home with an experienced dog owner. Come down and meet this cuddly big boy.

HSOD Has Medium Sized Pups Too

Dogs come to HSOD for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they are an owner surrender due to extenuating circumstances like a move or divorce. When there is room, HSOD will rescue dogs from high-kill county shelters. Then occasionally, they are just found in the middle of nowhere. This is the case of the three sisters.

Penelope, Josie and Nala are 3-year-old ladies looking for either a home together or one of their own. While they enjoy playing as a group, they have all been on successful solo adventures with volunteers. Penelope is the tallest of the gals, and Nala is the most petite. After a case of the zoomies, they look for a shady spot to relax in the play yard. Once they warm up to you, they seek your attention. They will make a fantastic addition to any family.

Volunteer at the Humane Society of the Desert

What do volunteers do? After finishing training, volunteers do all sorts of fun things. From taking the pups on a walk to rotating them out of the kennels and into play yards for a game of ball is all on the list. Others participate in adoption events or take the dogs on trips for socialization. This year, HSOD took part in the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade with a vibrantly decorated cart of their own. What is important is that volunteers spend time with the dogs showing them love and affection and building trust.

To volunteer, please reach out to the Humane Society of the Desert at (760) 329-0203 during business hours. At least one volunteer shift per week is required.

The above is just a sampling of the adoptable dogs at the Humane Society of the Desert. You must meet them in person to understand just how special they are. Don’t forget about the cats! There is a whole house of kitties waiting for their new families.

Are you a dog or cat person? Tell me in the comments section below.