Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Sammy the "Fox Terrorist"

This is our Sammy. We think he's part fox terrier (my husband calls him a "fox terrorist") and part whippet. We found him on Petfinder.com after the death of my beloved Butch on my 40th birthday. Sammy had been found in Madera County, wandering the street with his sister at age five months. Now he is so happy to live with us on Naples Island. He sleeps in our bed, loves to play ball and he even gets to have his girlfriend come over to play.

He takes walks on Second Street, goes to the dog beach, and rides in the car. He has brought us a lot of joy. He has four cat friends at home and now we wish we would have gotten his sister too, when we got him. I want to urge everyone to spay and neuter all of your animals, never, ever buy from a breeder of any kind, or from a pet store. Only adopt. There are too many animals that need us. We cannot support people who make the problem worse.

Sunny L.
Long Beach, CA

Monday, June 29, 2009

The Good Life!

This is Sadie the lemon beagle and Sammy a red bone/beagle mix. The both were from Tall Tail's Beagle Rescue in Maine. Actually Sammy never got to Maine, we fostered him and after a week decided he was staying forever. We do not know anything about their past life. Sammy was half the weight he is now when he was first found in the woods of Vt.

He was in very bad shape. Sadie had been with us for about a year when we got Sammy but they loved each other from the beginnng. Sadie was always very loving but it has taken Sammy about a year to learn what love and attention are all about. He did not know toys, treats or stairs but he does now. They both however love belly rubs and going for rides. Plus laying in the bay window as they are in the picture. They also play together and with the three cats in the house and kennel attached to the house that is cat and dog proofed.

They definately are loved by us very much. I can't imagine life without them. Every day is still a new learning experience for all of us. I think they now both have "The Good Life" and so do we.

Donna and Bob Snow
Ludlow, VT

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Behind the Scenes—A Closer Look at the Horrible and Horrid Puppy Mill Industry


The stench of garbage, urine and feces is unbearable. Ammonia hangs heavy in the air, and flies are everywhere. Dim lighting and the constant barking of dogs in distress create a sense of chaos. Row upon row of stacked cages hold dogs matted with feces—some too sick to move. This is the world in which a puppy mill dog lives.
While many people may be familiar with the term "puppy mill," few are aware of the horrors associated with one. The ASPCA has been investigating puppy mills for years, helping to expose the realities of this deplorable industry, and thanks to our experts and detailed reports from our undercover puppy mill investigator, the new ASPCA Puppy Mill FAQ offers a greater insight into the notorious puppy trade.

“We hope the findings from our investigations will help educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills and will result in an ultimate solution to this very serious problem—the end of selling puppies in pet stores and the closing of puppy mills,” says Bob Baker, Investigator, ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Initiatives.

What’s it really like inside the walls of a puppy mill? What happens to sick animals or those no longer able to breed? How much money does a puppy mill actually make per puppy? Are puppy mills similar to factory farms? Find out the answers to these and other questions in our new ASPCA Puppy Mill FAQ .

Saturday, June 27, 2009

The stories differ...but all have the same message - Rescue Dogs bring happiness to a home

I adopted my dog Petey from the Houston Humane Society on March 10, and it was the best thing I've done in a long time. I couldn't have asked for a more loving pet. He is the best!

My dog Petey is a full blooded English Springer Spaniel, and although I didn't go looking for that specifically, he found me, so to speak. I couldn't walk away from those eyes and that face, and I had looked for a month prior to deciding on him. And went back to that same shelter twice - because I couldn't get him out of my mind.

He is with me, obeys every command, makes me smile every day, and poses like he's modeling for American Outdoors magazine or something, everytime he sees a duck.

I hope others will feel the same when it comes to finding a new friend to enrich their lives. So many unwanted and unloved pets go to waste each day in shelters where they may never leave alive. I just can't see spending hundreds of dollars to own a status symbol.

Still, others wait, and I can't take them all. But Petey is the second dog I've adopted over the years, and I couldn't put a price on the love he gives me - he is awesome! I've always heard you can't go looking for love and although I was looking for a special dog that day, I just knew the right one would find me - and he did.
Candi Warren
Nassau Bay, TX

Thursday, June 25, 2009

I Rescued a Human Today

Author: Janine Allen CPDT

I rescued a human today. Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them. As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past.

