This document summarizes four dogs - Nuka, Merlin, Champ, and Peanut - available for adoption from Friendship Animal Protective League of Lorain County. It provides background information on each dog's history and training. Nuka, Merlin and Champ recently graduated from a training program at Grafton Correctional Facility. The document aims to find permanent homes for these well-trained dogs.

1. After directing three criti-
cally acclaimed rock ’n’ roll
documentaries, filmmaker,
novelist and animal advocate
Gorman Bechard felt “it was
time to do something more
important.”
Unfortunately, he had
plenty of material to work with
when he chose to focus on
domestic animal abuse in the
United States.
Three years later, that pet
project turned into the inspir-
ing 2015 documentary “A Dog
Named Gucci,” which has one
of three Ohio premieres at
Amherst Cinema on Sunday,
Jan. 24 at 11:30 a.m.
“A Dog Named Gucci” tells
the tale of a 10-week-old
puppy in Mobile, Ala., who
was doused with lighter fluid
and set on fire. Spring Hill Col-
lege professor Doug James
heard the pup’s cries and ran
to help. James chased away
the abusers and took the dog
in. That day started a 16-year
journey for the duo, which
included working with legisla-
tors to create what has
become known as the “Gucci
Bill,” making domestic animal
abuse a felony in Alabama.
“It was my wife, co-pro-
ducer Kristine Bechard, who
discovered the story online.
We knew we were going to do
something dog-related. The
film certainly grew out of the
love for our own shelter dogs. I
contacted Doug James, and
within two months we began
filming,” says Bechard.
Instead of assaulting the
viewer with images of abused
animals, Bechard chose to tell
what he calls “a happy and
uplifting story of one victim
who went on to become a
hero.”
The film also shares the sto-
ries of three other dogs who
were victims of abuse, and
their owners who fought to
enact new animal protection
laws in their home states—
Louis Vuitton, also from Ala-
bama, Susie from North Car-
olina and Nitro, a New York
dog with a Youngstown con-
nection.
Nitro was a 109-pound, 3-
year-old Rottweiler who was
left at a Youngstown training
facility and kennel, only to die
from neglect. To this day his
owners don’t know what really
happened, other than he and
seven other dogs were starved
to death while in the care of
that facility.
The Nitro Foundation/
Nitro’s Ohio Army — an advo-
cacy group formed in Nitro’s
honor to change animal abuse
laws in Ohio, and Bechard’s
independent production com-
pany, What Were We Thinking
Films, bring “A Dog Named
Gucci” to Ohio, including the
Amherst event.
“Most events are held in
Cleveland. I wanted it (the
premiere) to be centrally
located for the west and east
to come together, and we have
many great animal advocates
in Lorain County and North-
ern Ohio,” said Michael
Smeck, a volunteer with the
Nitro Foundation and a coor-
dinator of the Amherst event
screening.
Unfortunately, Bechard will
not be in attendance at the
Amherst screening of his film,
but he will be at the first Ohio
screening on Thursday at Stu-
dio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse in
Columbus, and at the second
Ohio event taking place at
Boardman Movies 8 in
Youngstown on Friday. Nitro’s
parents will also be in atten-
dance at the Youngstown
screening.
If you can’t make it to one of
the screenings, but want to see
the film, you’re in luck. “A Dog
Named Gucci” will be released
on DVD on April 19, and
includes two hours of extra
footage. And the closing cred-
its song, “One Voice,” featuring
Norah Jones, Aimee Mann,
Susanna Hoffs, Lydia Loveless,
Neko Case, Kathryn Calder
and Brian May of Queen, is
being released as a limited
edition, 12-inch single on April
16 (Record Store Day). Profits
from the song’s sales will ben-
efit select animal charities.
Bechard hopes to have
accomplished a number of
things by making this film.
“We want to open peoples’
eyes to the amount of abuse
that happens on a daily basis.
But we also want to show peo-
ple they really do have a voice.
And that they must use that
voice for animals. We can all
make a difference. Whether it
be single-handedly changing
the law, or simply sharing a
Facebook post. Everything
helps. But we all need to speak
up, step up, and do some-
thing.”
