Several years ago, Christie Chipps Peters, shelter director of Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC), came up with a great idea as she imagined people getting together with friends and family for Thanksgiving.
It was just another day for shelter dogs, but did it really have to be?
Richmond Animal Care & Control
So what if people could invite shelter animals over to their Thanksgiving dinners? She put the idea out in the community, and before she knew it, 35 animals had invitations!
The shelter pets would get a good meal, lots of love, and be able to put themselves on display for adoption.
Richmond Animal Care & Control
More than half of those animals were adopted that year, either by the family or someone who met them through that family, and it appeared that the program was a hit.
Years later, the number of shelter animals invited to Thanksgiving has since tripled. 🙂
“Sheldon is coming to my house for Thanksgiving!!!”
The program is a great way to open up the idea of fostering to people who may have never done it before.
The shelter even provides each family with all of the supplies necessary, including food, medication, and a crate.
The pet will return to the shelter after the week-long foster — unless that family decides to keep it.
Richmond Animal Care & Control
If the family does decide to give the dog or cat a forever home, the shelter waives the adoption fee. The whole experience makes it a lot easier for people to say yes to adoption.
Richmond Animal Care & Control
Lots of people all over Virginia are ready to play host to a shelter animal this year, and it’s a rewarding experience for all involved.
“The emails we get from people are so great,” Christie told The Dodo. “They run from, ‘I’m here in Virginia on work and my family’s far away — I’d love to have a friend to cook with for Thanksgiving’ to messages like, ‘We just lost our Labrador of 13 years and we have an empty house now … We’d love nothing more than to have a pet here for the holiday.’ It’s just a feel-good moment as the city shelter that we can open this up for people who love animals.”
h/t The Dodo
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10 of the Smartest Dogs in the World:
A friend of mine has a beautiful Dalmatian. Friendly, energetic and lovable, she was a perfect family pet… but she wasn’t the smartest pooch on the planet. See, she knew how to go through the pet door out into the garden, but she had no clue how to get back inside. It never occurred to her that the flap could swing both ways. So she would sit outside and howl until my friend would open the door.
Repeated demonstrations of the dual movement of the flap had no effect; it just did not compute. The dog breeds on this list, however, probably don’t have that problem. They’re widely considered to be among the cleverest canines in the world. Take a look and see if you agree.
1. German Shepherd
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No surprise here. German Shepherds are the world’s best police dogs, military dogs, and some have even been movie stars (remember Rin Tin Tin?). Brave, loyal, smart and strong, they’re the total package.
2. Beagle
Also on the list of the best family-friendly dogs in the world, the Beagle has an incredible nose that lets them sniff out just about anything. Born detectives, they’re not the most trainable pets, but they are smart. And hey, nobody ever accused Snoopy of being dumb.
3. Golden Retriever
A popular choice for assistance dogs for their easy temperament, natural intelligence and loyalty, Golden Retrievers are natural guides and also serve as great rescue dogs. Active and fun to be around, they’re wonderful family pets.
4. Border Collie
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Border Collies are considered by many to be the geniuses of the dog world. Expert herders, laser-focused (they’re known for their intense stare), and incredibly agile to boot, they’re workaholics and excellent athletes. Just don’t expect to keep one cooped up in an apartment.
5. Poodle
Did you know poodles were originally hunting dogs? They respond very well to training and are quick to learn tricks. So don’t let the fluffy looks and styled mane fool you! These dogs are among the smart canines around. Plus, they’re among the best dogs in the world for those who suffer allergies.
6. Belgian Malinois
A terrific military dog, the Malinois is a natural herder, tracker and worker. Smart, trainable and protective, these dogs require an owner who knows what he or she is doing. In addition to the military, Malinois are often recruited as guard dogs and police dogs as well.
7. Papillon
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Named for their butterfly-shaped ears, papillons are small, cute and pretty smart. They’re considered the smartest of the toy dog breed, with intelligence levels comparable to the über-smart border collie. They’re alert and focused pets, and loyal and lovable: an ideal friend for he family.
8. Doberman
Sadly, Dobermans are known more for their ferocity than their smarts, but these are considered among the most intelligent dogs in the world, as well as one of the most effective guard dogs around. They’re outstanding students known to be affectionate and obedient.
9. Bloodhound
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Don’t let the wrinkles and dopey expression fool you! Bloodhounds have the keenest of noses, and are often used for trailing (so much so that their evidence can be used in court against you!). These are loving but strong-willed dogs, and are often used on search and rescue missions.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
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You need a smart, determined and energetic dog to control unruly cows. And that’s just what the Australian Cattle Dog, or ACD, does. They’re intelligent enough to herd these much larger creatures, and while they need their independence and wide open spaces, they’re eager workers who know how to get the job done.
Did we miss your brainy dog on this list? If so, write in and let us know about it!
