The dog days of summer are here. For most of us, that conjures up images of vacations, doggy paddles in the pool, W-A-L-K-S with your pooch and more outdoor fun. But summer can also be long, hot and hard, especially for the pups waiting to find their forever homes at shelters like the Cleveland Animal Protective League.
Among the APL’s extensive party of pooches, there’s Carly. A four-year-old Boxer mix, she was brought to the APL by her previous owner in December, who was no longer able to care for her amid her intensifying need for medical treatment. Upon her arrival, Carly was limping on her front legs, attributed to elbow arthritis. She was found with burns, skin infections and missing fur. She was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism, stunting her metabolism and the production of thyroid hormones, all affecting her quality of life.
These conditions required medication and surgery totaling over $6,000, and as a nonprofit organization, the APL couldn’t make the funds on its own.
Using the power of the organization's platform, the volunteers at the APL posted Carly's story to the organization's social media accounts.
The posts told Carly's harrowing story but also showed photos of her in good spirits. The story of her fight quickly caught the attention of more than 1,400 people. Fans were taken by her big brown eyes and her sweet smile.
Through the campaign, Carly was able to receive her treatment costs in full from the League’s Second Chance Program, a community donation fund that supports the APL’s sick and injured animals. Under the guidance of her foster mom, she regained her strength and saw tremendous progress with her skin conditions.
“Wonderful animals that come to us, sick and injured or not,” says Ayse Dunlap, the APL’s vice president of operations, "they all get individualized attention and care. And many of the animals that come to us in poorer shape put that behind them. They live in the moment.”
Dunlap reports that Carly is happier and healthier than ever, full of smiles, new life and zoomies.
And just in time for summer, she was adopted and welcomed lovingly into her forever home — another reason to smile through the dog days.
“We can all learn from that,” she says of Carly’s perseverance. Dunlap is certain she will make the perfect companion for her lucky dog parents.
Getting a puppy is exciting. So exciting, in fact, that many people don't take the proper precautions and preparations before they adopt. We talked to the Cleveland Animal Protective League's vice president of operations Ayse Dunlap to get a few tips to make the process smooth.
Make Sure You’re Ready
Do your research on general dog ownership and the breed before adopting. Another crucial step is to ensure you have the means to care for an animal. That can range from having stable finances, a suitable living space, access to resources for further care and flexibility for potential lifestyle changes.
Allow Time for Adjustment
Pets need to integrate into a new household — especially if you have kids or already have dogs. “The animal needs to get used to you, and you need to get used to that animal,” Dunlap says. “Allow for some bonding time.” Let the introduction between pets happen gradually and foster positive relationships.
Have a Veterinarian
Pets are fully treated at the APL before adoption, but your commitment to care is ongoing. “We don’t want you to wait until you have an emergency to look for a vet,” Dunlap advises. This ensures peace of mind for the dog and owners in times of need.
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