Recordpub.com - 'They just want a home' Open house at Portage pound showcases dogs

By Mike Sever
Record-Courier staff writer
David McIntyre knows how to get dogs adopted " hold an open house.
At least two of the 75 people who came to Tuesday's open house at the Portage County Dog Pound left with new additions to their household.
Tuesday's lineup of adoptable animals included everything from young dogs poking eager noses through the wire doors of their runs to gray-muzzled lab mixes quietly watching the visitors with sad, old eyes.
"They all just want a home to go to," McIntyre said.
Since taking over as county dog warden on April 1, McIntyre has spruced up the facility on Infirmary Road in Shalersville with fresh paint, new shelves and a general housecleaning.
A lot of the work was done by people sentenced to community service hours by Municipal Court Judge John Plough and other judges, McIntyre said.
Plough and all three Portage County commissioners were on hand for the open house.
McIntyre also has veterinarian technician students from the North Coast Medical Training Academy coming in weekly to wash and groom the dogs. Students were on hand at the open house to talk with visitors and show off the 35 dogs in the pound.
McIntyre said the numbers were up because "I'm being true to my word" and only putting down dogs that are too sick, injured or too mean to be adoptable.
It's also because many of the dogs picked up have collars but no tags.
The county pound, at 8120 Infirmary Road, is open for adoptions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Available dogs may be seen at www.petfinder.com/shelters/OH184.html, the pound's Web site.

9.	Posted by jaycat26 September 15, 2008
	It has often been said...there is no such thing as a free pet...I do not think that the fees requested by these organizations is excessive at all. Amish puppy mill breeders as up to 600$ for their "designer breeds"..in many cases you can adopt a pure breed from the dog pound or APL if that is your wish. Personally, I prefer mixed breeds...their health is generally better and it seems you get the best of all traits. You don't need AKC papers to love and be a loyal friend....jaycat...9-15-2008

7.	Posted by SillyNana September 13, 2008
	I adopted many pets from the APL and Portage County pound. I have NO PROBLEM paying the fees for these animals. I like to think that I'm saving a life. Knowing that this animal is getting a second chance and I am giving it a loving home. Instead of buying an animal from someone who is making money off of it. It's crazy to think of paying anywhere from $300 to $1,500 just to say "I have a per-bred" or "look at my animal". I also spayed or neutered my pets, to stop the over growing population of animal roaming free without anyone taking care of them. People need to stop and look, that money is not just for that animal. The money was everything it needed and for every other animal that will be needed it down the road. It's called a donation! It's doesn't matter the price you pay or donate, what matters is that you give that animal a chance to become a part of your life and family.

6.	Posted by ChristineG September 11, 2008
	I know this article is about the pound and I am thrilled at the progress that has been happening there! BUT I have to say that the APL adoption fee is far from a bad deal. Call a vet...(minimum cost) Office call~$30 heartworm test~$30 rabies vaccine~$25 regular booster~$15 advantage/frontline~$10 heartworm prevention~$5 wormer~$10 Look...we are at $125 and the dog isn't even spayed or neutered yet. That is depending on the weight and sex...IF you go to a low cost place you can do that for between $75-100 on top of that $125. I think I will stick with a rescued pet and pay their awesome adoption fee....which by the way they can only keep that low because they get donations ...since most dogs that the APL or other rescues take in are sick and or injured too..not to mention they have to be fed, walked, cleaned up after and such while they wait for a home.

4.	Posted by Integrity September 10, 2008
	It is so nice to know that David McIntrye is doing his best to find homes for these dogs at the pound. I will definitely pass on the link to anyone I know who is wanting to add a dog to their family. Kudos to you, Mr. McIntyre, for doing your best to keep the euthanizations to a minimum. Keep up the great work!

2.	Posted by Peppermint September 10, 2008
	I, personally, don't think that $125-$150 is excessive to adopt an animal from the APL. You figure that the animals are up to date on their shots, neutered/spade, groomed, nails clipped, seen by a vet, etc. You would spend WAY more than that going to a vet, PLUS you don't have to take time off from work to take the animal to get all of the above done on your pet...it's already done for you.

1.	Posted by Gary September 10, 2008
	I have called the APL about adopting and their prices are out rageous. I actually adopted a wonderful older dog from an local family. I took my siter to Valley View to adopt a dog from Valey View's Animal shelter as it was less costly to travel out of portage County to adopt a wanted pet. If the APL wants homes for their animals then lower your adoption fee. As it stands now it costs anywhere from around $125.-$150 to adopt in Portage County. Then a lot of more good families will be able to adopt a beloved pet.