I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. I rescued a human today.

Copyright 2009 Rescue Me Dog;
http://www.rescuemedog.org/
http://rescuemedog.org/dog-blog/i-rescued-a-human-today-by-janine-allen/

Our Girls...

We got the "White" vinyl fence now all we needed was a dog. Searched on Petfinder and found Myia, a fawn color dog rescued from a shelter in Alabama and shipped to NJ through Lifeline Animal Rescue. Almost a year later I saw Jasmine (aka Jazzygirl) through Lifeline again and I knew we had to have her. Even though our couch is torn up, and our yard has big holes, we just love them to pieces. Now our family is complete with two kids, two cats, two fish and now two dogs!

Richie & Jaci Barney
Manville, NJ

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Otis the joy-giver is given a second chance

When Glen and I moved in together in April of 2006, he came with a rescued mama cat named, Mae and one of her kitten's, Willie. I immediately fell in love! Our apartment was always filled with Mae's vocal stylings, and Willie's funny antics...The cats presence in our lives made coming home always an added bonus.

We use to talk about rescuing a dog if we ever got a house. Our dream finally came true when we closed on a small home (with fenced in back yard) in November of 2008. We anxiously headed up to our local SPCA on May 20, 2009.

Unbeknownst to me, Glen had found "William" on petfinder.com, and specifically sought him out to have a visit.

As we walked down the aisles of kennels, I was overcome with emotion. My heart was crushed at the struggles these animals had faced. I wanted to save them all! .......At the end of the row, Glen stopped at Otis' kennel. He seemed the only dog not barking. He stood up, smiled, and wagged his tail. My heart soared the minute we met. He is over a year old, and rail thin. He had been pulled from a kill shelter in Tennessee. We knew his odds of getting a permanent home were much lower since he wasn't a puppy.

We arranged for a visit in the adoption room, and immediately decided to take him home . Re-named, Otis (we already have Willie, the cat!), he is the sweetest, most playful, affectionate companion. He loves children and romping with other dogs. Willie and Mae have been charmed by our new family member too. We already discuss rescuing a playmate in the future. I highly recommend a rescue pet. Your heart will never regret it!

Kate Kenney

Queensbury, NY

Monday, June 22, 2009

Mischievous rascal

When I moved out on my own, I managed one month without a tail wagging at me. Then I went to the local SPCA, where a Husky dog greeted me with a smile and a bounce, and picked me. I had no idea what I was getting myself into! The list of things that Tamaka has chewed or dug up goes into hundreds! He was also a complete embarrassment in dog training classes. But I would not trade him in for anything! He has been my lesson in patience and unconditional love. He is now 13 years old and still acting like a puppy, and he steals the hearts of all who meet him.

Olga
Johannesburg, South Africa

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Miss Chicky lightens up a household

Miss Chicky

My kids talked me into visiting the local shelter and we found our goofball Chick. A beautiful lab rotweiler mix that has turned into my best friend and I would be lost without her. She never misses a chance to remind me to be silly at heart.

D West
Grand Prairie, TX

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Lucky opens eyes and hearts

My Best Friend

Two very special friends told me about Lucky and his hard luck story; he was at the Humane Society and I just had to meet him. When I walked through he was the only one not jumping up and down or barking; he sat huddled in the back of his pen with his head down. I was moving into a new house and knew right then that he was going to make it a home.

He's been a part of my life for 6 years and has always been there to comfort me. Through him I gained an appreciation for all dogs and have made taking care of them my focus. Thanks Lucky for being my best friend and opening my eyes and heart!

Ceci
Houston, TX

Friday, June 19, 2009

Help Fight Circus Cruelty in Your Town

Circus season has arrived and we need your help to stand up for animals who are forced to entertain under the big top. In many circuses, animals are trained through the use of intimidation and physical abuse. Former circus employees have reported seeing them beaten, whipped and denied food and water to force them to learn their routines.

