12 Strays of Christmas: Colorado Springs-area animal rescues encourage folks to open hearts, homes

Humane Society of Pikes Peak Region Adoption fees will be waived on all dogs and cats age 5 and older from Sunday through Dec. 31. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekends, 610 Abbot Lane; 473-1741, hsppr.org National Mill Dog Rescue Don’t call about a specific dog. Complete an online adoption application, and then you will be contacted. The kennel is not open to the public. Visitors are allowed by appointment or as instructed on the adoption certificate once the home visit process is complete. 5335 JD Johnson Road, Peyton; 445-6787, email customerservice@nmdr.org or adoptions@nmdr.org, milldogrescue.org

Dabbey (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Athena Female, 8 months old, pit bull mix, $275, No. 1338528, HSPPR A little timid at first, Athena becomes a snuggler once she gets to know you. A training class would help her deal with being alone, and she seems fine with other dogs. (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Dabbey Female,  age 2, border collie-beagle mix, $225,  No. 1331843, HSPPR Dabbey has begun to break out of her shy shell with the help of volunteers. She’s learned to sit for treats and has become playful and energetic. A jaunt to the dog park would be an ideal outingy (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Athena (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Shatzie Male, age 4, Pekingese mix, $175, No. 1337976, HSPPR This super shy little guy arrived via the Rescue Rover. He was so timid, he was put in the behavior modification program to help build his trust and confidence, and it’s working wonders. He especially loves being outside and hot-dog treats. (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Shatzie (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Midnight Male, age 1, Australian cattle dog mix,  $175, No. 1338605, HSPPR Need some motivation to go for a walk? This is your guy. Midnight is good on a leash and fun to walk, volunteers say. He’s a little pushy around his fellow canines, so he might do best as an only dog or with an extended introduction period. (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Midnight (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Orzo Female,  age 1,  lab mix, $225,  No. 1336752, HSPPR Orzo is smart and pretty and thinks she’s a lap dog, though she weighs in at 40 pounds. This smart pooch is good on a leash and already knows how to sit for treats. (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Teddy Male, age 1, sheepdog mix, $225, No. 1339802, HSPPR This little fuzzy lover came in when his owner lost his home and had nowhere to keep him. Although young, Teddy is calm and would love nothing more than to hang out by your side or in your lap. He’s cool with other dogs and kids, but might need a touch of help with housebreaking. He also loves his rawhides and toys (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Orzo (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Teddy (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Ryker Male, age 1, boxer, $275, has been at NMDR since Aug. 7 This exuberant puppy isn’t a mill dog. He was hit by a car, and his family couldn’t afford the surgery to fix his leg. Powers Pet Emergency and Specialty took care of his limb and asked if Mill Dog Rescue could take him in. Due to his high energy level and lack of dog manners, they sent him to a four-week prison canine training program to make him more adoptable. He understands commands now and has learned to greet other dogs more appropriately. (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Ryker (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Poki Male, age 8, poodle, $175, has been at NMDR since July 31 Spending his whole life as a breeding dog in a cage without human contact made this sweet white senior pretty timid. Though he loves fellow pooches and runs and plays with them, he’s still learning to love the attention of humans. He’s getting there with help from volunteers and doesn’t mind being held once they pick him up, but this guy needs a home of his own to fully come out of his shell. (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Poki (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE)

Poki (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Blackjack Male, age 4, German shepherd,  $275, has been at NMDR since Feb. 21 When this beautiful black shepherd with a light brown mask arrived, he was so timid as to be untouchable, probably because he was never handled. He’s still working on his shyness but is easygoing and submissive. He likes other dogs and loves being outside and going for walks. He’ll do best in a yard where he can learn boundaries and feel safe and secure. And when you’re ready to call it a day, he likes his quiet time. (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Blackjack (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Ronin Male, age 8,  German  shepherd, $250, has been at NMDR since  Nov. 4, 2015 The big, strong fellow is good-natured and friendly with men, women and children. He has a couple of issues: He can jump a 6-foot fence, and he’s not OK with other dogs. Ronin needs an experienced dog owner who can do positive reinforcement training and enjoy his sweet sociability. (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Ronin (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Bobby Male, age 2, chihuahua, $275, has been at NMDR since March 1 People want the teeny chihuahuas and often overlook nondescript-looking chihuahua mixes, such as Bobby, who’s probably mixed with some sort of terrier. This little guy came from a horrible hoarding situation. He’s a cuddle bug once the sweet, sensitive pup warms up to a person. (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Bobby (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Bindi (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Bindi Female, age 10,  terrier yorkshire mix, $175,  has been at NMDR since Oct. 30 Sweet, silky and soft, senior Bindi has come a long way in only a couple of months. She’s one of those who could be overlooked due to her age, but she’s a good dog — mild, calm and loves her fellow canines. Having a playmate would be the perfect medicine for her. (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK)

Colorado Springs Gazette

12 Strays of Christmas: Colorado Springs-area animal rescues encourage folks to open hearts, homes

Jen Mulson

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