Senior Australian Cattle dog named Mandy doesn’t like broccoli

VON ORMY, Texas — Our “Forgotten Friends” series showcases a dog or cat each week that has spent a lengthy time at an area shelter, just waiting for someone to notice them and bring them home to love.

This week, we went to God’s Dogs Rescue in Von Ormy to meet Mandy, a seven and a half year old Australian Cattle mix dog who was found as a stray in September of 2021.

“Mandy was very thin when she first arrived at the shelter and initially we assumed she just wasn’t getting enough food,” said Jo Quiroz, a volunteer with the rescue who is fostering her right now. “But now at the rescue she was being fed consistently and still not gaining weight, but losing it instead.”

One volunteer mentioned they should check for EPI, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, and she was tested and ultimately started on supplements. Once her health was no longer in jeopardy, she was taken in by a foster.

Mandy loves everybody, no matter how young or how old. This senior girl would love to join an active family that would also give her plenty of time to chill. 

Mandy loves to sunbathe and go for walks. She is a bit of a flirt and prefers to be around male dogs. She doesn’t like cats.

“Mandy is a cheap date because she doesn’t play with toys,” said Jo. “She will jump in the water to chase ducks and likes to “dig” in the water.” 

She loves to give kisses and get petted. She likes biscuits, apples and jerky but will turn up her nose at broccoli. She also likes to play with ice cubes. 

She’s very well-behaved with the exception of barking at squirrels and unfamiliar dogs. 

“She’s awesome,” said Jo. “But you do have to be aware of her surroundings to keep her safe. She is not good at dog parks.”

She’s house-trained, crate-trained and potty trained! She does tend to get car sick if you take her on long car rides, but she loves short distance rides.

“Mandy is very smart and knows how to sit, lay down, and crate,” said Jo. “Though, I can see she is starting to slow, she still has some energy.”

Mandy does have the pancreatic insufficiency that is controlled by medication that she is given 15 to 30 minutes before her main course. They call it her “appetizer.” 

Otherwise, she is super healthy, current on all of her vaccines, has already been spayed.

“She will come and lay her chin on your lap if you are sitting,” said Jo.

Who is ready to step up and make Mandy’s doggy dreams come true? And guess what? If you live in another state, God’s Dogs will bring her to you for an additional fee. 

For whoever adopts Mandy, Lucy’s Doggy Daycare & Spa will be lending a paw by offering them a free “Glow Up” Day at the Spa, which includes a massage therapy bath and Pawdicure. One of Lucy’s most cherished core values is to continue Lucy’s legacy of giving back to pups in need, as Lucy herself was a rescue!

You can fill out an application with God’s Dogs online CLICK HERE. God’s Dogs requires all pets that are adopted from them remain indoor animals, stay current on vaccinations and on heartworm prevention.

The adoption fee is $200 within the state of Texas. That fee would include transportation to your area. Mandy is also available to be adopted out of state for $450, which would include the fees to transport her to you wherever you live (within the continental United States).

They are located in Von Ormy, where they have five fenced acres for the dogs to run and play, and huge enclosures for exercise and rehabilitation. All rescue dogs are socialized with other animals and other people, coming and going in a healthy country environment.

If you email or contact them on a Sunday, they will get back to you on the following Monday.

Would you like to help God’s Dogs but aren’t quite ready to adopt?

They always need fosters and volunteers, and they have opportunities for both short-term and long-term. Foster families are supplied with the bedding, crates, food, and vetting that the puppy or dog will need. all you have to do is supply the love and guidance that is so desperately needed. 

You can fill out an application by CLICKING HERE.

God’s Dogs has adoption events scheduled regularly CLICK HERE to learn more.

You can also make a difference by donating directly to God’s Dogs CLICK HERE.

More ways you can help:

• Donations of gently-used blankets or towels, dog food, dog bowls, bedding, collars, leashes, chew toys, training treat, and more are always needed and accepted
• You can also donate to make a secure cash donation using your credit card.

Remember when you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives… the one you bring home with you and the one that now will be saved because the shelter has more room.

If you know of a Forgotten Friend that has been overlooked and is still looking for a “furr-ever” home, contact Andrea at acarden@kens5.com.

Laila is still available for adoption at God’s Dogs too!