Even the biggest dogs need love
Homeward Bound Pet Rescue’s (HBPR) “Project Thor” shares a name with a proposed Air Force kinetic orbital bombardment weapon system, a proposed Army anti-drone energy weapon, a U.S. law enforcement plan to stop gun trafficking to Mexico and more.
But it doesn’t resemble any of these programs. Instead, it’s about finding a new home for big dogs and special needs dogs.
“Just because a dog is big doesn’t make it a bad dog,” longtime volunteer Billy Campbell said.
Project Thor is named after a local dog rescued from tragic conditions.
Often, it’s hard to get people to adopt big dogs from the Gilmer County Animal Shelter (GCAS). People can feel intimidated by their size and strength.
But these dogs still need somewhere to live.
And with the right focus, their journey home can begin.
“I’ll focus on the big dogs and dogs with problems,” Campbell said. “A dog that has been there for a year just needs somebody to work on them.”
Daisy, a large bulldog, has been in the GCAS for five years, Campbell said.
But with the right combination of fundraising, support, training and advertising, Campbell believes she and others can find a home.
Sometimes, a dog can seem scary or intimidating. But once they relax or get out of a stressful environment, they can be wonderful, he said.
With a little extra effort, Campbell has found ways to introduce dogs to potential adopters at their best.
In an animal shelter, dogs live in small enclosures, and the arrival of a new visitor often starts a cascade of loud barking.
In this stressful environment, even a good dog can be loud enough to “scare me to death,” Campbell said.
But it’s likely that a dog won’t bark wildly in a peaceful home, Campbell said.
“We have to have some common sense,” he said.
Project Thor also hopes to help dogs with special needs.
Lily, a terrier mix, suffers from megaesophagus. This disorder means she can’t swallow food normally. She requires special feeding protocols to help her eat.
A volunteer with Homeward Bound Pet Rescue is currently building her a special chair that can hold her upright while she eats. This mechanism makes it easier to take care of her.
Currently, Project Thor is looking for a foster home where Lily can be cared for long-term.
Already, Campbell’s efforts have yielded results. Carlson, a large dog, has found a permanent home with a local family.
“Living in a home allowed Carlson’s personality to shine and his confidence to grow,” Campbell said.
Those wishing to adopt, foster or volunteer with a dog from Project Thor can find out more at hbpr.org.
“The most special need dogs have is that they need a home,” Campbell said.