Happy Tails Dogs

GOTTI – Gotti found his way into our Reno Shelter when his previous owner no longer had the means to care for him and his health issues. He came to us overweight; with dry and flakey skin that was not the sign of a healthy coat. Staff fell in love with this big dog, who had a big heart to match. After just over a month of time at the shelter, Gotti was really ready to find his forever home. Although our team gave him lots of love and care, he needed a home and family of his own. A true family is what he found. His new parents came in to meet him, with his sibling Mattie. Their first step was to try and get his health journey back on track. They found he had a skin infection and took him to the dermatologist to get it under control.  “We ended up changing his name, he reminded us of a tank so we named him Sherman. It really fits him! He has no idea how big he is and tends to plow through everything!” When they first brought him home, he wasn’t the biggest fan of walking, or any exercise for that matter. Now, his opinions on activities have greatly changed. “Sherman loves going on hikes too, when we first brought him home, he was not a big fan of walking anywhere. Now he can climb and run up hills with no issues! He also LOVES car rides!!” Not only does he enjoy outdoor hikes and car rides, but he also loves chasing balls and swimming. His favorite toy is the squeaky ball. They recently moved to Illinois where he is finding time exploring and discovering new spots to enjoy. He enjoys lounging as pictured here. “He is such a great pup and addition to our family. He has been through a lot but he is always smiling.”

PEANUT – Peanut was given to us when his previous owner did not have the means to care for him any longer. He had sores and a mouth condition that needed immediate attention. He was extremely stressed out in the shelter and continuously harmed himself in his kennel. We knew that he would need to find a foster home while we continued medical treatment so that he could be safe and comfortable. Kristen, who was a volunteer at the time, has a soft spot for older pups. As soon as she met Peanut she knew she could make a place for him at home. She had just lost her dog and best friend. “I truly believe my first rescue dog, Petey, brough Peanut into my life. Petey passed on Dec. 25, 2019 and two days later I was at the shelter volunteering and saw Peanut being surrendered and learned two days after that he was harming his face in the kennel and was asked to be his foster. Petey knew I needed somebody to fill the void of losing my best friend and he brought me Peanut.” – Kristen, Peanut’s dog mom. Peanut came home with her and they fell in love with him. A few weeks later they were back in to make him their own. Now he is always going on outings with them and making special appearances to support his rescue friends. “Peanut is the most amazing, calm, happy, fun dog and each time he snuggles me, I am reminded of just how important it is to rescue dogs and give them the second chance and life they deserve. Peanut loves to snuggle, sit in the sun, have his head out the window and play with his rescue brothers and sisters. I’m so fortunate NHS brought him into my life and for the work NHS does for all the homeless pets in our community.” – Kristen, Peanut’s dog mom.

SLIM JIM – Filled with so much energy and passion always, Slim Jim finds his way into all the hearts of everyone he meets. This big pup needed someone that could handle him and all of his good looks, and lucky for him that is what he found! He waited ever so patiently at the shelter and events watching his other friends find their homes. He went to our PUPS program where he was able to learn basic commands and obedience before graduating and coming back to the shelter. He wondered when his turn might come to have a family and it came at last! Now that he is in a home he is adjusting very well. “He likes our daily morning walks through the park and loves making new dog friends on the way and mostly just rolling all around in the grass. His favorite toys are his rope and he loves getting treats out of his Kong toys. He has play dates with his doggy friends at my friend’s farm and gets to run around and look at all the new animals. He met the ponies recently and loves to watch the chickens run around in their coop. “ – Cori, Slim jim’s adopter. We are so glad that he gets all the love and affection he desires. He loves people over anything and values that time so much. “He’s a big love and wants to be near us always, luckily mom works from home so he gets to sleep all day right next to the desk.” – Cori, Slim jim’s adopter.

Flea just celebrated his 19th birthday. He can usually be found here at the shelter accompanying his dog mom in the office. You might recognize this little guy, not just because he is the tiniest dog ever, but he has been a rep of NHS in many photos! He helps his shelter friends by posing for many photos and helping with arrangements for donations. Amber adopted him back in 2017, and had to help nurse him back to health. When she first brought him home, he couldn’t eat on his own had to be fed every 3 hours. She would wake up and feed him with her foster kitten Broccoli, every night for the first 5 nights until they could figure out what was wrong. They finally diagnosed him with a small tumor in his pancreas, and got him on medication to keep it under control. He is now living his best life. He loves hanging with his mom and you can usually find him sunbathing. Flea is not a big fan of baths, or kittens that take over his bed. “He loves hot dogs, his bed, and talking to people in the drive thru. He gets so excited he yells perked up.” – Amber, Flea’s dog mom.

GRAVY BOAT – Gravy Boat (who was later renamed Nova) came to us as a puppy at the end of 2020. She was immediately put on medical quarantine because she was found to have canine parvovirus or “parvo.” Vaccines can prevent this infection, but it can reach up to a 91% mortality rate in untreated cases. Dogs need access to treatment and fluids in order to make a full recovery from this. Because it is highly contagious, they must be kept away from all other animals. With the care and treatment from our team, little Gravy Boat was able to pull through and was named a parvo survivor! “We heard about nova through our friend Megan. She sent me a picture of her with a little Santa Claus hat on and told me she was a parvo survivor and I could not resist getting her. She is full of life, loves to adventure, and is obsessed with swimming! We love her sassy self and we’re grateful she is in our lives❤” – Gravy Boat’s adopter.

JELLYBEAN – Jellybean came to Washoe County Regional Animal Services with a number of things wrong. This poor little pup had a club foot, was having a hard time controlling her bladder, and was believed to have a continuous UTI. She had to have surgery at SVS and then was transferred into foster care so that she could heal and recover before making her way to her forever home. Her adopter saw her on the website and instantly fell in love. She knew that she wanted that to be her dog. Jellybean’s story was highlighted in our Paws for a Cause Campaign.