If a circus featuring animal acts comes to your area, here's what you can do:

  • Don't Go!…Instead, choose a circus that doesn't feature animal performers—and there are lots of them! Read our list of cruelty-free circuses .
  • Contact the Venue Hosting the Circus Ask that the invitation be withdrawn and suggest an animal-free circus instead.
  • Ask Authorities to Check on the Treatment of AnimalsIf the circus comes to your town, make sure the correct permits have been obtained. Also, ask your local law enforcement agency or humane society to ensure that local and state laws regarding the humane treatment of animals are being followed.


Read our Top Ways to Help Fight Circus Cruelty for a more complete list of actions you can take. P.S.: The ASPCA is doing its best to fight against circus cruelty. We are currently involved in a federal lawsuit against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.Ringling has pitched its tents on Coney Island for the summer, and we're asking animal lovers to contact the CEOs of Taconic Investment Partners, Paul E. Pariser and Charles R. Bendit, who are providing a free lot to Ringling Bros. Send a respectful email letting them know that their donation is supporting cruelty to animals. The email address is cbendit@tacon.com.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

A Pooch from Heaven

We were searching rescue sites online to adopt a dog when I saw Dylan.

He was at a rescue facility, coincidentally named "Pooch Heaven". The minute I saw him I told my wife "that is the dog I have wanted all my life". We filed an application, and were fortunate enough to be selected to meet Dylan. He had been badly abused and would only cower in one corner when he first came home. Now he is a normal happy dog, who loves his walks and his family.

We thought we were rescuing him, but he rescued us, with nothing but pure love in his heart. He saw us through some difficult times, including the passing of my father. He always made my father smile. Dylan would sit on his lap, and I am sure he knew he was providing my father comfort. I feel a deep connection with Dylan, I think he is an Angel we needed and can't imagine my life without my best friend.

Kevin
Bakersfield, CA

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Marni rescued me from being dogless!


Dumped off on a back road Marni was found by a local member of the Weimeraner Rescue! Amazing as it sounds our friend was making rounds on her night job and said it looked like Marni was sitting there waiting for a bus! I'm glad they met up with each other because a week earlier my daughter had moved out with her 7 dogs (all rescue dogs) 2 cats, 2 ferrets and 2 Ball Pythons. Marni helps round out my life again I'm so glad she rescued me!

Suzy Bruce
Richmond, VA

Monday, June 15, 2009

Joey finds his forever home

Back in 2005, we found Joey on Petfinder.com. We already had 2 female dogs, but felt the need to have a little boy dog, and started searching for a rescue. Joey came from West Virginia and was rescued by A to Z Rescue. His doxie mom was pregnant when she was rescued from a kill shelter.

Three little boys were born -- Joey, Jimmy and Jake. After fighting a terrible bout of scabies and hairlessness, we got him. Many oatmeal baths later, he grew into a little beagle, long-haired doxie mix. Our beagle Bailey, mothered him as you can see from an early picture. Joey is now 4 and is happy and healthy. He is such a love bug and has added so much joy to our lives.

Carrie Thomas

Marblehead, MA

Sunday, June 14, 2009

In the clearing stands a boxer...

I came across this site (Nevada SPCA) and I simply love it! I rescued a 4.5 yr old Boxer from the Nevada SPCA in Las Vegas a little over 2 months ago. He was under weight and stressed out! He is now happy and healthy and the best gift ever to myself!

I had been wanting a boxer puppy, and couldnt afford to purchase one. I came across "Apollo", now named Duke on the Nevada SPCA website. I asked my boss if I could take an extended lunch, there was a dog I wanted to adopt. He allowed me to do that. I have been blessed with a wonderful pet, who is sooo smart, well mannered, and gorgeous. He sleeps with me every night, if I ask him to. He loves kids, all people and all other animals.

We are frequenters of the dog parks and Petsmart. I have found another boxer, which is a female I am wanting to adopt as well. I really want Duke to have a playmate. It breaks my heart someone let Duke go. How could they? In the same breath, I am glad they did, I have an amazing dog! Kudos to all who rescue!!!! This site is a great place to continue to contribute to the ones in need!!

