My Beloved Samba

I adopted Samba at age 5 in 2000 from the Scottsville Animal Shelter outside of Rochester, NY. She was very shy at first and scarred inside and out. Abused for years by her drug-dealing owners it took some time for us to truly bond. She never got over her fear of men though.

She lived with me for 9 years and we were rarely separated. From the first she was an all-around, well behaved dog. We took long walks every day until my arthritis forced me to fence in my yard and let her have the run of the background which she enjoyed and "kept watch" over. It was amazing how well she knew me and when I was feeling down.

She saved my life and the life of my best friend one wintry day when we were on the road to a friend's house. The roads were icy and just before we surely would have collided head-on with a truck that had spun out of control and crossed the median, she started fussing and whining from the back seat. I slowed down and started to pull over when we saw the truck loose it and end up in snow bank right in front of us. If I hadn't slowed down when I did, we would have crashed no doubt about it!!

Earlier this year I had the very difficult and sad decision to put her down. She was not well and, although I had already spent thousands on vet bills, I knew she would not have wanted to go through more suffering. I kept some of her fur in a locket I always wear and her ashes have a special shelf in my house.

She is still always with me and I love her.

Debby
Rochester, NY

Easy Tips for a Pet-Safe Holiday Season

There’s nothing more scrumptious than gathering with friends and family for the holidays, but many of the ingredients in human fun can result in distress for pets. As we kick off this season of lights, parties and yummy treats, the ASPCA wants to remind pet parents of the potential hazards certain goodies and décor can pose to our furry friends. “As you prepare for your holiday celebrations,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Animal Health Services, “remember to be wary of foods and traditions that can bring potential dangers to companion animals.”

In honor of the joyous season to come, ASPCA poison control experts offer these essential tips for having pets at the party in a safe way:

Avoid Too Much of a Good Thing

While the holidays are a time for giving, there are some foods you should not share with your furry friends. A taste of mashed potato or a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, alcoholic beverages, coffee, onions, fatty foods, yeast dough and macadamia nuts can all lead to stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. A special no-no is chocolate, which if ingested can lead to death. And you may want to skip sharing the turkey—poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages.

Put the Meds Away

One of the most common holiday-related emergencies is the consumption of human pharmaceuticals. Make sure all your medications are securely locked away, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

That Holiday Glow

When you leave the room, put the candles out! Animals can easily knock lit candles over, causing a fire, and curious cats are particularly at risk of getting burned by candle flames. Also, be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on stable surfaces.

Decorations Can Be Dangerous

Holiday decorations such as breakable ornaments, string, ribbon and dreidels should be kept out of paws’ reach. These traditional decorations can cause choking or severe intestinal problems if swallowed. All holiday light strands, loose wires and electric cords can also pose serious dangers to your pet, especially puppies, who may chew on them.

Go Tinsel-less

Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

Forgo the Flowers

Be careful with holiday floral arrangements. Lilies are commonly used this time of year and all varieties, including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and Casa Blanca can cause kidney failure in cats. In addition, common Yuletide plants such as mistletoe and holly berries can be potentially toxic to pets. Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Safe alternatives include artificial flowers made from silk or plastic.

Oh, Christmas Tree

Cats often see trees as fabulous climbing posts. Be sure to securely anchor your tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. Also keep in mind that tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset if ingested. Stagnant tree water can also act as a breeding ground for bacteria, and, if ingested, a pet may suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

New Year’s Noise

As you count down to the New Year, be alert to any pet hazards such as noise-makers and confetti. Noise-makers can frighten your pets, causing them to bolt out an open door or window. Confetti, if ingested, can wreak havoc on the digestive tract.

Holiday Travel

Before traveling with your pets by car or plane, make sure they have all the required vaccinations and are wearing identification tags or are microchipped. If you're traveling by car, be sure to secure your pet safely with a seatbelt harness, crate or barrier and make frequent stops, allowing pets time to exercise and relieve themselves.

If your dog or cat accidentally ingests any potentially harmful products and you need emergency advice, please consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee applies) or http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

The Irish twins

We had just lost our beloved beagle in spring 2006 when a friend wrote to me about a litter of puppies at a shelter outside Dublin. The mother had been rescued from teens who were trying to drown her, and her puppies were born within ten minutes of her arrival at the shelter. The lady who ran the shelter drove a hard bargain: She wouldn't send a lone puppy all the way to Sweden, but she would send two. Three years later, our "twins" are our pride and joy: loving, intelligent and fun. We can't imagine life without them!

Jennifer Evans

Tranås, Sweden

Our Unexpected Husky

This is Cherry, a puppy that came into our lives by accident this summer. My wife and I were driving deep in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest when we spotted a "coyote" in the weeds. We slowed for a better look and only when we were closer did we realize the coyote was actually a puppy. We stopped to see what she was doing, miles from the nearest house, and she approached us. She was skinny as could be, and very timid. As we talked with her another Husky puppy came out of the woods and timidly approached us.

