A Gentle Soul, Longing For A Home... Meet Fuji!

A Gentle Soul, Longing For A Home... Meet Fuji!

If you're new to my blog, each week I highlight a local shelter dog, needing a home. Of the almost 60 dogs I've written about every single one has found a home with the exception of sweet Fuji. I've blogged about him twice before, in fact. I think the problem is that he's a little old, shy and has some minor health issues. But he still deserves a home where he'll be loved forever.

Fuji is a chow chow mix, about 10 years old and about as sweet as they come. He has been at the shelter since January. He shows signs of some abuse and terrible neglect. When he arrived at the shelter, he had never even been inside before. But the shelter got him into a foster home where he has come alive through lots of love and gentle training. He's learned the skills he needs to make him an incredible companion to someone. The shelter recently received this letter from Fuji, showing his new life:

"Hey! Fuji, here! I've been in a foster home for a while, now and wanted to let you all know how it's going. Things are going just great here with my foster Mom teaching me all about being a great dog. We've been on so many adventures including cross country skiing, hiking the East Ridge Trail, and we even went to the beach for the weekend. I loved chasing the waves, but you got to watch out, they sneak up behind you and.... brrr! I loved the seagulls too, they are harder to catch than the waves. I think I will be a good swimmer once the water warms up. I have to say, I'm in pretty good shape for a guy my age. I have no problem with long hikes or walks or even jogging, although I have to work on not stopping so often to sniff and pee on things, there are just so many new things to check out! I would love it if my forever-home had a fenced in yard to play in, I just love to follow my foster mom around while she is working in the garden. I've been making lots of new friends including other dogs, cats, kids and even a chicken! I'm a little shy with new friends at first, but I'm a total sucker for a good ear rub. I think in my forever-home, it would be great to have a dog friend or two or even a cat. I like kids well enough, but they make me a little nervous when they sneak up behind me because I can't hear them coming very well. Speaking of not hearing very well, my foster mom did some detective work and figured out that I have a few allergies that have been causing my itchy ears all these years! One problem is grains, so no wheat or corn for me, I'm a meat and potatoes kinda guy. I also get a little itchy in the springtime from all the pollen flying around. But don't worry too much, a couple of benedryl and some ear wash I'm good as new. I'm really a sweet guy. A gentle soul, as one of my new friends put it. I'd really like to find a place to call home and someone to show me all the great things about being a dog! If you know anyone that might be interested, I'd appreciate if you'd put in a good word for me. Thanks!" -Fuji

Fuji is neutered, housetrained, current on shots and microchipped. The fee to adopt this lucky boy is $100, cash or check only, please. Please call ahead to meet Fuji in Odell at the Hukari Animal Shelter 3910 Heron Dr, Hood River OR 97031. Call the shelter for more information 541-354-1083. Adoption hours are Wed 5-7 & Sat 9-11. You can download an application at: www.hoodriveradoptadog.org. You can fax your application to 1-877-833-7166.