My name is Nicole Welka, and I am the dog control officer for the town of Sheridan, NY. I have been a dog control officer for about 3 years, and I have never had a dog give me any issue yet. Now introducing Darla, she is a female pit/mastiff/maybe shepherd mix, that’s what I’m guessing. She was found lying pretty much in a ditch in Sheridan. She was there, waiting for her owner, who most likely dumped her there. Darla is so loyal, she wouldn’t leave. A kind woman named Jess took the time to get close to Darla to earn her trust and was able to rescue her from the ditch. Then I came and picked her up to take her for the 5 days New York State requires as a holding period. Keep in mind, dogs can be euthanized after the 5 days. I’ve kept quite a few dogs past the 5 days to find rescue placement, but they’ve all been pretty easy dogs. Darla is a little bit of a different story. She is clearly traumatized from her owner’s betrayal. It took her a couple of days to warm up to me, but now she absolutely loves me and jumps up and down when I come to the kennel. But, I have no holding center, and she is in a large kennel in my garage. I have 5 dogs, and she definitely doesn’t seem to be socialized with other dogs, so her time out of the kennel is limited. I have had her since October 5th. Today is October 30th. She has gotten extremely depressed and is not happy about being in the kennel anymore. Anybody who has tried to come see her, she growls and barks and lunges profusely toward them. I cannot adopt her out myself because of these behavioral issues. It’s hard to place Darla with a rescue or foster because of her stipulations, most likely no cats, other dogs, or kids. A wonderful organization called Against All Oddz Animal Alliance has sponsored her; they take in dogs that need a little bit of extra patience, time, and understanding. But still, no fosters are available because of her stipulations. There is a board and train program that AAO uses, which I believe Darla would benefit from. It could quite actually save her life. I cannot watch her suffer in this kennel any longer. I also have 5 dogs of my own, and other strays will need my help too. Plus, a kennel in the garage is no place for a dog. Darla deserves the treatment any house pet gets, a nice bed, cuddles every night, and to feel safe for once in her life. If you can, please save Darla’s life. I almost feel as if it’s unkind for me to keep her living like this. I do not want to euthanize a dog as I never have, and Darla deserves a chance.

*** Darla is on her way to board and train now!! We just need the donations!!