The film, which garnered
Bechard the ASPCA’s Media
Excellence Award for 2015,
shows that justice really is a
dog’s best friend.
Rock on!
FUR YOUR
INFORMATION
Dog license time
Jan. 31 is the deadline to
purchase your dog license without
paying a penalty. The annual fee is
$16, which doubles after the end
of this month. There’s also a $21
tag that includes a $5 donation to
the Lorain County Dog Kennel’s
medical found, a $48 three-year
tag and a $10 lifetime tag. You can
renew online or buy in person at
Lorain County Discount Drug Mart
stores. For other locations and
online information, visit
www.loraincounty.com/auditor/
dog-licenses.
Calendar
I Love Your Horse Day—Feb. 7
from 1 to 4 p.m. at Evergreen
Farm, 13297 Durkee Road,
Grafton. This annual hands-on
clinic lets you love and pamper a
horse or pony while gaining equine
knowledge. $10 donation per
person for full event, which
includes a ride, or $5 without.
Snacks provided. For more
information, call (440) 781-5060.
To submit items for this column,
contact Karen Uthe Semancik by email
at chamcomm@aol.com (preferred), fax
at 329-7282, or mail it to The
Chronicle-Telegram, Attn: Fur Kids, 225
East Ave., Elyria, OH, 44036. Please
send calendar items two weeks in
advance.
The Chronicle-Telegram Sunday, January 17, 2016 C3
PETS
Friendship APL of Lorain County
LOCATION: 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035
CONTACT: adoptions@friendshipapl.org or (440) 322-4321
WEBSITE: www.friendshipapl.org
If you have kids and/or another dog in your family and are
interested in adopting a Friendship dog please bring them
with you for a meet and greet. No appointment is necessary.
Stop by anytime during regular business hours.
NUKA
Meet Nuka. Nuka means little brother in
Eskimo. There was a smaller dog in the
family and the two dogs got into a
scrape over food one time. Because of
this the family thought it best to return
Nuka. Nuka has been great with all the
dogs at the prison. He also lived with
kids and was fine with them. This boy
has never been around cats. Nuka is a
likable fellow that did an outstanding job with his training at
the prison.
For the last several months Nuka has been in training at the
Grafton Correctional Facility and is now a proud Prison
Graduate. Not one person submitted an adoption application
for Nuka while he was being trained. The director of the Prison
Program said Nuka was an excellent student. He has been
trained in basic obedience and commands, manners, house
training and proper leash walking. He’s a super sweet fellow
that was hoping to find a home as he graduated. The sooner
Nuka finds a home and continues his training with his new
family the better.
BREED/DESCRIPTION: American pit bull terrier mix
SEX: Male
NEUTERED/SPAYED: Yes, neutered; shots current
AGE: 1 1/2 years old
SIZE/WEIGHT: 45 pounds
ADOPTION FEE: $100
MERLIN
Bring back the magic in your life and
adopt Merlin! He was rescued from the
Lorain County Kennel so his history is
not known. Merlin loves to run and play
and is just an all around friendly fellow.
He’s a great size, not too big or small
and has a beautiful brindle coat. Stop
by and pay Merlin a visit to find out
more about him. He might just perform his magic and steal
your heart.
For the last several months Merlin has been in training at the
Grafton Correctional Facility and is now a proud Prison
Graduate. Not one person submitted an adoption application
for Merlin while he was being trained. The director of the
Prison Program said Merlin was an excellent student. He has
been trained in basic obedience and commands, manners,
house training and proper leash walking. He’s a super sweet
fellow that was hoping to find a home as he graduated. He’s a
great dog that would love to find a family to call his own.
Merlin is back and ready to go to his forever home. How
about yours?
