Clearwater Humane Society News, Sherrie Chambers

The first few weeks after Duncan came home, he was very sweet and seemed to enjoy us, but he was very politely watchful; as if waiting to see if he could relax and settle into his home or whether going to be moved again. He was never nervous or shy, just waiting. Watching him allow himself to relax and let his personality out has been wonderful.

Over the years, as a family, we’ve had several pets - dogs, cats, a snake. Even though they were all “family pets”, really, they were all my pets. My retriever, Indy, was especially mine. My husband, Eric, tolerated pets on my behalf and liked them well enough. My sons grew up with pets. But Duncan? Duncan has formed bonds and relationships with each one of us. Duncan is the first dog my husband, Eric, has ever fallen in love with. Eric spends time playing with Duncan every single day.

In fact, Eric wanted our new dog to have a good Scottish name. Eric named him “Duncan.” The first thing he does when he walks through the door is greet Duncan. Oh, and Duncan is so happy to see Eric he can hardly contain himself. I love watching this. I think Eric is as excited as I am to teach Duncan how to be a good camping/hiking companion. We are going to have such a fun summer. Duncan already knows when we get the backpacks out, something really cool is going to happen. As much as he prefers sleeping in, he’ll get up bright and early for a hike.

Tyler, at 18, is a bit like Duncan’s brother. Those two get kicked outside all the time. They just can’t stay away from wrestling each other or playing keep-away and chase, and I think Tug O’ War is Duncan’s very favorite game.

Ian is 21 and a bit calmer; Duncan is in love with him too. They play Tug O’ War a lot. I haven’t had to chase them outside, though. Ian’s is the only bed Duncan has slept on.

I love to see Duncan just light up when he hears one of our cars come home. Everyone’s routine is to say hello to him, have a little play action and a little petting before they do anything else.

My parents are pretty head over heels for Duncan, especially my mom. When the boys were growing up, mom and dad would come over to see them quite often. As Ian and Tyler got older and were often not home, the visit was just for me. Now? Now they come to see Duncan. There is just something about Duncan...

As for me? I’m pretty sure Duncan is mine; it’s just that I get to share him, in so many ways. He’s a great workout partner; we walk or hike 15-20 miles a week and he loves to help me with my crunches by lying on top of me. (Did I mention he weighs in at about 100 lbs?) He is a terrific hiking partner; he never minds a rainy day or a muddy path and he always alerts me to other people long before I see them.

Duncan has already been taught to move to the side for horses while hiking. He loves riding in my truck and I’m pretty sure he even likes my singing. I’m home by 1:30 in the afternoon, so we have plenty of time for obedience classes, homework, walks, visits to the dog park...and he lets me rub his tummy as much as I want. He loves to go places and he is as excited to make that turn to home as he is to go on a new adventure. I think he knows he is really and truly...home.

Anyone who has been loved by a dog knows that look...that look of unconditional love that says you are the best human in the world. That is the look we all get from Duncan. I can’t imagine our life without him in it.

All stray dogs and cats are vaccinated upon arrival for their safety and the safety of the other dogs and cats. They are also neutered and spayed on the sixth (6) day. All costs are the responsibility of the owner claiming the dog. Strays are held for five (5) days and then are for adoption.

We need large stainless steel bowls for water. We also need treats for training, small milk bones and other tasty treats are great.

**Please donate cat/kitten food.** We have 13 cats and kittens now. Dry kitten food, Purina kitten food is ok. Friskies canned food, ground only, is also greatly needed! Please help us help them.***

We really need canned and dry cat/kitten food and litter right now. We also need small ceramic bowls for the kitten and cat food. We also need covered litter pans.

We need towels to bathe our dogs and cats. Please don’t throw your old towels away—we will put them to good use.

***We need nylabones and tug toys for the dogs/puppies and toys for our cats/kittens right now.***

You can drop all donations of food, toys, blankets, etc. at Orofino Builders Supply. Steve and Leila Crockett continue to be animal lovers and great supporters.

Remember, your donations are tax deductible. Thank you for thinking of us!

Our mailing address is: Clearwater Humane Society, P.O. Box 2063, Orofino, ID 83544.

For any information on any of our animals, call 476-9823. Please leave your name, telephone number, and the reason you are calling. Please speak clearly and slowly.

Went missing on April 30 in the Canoe Camp area of Hwy. 12. Female, spayed, six year old cat, mostly white coat with black/brown/tan patches. Has blue eyes. Not wearing a collar. If you have seen this cat, please call 476-9823.

Found Tuesday, April 20, running in and out of traffic on Michigan Ave in the Riverfront Ave. area. Male, not neutered, tan with brown, wearing a collar, NO PET ID. If you know who owns this dog or you are the owner please call 476-9823.

If you find a stray dog, please contain the dog or cat, if you feel it is safe to do so, and then call. Many times I get a call from someone that has a stray but by the time I get there the person calling says the dog ran off.

Please contain in a yard or tie the dog until I get there. We want to keep these poor dogs safe and either find their owners or get them a wonderful lifetime home.

All stray dogs and cats are vaccinated and wormed upon arrival for their safety and the safety of the other dogs and cats. They are also neutered and spayed after a five (5) day waiting period. All costs are the responsibility of the owner claiming the dog or cat. Strays are held for five days and then are up for adoption.

If you recognize any of the above strays and know who the owner is, please call. We want to get these wonderful dogs and cats back to their homes. Call 476-9823.