The Story of Argus

Every year, The Humane Society of Kent County adopts hundreds of dogs into loving homes. Despite this high number, many spend a long time waiting to find the right home and may be overlooked because of breed, age, behavior, or even color.

These “diamonds in the ruff” may not show as well in a shelter setting as other dogs. For instance, breeds such as Dobermans, Rottweilers and American Pit Bull Terriers, to name a few, have a bad reputation even though the temperament of these animals is often driven by the manner in which they were raised and socialized. When there are numerous puppies and younger dogs available, many potential adopters will not consider an older dog despite their good qualities. It may also be very difficult to determine the normal behavior of an animal by how it acts in a shelter setting due to the noise and high amount of stress it is under. Some animals are even overlooked for their color, despite having wonderful personalities, with black dogs and cats generally take the longest to adopt.

One of these “diamonds in the ruff”, Argus, displays just how brightly they can shine, given the right loving family.

Argus was surrendered to the Humane Society in 1999. His previous owners did not want to keep the older pup of 7 months because they were unable to control him, a common reason people give for surrendering dogs that age. Argus passed a behavior and health check and his kennel sign probably read something like “Energetic Doberman pup needs active home willing to work with obedience.”


After several weeks, Argus had still not been adopted from the Humane Society. Hoping he would have a better chance of finding a new owner specifically looking for a Doberman, the Humane Society transferred Argus to Second Chance Dobes in Monroe, Michigan.

The decision to transfer Argus to a Doberman rescue proved to be the right one. Shortly after his transfer, in December of 1999, Argus found his perfect match in Rayanne Chamberlain. Rayanne was a member of Michigan Search and Rescue, a volunteer search and rescue team in Muir, Michigan.

With Rayanne, Argus became a certified disaster K9 with West Michigan Technical Rescue Group, Michigan Urban Search and Rescue, and FEMA. These organizations require vigorous training and testing for agility, trust and obedience. Argus also earned certification with the Delta Society, demonstrating the positive effects pets can have on human health and development. He was an effective ambassador for all these organizations -- and for his species -- in countless settings throughout Michigan, including occasional visits to Camp Kids & Paws at the Humane Society of Kent County.

Argus visited schools and listened quietly to reading-challenged children who read stories to him. “Reader Dog” programs like this help children relax and improve their reading skills by providing an audience that does not criticize or correct.

When the Hurricane Katrina disaster struck the Gulf Coast, Argus was on call with Michigan Urban Search and Rescue. On several occasions, his talents were used in searches for missing people in areas where wilderness rescue dogs are not trained, such as abandoned cars and buildings.

In 2003, while on a training mission in Arkansas, Argus contracted a potent strain of leptospirosis that resists prevention by vaccination. The virus damaged his kidneys, which never again operated at more than 60-70% of their normal capacity, despite medical treatment and a restricted diet


Argus’ special diet was a blend of high-quality, nutrition-rich foods that would help him tolerate any food he might be given while on a mission. After the recent problems with tainted pet food, he became severely ill. The symptoms and evidence suggested that while on a mission, Argus had eaten tainted moist dog food that had been mixed with his daily meals. Blood tests confirmed that he had complete kidney failure. Sadly, Argus, the rescue hero, therapy dog, and beloved family pet, died six weeks later.

Argus will be missed by his family and the many lives he touched. His amazing story proves that when a “diamond in the ruff” shelter dog is given a chance, he can change individual lives and his community for the better.
 

Argus poses for a picture at a demonstration for Ladies Aux of Secord Lake in Gladwin, Michigan.

A disaster dog must be able to climb a 6 foot ladder and maintain control as part of the FEMA disaster certification requirements.

A disaster dog must be able to go through a tunnel, and in this case had to slide down the tunnel. In this photo it is shown that Argus trusted the handler even though all his instincts told him to not go.

This photo shows Argus training on a raised plank, taking directional commands from the handler.

Argus goes over unstable service where he must maintain body control to complete the exercise.

Argus takes part in a demonstration done for HSKC last summer.

Argus with children at demonstration at HSKC.

Argus with children at demonstration in Gladwin, Michigan.