In love again!

What a cute little guy!

It's happened again. I'm in love. It doesn't matter that he is shorter and older than me. Or that he has a crooked jaw (obviously broken at an earlier time) or just one ear (after a botched ear cropping), I'm in love and love is blind. I was taking food to my local shelter and found him there waiting for me. He was in the bottom row with the other dogs that had been at the shelter too long, and headed to places unknown. All that matters is that Griff (Griff N. Doore) now lives with me. Happily ever after!


Lori Evans-Eldridge
Lake Orion, MI

The Dogs of War

BY: Washington Free Beacon Staff

March 20, 2013 5:00 am

Hundreds of dogs have served in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past decade, hunting down roadside bombs, like Gabe, an Army dog who went from being one day away from euthanasia as a pound puppy to completing more than 200 combat missions. (He died last year of cancer, after being named the Hero Dog of the Year in 2012.)

Marines give the dogs each a military rank, and one step above the dogs’ handlers to emphasize the respect the dogs deserve. The handler of one such Marine dog, Sgt. Rex, described him thusly:

I keep thinking that a time will come when Rex is gonna flee from the next explosion with his tail between his legs. Or I’m gonna come to my senses and realize that I just can’t do another lonely, death-defying walk … But here’s the thing: Having Rex beside me helps give me the strength so I can face it. … Never once has he faltered when I’ve asked him to do the walk with me, not even when we’re under the enemy’s gun. And because of this, he’s put steel in my soul.”

Faced with combat conditions on a daily basis, though, PTSD has afflicted some dogs, who the armed services have attempted to rehabilitate either back into military service or into civilian life as pets.

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It Begins With Rescue - The Journey of Silvertoes

Silvertoes (aka Carson) is a Chihuahua that had lived 9 years in a cage in a puppy mill. He missed out on sunshine, warm laps and the feeling of grass between his toes, until he was rescued by Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee (SBRET). He was one of the most shut down dogs that SBRET had ever taken in. He could not make eye contact and his skin would literally crawl when someone would reach out to touch him.

In my foster home he was a challenge to say the least because he was so scared of humans and our hands. For the first several weeks I had to hand feed him to help him learn that good things came from hands. His bed was put in the middle of my living room to help him learn not to be afraid of the sights and sounds of a home. He had to learn that life with people was going to be ok.

Almost a year after being rescued I took Carson to one of many adoption events. He had been to adoption events but never showed well because of his fear of strangers. But this adoption event was different when Carolyn, a past adopter, stopped by. She had been following the months of progress that was posted on his webpage. She felt I had him to a point that she thought she would be able to take over and would love to have him join her four Chihuahua family. I had prayed that one day someone would take a chance with him. I knew he was ready and because of the resilience of Carson and the love and patience I had with him, he is doing very well in his new home. We did a good job little man!

Kathy Grunwell
Knoxville, TN

Sophie just needed a manicure, some patience and love, of course

Sophie was given away on Craigs List. She was 5 years old, a cocker mix. I offered to take her and he said he had given her away already. Fine, I just didn't think she had a chance if they took her to the humane society at her age. About a month later, he called me and said the guy brought her back, would I take her. I went to pick her up. Her nails were about 2 inches long, had never been trimmed. We called the vet about them and they told us to work on them slowly, but in the first week, she broke one and I took her in.

They had to put her to sleep to cut her nails, so we had them all done. When we came home from work each day, she would get so excited and lose a little urine. I am sure this was the reason the guy returned her.

When we came home, we ignored her and took the dogs out on the porch before paying any attention and that took care of the problem and now she has no problem at all. She is now 11 years old and loves her attention. She is getting grey.


Peggy Struwe
Lincoln, NE

Snoopy

Snoopy was rescued from the convenience store in a small town. She was terrified of men and would pee on the floor when a man came in the same room with her. With love and patience, she is happy and no longer terrified of men. She loves to play ball with my husband. She is now about 12 years old. She was about 6 months, underweight and starving when we got her from a neighbor who rescued her.


Peggy Struwe
Lincoln, NE

The third time was a charm...just like Shawna is a charmer

A facebook love story.... the picture that changed our lives!

Here is the short version as the story unfolded right on facebook.
Meet Shawna! She is looking for her forever family and is up for adoption at TARA. September 2, 2010

Look at that face!  How could anyone resist!

Shanda: Wow I would be very interested if she was closer... September 3, 2010 at 3:26am

Sherrie: someone might be able to meet you half way, Shanda, if you would fill out an application! Think about it, she is such an awesome playful girl... September 3, 2010 at 7:37am

Shanda: Today my life was filled with love and joy, I got to see my "Shawnee" girl face to face for the first time, she made it all the way to Oregon. How can I ever thank all those who took such good care of her all the time she spent at the shelter then the rescue. Adopted 3 times and returned, she was meant to be mine. I can't begin to say Thank You enough all those who helped transport her such a long way from Independence, MO to Eugene, OR September 26, 2010 11am

It's been 2 years and I still am amazed that this girl made it all the way to Oregon. We love her so much, this photo changed our lives forever. I still like to come back and reflect on the first time ever I saw her face.... September 26, 2012

Shanda Benson
Medford, OR