Dog days are over

Courtesy Photo

Grace and Skip play tug of war at Companion Dogs Plus shelter. Both of the coon hound pups were taken in after being found at a property in Greencastle that served as home to an adult, seven children, two cats, 11 dogs and a raccoon in late August. These two along with another rescued dog, Captain, have made this shelter their home for the time being.

Two weeks ago 11 dogs and two cats were left without a home when an owner left them behind. Some of the animals were lucky and found homes quickly after the Greencastle Police Department started taking care of them. The last three dogs and cat have now found homes with two different groups.

The three dogs have made their home at Companion Dogs Plus, a shelter were dogs are found and some are trained to help those with physical and mental disabilities.

Cynthia Mustaine is the president and founder of Companion Dogs Plus. Mustaine was contacted by Helping Pawz, a group that helps place animals with families in Putnam County, and received the last three dogs looking for homes.

The Helping Pawz group is currently caring for the cat.

Mustaine took the three dogs into her care and took them to the vets for check-ups. The worst out of the three dogs, who has been dubbed Captain after officers in the GPD, he was severely under weight and had skin damage and scars from flies and fleas. The two coon puppies, Grace and Skip had worms and fleas.

"I had never seen so many fleas," Mustaine stated.

Since being in the care of Mustaine and her team, all three dogs have impproved dramatically, she said.

"They are so friendly and love running around," she said.

Captain has even shown potential to be a service dog. Companion Dogs Plus group of trainers have started working with him to advance his potential to work with a person.

"He (Captain) is very people oriented," Mustaine said.

It will not be a quick turn around for Captain or the two pups, she said. The dogs are receiving regular food and exercise, with a healthy dose of care and love from the trainers.

Skip and Grace are headed for a different lot in life than Captain, they will be up for adoption on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Dog Training Expo hosted by Companion Dogs Plus. It will be at the Putnam County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.

The expo will not only allow people a chance to adopt a new furry friend, it will also give some tips on how to train them as well.

For more information on and of the dogs, the expo or Companion Dogs Plus, contact Mustaine at cynthia@companiondogsplus or call 317-903-2545.