LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Everyday, staff at the Louisville Metro Animal Services are faced with tough decisions. The shelter's overcrowded, and when dogs begin showing behaviors that won't be desirable to adopters, their names are put a list to be euthanized.
It's our hope someone will see what makes them special and save them from that fate.
Meet 'Hotter than Blazes,' aka Heidi
Balzes is a loving two-year-old whose name reflects her energetic personality. The pitt and plott hound mix has lived with Sandy Blandford for the better part of 2 months as she helps find her a forever home.
Blandford said Blazes' a cuddle bug who also loves her space.
"We absolutely have fallen in love with her. My husband said we'll cancel our next trip if she doesn't have somewhere to go," Blandford said. "We adore her. If our schedules would permit, we'd keep her in a heartbeat. She's so loving. I didn't anticipate a pit mix being a safe dog because you hear all the bad things about pitties. But it depends on whose home they've come from."
Blandford said she bonds quickly with females, and can be a bit clingy.
"She steals our laundry because she wants our scent with her and carries it to her sleeping spaces," Blandford added. "She knowns basic 'sit.' Unless she gets in excited or new situations, she will sit for you. We've been working on wait and walk away."
Blazes is on the smaller end of the scale, weighing just over 40 pounds, is house trained and likes other dogs. Her energy level will match yours.
"It makes a huge difference as the dog adapts to your lifestyle, and settles into your routine, they just become part of your family and that's what you want," Blandford said.
Right now, Hotter than Blazes is in a foster home. So, the best way to meet her is to email the foster coordinator at MASfoster@louisvilleky.gov.
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Always remember when adopting, to keep the "3-3-3" rule in mind.
- The first 3 days, a dog may feel uncomfortable and hide, or avoid food or water.
- After 3 weeks, they hopefully start to let down their guard. If you see behavior problems, this could be a good time to work on training.
- Experts say it takes about 3 months for animals to be completely comfortable.
If your home is already full of furry friends, here are three things you can do to help combat overcrowding at the shelter:
Make sure your pet's microchip information and collar is up to date.
Keep cats inside and keep dogs in a leash or within a secure fenced in area.
Spay and neuter your pets.
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