On a hot summer day, fill up an inflatable pool with water and ice.
So she bought him a unicorn tent.
“I set it up and put a brand new toy in there and a bunch of treats,” she told TODAY. “When I saw him go in there and lay down and chew his toy and kind of be able to hide from the world, it felt really good.”Seeing spots? Or not… Dalmatian puppies are pure white when they are born and develop their spots as they grow older.
“I just love the guy,” Synk said.
She also takes him home for weekend sleepovers about once a month — a compromise hashed out with her husband since they already have other dogs who aren't interested in expanding the pack— to give him a break from shelter life.
Check for Fleas By Giving Your Dog the White Towel Test. Do you think you dog has fleas? Have them lay on a white towel while you examine & brush their fur. The sheet makes it easy to see any loose flea dirt that falls from your dog.
A certified dog trainer is working with Starsky on his behavior issues, and he’s starting to be able to see more volunteer “buddies.” Hopefully, they’ll soon be able to take him on sleepovers, too.
Eventually, they hope he finds an adopter willing to work with his needs and help him feel safe.
Check for Fleas By Giving Your Dog the White Towel Test. Do you think you dog has fleas? Have them lay on a white towel while you examine & brush their fur. The sheet makes it easy to see any loose flea dirt that falls from your dog.
When Synk shared Starsky’s story in a Facebook group for shelter staff and volunteers, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive, and others want to try getting private tents for stressed or fearful dogs.
“Volunteers are able to do so much to help pets be happy and comfortable while they are in a shelter, like by giving a nervous dog a special cozy unicorn tent he can hang out in,” she told TODAY. “Even the best animal shelter can be a stressful environment for pets. That’s why we are very grateful not just to shelter staff and volunteers, but to people who welcome foster pets into their homes.”
Spain emphasized that fostering allows pets to relax in a calm, safe, home environment.Make a Re-Stuffable Dog Toy. Does your dog go bonkers with stuffed toys? If your dog likes to rip stuffed animals apart you can make a re-stuffable dog toy.
“We’d encourage everyone to reach out to your local shelter or rescue group and sign up to volunteer, or foster a pet,” she said. “You will make a real difference in pets’ lives, and it will be a great experience for you, too.”