This week our featured pets are Nacho and Coco, who thrived in Dogs Playing For Life (DPFL) playgroups last week. DPFL is a nonprofit organization with a mission to ensure that every shelter dog gets a chance to “be a dog” every day through play and enrichment. In 2019 DBCHS staff and volunteers participated in a training seminar with DPFL to safely offer playgroups at the shelter, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity!

Dogs burn off energy and learn social skills during playgroups, skills that will help develop positive relationships with dogs outside the shelter. Thanks to playgroups, we have seen dogs that seemed unapproachable due to behavioral issues eventually blossom so they can be adopted into loving homes. Coco is an excellent example.

Coco is an 11-month-old mixed-breed pup who had a rough start in life. This darling little chunk was never socialized and exhibits barrier aggression in her kennel, barking and lunging at people walking by. All that barking and jumping makes her seem scary, despite her otherwise cute appearance. If you give her the chance you will learn that Coco is timid and fearful, not scary at all.

When Coco went into Brody’s Run fenced yard for playgroups, the tension slowly left her body as she romped with her new buddy, Nacho. After her play session, Coco was less stressed and enjoyed getting petted while she relaxed on her bed. She will thrive in a home where her people understand she needs patience, proper training, and plenty of TLC.

Nacho is an 8-month-old beagle mix who was previously adopted and returned through no fault of his own. He’s what we call a rockstar in DPFL playgroups, able to handle almost anything that comes his way. He greeted each dog with joy and easily rolled with different play styles. Nacho loves people – especially kids – is a quick learner, and responds appropriately to correction from other dogs as well as handlers.

Let’s get these guys Home for the Holidays – right now, their adoption fee is only $53! They’re fixed, microchipped, and vaccinated; meet them weekdays between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Call 859.238.1117 to ensure they’re still available and complete an online application to save time: https://bit.ly/2Qo4EfE. Can’t get to the shelter during open hours? Email karikuh@dbchs.org to set up an appointment instead.

Help us make it a relaxing and happy pawliday season for all the animals in our care:
be a short-term foster for Christmas! We’ll match you with an appropriate pet for your lifestyle and provide all the supplies you need.

Email dbchs@bellsouth.net for more information and register here: https://bit.ly/3bNErhD.

The Danville-Boyle County Humane Society is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) established in 1972 that promotes the humane treatment of animals through compassionate care, engagement, and support. To donate, please visit DBCHS.org/give or mail a check to DBCHS P.O. Box 487, Danville, KY 40423-0487. We’re grateful for our generous community!