Pet of the Week for January 11, 2025
Poke (pronounced Pokey) is a magnificent, regal-looking Anatolian shepherd mix with only three legs. The gentle giant recently arrived at Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, and seems quite sad and scared, despite the loving care FAAS gives all its residents.

Animal care staff say he’s a little shut down at the shelter. The three-year-old’s tail is often tucked. The sweet, 85-pound tripod has probably been through a lot in his three years.
He’s not necessarily what you would call shy—it’s more that he’s in a not-very-relaxing new environment and it takes a while for him to feel comfortable with new people. He seems fine with other dogs.
We think he has great promise to be an incredible best friend to someone. Anatolian shepherds are known for their loyalty.

As for his tripod status, he hops laboriously when he walks, but when he’s happy, he lopes easily. We don’t know when he lost his leg, but if it wasn’t long ago he’s probably still getting used to how to get around.
We’re seeking a loving forever home for Poke, but we’d be very happy with a foster home in the meantime to get him out of the kennel environment so he can relax, breathe easy and start becoming himself again.
If you’re interested, you can visit Poke at the main FAAS shelter, 1590 Fortmann Way, Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.