Animal Shelter Report: Meet Bigelow, your new best buddy

Published 10:21 am Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Hello, world! My name is Bigelow, and I’m a six-month-old German shepherd mix with a big heart, lots of energy and a playful spirit that just won’t quit. I may be young, but I’ve already learned one very important thing: life is so much better when it’s filled with love, laughter and a whole lot of tail wags!

If you’re looking for a furry friend who will brighten your days and keep you on your toes, I might be the pup for you. Let me tell you a little bit about myself and why we could make a perfect match.

Things I love: Attention, attention, attention! I absolutely adore people. When someone comes to visit me at my kennel, I can hardly contain my excitement. I wiggle, I wag and I do everything I can to let you know just how thrilled I am to see you. Petting? Yes, please! Playtime? Even better! I’m all about making friends and soaking up every bit of love and attention that comes my way.

Running and adventures: I’ve got energy to spare, and I love to move! Whether it’s a romp in the backyard, a walk around the neighborhood, or a hike through the woods, I’m always up for an adventure. I’d be happiest with an active family or person who can keep up with my playful nature and take me on outings. If you’re a runner, a hiker or just someone who enjoys being outdoors, we could be a dream team!

Toys, toys, and more toys: Playing is one of my favorite things in the world. I love tug-of-war, squeaky toys and just about anything I can chase or chew on. Fair warning: I do have a bit of a mischievous streak, and I might de-stuff a plush toy or two if given the chance. But hey, that’s just part of my charm!

Why I’d make a great companion: Besides being super cute (if I do say so myself), I’m also a sweet, curious and observant puppy. I like to watch everything that’s going on around me, and I pick up on things quickly. That means I should be pretty easy to train, especially if you’re patient and are willing to use a treat or two as a reward.

I’ve met some other dogs here at the shelter and I’ve gotten along well with them, so I’d probably do fine in a home with other pups. Of course, we’d need to have a proper introduction to make sure everyone gets along, but I’m a friendly guy with a happy-go-lucky attitude.

Ready to meet me? If you think we’d be a good fit, I’d love to meet you! I’m ready to leave the shelter life behind and start my next big adventure, and I hope it’s with you. Submit your adoption application today and let’s get started on the rest of our lives together!

Love, Bigelow

Get fit, make friends and help dogs get adopted

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to lace up your sneakers, get outside and make a real difference in the lives of local shelter dogs. The Walk and Wag program is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join their team of dog walkers!

Why dog walking matters: Life in a shelter can be stressful for dogs, especially when they’re waiting for weeks or even months to be adopted. Regular walks provide much needed mental stimulation, physical exercise and social interaction, all of which help reduce stress, boost happiness and improve their chances of finding a home.

What you’ll gain: Volunteering with Walk and Wag isn’t just about helping dogs, it’s also about building community and improving your own well-being. When you join our program, you’ll become part of a welcoming team of fellow animal lovers who are dedicated to making a difference. Plus, walking dogs is a fantastic way to stay active, reduce stress and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s a win-win situation, for you and for the pups!

Ready to start walking and wagging? Visit www.beachpets.com/volunteer and follow the dog walker links to get started. Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be ready to hit the trails with our wonderful crew of pups!

Spring auction and movie night

Continuing our spring theme, we have got two amazing ways for you to have fun and support your furry friends!

Spring online auction: Bid big, help bigger: Mark your calendars, our Spring Auction goes live on April 4 at noon! This is your chance to snag something fabulous while helping us raise the funds we need to care for our shelter animals.

The shelter doesn’t receive any federal, state, county or city funding. That means we rely entirely on the generosity of animal lovers like you (plus a few grants) to keep our doors open. Every bid makes a difference, so visit our auction and treat yourself to something amazing while helping pups in need!

Spring break movie night — “Toy Story 4”: Looking for a fun night out? We’re teaming up with the Neptune Movie House for a special Spring Break Movie Night on Monday, April 7! Admission is $10 per person (children 2 and under are free!) and doors open at 5:30 p.m. with showtime at 6 p.m. The best part is every penny of that $10 admission goes straight to the shelter! We’ll also have information available, a donation jar, and plenty of good vibes. So, grab your friends, family or favorite stuffed toy and come enjoy a night at the movies while supporting our shelter pets!

Marketplace