PlanetRockwall.com

Meet Hunter, Rockwall’s New Hometown Hero

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Directory Listing

City of Rockwall Animal Shelter

Rockwall is justifiably proud of local resident Jason Castro, who's making his mark on the music world. Now we again have bragging rights as another local boy is beginning to make a big name for himself.

In October 2010, a feisty, beautiful young Yellow Labrador Retriever found himself in a kennel at the Rockwall Animal Shelter. ‘Hunter’ was handsome and friendly, and everyone thought he would be adopted in a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, there was a problem; he was so feisty he was uncontrollable. Even with a lot of work, Cap Evans, Animal Services Officer, was the only person that could collar him. With his high energy level, it was becoming clear that the young lab would be difficult to adopt out.

At that time, the Rockwall Animal Shelter euthanized dogs when kennel space was needed for new strays and drop offs. In March, Hunter was the dog that had been there the longest. He was approaching the end of his welcome. The shelter agreed to hold off for a couple of weeks while Barbara Seed and Sandra Solomon, members of Rockwall PAWS, a local animal advocacy group, searched for other options for him.

Hunter was such a good dog it became the concern of more than one dog enthusiast. Sandra mentioned the dilemma to Bonnie Hill, President of KCAAP (Kaufman County Animal Awareness Project) about a wonderful dog that was overly hyper, even for a Lab. Bonnie suggested calling Mary Rushing at the Mesquite Animal Shelter who had contacts with various Search and Rescue and Drug Detection training organizations.

Mary put Sandra in touch with ScentryPlace and was directed to the GAP (Gifted Animal Placement) Program. The program utilizes CERTS (Canine Evaluation Response Tools) when testing for HEF (High Energy Focus), Play Drive and Hunt Drive. They encouraged testing Hunter, but cautioned to not "fudge" results, because if not tested realistically, he would only fail later.

Testing would require fenced running space and preferably two people. Mike and Pam Kitkoski, local animal advocates and shelter volunteers, were more than willing to give it a try. Hunter passed with flying colors and the report was sent to Nancy Bidwell and Stephanie Brown at ScentryPlace. In the meantime, Rockwall PAWS worked on a backup plan. Hunter would be boarded at Lailia’s Pet Bed and Breakfast (for free) and obedience training would be funded by Rockwall PAWS. Fortunately, the backup plan was not necessary, as word was received that Scentry Place would be coming to see Hunter and JJ, a male Belgian Malinois (a breed frequently used in this kind of training) at the shelter. The visit went well and both Hunter and JJ were picked up by ScentryPlace on April 14, 2011.

According to Ms. Bidwell, Hunter's exuberance proved to be a training challenge, but patience and experience paid off in the end. Hunter is now fully employed as the lead dog for K9sniffers, a private canine drug detection service in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. New owner Patty Giovannini reports that he has "an exceptional nose. He really has evolved into a great and obedient dog with consistency in training...what most dogs need. The key is to find someone with the patience to train." JJ, the Belgian Malinois, is still in training at Scentry Place, and shows great promise as a drug detection dog.

It takes a big heart to see past a behavioral issue and spot the potential in a good dog. In Hunter's case, a series of big hearts not only saved his life, but produced a productive and happy member of society.

Bob Lewis
PlanetRockwall
Thank you to Sandra Solomon, Nancy Bidwell and Patty Giovannini who contributed information regarding Hunter's story. Photos courtesy of K9sniffers and Rockwall Pets.