Why choose me? Update: Knightly greeted me with a hug in the impound room. He was all smiles and looked familiar, but I couldn't recall his name. When a caretaker said Knightly was back, my heart sunk. He'd been adopted after graduating from Project Homebound Athens GA but was too active for his adopter. His former owner said Knightly is an affectionate dog but needs a home with a fenced yard so he can run, play, and get his energy out. His former owner also said Knightly is mostly house trained and is friendly with other dogs. He'd been around a small poodle and did well. Knightly knows how to sit and lie down for treats, and he walked well for me on a leash. He was excited having a big play yard to run around, so today was mostly a day for play. He loves toys. I hope Knightly finds a home that's the right fit for him. He'd love a buddy who enjoys running and playing as much as he does. * * * Knightly is currently at Project Homebound and he's about to graduate! The Project Homebound Dog Training Program is a partnership between ACC Animal Services, ACC Department of Corrections, and Athenspets. Dogs from ACCAS are brought to live in a specialized enclosure on Corrections property. There, they are trained and socialized by pairs of Returning Citizens with supervision from the program's professional dog trainer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advocate update: Meet my new and dear friend Knightly! I'm his shelter advocate now, so you will be seeing and hearing lots more about him until we find him a home. TL/DR: he's just a big, smart, handsome 1 year old baby boy looking for some love and reassurance 🩵 We got to spend time in a variety of settings together on multiple outings this week - a private dog park, my office, and the greenway/trails at Sandy Nature Center. He did well everywhere we went. Everything seemed like a new experience for him and he was initially cautious but really excited and happy to be there. He also did great in the car!! I worry that he's being overlooked in the shelter due to his *enthusiasm* When he gets taken out of his kennel and into an interaction pen, he can be pretty jumpy and mouthy. I thought he just had a TON of energy to get out, so we went to the dog park to let him run it out. He loved it but didn't seem to have all that much energy to burn, and was still jumpy with me. He does incredible on leash, so I kept one on him to grab each time he got a case of the jumpies. HOT TIP: on leash - Instantly composed, easily redirected and back on track! After the dog park, he ended up doing SO well at my office with coworkers - happy to meet them, zero jumping or mouthy-ness. He already seemed more calm and content. I was so proud of his manners and the progress he had made in a matter of hours on our first outing! He loved playing tug of war and trying to learn how to "spin" for my coworker. I truly think he mostly needs a little time to get over the initial shock of being *chosen*, then a little more time to believe that you are really there, for no purpose other than to love on him and spend time with him... that he doesn't have to fight for your love and attention... he has it! (I think he's literally grasping for it at the shelter, where he has been for over a month now, because he is afraid you're going to go away). Yes, he has some puppy energy, but watching his behavior shift so quickly with a bit of focused attention tells me what a good boy he is and can be in a home! He is incredibly smart and trainable. Knightly simply needs more than just a few minutes of your time to show you his greatness. You can read more about this dog and check out additional photos here: https://www.accgov.com/9482/Dogs The adoption fees, shelter schedule, a description of the rescue and adoption process, and a list of included vetting can be found at https://athenspets.net/adoption-rescue-process. This dog is available for adoption through Athens-Clarke County Animal Services, located at 125 Buddy Christian Way, Athens, GA. For the most timely information on hours, location, availability and how to adopt, call the shelter Mon - Sat from 11am-4pm or Sunday 12-3 (except holidays) at 706-613-3540 or go to https://www.accgov.com/133/Animal-Services. Visit the shelter in person or submit an application online! https://www.accgov.com/9482/Dogs