Please pray for Duke and me, that we recieve "Dulce" into our lives, shall that be GOD's will :o)
Thank you!
Jenny and Duke

Jenny
Las Vegas, NV

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Companion Extraordinaire

Tammy was rescued as a 5-year old shiatsu/Maltese X from the Hawkesbury Pound (Windsor NSW) in 2002. She had been horribly abused as a pup and the workers at the pound warned us that she probably would never be 'whole'. For the first 2 weeks she was with us, she never appeared from under the bed.

Nevertheless we decided to love and spoil her so much that her many fears -- walking through doors, people wearing dark long trousers, eating in front of people, going outside to do her 'business', severe separation anxiety -- would disappear. They didn't. However, she has a sense of loyalty to those that love her that is extraordinary.

As we are a working family, we took her to stay with the matriarch of the family, Magdalena, during the day and she became a devoted companion. She particularly showed a knack for giving her doggie love to the elderly at the Chesalon nursing home in Richmond NSW -- and the nursing staff - and so even though her number one love is no longer with us, we still take her to visit the elderly who are confined to homes. She is an excellent watchdog, never chases our chickens and is wonderful with the younger members of the family.
We will never regret that Tammy has become part of our lives.


Elizabeth K Turner
North Richmond, Australia

Friday, June 12, 2009

Chloe to our rescue

After the passing of our dog Sadie, we knew we had to offer another shelter dog a good home. Chloe was a large yellow Lab mix who had been overlooked because of her age and size. At five years old, she had been surrendered to an upstate New York Shelter that was desperate to place her.

Chloe's time was running out when we showed up. She instantly became my husband's constant companion and car "co-pilot". She had never enjoyed the simple pleasures of swimming and being off a chain. Her favorite hobby is standing in the water searching for fish, but she also loves going for drives, playing with friends and simply hanging out in the backyard, chain- free.


Julie W. Webster
Northampton, MA

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Our Dog Dori

Our beautiful doe-eyed, fawn colored doggy is a Lab-Whippet mix.

She is the friendliest, most well behaved dog a family could ask for... but the cats aren't convinced! Poor Dori just wants to be friends, but the cats will have none of it.

Someone let our good girl get away, because she was picked up as a stray by our local shelter. Lucky for us!!

Dori is a lot like a greyhound, in that she is a 50 mph couch potato. She sits with me on the couch and watches TV at night, but when we get to the dog park she loves to race around with the other dogs!

I'm so happy that Dori is part of our family.

Anna Timm
Racine, WI

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Unwavering Devotion Between a Dog and Cat

Buddies for Life

We got our first house and to make it a real home we still needed that special someone to complete our family. We had been looking a long time for that perfect family member.

Then we saw this beautiful pup that had been waiting for 2 months at the shelter to finally have a family of his own. A few months later this skinny but lovable kitten started to hang around our house. Now these two think they are lap pups and love cuddling together.

Cynthia
Riverside, CA

More of Phoebe, my favorite Aussie


Phoebe enjoys the fresh clean air after a thunderstorm. Her sister Maggie is no doubt back home protecting her mom from the lightening.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

What every man dreams of...

Ad which appeared in the Atlanta Journal....

SINGLE FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Call (404) 875-6420 and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting....


Over 150 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society



Monday, June 8, 2009

Boo the Rescue Dog Fills a Void in a Life

A boy named Boo

Boo, a wirehaired dachshund, was rescued from an abusive home close to 12 years ago and was adopted by my husband as a gift for me. I named him Boo after the character in To Kill A Mockingbird because he was such a shy and reclusive little boy at first.

Within a year my husband had passed away. Boo was his final and best gift to me. He is now about 11 1/2 years old and as you can see rules the house and allows me the honor of sleeping in my own bed! He had some health issues and some pretty serious "people" issues when he first came to live with us but he's long since become the little happy guy everyone adores and is my best friend!

