‘Issy’ has special message

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Isabella | Photo provided

Updated: October 14, 2011 5:22PM

Hi, my name is Isabella Bosak, or better known as Issy. Every year at this time, my mom lets me take over the column because October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month.

I know all about this because my mom came to adopt me two years ago from the Lake County Animal Adoption Center.

Although I was only at the shelter for a couple weeks and they were really nice to me, I was scared because I didn’t have a human to love and a home of my own. I remember the first time I met my mom-to-be. She told me that day was my luckiest.

And she was right! Today, I have someone to love me, good food to fill my tummy, baskets full of toys, a nice yard and a neighborhood full of dog friends. I have a forever home.

Not all dogs are so lucky. Some are abandoned; some are terribly mistreated. Others are the product of careless humans who don’t know the importance of spaying and neutering (although that really wasn’t any fun).

Luckily, there are good people who run our local animal shelters. They do their best to get us off the streets and keep us safe, but sometimes, it must feel like an uphill battle.

So, if you’re looking for a pet that will love you unconditionally and be your forever friend, please consider looking in a shelter first. And, in case you’re interested, here are a few of the adorable, adoptable dogs waiting to meet you for the first time.

† Cody is an Eskimo-border collie mix living at the Lake County Animal Adoption Center. He’s a little shy and he struggles to trust, maybe because he was abandoned and doesn’t want to be hurt again. But word is, Cody really likes to be around people and would love to find a family of his own.

† Bowzer also is at the Lake County shelter. A Labrador-retriever mix, he is white, but has this black fur on his face that’s too cool. You have to see him! Bowzer was found running loose with his brother, White Sox. It would be nice if a family could adopt both.

If you’re interested in Cody or Bowzer, call 769-7016.

† Simone is living at the Humane Society Calumet Area. She’s a husky mix (some people say I’m part husky, too) with a great smile and beautiful eyes (like mine). How could you resist? Call the shelter at 922-3811. If Simone has been adopted, they have other great dogs for you to adopt.

† Chico the Chihuahua and Babs the Beagle live at the Humane Society Northwest Indiana. Chico is a 2-year-old male mix. He’s cute, if you like little dogs. Babs is a baby with great, floppy ears and large, sad eyes. Both are tired of living in cages, so call 938-3339.

Finally, if you no longer can keep your pet, for any reason, please don’t abandon it on the street. Take it to the closest shelter so he or she can be safe.