BREED/DESCRIPTION: Plott Hound mix
SEX: Male
NEUTERED/SPAYED: Yes, neutered; shots current
AGE: 4 years old
SIZE/WEIGHT: 55 pounds
ADOPTION FEE: $100
CHAMP
Champ is a super cute and friendly
hound mix. He was adopted from
Friendship as an 8 week old puppy and
recently returned. The family did not
have a fenced-in yard but had an
electric fence. Champ has a high prey
drive for little critters. When he would
spot one, he would run through the
electric fence. He really needs a secure fenced-in yard due to
his prey drive and energy level. Champ likes kids but they
should be older because he is protective of his toys. He is dog
friendly but does not like cats. Champ is a very affectionate
dog and loves to snuggle in the evening and will give kisses
forever. This sweetheart is house trained and will signal when
to go out.
For the last several months Champ has been in training at the
Grafton Correctional Institute and is now a proud Prison
Graduate. None of the people that submitted applications to
adopt Champ showed up upon his return. The director of the
Prison Program said Champ was an excellent student. He has
been trained in basic obedience and commands, manners,
house training and proper leash walking. He’s a super sweet
fellow that was hoping to find a home as soon as he
graduated. He would make a wonderful family pet and worked
very hard to be the best dog he can be. Please give Champ a
chance. This proud graduate is back and ready for his forever
home.
BREED/DESCRIPTION: Hound mix
SEX: Male
NEUTERED/SPAYED: Yes, neutered; shots current
AGE: 1 1/2 year old
SIZE/WEIGHT: 60 pounds
ADOPTION FEE: $100
PEANUT
Please pick Peanut! She’s lived her
entire life with the same owner. Her
owner was having health problems
back in August and could no longer
care for Peanut and brought her to
Friendship. She was adopted and now
returned again because her new owner
is also having health problems and can
no longer care for her. Peanut was a house dog and doesn’t
have much experience on a leash, but she did have a fenced
in back yard where she enjoyed running around and playing.
Peanut is house trained and has manners in the home. She
has never lived with other dogs and tolerates cats. It’s best if
Peanut were in an adult household or one with at least
teenage children. This sweet girl will be a wonderful
companion pet. Peanut is always nervous when back at the
shelter. She would love to get out of the shelter and into a
hopefully forever home ASAP.
BREED/DESCRIPTION: Toy fox terrier mix
SEX: Female
NEUTERED/SPAYED: Yes, spayed; shots current
AGE: 7 years old
SIZE/WEIGHT: 20 pounds
ADOPTION FEE: $100
SADIE
Sadie is an all-around good girl. Poor
Sadie and her housemate Rex lost
their home when their owner passed
away. A friend provided a temporary
home for the dogs but does not have
the finances to continue to feed and
care for them. Sadie is a loving girl that
is house trained and knows her basic
commands. She is active too and
enjoys going for walks and likes playing with kids. It’s best if
the kids are older than 6. She can be stubborn at times if she
doesn’t want to do something but for the most part she’s just
a doll baby. No need to shop around any longer for a new
best friend … you just found Sadie! Rex and Sadie do not
need to be adopted together. They just want to get back into
loving forever homes.
BREED/DESCRIPTION: Black Lab mix
SEX: Female
NEUTERED/SPAYED: Yes, spayed; shots current
AGE: 5 years old
SIZE/WEIGHT: 65 pounds
ADOPTION FEE: $100
MAMA
Mama is a beauty! She needs
someone who will take some time
with her and have patience. Mama is
shy and somewhat fearful. It would
be so nice if someone would take
the time to teach this sweetheart
how to trust and feel love. Mama
has been waiting for a home since
April 2015. That’s a long time to be
in a cage. Please give Mama the
home she deserves.
BREED/DESCRIPTION: DMH, orange and white
SEX: Female
NEUTERED/SPAYED: Yes, spayed; shots current
AGE: 3 years old
ADOPTION FEE: $20
Multiple Breed Rescue
CONTACT: rescue@mbrohio.com
WEBSITE: www.mbrohio.com
TACO
Taco was found on the side of the road
in southern Ohio. He was hit by a car
and suffered a badly broken leg. He
underwent surgery in November and is
on the road to recovery.