F Moore
Gresham, OR

Murdoch "Rescues" Two Humans

Blind Dog helps me to see
Murdock spent several years in a shelter before my husband arrived to rescue him. They met and were instantly best friends. Murdy is blind but has an amazing gift of opening the eyes and hearts of others.
When I met my two boys I was afraid of dogs, but Murdy gently leaned on my legs and melted my heart and I found myself sitting on the floor with him. Murdock is now the matriarch of a household of 5 rescue pets with special needs. They all owe something to this fantastic soul who changed me forever. My husband gave Murdy a tag that says 'I rescued a human'. He rescued two humans, and we will love him always.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Skylar, Laci Lu and Miss Bijoux - 3 Rescued Sisters

My Girls

All of my girls are rescues. The youngest is a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Skylar Maire that came to me so sick that she ended up on the hospital 10 days later with distemper, bacterial pneumonia and sepsis, the vet did not think she would make it, she was so malnourished, just a bag of bones. Well, here we are a year later and you can't stop her from eating and she is healthy as can be.

Her sisters take good care of her and they all sleep with me every night. My oldest is a Golden Ret/Chow Mix named Laci Lu and my middle girl is an Aussie Mix, I call her my scrappy doo, and her name is Miss Bijoux. I don't know what I would do without them in my life. I continue to foster other babies and someday I will probably end up with a couple more. Thank you to all the people out there who devote there lives to these rescues that give you such unconditional love.

Lori Sandisfield, MA

Saturday, June 6, 2009

My Darlin'

We rescued our baby from a shelter 10 years ago. She sat shivering in her cage and this was the third place we'd been looking for a dog to keep me company. My heart melted when I saw her.

It took her time to trust me and Corey for she'd been abused by her former owner. Now she is a well loved and happy girl we call Darlin. And she truly is a Darlin.

Jean Beloit, WI

Friday, June 5, 2009

BB Adopts a Family

BB's New Life

My new addition's name is BB. She picked me just a year ago this month. I found her on the PetFinder website (Pet Finders). There were 3 Frenchies to choose from. We drove two and a half hours from Columbus, Ohio to Toledo, Ohio on a Saturday afternoon. We when arrived they took us into a very small room and brought in the two remaining Frenchies. As soon as I sat down, BB sat right next to me and never moved.

That is why I say she picked me. She had been rescued from a breeder. She was a year and a half old and already had 2 litters of pups. The breeder didn't want her anymore because all of the puppies died so she wasn't being productive. She is missing 2 pads on one of her back feet and 1 pad on the other. My vet says this was probably caused from being kept in a cage with no bottom. She also has a bum ear which was caused by a severe infection that went untreated. The first few months were very difficult. She had never been out of a cage so she didn't know what anything was; such as, grass, doors, etc. She is now a permanent part of our family and I don't know what we did before she came to us.

She loves her big brother Bumper and her human kids as well. She is so sweet and loving. I don't know how anyone could have abused or neglected her. She has lots of little quirks but they are all part of the sweetness that is BB. Everyone who has a loving home to offer should adopt/rescue. The rewards are endless and so are the puppy kisses.

Julie Walker
Johnstown, OH

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Help The Animal Rescue Site Feed Homeless Animals - For FREE



The Animal Rescue Site focuses the power of the Internet on a specific need — providing food for some of the 27 million unwanted animals given to shelters in the U.S. every year. Over 10 million animals are put to death every year in the U.S. alone because they are abandoned and unwanted. Each click on the purple "Click Here to Give - it's FREE" button at The Animal Rescue Site provides food and care for a rescued animal living in a shelter or sanctuary.

Funding for food and care is paid by site sponsors and distributed to animals in need at the Fund for Animals renowned animal sanctuaries (including Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Texas and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in California), pet shelters supported by the Pet Finders, North Shore Animal League and other worthy animal care facilities supported by the GreaterGood.org foundation. In addition to clicking the purple "Click Here to Give - it's FREE" button, visitors can help more by shopping in Animal Rescue Shopping Site

With each item purchased, shoppers generate funds for the feeding and care of animals in shelters and sanctuaries.

Marly


Touched by an angel...

