Otis (left), formerly a stray at the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, sits outside his new home with his new sister in Wisconsin.

   Rarely does a day go by at the shelter when we don’t take in an animal or multiple animals. So when an American bulldog came in, not much seemed out of the ordinary.

    We always have hopes that every animal will get reclaimed by his owner, and with this dog, it was not any different. When the four-day hold for an owner to reclaim came and went, we started the process to put him up for adoption.

   First he needed to be temperament tested, as we do with most dogs, to make sure we are adopting safe dogs back into the community. He passed with flying colors. Next we needed a name, which most would think would be an easy task, but we struggle daily.  We have two name books that we choose from. He became Otis and we took his picture and listed him on Petfinder (our Petfinder page is at http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelter_id=IN89) .

   We had several inquires about Otis and also learned that he could be a Old English bulldog, which is a cross between an American bulldog and an English bulldog. Several interested parties came and looked at him.

   Then we got an e-mail from Wisconsin. The family stated they currently have a dog that looks very similar to Otis and could we get them more information. After several e-mails and faxing an application, Otis had a solid hold placed on him. The interested people made the trip from Wisconsin with their dog to meet Otis, and then they went to another shelter to look at another dog before deciding which would be the best fit for their family. 

   We kept our fingers crossed that Otis would be their choice. They were very nice people and great pet owners.

Otis, now known as Buckley, cuddles with his new owner.

   Thankfully, Otis was chosen!

   Carl and Linda Jaeger became his new owners and he went to live with his new sister, Kira (also an American bulldog), in the land of cheese and beer! (I was born and raised in Wisconsin). 

   The Jaegers have kept us updated with Otis, who is now known as Buckley. They also confirmed that his breed is Old English bulldog. They absolutely love him, and he and Kira are becoming fast friends. From the pictures they sent, he certainly looks happy and is living a great life as a Cheesehead!

   This is what we work very hard for every day, and on this day, it truly paid off — not only for us, but for the Jaegers and most importantly, Buckley.

   Paws till next time – Jane

JANE BERNARD is director of the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter. Visit the shelter at 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 326-1637 or view the pets available for adoption at http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelter_id=IN89.