Spice, Spice, Spice

Spice..the perfect name for a playful, curious, funny and spunky pup – an extraordinary dog that is in need of an extraordinary owner. Spice is a 2-year old American Staffordshire terrier mix with alert, beautiful eyes that is available for adoption at the Humane Society of West Michigan.

We first met Spice while we were at the HSWM in November doing a pet portrait fundraiser. While we were there we took some headshots of newly available dogs, as well as a few ‘long term’ pups – Spice was amongst the long-term pups. When we heard last week that Spice still hadn’t been adopted, we decided to pay her and her trainer, Tanelle McFadyen, a visit to learn a bit more about her.

When we arrived at the humane society, Spice was giving an obedience demo with Tanelle in an educational class for a visiting group of high school students – participating in demos is something she does quite often. Spice knows her stuff too – all her basic commands (sit, stay, down, leave it, sit and wait, etc) and is a very motivated learner. She also walks exceptionally well on a leash. Tanelle has worked extensively with her in Spice’s one-year tenure at the HSWM. After the demo was over, Spice came strutting down the hall greeting us with a wag in her tail and a huge smile on her face.

It is hard for us to believe that Spice hadn’t been adopted yet – she is such a beautiful dog. She is exceptionally smart, playful, curious and energetic. What is the deal? Why hadn’t she been adopted yet? Tanelle believes part of the problem is Spice is quite often misunderstood. She has a huge amount of energy that needs to be channeled in a positive and productive way – otherwise life can get a little chaotic. She needs an owner that understands what her needs are, as well as one that is willing to spend the time and energy with her.  She has been adopted several times and returned with the adopter stating the same thing – she was just too much for them to handle. Too much is what you get when Spice doesn’t have structure in her life – a funny, energetic, affectionate companion is what you get when she does have structure in her life.

The first thing Spice did when we went into the dog park at the HSWM was run for 5 minutes straight chasing a tennis ball or just running for the sake of running – expending pent-up energy. But when she was done she easily settled down, as Tanelle ran her through all of the commands in her repertoire. Spice is very food motivated and was quite focused as Tanelle worked with her. Tanelle states that it is imperative that she has a patient owner that is willing to continue with her training, because she needs structure – structure given with positive reinforcement – clear, calm and concise directions of what is expected of her. If she gets this, she will thrive.

While Spice is a high-energy pup, she has a mellow side as well and can be often found curled up in a chair in someone’s office snoozing away. She is also known for looking for a favorite HSWM human’s lap to curl up in as well and is known for giving huge kisses.

Spice is definitely not for the first time dog owner – she needs an experienced, active, willing and patient human to help her on her journey and give her a forever home. Spice also needs to be placed in a home in which she is the only animal. And what do you get in return? A lifetime of loyalty, companionship, affection and joy – possibly even a running buddy, an agility dog or exercise mate.

All pups need time to adjust to their new homes after they are adopted. Spice is no different and will more than likely need a little extra time than normal in order for her to settle in and for her goofy and loving personality to emerge. To help facilitate the adjustment, Spice and her new family will receive several in-home training lessons from HSWM personnel.

If you think you might be the perfect human for this beautiful, smart and goofy pup, please call the HSWM at 616-453-8900 ext. 201 or email them at adoptions@hswestmi.org for more information or questions/concerns.