Marly came to the Humane Society of Pasco after being rescued from Animal Control in Orlando. An angel there knew she was special and drove her 2 hours to us, knowing we could find her a good home. Cami was looking for a playmate for her Llasa Apso "Mason" and Marly was the perfect choice. Marly now has a wonderful home with Cami and Mason and spends her days playing in the yard and getting lots of love as a family pet. Lucky girl!
Sharon Scheiblein
Hudson, FL

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Please Help Rescue the Greyhounds

Greyhounds are loving creatures and great pets, but unfortunately, they are regarded as mere money-making machines in the racing world. Thousands of these animals face a lifetime of cruelty. Many are mistreated every year in order to be profitable at the racetracks, and then simply "discarded" after they can no longer race.

Eight states in the U.S. have banned greyhound racing, but active racetracks exist in fourteen states, and legislation is still needed in others to ensure that the practice does not spread.

Greyhounds face a high probability of injury during their careers at the racetrack. Some are then bred to produce litter after litter, their owners hoping for a few fast dogs amid many that are deemed undesirable. Far too often, these noble creatures then face abandonment or death when they are considered unsuitable for racing due to age or other factors.

Help stop the inhumane treatment of these gentle dogs.

Ask your Governor to introduce legislation banning greyhound racing. Sign the petition and tell a friend. Go to this link Save The Greyhounds and sign the petition. Make your voice heard! Thanks in advance for your concern and caring.

Here’s the Letter you will be signing and sending:

Dear Governor,
As one of of your voting constituency, I urge you to introduce legislation banning greyhound racing. These gentle animals go through cruel treatment in the racing world -- beatings, malnourishment, injury, and confinement are a few examples. Once they are no longer suitable for racing, thousands of greyhounds are killed every year in the most inhumane manner. Those who are fortunate enough to be sent to adoption agencies far outnumber the people who can accept them into loving homes, and a large number are euthanized. This deplorable treatment needs to stop. Entertainment and profit should never be permitted to take precedence over the welfare of these beautiful creatures. Help end the vicious, unethical cycle of cruelty and death that greyhound racing produces.



Sponsored by: The Animal Rescue Site

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Cooky the Rhodesian Ridgeback

My Cooky monster

We lost both of our dogs to old age in 2007and were heartbroken, and it was six months before my son decided that my wife needed a new dog buddy for her birthday. We went to the pound and after checking out all of the dogs, we picked Cooky, a Rhodesian ridgeback mix. We made a good choice, she is a really pushy member of the family who guards our house and makes us laugh with her craziness!

When she gets excited, she runs at full speed around the house and when she wants to play ball, you'd better be ready to play or she will start making the weirdest noises until you give in! We love her and couldn't imagine the family without her now. Cooky is best buds with my wife, but she chose me as her person and is now my shadow.

We call her Cooky monster because she has such a strong personality and is very pushy, but in a nice way. Please get all of your pets from the pound or from rescue groups, they will love you for it.

Lee Jenkinson
Canyon country, CA

Monday, June 1, 2009

Sophie the Angel Dog


My husband was cleaning up his dad's old house in the country, getting ready to sell it, and this sweet dog kept following him around. It was in the heat of a Texas summer, which can be rather cruel. Apparently, this gentle dog had been dumped there and had been foraging for a couple of weeks (she was very thin).

So we decided that he would bring her home (some 50 miles away), and we would find her a permanent home. When she came into our backyard, we started calling names to her to see if she would respond to any of them. She ignored every one except Sophie--twice. That had either been her name before or she chose it right then and there.

Speaking of which, we fell in love "right then and there." Sophie, the angel dog, has been living us with us ever since and adores my husband, her savior. He's actually quite silly over her, which is funny since he is not very emotionally expressive, proving that the love of an animal does bring out the best in a person.

Dakota Turns 7

Yesterday, May 31, was Dakota Carmel Gallo's 7th Birthday.
I didn't post yesterday because "Kota Bear" was not feeling well and mommy spent the day rubbing her belly (her favorite thing in the whole world--besides food, that is) and taking care of her and monitoring her cousin's road trip from FL to PA. Dakota has forgiven me.

Dakota says THANK YOU to Uncle Bobby for his blog and although she was not a rescue dog, she does, in fact, "rescue" her Mom every day! With Love from FL......