TylerDog ~ Pet Photography & Greeting Cards

We journeyed to Sulphur, OK last week to photograph their available dogs and one cat. As with many animal shelters in Oklahoma, they are very small, no budget to speak of, and understaffed. When the shelter fills up, if no one steps forward to adopt, transport, or foster the animals, the only alternative is euthanasia. Cry foul, if you will, but facts are facts. Let’s face it, people, we have a pet overpopulation problem in the United States and although it may be getting better in some places, small shelters like Sulphur face this dilemma week after week. As was said in the days of old, “there’s no room at the inn…” and today, most shelters are overflowing with dogs and cats facing a death sentence. It is a neverending problem.

However, we have a success story this time. We beat the odds! After shooting and editing the photos, I found out the deadline for euthanasia was fast approaching because the shelter was full with new intake. So, I posted the photos to Facebook, sent out pleas to various groups, friends, and other rescue people; hounded (pardon the pun) all my colleagues who know I’m a little crazy about dogs. Networked with the fantastic volunteers at Sulphur, who had already been working behind the scenes to find homes, fosters, or transports for these furry friends. Less than 24 hours after hitting Facebook, every single dog except for one was either fostered, adopted, or will be transported to a new home! Now how’s that for social networking?!

It doesn’t mean the job is done, though. Fostering is great, but we need permanent homes for those being fostered so the foster parents can do what they’re so great at doing – preparing a shelter dog or cat for their permanent, forever home. Bentley is the sole remaining dog no one has wanted – either to adopt, transport or foster. He’s still at the shelter. So today’s post is about Bentley, the hunky guy at the top of the post. Look deeply into his eyes (if you can get past those hilarious ears!) and see what he’s saying. Here’s what I think Bentley is saying…

“Hi, y’all! My name’s Bentley. This is my ‘studmuffin’ look. It works, don’t you think? I’m a nice, medium-size dog with a heart of gold and all I want is a chance to prove it! See my ears? I’ll watch over you at night, listening for danger while you sleep. I’m not sure how old I am, maybe two- or three-years old. What I do know is I really want a forever home. It’s cold and lonely sleeping in the kennel. The people here are really nice, but I want people to call my ‘own’, ya know? I think we could be best pals, so please consider adopting me!”

Wow, Bentley sure does talk a lot!

We only posted those that still need permanent homes (they’re marked “foster”). Please open your heart and consider adopting one of these beautiful dogs. For more information about any of them contact Wall-E’s Friends on Facebook, call Amanda at (580) 622-6266 or email akloski@rocketmail.com. If you want to see the rest of the dogs and one cat who were rescued, visit our Facebook album.

Help change their lives for the better! Until next time…