Kindred canines wait for homes at Paws4Ever Sanctuary

Everyone loves a dog. That’s not hyperbole. There are those Bigfoot-sightings-in-Arizona-rare people who say, “I don’t like dogs,” but they simply haven’t found The One. They haven't found their soul mate, with whom they will spend happily-ever-after.

If that person is you, or if you are tired of going to pet stores to play with dogs and coming home lonely, or if you have been banned from said pet store, we recommend visiting Paws4Ever Animal Sanctuary in Mebane to find your #KindredCanine. And now I’m wondering why Disney hasn’t made a princess movie about a girl and her dog.

Paws4Ever Animal Sanctuary has over five acres of land for their dogs and cats to live, and live they do. Paws4Ever is a guaranteed-adoption animal shelter, meaning it doesn’t practice euthanasia (somewhere out there, Sarah McLachlan is happy). In fact, all dogs at Paws4Ever are rescued from euthanasia-practicing shelters in Burlington, Wake and Chatham counties.

Carolyn Belle, Paws4Ever employee, likes to say that at the Sanctuary, “the animals have a home.”

Carolyn introduced me to the dogs at Paws4Ever. First impression: I’ve never left an interview smiling before now. So, welcome to what is essentially doggiemingle.com. Which dog should be yours?

Creed

If you’re the next Michael Phelps, or if you are Michael Phelps, Creed is the dog for you. The 1-year-old terrier/lab loves to play in kiddie pools and lakes. “He’d be a great dog for water sports,” Carolyn said. Creed, just like you, is a dog lover. If you feel most beautiful when a dog pulls on its leash to say hi to you, rest assured that Creed will make humans and dogs alike feel like George Clooney. This freely loving pup would be a great option for an owner who wants another dog.

Slinky

Do you like to fight? If yes, can you win a fight? If no, then Slinky can sympathize. The 6-year-old basset hound suffers from Napoleon complex: oblivious to his small size, he enjoys picking fights with others. But hey, confidence is key. His allergies require a lot of love, as he needs eye drops and special dog food to keep him from nibbling at his skin. For Slinky, it’s the little blessings that count: his head in your lap, eating watermelon and being your one-and-only.

Simba

Need a cheap therapist? Adopt Simba! He is a very affectionate 2-year-old, pit bull terrier that ~loves to cuddle~. Simba’s sweet smile hardly leaves his face while he listens to all of your problems. Don’t worry, his momma raised him right — he won’t interrupt you while you’re talking, as he’s quiet and attentive. If you’re an activist, adopting Simba is one step closer to relieving the violent stigma surrounding pit bulls. Plus, you can get one of those “I Love my Pit Bull” car stickers, because who cares about seeing out of your back window when your dog is crushing stereotypes?

Melissa

If your answer to the BuzzFeed quiz “Which Grease character are you?” is tough-and-tender Rizzo, then Melissa is your soul sister! Like a true American sweetheart who loves people and other dogs, Melissa absolutely hates cats. The 1-year-old terrier mix has only lived at Paws4Ever for three weeks, but Carolyn wants her to "have a good home,” as Melissa was rescued from an unfit environment. Melissa knows a few commands, such as “sit,” but she’s always planning her next escape. Deep down, she’d rather stay by her owner’s side then run away, but she needs some loving training.

Duchess

Do you thrive on the laughter of others? Then Duchess is the silly girl for you.

“She has springs in her legs,” said Carolyn, as Duchess jumped up on her hind legs and danced around.

Duchess loves to be with people, so much so that you may think she's one (the athletic, healthy type). Duchess’s favorite food is carrots, and she’s being trained to catch Frisbees. The 3-year-old terrier can’t wait to make someone’s day, every day.

The dog-adoption fee at Paws4Ever is $180, which includes a spay/neuter surgery, a microchip, follow-up-calls and updated vaccines. Paws4Ever also welcomes walk-in volunteers on the weekends. To learn more about adopting, volunteering, or programs at Paws4Ever, visit paws4ever.org.