By Madison Bendistis
Elm Staff Writer
This issue’s Pet of the Week, Riley, may sound familiar, as he was briefly mentioned a couple of weeks ago in an article about Passion the pitbull. Riley is a four-year-old pitbull mix with a bluish gray coat and brown eyes. Riley and Bella, another dog at the shelter, are Passion’s parents. The three dogs had separate owners, but they all ended up at the Humane Society of Kent County in search of their forever homes.
Riley ended up at the Humane Society, however, in a very different way than Bella and Passion. Riley was found in a state of neglect and seized by Animal Control.
Animal Control Officer Marty Elvin said, “Somebody called and said there was a dog chained up in a shed at an abandoned house. We went back, and there was Riley in this little shed. He was on a plastic coated cable, and it was wrapped around his back leg, so it was a little tricky for us to get him because he kept pulling on the cable and hurting his leg.” Luckily, Elvin was able to remove the cable with wire cutters, and Riley was quickly taken to the Humane Society.
Because of Riley’s past, he needs an owner who is willing to work with him. Any dog who has been mistreated will require some degree of special attention, and Riley is no exception. Riley was recently adopted, only to be returned shortly thereafter.
Elvin said, “Apparently he was a little too protective [around strangers]. He’d probably do better with someone who doesn’t have a lot of new people around, or someone who’s willing to work with him and crate him until he’s used to new people. And he’s fine with anybody one-on-one. He’s never been aggressive at all to anyone here, and he’s been here for quite a while.”
Despite Riley’s past, he has the potential for a bright future.
Kennel Technician JP Hooker said, “I love him so much. He’s the best dog. He has so much potential. He’s just a strong, loyal companion that will always be by your side and will do anything for you. He’s such a great dog. He deserves a home.”
Riley gets along well with other dogs, and would likely do well with cats. He is strong, protective, and energetic, so he would probably be better for an adult or a family with older children.
“He’s a guard dog, like in a good sense,” Hooker said.
Elvin said, “He’s just a big sweetheart.”
If anyone in the Chestertown community, WC faculty and staff members, or even students with families are interested in rescuing Riley, please contact the Humane Society of Kent County at 410-778-3648 or by emailing info@kenthumane.org.