Twenty Years of Caring for Houlas
By Susan Spisak
Twenty years ago, Shannon Nachajko founded the 501(c) 3 foster-based nonprofit in Warren, Catahoula Rescue of New England. She’s worked tirelessly to save this often-misunderstood breed. Her focus is on dogs in the New England area, emphasizing they’re rescued and rehomed first, then she looks towards southern states that are overcome with shelter dogs—Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia.
Her journey into rescue didn’t start overnight. In 2006, Shannon met nine-month-old Poncho, a black and white Catahoula Leopard, at a local shelter. Poncho was a southern hunting and herding dog and had been transported here after Hurricane Katrina. The poor guy was another misunderstood canine—his adopters, a total of nine of them, had subsequently returned him as they weren’t familiar with this breed (also referred to as Catahoula Hounds, Catahoula curs aka mixes, and Houlas.) Shannon was smitten and adopted him.
Shannon and Poncho jelled. She wanted to help others like her beloved boy, so once Shannon was well-versed with this one-of-a-kind breed, she began volunteering for a Catahoula rescue, then subsequently went out on her own. She said one of her goals with adopters is that they’re educated and understand the breeds’ characteristics, so there weren’t anymore “Poncho” situations, adopted and returned.
She knew she had to let potential adopters know that these multi-purpose, muscular and powerful working dogs have a sense of agility and endurance. They’re serious while working, yet playful at home. They do require firm guidance and early socialization, as they can be independent, territorial, and protective. For those same reasons, they don’t allow mistreatment and will assert themselves defensively if pushed. That said, once they know their place in the family unit, they are affectionate, loyal, and gentle—hence the need for adopter’s understanding of their traits.
She’s proud of the fact that she has maintained the rescues’ efforts for twenty years. It’s costly, especially with vet bills. To offset some of these, she fundraises through her ongoing nail trim clinics (she’s had some vet tech classes). She serves Knox County with these several times a month at locations such as Tractor Supply Co. in Thomaston. “It’s a service I’m happy to give.” (For dates, facebook.com/CatahoulaNewEngland/events.)
She also offers in-home visits and has been inundated with these. This is great for those who cannot get out, and it’s important to her. “It’s a way to not only raise funds but give back to the community.” Additionally, if she is in a home and sees behavioral issues with their dog, she’ll offer guidance, or direct the owners to a professional who can assist them.
She keeps track of her dogs. When asked about a success story, she pulled out her notes. Shannon explained that recently they took a dog out of a shelter that was about to be euthanized—she was emaciated, sickly, and pregnant. “The chance of her surviving was zero.” With many prayers and community donations, the mom survived with plenty of vet intervention and TLC, but only one puppy made it.
Catahoula Rescue of New England relies on fosters to take in dogs, especially those from the south who are in dire situations. Shannon had two dogs scheduled to come to Maine and a foster reneged at the last minute, so she’s incurring costly boarding expenses that aren’t in the budget. Thus, she is always looking for very committed fosters. For more info on fostering, adopting, volunteering, much needed monetary donations, and to see all their adoptables, visit nehoularescue.com/.
BROWNIE
2 years old, Catahoula Leopard Mix
Brownie is very lovable and loyal. He would do best without senior animals as he is extremely playful, and as for cats when they tell him they don’t want to play – he listens! He loves going for car rides. He will make a great companion, but needs exercise and daily attention, as well as consistency and redirection, when necessary. He doesn’t share food, so if there’s another pet, separating at meals is important. He’s a very smart, loyal puppy and is very observant. He gives constant eye contact and lots of kisses.
SHADOW
3 years old, Catahoula Leopard Dog
He loves his family but has energy that is endless! He loves to play, but he would be just fine being the only dog in the home, if you gave him a job! He loves to be your shadow! If you don’t keep him busy then he will keep himself entertained, and it might be a shoe or something else that won’t make you happy – you must have breed experience to adopt Shadow.
TITAN
3 years old, Catahoula Leopard Dog
Titan is for the most part an old soul in a young body. He loves people and loves and loves to play, especially with squeaky balls. He would be fine being the only dog, but he would need a job and he would need to be with you a good portion of the day. He has lived his whole life with this one family and unfortunately, due to life events that have nothing to do with him, he needs to be rehomed. So he will need a new family that understands the breed and knows this is not a ready-made dog.