It’s that time again for a monthly segment of our long-term residents. A long-term resident is someone who has been here at least thirty days or longer, and we try to narrow it down to some who have been here even longer. Last month we featured Andrea and Mac, and we have some good news. Andrea has found her forever home! Mac is currently in foster, and we are hoping it will be a good break from the shelter! Now it is time to introduce our February long-termers: Li and Nimbus!
This is Li, and he has been at our shelter for 199 days. Li originally came to us in July, from another shelter. He had a different name, but we saw that he was friendly and social, who enjoys the company of people. At the time, he didn’t have any basic obedience training, but was extremely food motivated. We also saw that he enjoys the company of other dogs, and would probably enjoy having a canine companion in his forever home.
After he was neutered and put up for adoption, we noticed some other behaviors from Li. He was mouthy, jumpy, and had personal space issues. We quickly pulled him from the floor and put him in our Peace Academy program for high-arousal dogs. While he was in the program, we put him on a no kids under 10 years old restriction, because of the mouthiness. Shar Pei dogs are stubborn and independent, and they are quick to learn, but will test you as well. He truly needs an experienced owner who can consistently work with him on his behavior, but he has improved so much! He has officially learned ‘sit.’
Fast forward to November, and Li started medical procedures to improve his vision. His eyelids are turned in slightly, so we opened them up for him. They have been healing nicely, but he is still working towards healing. In December, he was put on a bite hold for his typical threshold, getting attention and over-aroused. He was re-tested and put as Peace Academy Available, working with volunteers who understand his behavior better.
In January, Li graduated from Peace Academy altogether! He has improved significantly and has learned to be patient and calm! He still enjoys meeting new people and playing with other dogs! He now knows ‘sit,’ ‘down,’ ‘look,’ and is working on ‘wait.’ Good boy Li! An ideal home for Li is an active home that understands and works on his behavior consistently, and if he gets enough exercise, those behaviors will slowly dissipate.
So all in all, Li is truly a good boy who is searching for that forever home! He asks that you bring in all dogs and kids to meet him before he goes home, just to make sure he is the right fit. We’ll let Li tell you a bit about himself as well.
“Hi there! My name is Li, and I am a two-year-old Chinese Shar-Pei. I came to Wayside from another shelter. It’s okay though, I know this is my last stop before I find my forever home. I’m a friendly guy who loves people and dogs. I would benefit from basic obedience training, but I love treats and will learn quickly! I’d do best with a family that understands my breed and in a home with kids over ten. I’m a strong boy, and I don’t want to accidentally knock someone over.
I’m looking for an active family who will give me enough exercise to let out some energy. I enjoy playing with my dog friends here at Wayside and I would likely do well having some at home. I do ask that you bring any four-legged family members to meet me so we can ensure everyone gets along.
If you’re looking for a fun boy to go through life with, look no further. I’ll be patiently waiting at Wayside to meet you!
See you soon,
Li”
This is Nimbus, and he has been at our shelter for 57 days. He was originally adopted out as a kitten in 2012, but returned recently in December. It was noted that Nimbus had to go to a home with no kids 10 years old or younger, and potentially no cats. He was very scared and nervous when he first got here, and wasn’t eating properly. We had to give him an appetite stimulant just to get him to eat. Nimbus would hide under towels and really didn’t want to be bothered.
When we assessed him behaviorally, we labeled him a Secret Admirer, and those are usually our shy guys. Over time he did improve with eating and seeking attention, but then he ended up being put on a bite hold. He got over-stimulated from someone petting him too long. He was released from his hold, and then he ended up getting sick with an upper respiratory infection. This poor guy couldn’t catch a break!
Nimbus was put in our TABBY program, which stands for To Achieve Best Behavior Yet. Since he was shy, volunteers start with socializing them outside of the kennel, and then they move in for one-on-ones. He was easily startled by noises, but wanted to have attention. Nimbus was still sick after all this time, but was made available as he was getting over it.
After noticing no serious improvement, we decided to enroll Nimbus in our foster program. This is when we saw a different side to Nimbus! His foster mom reported that he loves attention and has not hid one time! He loves pets and attention, but don’t touch his tummy! He likes to talk and is a purring machine. We also learning that he gets along with the resident cat, so his cat restriction is removed!
So with that, Nimbus became foster available, and must be adopted from his foster home. He is thriving in a home environment, as he is used to it. Nimbus has come a long way, from not wanting to eat and spend time with people, to actively seeking attention and eating normally! We are happy Nimbus is comfortable to show us his loving side. Nimbus would like to say a few words on his behalf.
**Nimbus is in foster care. If you’d like to schedule a time to meet him, please contact Wayside Adoptions at (816)986-4426.**
“Hello, I’m Nimbus. I came to Wayside because my previous owner could no longer care for me. It’s been pretty scary starting all over, but I’m so glad you wanted to read about me because I really want to find my new forever home soon.
As you can see, I’m a handsome, medium-size black & white kitty. My personality type is “Secret Admirer.” That means I’m the quiet type who takes his time getting to know new people and surroundings. But once I trust you, I’m very sweet and affectionate.
My foster mom says I’m a wonderful kitty! She enjoys how cuddly I am and loves that I’m a talker. She thinks it’s funny how I stand on my back legs to get you to pet me more. There is another kitty in my foster home, too, and I get along just fine with him!
I love having my ears rubbed and my neck scratched. In return, I give great headbutts and kisses. They say I’m a regular “purr box” once I’m comfortable with you. I’ll just need you to be patient and understanding with me while I adjust to my new living arrangements.
If you’re looking for a loyal and loving companion, I could be your guy. Why not arrange for a visit and see if we click. And I won’t mind if you want to bring treats. Hope to see you soon….
Love & purrs,
Nimbus”
You can meet all of our adoptable Waifs, including Li and Nimbus, during our adoption hours!
- Monday: CLOSED
- Tuesday: CLOSED
- Wednesday: 12pm-8pm
- Thursday: 12pm-8pm
- Friday: 12pm-8pm
- Saturday: 10am-6pm
- Sunday: 1pm-6pm
Written by Teryn J.