Paw Prints -- This sweet face is looking for a home. Maybe yours?

Chanel was terrified. She wouldn't, or couldn't, make eye contact. If she'd had a piece of velcro on her, she would have been knitted to the kind girl leading her into the room where I waited to meet her, all the while softly encouraging her and telling her everything was all right. The dog's tail was tucked so far between her legs, you could barely tell she had one at all. Oh, Chanel. If ever there was a dog I wish could tell me their life story, it's you. I'm confounded that any human could have done what they did to you. I hope karma catches up with them. While her back story is unknown, what I do know, thanks to those who spent time with the dog, is that Chanel is a beautiful, sweet-tempered young dog, possibly even a purebred. She is a new mom whose puppies were taken from her when they were way too young to survive without significant help. And she was dumped. Left to fend for herself with clearly no experience in street survival. Life in the past week has been a whirlwind that included being picked up off the streets in Elyria, taken to the Lorain County Dog Kennel, where, let's face it, it's loud and busy and dogs are alone for many hours, when what Chanel needs most is a human who will help her understand we're not all the (fill in the blank) who did this to her and her puppies. Enter LCDK volunteer Brittani Norton. Even the inexperienced would recognize that Chanel was actively nursing given how milk-engorged her teets were. Norton, who owns several dogs, and has been a volunteer at the kennel for about a year, also recognizes terror in a dog's eyes. And Chanel showed both terror and desperation. Norton just sat with her when they first met last Tuesday. Norton was more than willing to give the dog time she needed to slowly get up and move towards her, first to give her a sniff, then another sniff, before she was willing to accept the treats Norton offered. When Norton returned the next day, Chanel was more willing to sit next to her as she continued to offer treats. Norton was able to pet the dog, and Chanel surprised her with a kiss. Norton saw Chanel again on Friday and when they went into the yard for a walk, Chanel showed signs of wanting to play instead of keeping her nose to the ground while frantically searching for her missing babies. On Saturday, Norton saw the dog one more time before volunteer Kelli Bonacci gave her a ride to Rogers Canine for boarding while folks at Fido's Companion, who agreed to get Chanel out of the kennel, began searching for a foster to take the dog into their home. Emily Cooper, who works at the boarding facility, and who clearly became attached to Chanel when they met Monday morning, was the person who brought the dog to meet me in a play area. Although Chanel had met Cooper a short time before, she seemed comfortable with her and, as we sat with the dog, Chanel cozied up to Cooper and offered her some kisses as Cooper rubbed her head, ears and back. Michelle Reichlin, aka Mama Fido, admitted that Chanel got to her, partly because, as Reichlin put it, "I'm a sucker for liver and white dogs, wire haired dogs and underdogs." Chanel is all three and Reichlin decided she wanted to make sure Chanel got veterinary care including spaying so no one else could ever again, as Reichlin said, "be valued only for her ability to produce puppies." Reichlin also had arranged for Chanel to see a vet earlier this week to address skin issues. Dr. Nicole with West Park Animal Clinic, who has helped dozens, if not hundreds, of Fido's dogs, determined that Chanel had had fleas and a yeast infection. They are very treatable with medication and short term in duration. Now the quest for a foster begins. Chanel has such a cute face. She's not a big dog. She walks nicely next to a person. She may be scared but she did not show an ounce of aggresion towards me or another one of Roger's kennel keepers who popped in unexpectedly while Cooper and I were with dog That's a good sign because many frightened, traumatized dogs will growl or bark. She did not. For those who foster, Fido will provide a crate if one is needed; food, treats and medicine to address any lingering skin issues. Fido will also continue to pay Chanel's medical expenses and that will include a spay surgery. Anyone willing to foster can learn more about fostering and complete an application for consideration here: https://www.fidoscompanion.com/volunteer Better yet, an adoption application can be found here: https://www.fidoscompanion.com/adopt As part of being considered as an adopter, Fido will talk with your veterinarian and personal references and visit your home. Before you set the paper down, look one more time at Chanel. Do you have the big heart and time to foster her? Do you know someone who could, understanding this dog has been traumatized and it will take a bit of time to get her out of her shell and help her understand she won't be mistreated or abandoned. Based on the time I spent with her, albeit short, my sense is that Chanel will be a great companion animal. And, if a foster or adopter has questions or needs help as things may arise, Fido's will connect them to one of their trainers. No creature should be treated the way this sweet little girl has been treated. Who out there is ready to give her the love and life she deserves? Cuffs and Pups drive for LCDK dogs May 1-31, food and supplies drive to benefit Lorain County Dog Kennel sponsored by Cuffs & Pups. Drop-offs can be made at: Amherst Police Department, 911 N. Lake Street or Sheffield Village Police Department, 4340 Colorado Avenue. Items being collected include food, blankets, toys, and cleaning supplies. Tack Sale Thurs.-Fri., May 7-8, from 9am-4pm; Sat. May 9, 9 am-1 pm to benefit Angels Haven Horse Rescue at Evergreen Farm, 13297 Durkee Road, Grafton. In addition to tack, household items, jewelry and furniture will also be available for sale. Call Heidi for details: 440-781-5060