Come visit us at our location in Sanford directly behind the Paw Park Dog Park

Sammy is one of the most handsome Treeing Walker Coonhounds I have ever seen! He ha a beautiful coat and a very sweet face. Unfortunately for him, he is with us because he was adopted by the wrong family. An elderly couple fell in love with him when he was a 7 week old puppy. Unfortunately, Sammy grew up, grew stronger, and grew more energetic. The couple had their hands full and feared that this big puppy would knock them over. And so he ended up in a kill shelter. How sad is that?

When people put in applications for our pets, we make every effort to match the right pet to the right family. We strive to know the personalities, strenghts and weaknesses of all the animals who come into our care. As a result, we will often try to redirect an applicant to a more appropriate choice. Sometimes they listen but more often than not they walk off in a huff. I guess we could adopt out more animals if we didn't take this extra step, but we do not believe it is in the best interest of the pet or the family to make a mismatch. After all, that is why Sammy is homeless again.

If you want a good looking, energetic, smart dog, you will want to meet our Sammy!

2/4 Trainer Update:
Paul Pipitone of Dogs Best Friend of Central Florida worked with Sammy today. He recognized that Sammy is a dog that craves activity so he taught him how to walk on a treadmill. Well, he must have done it pretty darn well, because Sammy walked five miles! I'm thinking that if you are jogger or serious walker, this might be just the dog to pace you!

03.21.09 Volunteer Update:
After spending the day with Sammy, it's evident he loves everyone and everything! He just needs a family who is desires to make him a part of the family. He loves people. He was great with men, women, and kids. A little girl just grabbed his head and was squishing it and giving him all kinds of love. He wouldn't have had it any other way.

Sammy was good with the other dogs at the event today as well. He is just a bundle of energy but once that energy is expended...he will lay down and just love life...kind of like the photo where he is laying on the asphalt during the event today.

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Treeing Walker is a descendant of the English Foxhound, which Thomas Walker imported to Virginia in 1742. Sometime in the 1800's, a dog known as "Tennessee Lead," a stolen dog of unknown origin, was crossed into the Walker Hound. He was a powerful dog, excelling in game sense, drive and speed, and having a clear, short-chop mouth. The Treeing Walker was not recognized as its own breed until 1946. This direct lineage brings us this efficient hunter. This coonhound has retained the looks of its ancestors, the English Foxhound. An underlying sense of game coupled with untiring speed and manly drive makes this coonhound unstoppable. The coonhound lineage doesn't really stop at the Walker, for American hunters also employ other varieties as well. One such coonhound is known as the Running Walker. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is an efficient and reliable hunter of raccoons, squirrels, and possums. The Treeing Walker "trees" its prey, and can then sometimes virtually climb the tree to get at it. With a little training, however, it will merely bay its distinctive howl, telling the hunter that the prey has been cornered.
The Treeing Coonhound is good with children and gets along with other dogs. Training is accomplished with little trouble, as these dogs are able to learn from example. They are primarily working and hunting dogs but will also make a great companion dog. Working, to the Treeing Walker Coonhound, is not work but a sport and diversion. They thrive on consistent and ample attention. High-strung but loving and eager to please, the Treeing Walker is intelligent, skilled and confident. Some say they are the best breed for coonhound field trials because of their speed, ability to locate quickly and good treeing ability. They are swift with a very good sense of smell and a distinctive howl. Socialize at a young age. They have