Cayenne: Smart with a Heart

I first met Terrie Varnado about 2 years ago when there were wires crossed in the STHS transport program.  Something to do with too many dogs on a plane headed north.......and boy, looking  back, I did not then realize what an understatement that was!  There are times in life when you know, without question, the sincerity, tenacity, and unyielding honesty of a person by the mere tone of their voice or hard glint in their eye.  This is Terrie.  She has since been an integral and instrumental part of the STHS transport program "Waggin' Wheels," doing the tough and dirty rescue work that requires an old soul and new rugs every 3 -4 weeks!
Here is the story of Cayenne, who was rescued by Terrie, and is now in our adoption program at STHS.  His story, written by Terrie:

"Cayenne is a special guy that has been treated very badly and neglected in his life.  I was called in on a divorce/neglect case with three dogs on chains, one with no shelter.  Cayenne was very thin and had dug holes in the yard to catch rain water for drinking.  He had no shelter what-so-ever and was living in a muddy mess. He just ran around the tree all day long.  They fed him if they felt like it, when they happened to have food. I got permission from the owner to feed and water him, and I brought over a Dog-loo for his shelter.  Then I began to search for a new home, or a rescue, to take the animals.  I found rescue for one of the other dogs and a blind horse (that was skin and bones) on the property.  The family refused to give up one of the dogs.  Now, Cayenne is searching for his furever home.  He needs our help to find that special family that will give him love, take care of him properly, while teaching him with patience. 

Cayenne is a very sweet guy and is being held in a temporary foster home.  He is living on an enclosed porch with a doggie door. He is about 5 years old and looks to be a Catahoula /mix.  He weighs about 70 lbs.  He is very smart and knows basic commands... no, sit, lay, shake and he walks well on a leash. He loves his walks and attention!!!  He may try to jump up sometimes, but listens when you correct him.  I do not believe that he has ever stepped foot inside a home, so he would definitely have to be housebroken, or have an enclosed patio to live on.  Since he has lived his life on a chain, he doesn't know proper behavior.  He can tend to get a little rambuncious and knock things over.....ooops!  He barks when it is thundering (due to being chained out in storms for so long, I'm sure) and to alert you when someone is coming to your home. He is very friendly, non-agressive, loves everyone, and greets you with a wagging tail.

Do you have room in your heart and your home for Cayenne?  This poor guy deserves to know what it is like to be loved and cared for in his lifetime."

Thank you, Terrie...for all that you do for the dogs!  And if anyone is interested in adopting Cayenne, contact Terrie Varnado (varnado1@bellsouth.net) for more information on Cayenne's personality and Janie Valle (Janie@sthumane.org) for more information about the adoption process at STHS.