Shelter pet doesn't ring a bell for dinner, she drops a shoe or toy in the kitchen

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

I receive a lovely email from Lisa Perna last week about her pup Nougat who was adopted from Flagler Humane Society.

Wanting a dog, but not up to the challenges of raising a puppy, Perna, her mother Marlene, and her brother Dana headed to the humane society were they found the perfect match.

Nougat, a cocker spaniel, was adopted on June 9, 2015. She might not be a pure cocker spaniel, but it doesn’t sound like they care. Her age is between 1 and 3 years old.

That’s the thing about shelter pups; usually they don’t come into the shelter with a lot of background information. When people are surrendering a dog to a shelter, the staff asks a lot of questions. They aren’t being judgmental or nosey; they just want to be able to give as much information as possible to the next owners.

Halifax Humane 6th annual Mutt Strutt

Halifax Humane Society’s 6th Annual Mutt Strutt 5K will be Saturday, April 2, at the Daytona Beach Bandshell. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m.

The 5K fun run/walk is open to walkers, joggers, and runners of all ages and skill levels. Leashed and well-behaved pets are also welcome. The 5K is free, but participants are encouraged to create or join a walk team to raise donations for the HHS animals. Registered participants, $25 per person will receive a complimentary drink ticket and 6th Annual Mutt Strutt T-Shirt.

To register and create a walk team, go to HHSMuttStrutt.org. There are special incentive prizes for top individual and team fundraisers.

Proceeds from the event benefit the animals of Halifax Humane Society. For more information, please contact Amanda Dyer at 274-4703, ext. 328

Perna said she had never adopted a dog before, but it sounds like the family worked their way through the first couple of months with few problems. Moving into a new home can be stressful on a dog as they learn what is expected of them.

“She is adorable, has a sweet temperament and a lively attitude,” Perna said in an email. “She loves going in the car, but does not like barking dogs or figure skating on TV. She will rush up to the television, barking ferociously if either of those things appears. Heaven help us if we ever see figure skating dogs on TV!”

Nougat has a unique way to let the family know when she is hungry. She “steals” a slipper, shoe, or toy and runs into the kitchen and drops it.

My son Tristan often comments that we are pampering the dogs. The same can be said for Nougat. Her favorite place is on the sofa, and she has her very own, hand-knitted “blankie.”

“Adopting Nougat was absolutely the right choice for us. I can't imagine life without her now,” Perna said,

Looking for a dog or cat? Go to your shelter and give a deserving animal a home.