BY KARI KUH

Danville-Boyle County Humane Society

The ASPCA estimates that approximately 3.3 million dogs are taken to shelters annually, and May 20 is National Rescue Dog Day to recognize those abandoned and abused pets. All shelter dogs deserve a loving family, including our Pets of the Week, Mack and Tulip.

Macaroni, Big Mack and Mr. Mack are terms of endearment that Mack has earned during his six-month stay at the humane society. No matter what you call him, 45-pound Mack is the perfect medium-sized cuddle buddy. He’s handsome, too. The 3½-year-old has a reddish brown coat with black and white markings on his cute blocky head. His deep brown eyes shine with intelligence.

Mack is a staff favorite who adores his people. Although anxious around strangers, he’s desperate to connect with humans and warms up with time. For example, when volunteers bathed him, Mack relaxed into the massage while enjoying peanut butter; by the end of the brief grooming session, he’d made new best friends. He also loves hanging out with volunteers, practicing commands in the yard.

Mack hopes his human will be passionate about helping him overcome his anxiety around strangers; he’ll thrive in a patient family that allows him to settle in and show his sweet personality. It might take multiple visits to the shelter to get to know Mack, but we have the time if you do. You’ll be happy you did.

Hounds are known for their striking tri-color coats, and Tulip is no exception. Primarily white with black and mahogany markings, her legs are the only thing longer than her soft silky ears. And, like most hounds, Tulip is warm, affectionate, and curious.

Two-year-old Tulip appears regal and mature in her picture, but this gal is a hoot and a half. She’s got plenty of puppy in her and gallops like an eager, clumsy pony going nowhere in particular with those floppy ears swaying.

When Tulip’s not using her sniffer to explore, she likes to lay right next to the building as close as possible to the humans inside. She has a charming-ish habit of standing on her hind legs, staring in the window, and locking eyes with staff as if begging to come in. Unfortunately, Tulip isn’t great at administrative tasks, so she sleeps outside in the sun instead.

Tulip and Mack have been fixed, vaccinated, and microchipped and are ready to go home. Complete an online application to save time: https://bit.ly/2Qo4EfE and bring your family and dog for a meet and greet Monday – Friday between 1 and 4 p.m. or if you cannot make it to the shelter during open hours, email me at karikuh@dbchs.org to make an appointment.

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 every contribution.