Two Decades of Caring for Houlas and Heelers
By Susan Spisak
Twenty years ago, Shannon Nachajko immersed herself in the world of Catahoula Leopard Dogs, also known as Houlas. This began after she adopted Poncho, a special black and white hunting and herding Houla who had landed in a Maine shelter following Hurricane Katrina. Her love for Poncho and the breed set her rescue journey in motion.
She worked to keep him mentally and physically stimulated and provided much loving guidance as well. She understood Poncho needed a boss and an affectionate master. Having Poncho in her life drove her to volunteer for a rescue that catered to his breed. In 2014, she took the next step and initiated this 501(c) 3, foster-based nonprofit out of Warren. She subsequently added Australian Cattle Dogs, “Heelers,” to her efforts.
They assist with purebreds and mixes, promote breed awareness, work on behavioral problems and challenges, promote responsible ownership, and place their intakes into permanent, loving homes. Their rescue efforts encompass primarily New England, the Eastern half of the US, and Texas.
New to their breeds? The Catahoula Leopard Dogs, Houlas, are named after Catahoula Parish in Louisiana where they originated. The leopard indicates their spotted merle coats. They’re strong herding dogs and require guidance. Australian Cattle Dogs, ACD’s, also referred to as Heelers, have a blue-grey or red coat with speckling. ACD’s are full of energy and make wonderful jogging or hiking partners. They’re loyal and faithful companions. Both of these breeds need a job, are smart, and are family- and dog-friendly.
Shannon offers monthly nail trim clinics, as they’re important ongoing fundraisers. She is searching for helpers, “I would love to train a back-up nail trimmer or two, they can have prior experience or learn to trim! It is a volunteer gig.” For trim dates, nehoularescue.com/events.
She relies on Facebook posts for fosters and donations. Here’s a recent heartfelt post of hers: “We have a number of dogs that we are trying to help. I will be honest, everyone that I reach out to gives me hope that they will foster, and then they can't for one reason or another. I get it. But you are not going to die. These dogs have been tossed aside by people that just don't care, and now they are going to die…We care. We want to help. We just need some help to do it. We absorb the fees. Heck, we will help you with the food if you need it. All you need to do is open your home, give love, listen to the training and advice we give you, and Save a Life. Please Help Us, some of the dogs we have do not even have until Monday.”
She’s puzzled why two of their dogs haven’t been adopted, Shadow and
Latte. Unbelievably, Shadow has been in foster care since 2022! They’re wonderful dogs and will make great family dogs. Please see the info on these handsome boys below.
For more info on fostering, adopting, volunteering, cash and tangible donations, and to see all their adoptables, nehoularescue.com/.
SHADOW
4 years old, Catahoula Leopard Hound
Shadow is everything that you read about Catahoula Leopard dogs. 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 is also the true essence of his name; he loves to be your Shadow! 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. This will be tough for him, so he will need a new family that understands the breed and knows this is not a ready-made dog; Shadow is a true cuddle bunny with people and does love to play with other dogs. Little dogs will not be an option but if you have a dog that likes to play and kids that like to cuddle this boy will be your boy for sure!
LATTE
1 year old, Australian Cattle Dog Mix
Latte is the epitome of a cattle dog. Energetic, vocal, strong, busy and very forthcoming with his affection towards people. He will even sit in chairs with you and get as close as possible in bed. Body slamming is another way he shows his love for you. If you're playing tug of war, he will always be the champ! Fetch is his all-time favorite, and he will go get the ball and bring it back for hours if you wanted. Anything you're doing he wants to do. Playing in or with water or even jumping on a trampoline. Latte loves children and their energy but older children only, due to his rough play. Recommend that he is the only dog or with another of the same nature. He is a great listener, and is crate trained!