Kenny

My story

A Gentle Giant!MEET KENNY! Kenny’s story is one of survival, resilience, perseverance and love. It’s a longer tale than most of our other dogs, because we have known Kenny for longer than most before he finally became a Tara’s House dog. Kenny is thought to be about 2 years old and weighs approximately 95 pounds. He is a big, beautiful, hunk of a dog. Here’s his story… In January of this year a large, brindle dog was seen running as a stray in a rural part of Maryland. He had reportedly been on the run for up to a month and was being fed by a farmer whose land the dog was seen on yet couldn't be approached or contained. A volunteer with the county shelter saw the Lost and Found Facebook post and was immediately drawn to his plight, especially due to the overnight temperatures being in the single digits at that time. She gained the use of a trap and drove to the farm every day for eight days to restock the trap with food and often waited in her car to see if 'today would be the day!'. The dog showed up several of those days but never went far enough into the trap to step on the level to close the door. On the eighth day, she got her wish.  The big, brindle dog was calm and likely relieved that after at least a month on the run in sub-freezing temperatures, he was finally in the care of a compassionate human being. The farmer whose property the trap was on was elated and came out to meet him. The gentleman's name is Mr. Ken; Kenny was named in his honor when he was brought to the county shelter.   Kenny spent several weeks at the shelter where he became a volunteer and staff favorite. Mr. Ken, his wife and their adult children were able to come visit him, and Kenny immediately took to the wife especially and was extremely gentle with her. A few weeks later he was foster-to-adopted by a woman with a male pitbull-mix and two cats. The two dogs had had a wonderful meet-and-greet and the adopter was given the two-week shutdown instructions and advised to do slow introductions with the cats. Unfortunately, the adopter didn't follow the instructions and Kenny was returned to the shelter the next day.  Given the extreme capacity issues the shelter is experiencing he was pulled by the SPCA of Annapolis before Tara’s House could find a foster for him. After two months of cajoling, the SPCA agreed to transfer Kenny to Tara’s House where he was immediately enrolled in Ridgeside K-9 Central MD’s professional board and train program. He is currently there learning obedience & impulse control; leash walking and engagement with his handler; recall; socialization; and confidence building skills. This is an absolutely fantastic opportunity and one that most rescue dogs never get! His adopter(s) will also be given training on how to reinforce his training, continue with his learning journey and ensure a successful transition into the home.  In the time we have had with Kenny we have learned that he is very smart. He picks things up quickly and he actually watches TV intently! He’s loyal and remembered the volunteer who trapped him, walked him at the county shelter and visited him at the SPCA before being there to watch him depart with the trainer - even if it was weeks in between each visit. Kenny is the kind of dog that really loves his people. He has a calm, serious side to him but he can also be playful. He doesn’t have a “golden retriever personality” but once he gets to know you he’s affectionate and loving. He may take time to “warm up” to new people, but when you are in his circle you will be adored. Kenny’s adoption donation fee is $450, which includes spay/neuter, routine vetting and a microchip. You can apply for Kenny by filling out our online application, which is found on our website www.tarashouse.org. Please email us at info@tarashouse.net with any questions.May 29, 2025, 5:08 pm

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Kenny, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.