BREED/DESCRIPTION: Chihuahua
mix
SEX: Male
NEUTERED/SPAYED: Yes, neutered; shots current
AGE: 6 months old
SIZE/WEIGHT: Growing
ADOPTION FEE: $200
MISS LEAH
Miss Leah was taken to the pound
because her owners no longer wanted
her. They really didn’t give a reason for
no longer wanting an 8 week old
puppy. It is anyone’s guess. We have
Leah now and she is a sweetheart.
She loves to snuggle and be with
people. She has been started on crate
training and house training and is doing well. Leah gets along
with other dogs and kids.
BREED/DESCRIPTION: Beagle mix
SEX: Female
NEUTERED/SPAYED: Yes, spayed; shots current
AGE: Puppy (Born Sept. 20)
SIZE/WEIGHT: Growing
ADOPTION FEE: $200
LOKI
Loki came to us scared, confused
and clearly mistreated. After just a
week, he started to trust people,
play with other dogs and turn into
the happy dog we knew was inside.
He goes in his crate/kennel by just
tossing a treat in and saying go in
your house. He will sit and wait for
you to give him a treat, comes when you call him and loves to
be around and play with other dogs. He is fine with kids but
does bark at new people coming into the house. He has kept
his kennel clean since day two without an issue. The only
thing we have noticed with Loki is if he does something
wrong, a simple no is all it takes. If he thinks you are mad or
you over react, he does go back into the “scared” mode.
BREED/DESCRIPTION: Boxer/Labrador retriever mix
SEX: Male
NEUTERED/SPAYED: Yes, neutered; shots current
AGE: Puppy (Born June 7)
SIZE/WEIGHT: Growing
ADOPTION FEE: $200
Hartman’s Hounds
LOCATION: Amherst
ALEX
Feels like her world is crashing, but
she shows that great shepherd spirit
and spunk, especially when the ball
comes out. Her perfect foster or
forever home can’t have other pets.
She just wants someone to love her
for whatever time she has left. If you
choose to foster her, Hartman’s
Hounds will supply food and any vet
needs. Let’s rally around this sad soul and get her happy
again. I know we can make this happen for her.
BREED: Shepherd mix
SEX: Female
NEUTERED/SPAYED: Yes, spayed; shots current
AGE: 11 years old
SIZE: 60 pounds
ADOPTION FEE: TBD
CONTACT: Peggy at (440) 984-7014 or
hartmanshounds@gmail.com
CRITTERCHRONICLES Each week The Chronicle-Telegram features pets from area animal shelters and rescues available for adoption. To inquire about this week’s pets, call the numbers listed below.
For more pets seeking homes, visit www.chroniclet.com. If you work or volunteer for a nonprofit pet adoption agency and would like to see your pets included in Critter Chronicles, email skline@chroniclet.com.
KAREN UTHE
SEMANCIK
FUR KIDS
‘A Dog Named Gucci’ documentary tackles abuse
If you go:
“A Dog Named Gucci” showing at Amherst
Cinema, 260 Church St., Amherst at 11:30 a.m.
on Sunday, Jan. 24. Cost is $15, with all
proceeds benefiting Friendship Animal
Protective League in Elyria. Attendees are also
encouraged to bring a pet food item or toy for
the many animals Friendship APL serves. For
more information, visit www.adognamedgucci.com.
Sun. 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Mon. 1:00, 7:00 • Tues -Thurs 7:00
All Seats, All Shows ONLY $4
THE REVENANT(R)
988-7711 DTS Digital
MIDWAY MALL 8
2650 Midway Mall, Elyria
440-324-2075 www.atlascinemas.net
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY
MONDAYS - $5 - ALL DAY (3D Extra)
Creed (PG-13) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:40
Star Wars The Force Awakens (PG-13)
12:00, 2:30, 4:55, 7:15, 9:45
Ride Along (PG-13) 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:50
Daddy’s Home (PG-13) 12:30, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:35
Alvin & The Chipmunks: RoadChip (PG)
12:20, 3:05, 5:05, 7:05, 9:05
The Forest (PG-13) 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:45, 10:00
The Revenant (R) 12:10, 3:15, 6:20, 9:30
Sisters (R) 12:05, 2:45, 5:15, 7:35, 9:55
PHOTO
PROVIDED
Doug
James
and
Gucci.