ORSON-Adopted

THE LATEST:  We met Orson at his photo shoot, and when people (independent of one another) described him as a "big Teddy Bear" they were right on the mark! This big sweet guy gobbles up attention much as he's apparently gobbled up his dinner in the past :) The folks at the vet clinic, who have met quite literally several hundred of our dogs, have fallen head over heals for him -- saying "He's such a character ... he just has so much personality! This is one we will remember, for sure." On the day of the photos, Orson was first to go out, and as we came back to get additional dogs for their photos, he woo-wooed at us from his kennel, trying to convince us to take him out again! He's just a big, sweet, gentle guy with a ton of love to give. He happily rolled around in the grass, begging for his belly to be rubbed, and heavy as he is did some trotting around, too -- eager to investigate his surroundings. Orson, despite his sweetness, has what can best be described as a "regal" bearing -- he has that character and dignity that is so appealing in (and unique to) an older dog. We challenge you to meet Orson and just try to pass him by -- his photos just don't begin to do justice to his appeal!

DON'T MISS ORSON'S PHOTO ALBUM ON WEBSHOTS.  This guy is so darned adorable that we couldn't quit snapping photos, and there are a LOT more for you to see.  It was impossible choosing just 3, and there are many different "angles and attitudes" in his online album.  Just CLICK HERE and scroll to the album under his name. 

UPDATE:  A volunteer agreed to pick Orson up at Petco and bring him for the day.  He first stopped by her home, where he worked his charms and wormed his way into a unexpected foster spot!  Her parents, who also serve as landlords, had said 'No more fosters', but upon spending some time with Orson at Petco they changed their tune!

His foster mom is absolutely in love with him and shares her thoughts here:  "I first met Orson while taking him to a Petco event, and it was absolutely love at first sight!  I couldn’t get enough of this big cuddly goofy guy, and spent most of the day lying with him on the grass snuggled up (he thinks he’s a lap dog).  Well poor neglected Orson, who - based on the state of his coat and his weight - hasn’t had any attention in a long time.  And he just ate it ALL up.  I think Orson understood that he was getting a second chance and was just so grateful – after only a few hours in my home he had become the most loyal and devoted animal you can imagine.  He followed me from room to room, never letting me out of his sight, and doing anything I asked of him.  He seems to have made it his life’s mission to return the time and attention I have given him, back to me ten times over.  I can’t even imagine the love and affection he will lavish on the people who finally give him the forever home he is waiting for. 

One thing Orson is hoping for in his new home is that there be some cats to keep him company.  Apparently no one told him that Malamutes don’t get along with cats, because we often find him cuddled up with our kitty sleeping.  Orson craves constant companionship, and I think that having cats to keep him company while his people are away would make him very happy.

But the final and most important thing he is hoping for is a human to snuggle him as often as possible.  He loves to spend the evening on the floor at my feet while I read a book and pet him, or better yet for me to lay down on the floor with him and take a nap.   He does enjoy his walks and outings, but mostly he prefers to be at home lounging and soaking up as much attention as possible.  I imagine Orson might also do well with children.  He has met a few children while out and about and loved having them pet him. 

In return for giving him his forever home, Orson promises to be the most loving and loyal best friend you have ever had and to spend his days devoted to giving you as much affection as possible.  He also promises to impress you with his flawless house manners and to entertain you with his goofball antics. 

If you are interested in Orson you better act quickly… I bet this big guy will get a lot of requests.  Everywhere we go people just fall in love with him.  I took me 20 minutes to make the 50 ft walk from the pet store to my car the other day when Orson and I made a trip out.  Every few feet someone would stop us to check Orson out, who would roll over and beg for a belly rub, and of course once they started they just couldn’t stop.  He is a real charmer!"

DON'T MISS ORSON'S VIDEO! It does a lot more to display his charm than a still photo possibly could. Just click on the tab above his photos and enjoy!

Note: Orson currently weighs in at 131 pounds. He was found to be hypothyroid, and we have placed him on medication for this. We believe it will assist him with dropping a few of those excess pounds :) Adopters, have no fear -- the medication is VERY inexpensive, and is not necessarily required long-term.

About ORSON: We were contacted by a local individual who was expressing concern about the prospects of an older Malamute mix they had encountered at an area kill shelter. Her email read: "I am writing about an 8 year old Malamute mix who was surrendered at the shelter several days ago. A volunteer for the shelter works in our office, and absolutely fell in love with this dog! They requested additional time to try to locate a home, as he wasn't even on the adoption floor. Orson is VERY gentle -- great with children, other dogs, and cats. He has already been neutered. He was surrendered along with several other dogs when the owner said they could no longer keep the dogs."

He sounded like such a nice guy, we quickly dispatched a volunteer to assess him. He reported: "Orson is a very sweet, laid-back guy. I took him out into the exercise yard, and he couldn't have cared less about the dogs we passed on the way -- dogs of all sizes, some barking at us just inches away as we walked by their kennels. In fact, there was a big ROOSTER in one run, and 3 hens in another, and Orson showed only mild curiosity, making no noise and not pulling on the leash at all! I found him very easy to handle. I did the standard checks, pulling and tugging at ears and tail, lifting his paws, running my hands over his body, and he wasn't bothered in the least! There was a couple in an adjoining exercise area who was spending time with a Pit mix. They expressed interest in Orson, and I invited them to come spend some time with him. Both could handle him with ease! He rolled over easily and wanted a belly rub from them :) I have honestly never seen such a docile Mal! Really, he reminds me of a giant teddy bear!

Orson is very overweight, and very much needs a healthy diet and exercise to get the weight off -- I'd think at least 20 pounds, and perhaps 30. He seems to walk well, but walks like a fat dog. Despite some signs of recent neglect (matted fur on his belly and under his chin), his teeth look pretty good, especially if he is really 8!"

The shelter did complete temperament testing after our follow up call to them, and Orson passed with flying colors. He was subsequently moved to the adoption floor. However, about 10 days later our volunteer returned to check on him and reported that he was much more subdued than during the prior visit, and showing signs of being depressed at being in the kennel. We knew that if he was too discouraged to show his great personality to adopters in the kennel, he was likely to be passed by. We were worried enough that his days might be numbered that we grabbed him out of there and brought him into our program.

We just KNOW there's somebody out there who will fall as much in love with Orson as we have! There are simply no words to describe the many, many qualities that make senior dogs such loving, therapeutic companions. They are way past the puppy phase, generally have learned wonderful house manners, and have given a lifetime of love and devotion to a family. To see them dumped like yesterday's newspaper-wrapped garbage is a crime like no other in our minds ... they have a depth of character that younger dogs simply haven't had time to acquire. A senior dog truly understands when you've given them a second chance, and we guarantee you will feel the genuine love and gratitude that radiates from Orson if you will only open your home to him with a place to enjoy his golden years. His needs are simple -- a loving hand, a gentle voice, a warm room to sleep in, someone to provide healthy food and monitor his diet, and a soft place to lay his head. Orson will benefit greatly from an owner who will enjoy taking this easily-handled guy on long walks to help him trim down some and improve his quality of life even more.

Orson is dreaming of neighborhood strolls with the warm sun on his fur, evenings just hanging out watching TV with you, and sitting by your side on hot summer nights, star-gazing and watching the fireflies. Can you make his dreams come true?

Orson arrived in our program on March 26th, and we look forward to getting to know a lot more about him. In the meantime, we don't always get the updates up as quickly as we'd like, and there's often new information that isn't yet posted. If you are interested in Orson, please EMAIL US to request more information and/or an adoption application