Marge has had quite an adventure filled day and is currently napping at my feet while I write this.

Here are a few photos of beautiful Marge in her new house and yard.

Pretty pittie Marge, the lady with the smile.  Marge has been featured before on APA!’s blog and she’s a regular guest star at special events.  She’s practically a local canine celebrity.  So why hasn’t she found a home yet?

We have no idea!  That’s why Marge is our Volunteer Dog Pick of the Month!  We reserve this special spotlight for the most favorite dogs in our program who are inexplicably being overlooked for adoption. 

In fact, not only has she been overlooked, Marge is the longest-stay dog at APA! right now.  We’ve had this charming lady fair since March 4th.  That’s 265 days as of December first and there’s just no valid reason for such a fantastic dog to wait so long.  Marge’s home is out there and it’s time that we help her find it!

How did Marge earn the very rockstar, highly coveted title of Volunteer Dog Pick of the Month?  Is it because we’re sadly bemoaning her extended stay?  Yeah right!  If you’ve ever met Marge, you’d know that sad bemoaning is about as far from her style as it gets! 

Marge is a carefree, social butterfly with personality to spare!  She is super pleased to meet you whether you’re a friend of the two-legged or four-legged variety (although, if you’re a cat, she’s a little TOO pleased to meet you).  Marge loves to play, romp, frolic, and just hangout.  She’s an instant best friend; the kind you can’t wait to see and the last person you want to talk to at night before you go to sleep.

This dog really is a rockstar and her legions of fans have plenty to say about her too…

“I was lucky enough to be able to take her to the Pit Bull rally and she was a perfect doll!  She loved all of the attention and got along with all of the other dogs perfectly.  She rolled on her back to get petting from all of the kids, and was just happy to see anyone and everyone that came up to see her.  She is super sweet and loves to snuggle and will even sit on your lap!  She has the biggest smile ever and has the ability to make everyone around her smile too!   Someone will be very lucky to have her in their lives.”  -Kynama Wald, APA! Volunteer

“It’ll sound impossible, but Marge is TWICE as cute in person (in dog?) as she is in her picture.”   -Melissa Kaplan, Adoring Fan; Met Marge at Pedals for Puppies

“Marge is adorable and my 9mo old daughter just loved her and her cute puppy kisses!” -Julie Bradshaw Amerault, Adoring Fan; Met Marge at Pedals for Puppies

“Marge is just a sweet girl! She has excellent play skills. We introduced her to Cindy, who was a little nervous and tense when they first met. But Marge’s relaxed personality just seem to put her at ease and within seconds, they were play bowing and starting to play. Her happy smile and huge ears that can stand straight up give her such a goofy, happy appearance that is reflected her in attitude towards life.”  -Jen Germann, APA! Dog Foster Behavior Lead

If you’d like to meet Marge or learn more about her, email email hidden; JavaScript is required. Can’t take her home yourself, share her story with everyone you know and let’s find this wonderful dog the happy, fun home that she deserves!

Marge is quite a love bug! She is an affectionate and cuddly girl who has an adorable way of wiggling all over to show how happy she is to see you. Have a hard day at work? The minute you walk in the door Marge will change your entire day. She’ll follow you around everywhere, letting you know that you are absolutely the most important thing in the world to her!

Watch her video and see her incredible affection for her people!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HBL8x6m2zA

Marge loves to play with other dogs, and she gets along very well with dogs of all shapes and sizes. She has done great with dogs as big as a St. Bernard and as small as a 12lb Terrier mix. She’s best with dogs that understand her playful nature and can keep up with her on-the-go nature!

Besides being just plain adorable (how can anyone resist her expressive face?), Marge is quite a smart girl and is receptive to the training she will need to blend in her new home. She is already mastering her leash walking skills and doing wonderfully!

While her foster mom goes for a bike ride, Marge runs alongside nicely and LOVES it! She has also learned to “sit” and “lie down” quite reliably. She’s a recent graduate of Doggie Boot Camp where she has learned that she gets treats by pleasing her owner.

Marge is an energetic dog and thrives on playtime and exercise. However, in the house she is often caught taking a nap on the couch, gazing out the window to see what’s going on in the world or playing with the other dogs in the house. She also likes to relax in her crate.

If you would like to have a sweet and sensitive soul for your companion, and have quality time and lots of love to give, Marge is ready and waiting to give you love and great company many times over!

Special thanks to Stuart Phillips d/b/a Grateful Dog Photo / Video / Design for her ongoing contributions to the pets of Austin Pets Alive!.

Photos and video production (c) 2010 by Stuart Phillips d/b/a Grateful Dog Photo / Video / Design.

Marge was never spayed and like so many others turned up pregnant. The worst part is that as soon as she was found to be pregnant her owner dumped her at the shelter.

Marge’s story provides a reminder of the critical role of spaying and neutering Austin’s pets in our goal to make Austin a No-Kill city.

Resources for low-cost spay and neuter surgery in Austin
We are fortunate to have amazing resources in Austin that make helping our community become No Kill a reality. For just $59, Marge could have been spayed at Emancipet (founded 11 years ago by Austin Pets Alive’s amazing executive director, Dr. Ellen Jefferson) or Animal Trustees of Austin.

You can help! Spread the word about these great, easy options to your friends and co-workers, or even share on Facebook or Twitter – you never know who you’ll reach!

Special thanks to Stuart Phillips d/b/a Grateful Dog Photo/Video/Design