MAHONING VALLEY 9 dogs adopted quickly

Eight Chihuahuas and one Pomeranian had homes in about an hour.
By MATT BIXENSTINE
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- Angels for Animals had expected its latest group of adoptable dogs to go fast. What was pleasantly surprising was how smoothly the adoption process ran.
About 75 prospective adopters gathered at the nonprofit animal shelter, 4750 state Route 165, Saturday afternoon for the adoption of eight Chihuahuas and one Pomeranian. About an hour later, all nine dogs had homes.
"I was very pleased with the politeness and the fact that people were very understanding that we had limited dogs," shelter director Polly Wardle said. "It was really one of the nicer adoptions because a lot of times they become very chaotic."
Angels for Animals was prepared for the large turnout after receiving about 150 applications for the adoption. Wardle said Taco Bell commercials helped popularize Chihuahuas, comparing it to 101 Dalmatians' effect on the popularity of the black-and-white spotted dogs.
The dogs had been recovered from a puppy mill in Pike County, where an 80-year-old woman had run a breeding operation and subjected the dogs to filthy living conditions. The dogs were transferred from the Pike County dog warden to Angels for Animals and treated for about two weeks before being made available for adoption.
"Our big concern has been socialization," Wardle said. People "understood that the dogs come from a situation where they are not used to a normal household. There will be an adjustment period."
The adoption process
Angels for Animals made a waiting list in the order of when applicants applied for particular dogs. But time was not the only factor in determining who could adopt the rescued canines.
Dog volunteer Regan Bailey said the shelter performed background checks to determine if applicants were qualified owners. Prospective owners with young children or large dogs were not considered.
"We questioned people pretty hard about why they wanted a dog to make sure they found good homes," Bailey said.
Jan Eichner drove from Pittsburgh to accompany her daughter, Lori Price, in adopting a Chihuahua, which sold for $90 to cover medical care, vaccinations and spay or neuter expenses. Eichner said adopting a dog was worth the trip and price.
"I can't believe all the work [Angels for Animals] has done," she said. "They don't charge enough."
Masury resident Dorothy Lindsay, 77, adopted one of the Chihuahuas because small dogs are conducive to her age and lifestyle, which includes traveling in a motor home.
"I've owned a dog ever since I was 9 years old," she said. "I've never met a bad dog. Bad owners, yes, but never a bad dog."
mbixenstine@vindy.com