Safe Haven of Iowa County

Charlie is a big black lab mix that we would consider to be a special needs dog. He lived at our shelter for several months previously and wasn't  happy there.  In general, Charlie is also a little choosy about who he likes - though he actually loves most people, and loves walks, and treats! He doesn't really care for most other dogs or cats. 

We came to a point where we were really concerned about what to do for Charlie. He wasn't happy at the shelter and sometimes visitors would worry us with their poking figers in his kennel when he was not receptive to them.   Given that the volunteers who knew him had positive experience with Charlie, we thought he would make a nice family member in the right situation with the right people - but we weren't finding those people, and Charlie was getting burnt out on shelter life. 

One of our volunteers knew Charlie well and had a special bond with him. She decided that she would give him a trial at her home/acerage as sort of a "forever foster". She took him home and after a week or 2 of adjusting, Charlie did wonderfully in the environment she was able to provide. Charlie couldn't live inside her house because she had other animals, but he lived in her fenced in backyard and had access to her garage. He loved living there and that set up seemed the perfect life for him as several of us saw on different occasions. Charlie still had the occasional urge to chase cats, but they all came to a safe understanding.  He was even tolerant of their small dog, and they coexisted peacefully when the small dog was in the back yard. 

Unfortunately, this very special volunteer passed away recently and Charlie has had to return to the shelter. It was a sad decision for her husband/children to make, but necessary even though they too understood and loved him. 

We are once again looking for the perfect, tolerant place for Charlie. He had no aggression problems at his foster home, and was actually a pretty easy, laid back family member once he adjusted. We would still prefer a home for Charlie with no small children and a place where he does not have to interact with lots of people or other pets. If you or someone you know could provide a good home or foster situation for Charlie, please let us know. We are so sad for this family - and this includes our boy Charlie, who had the best "momma" a dog could have asked for.