It is the mission of the Valley Animal Center to provide quality care to dogs and cats as they await adoption into a forever home of their own. As a no-kill shelter, we remain committed to ensuring that treatable and adoptable animals are given every chance at being adopted, regardless of how long that may take…Petey first came to the Valley Animal Center in July of 2009. This year-old pup was half Labrador, half Pit Bull, and all adorable. Everyone was sure that Petey would be swooped up quickly into a loving home of his own because he was too charming with his all-white coat and that darling black spot over one eye, reminiscent of the original Petey from The Little Rascals.
However, it soon became apparent that getting Petey adopted would be more of a challenge than originally anticipated. And now, after being adopted and returned not once, not twice, but three times, poor Petey has found himself in a bit of a pickle.
Petey is not mean, Petey is not aggressive, Petey is not dumb. Petey’s problem is that he is not conscious of his own strength. Petey is a playful little puppy in a big dog’s body.
Clearly, Petey needed a little help in realizing his full potential as man’s best friend (which indeed he is). And so, after brainstorming, the staff at Valley Animal Center decided the only option was to find a trainer who could work with Petey one-on-one and teach Petey how to be the good obedient boy we all know he can be.
Clearly, Petey needed a little help in realizing his full potential as man’s best friend (which indeed he is). And so, after brainstorming, the staff at Valley Animal Center decided the only option was to find a trainer who could work with Petey one-on-one and teach Petey how to be the good obedient boy we all know he can be. Steve Fulmer of K9 Graduates was up to the task and has been meeting with Petey to cure him of his bad habits, while also teaching us humans how to properly encourage Petey to be all that he can be. Petey’s training had barely gotten underway when a few kind supporters, through word of mouth, made donations to the unofficially titled “Petey Fund” to help subsidize Petey’s training.
As it turns out, Petey can sit and heel pretty well. He also is learning that jumping on people is not preferred behavior, and we are quickly turning big Petey into a well-behaved gentleman. Petey is again available for adoption, and we are hoping that this next time will be his last, as he deserves a nice place to call his own.
As it turns out, Petey can sit and heel pretty well. He also is learning that jumping on people is not preferred behavior, and we are quickly turning big Petey into a well-behaved gentleman. Petey is again available for adoption, and we are hoping that this next time will be his last, as he deserves a nice place to call his own.
To reinforce Petey’s learned skills and obedience, trainer Steve Fulmer has offered continued complimentary lessons once Petey is adopted into a home.
Of course, Petey is not the only dog who has ever had a difficult time getting adopted due to issues of problem behaviors or excessive strength. At the Valley Animal Center we have several special dogs who are being held back by a behavioral quirk.
In an effort to help all the “Peteys” out there, the Valley Animal Center has started a program in which our difficult-to-adopt dogs will receive structured training to resolve their issues and ensure adopters that with continued care and reinforcement, these dogs will make amazing pets. To help this program take off, the Valley Animal Center is greatly appreciative of any and all donations that are given to The "Good Dog" Training Fund. Donations to the Valley Animal Center are tax-deductible, and can be made on our website, through mail at P.O. Box 706, Fresno 93712, or in person at 3934 N Hayston Ave, Fresno 93726, if you would like to come by and give a pat to Petey and the other dogs.
Petey thanks you for your support and well wishes, as do all of us here at the Valley Animal Center.
