Shelter Dogs Receive a New “Leash” on Life

Dogs destined to live, or more likely, die in a North Texas animal shelter will now receive a new “leash” on life as the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) and the North Texas Humane Society team up again in 2010 to host the Extreme Mutt Makeover. Applications for trainers are now being accepted through June 1.

The Extreme Mutt Makeover will be held August 13-14 in Fort Worth, Tex., during the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover that will feature more than 100 formerly wild horses competing for a purse of $100,000.

“Since 2007, the Extreme Mustang Makeover has placed nearly 2,000 of America’s iconic wild horses for adoption and the Foundation is using the same philosophy when it comes to placing America’s favorite companion animal for adoption,” said MHF Executive Director Patti Colbert. “This is taking rescue to an extreme by including accomplished dog trainers in the lives of these abandoned and unwanted animals, proving that they can be truly valuable to the lives of their adopters.”

In 2009, the Extreme Mutt Makeover placed 10 dogs in North Texas homes and stories of their impact on the lives of their adopters abound, from the trainer who paid an adopter to get her trained animal back to the retiree who adopted a beautiful black lab after the death of his wife.

Selected trainers will be assigned a shelter dog through random draw, train it for eight weeks and return to compete for prizes during the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover. Trainers will be asked to complete basic obedience training, and demonstrate during exhibition any special talents or relationship development with the dog. Trainers will be competing for prize money, amount to be determined via sponsorship.

Extreme Mutt Makeover candidates will be assessed and selected by the HSNT, using recognized temperament testing guidelines and scoring system, and diagnostic veterinary testing to determine health. The dogs will be 9 months or older and may be defined as more difficult to adopt due to their age, size or physical characteristics. All dogs will be vaccinated, heartworm negative, micro-chipped and altered, and have no history of biting or mental challenges. Dogs will be selected from HSNT, as well as other area animal shelters.

No less than 10 trainers and no more than 20 will be selected through an application process. As much as possible, trainer candidates should be active in the canine rescue community, or express a sincere interest to become involved as a volunteer on behalf of homeless canines. Trainer candidates may be amateurs or professionals.

All trainer candidates must complete trainer application and submit by FAX or mail by June 1st, 2010 to the Mustang Heritage Foundation, P. O. Box 979, Georgetown Texas, 78626 or FAX 512-869-3229.

About the Mustang Heritage Foundation

The Mustang Heritage Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) public, charitable, nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating successful adoptions for America’s excess mustangs. Founded in 2001, its mission is to provide dynamic competitions showcasing the adoptability and trainability of the American Mustang in short term holding facilities under the care of the Bureau of Land Management.

About Humane Society of North Texas HSNT is passionate about helping animals in need. Its mission is to act as an advocate on behalf of all animals and to ensure their legal, moral and ethical consideration and protection. HSNT provides for the well-being of animals that are abandoned, injured, mistreated or otherwise in need. We promote an appreciation of animals and seek to instill respect for all living creatures. For more information go to www.hsnt.org  .