Lens And Leash: Who is this adoption story about?
Shelby Dyer: Tillie, my 9 month old Chinese American Husky Mutt (DNA test results were – 25% Husky, 12.5% Chow Chow, 12.5% Chinese Shar Pei, 12.5% Golden Retriever, 37.5% Mix Breed Dogs)
Lens And Leash: What made you decide to adopt?
Shelby Dyer: I have always known when it’s time for a dog of my own I would adopt because I believe all dogs deserve a loving home and it pains me to think about shelter dogs living in kennels.
Lens And Leash: When and where did you adopt Tillie?
Shelby Dyer: I adopted Tillie, originally known as Butters, from Animal Adoption Center on August 4th, 2017.
Lens And Leash: How old was Tillie when you adopted her and do you know anything about her life before you adopted her?
Shelby Dyer: She was about 9 or 10 weeks old when I adopted her. She was found weeks prior along side the road in Arizona, with some serious sores and skin problems. We think she might have wandered off a reservation or was left. The people who picked her up dropped her at the Idaho Falls shelter where she spent some time healing before AAC brought her over to Jackson.
Lens And Leash: What made you decide to adopt Tillie specifically?
Shelby Dyer: It was fate. I had spent the summer fostering and waiting for my perfect dog. I was on a list for a different puppy and was asked to foster Tillie/Butters, with no intention of adopting, as a trial to see if I wanted a puppy or an older dog. She was perfect and I asked the next day if I could adopt her instead but I wasn’t first on the list. A day later I was told the other potential adopter had changed their mind and she could be mine, if I wanted.
Lens And Leash: What is your favorite quirk about Tillie?
Shelby Dyer: She has so many but her ears are incredible. As a puppy they flopped over and looked like perfect tortilla chips, where I got her name from. As she got older, they started to stand straight up but have stayed a darker shade than the rest of her. When she’s happy or in trouble she folds them back, when she’s tired they fall to the side of her head and she looks like Yoda.
Lens And Leash: Did you have to do any training with her after you adopted her?
Shelby Dyer: I did. She was a puppy so all the basics but she is very smart so that was easy. As she’s grown into herself and I’ve found out her potential breeds, I have had to take it more seriously. Being part husky she is quite stubborn and loves to run off. I ended up seeking help from a local trainer, Woofers and had a great experience. We still have work to do, but she is doing great!
Lens And Leash: What tips or pieces of advice would you offer to people that are looking to adopt for the first time?
Shelby Dyer: Do it! It will be the best decision of your life, and very rewarding. But don’t rush it, take your time finding the right one. Not every pet is right for every owner. And do a DNA test, it is so fun finding out the breeds and can help make training make more sense!
Lens And Leash: Would you adopt again and would you adopt from the same shelter/rescue?
Shelby Dyer: 100%. I had an amazing experience with the AAC and will personally only adopt any future pets.