The second puppy was just as skinny but black in color and not as comfortable coming close to us. As we pet and talked to the two emaciated and sickly looking puppies a third came from the woods, even skinnier and in obviously worse health than the other two. This one, a red Husky, lay on her side at the feet of my wife and was obviously the sickliest of the three. Her breathing was labored and her eyes were cloudy, on the verge of death from malnourishment.

After giving the puppies some water we loaded all three into the car and drove back toward civilization to see if we could find homes for these precious little girls. All three puppies were dehydrated, infested with fleas and worms and all three had severe coccidia, but they were successfully nursed back to health. The Veterinarian later informed us that the red puppy was within days, if not hours, of death from malnourishment.

The black and red puppies went to a local Husky rescue but Cherry stayed with us and we love her. I've since been in touch with the Husky rescue and they have found homes for the other two.

Joe Pollick, Kingsport, TN

Jada, My Best Friend!

My husband found an abandoned and terribly sick puppy on the side of the road as he was coming home from work one night. She looked to be about 7 weeks old, starved and shaking with fear. We debated on what to do with her, thinking we cannot possibly house another animal, as we already had 6 dogs. But when she looked up at us with those beautiful green eyes, that's all it took, she had us hooked. We immediately named her Jada as representation of those beautiful jade-green eyes. Although they turned brown a few weeks later, the name stuck. For 2 months, my husband took Jada to the vet for weekly treatments for worms and mange. She has grown to be so beautiful, so sweet, so loyal, very smart, but most of all, my best friend. She has so much love to give, and I feel so lucky to have her. She has gone to work with my husband everyday since the day we got her. I always joke and say, "Who'd of ever thought this homeless, mangy, stray dog would someday have a full-time job?" And this is my rescue story of my best friend, Jada.

Dianne

Brandon, MS

Delaware County SPCA Stray becomes Therapy Dog

Ginger, an American Pit Bull Terrier came into the Delaware county SPCA in May of 2007 as a stray. With her sweet and loving personality she quickly became a favorite of the staff. Hanging out in the office with staff to socialize her and rehabilitate her. She came in as an over bred, emaciated dog that had patches of fur missing on her back. Roland Rivera began working at the shelter in June of the same year, and on his first day he meet Ginger, he had no prior interaction with Pit Bulls prior to working at the SPCA and only heard the negativity surrounding the breed, but still became very interested in Ginger.

She was a shelter favorite who always responded to the staff, she became attached to Roland and taught him that her breed deserves a chance just as every other. In August of 2007, Roland adopted Ginger, he and his girlfriend Krystina who also works at the shelter, brought Ginger back to health and socialized her.

In January of this year, Roland took her on an interview for a volunteer position at Bryn Mawr Hospital to be a therapy dog. A therapy dog helps a patient speed up his or her recovery process simply through the interaction of petting, which truly displays the positive affect animals have on humans. Ginger passed the interview with flying colors and started on January 21st. “Though Ginger has a small fan club at the hospital, people still do have negative words to say about her because of her breed. It is my goal to represent Ginger as a positive role model of the breed and prove that Pit Bulls can be just as great of a dog as any other breed” say Rivera.

“We knew Ginger was special from the beginning, she would just want to jump up in your lap and curl up and be loved. She quickly learned commands and was very calm and quiet. We are thrilled to have one of our Alumni, become a Therapy Dog, especially this breed” says Fran Franchi, Director of Development.

PHOTO: Roland with Ginger in the Locker Room at Bryn Mawr Hospital with their ID badges.

Lewey's Story

I found Lewey through Petfinder from Foxwoods Animal Shelter in Independence, MO in April 2008. It had been about 2 months since we lost our dog Blue to cancer, which left me devastated where I vowed to never get a dog again! Days and weeks went by and I was still out of sorts and I realized having a dog was a part of my daily routine and need to have in my life!

I would casually browse Petfinder and came across this adorable pup....I eventually inquired with his foster and met him at an adoption event. I was so nervous that I would not be able to take him home...low and behold, we were a perfect match! He's such a lovey and is a joy to have and brings a lot of free entertainment 24/7! What a great successor to our old boy Blue!

Kara Cantrell
Kearney, MO

Sweet Sandy

After being saved by a local shelter that rescued her from a euthanization list at a California holding facility, I found Sandy on Petfinder.com in September 2009. She was scheduled to go up for adoption in a few days so I made sure I was the first one there. I saw her, she saw me, and it was instant love. She is 5 years old and is a cross between a Terrier and Whippet. Sandy is my shadow at home and loves to be right on my lap or snuggled up to me whenever I sit down. She has the sweetest personality and just needs lots of love. I couldn't have asked for a better companion for my other dog or for our family. Go adopt today!

Karen L.

Gilbert, AZ

Meet Survivors of the Largest Dog Fighting Raid in History

This past July, the ASPCA assisted in collecting forensic evidence and conducting behavior evaluations of rescued dogs in a federal and multi-state investigation that led to one of the toughest crackdowns on dog fighting in U.S. history. Raids were conducted on various dog fighting operations in eight states and resulted in the rescue of more than 500 dogs.

Now, after months of rehabilitation, many of the rescued dogs are seeing a miraculous change in lifestyle.

Evaluated over the summer by a team of animal behaviorists, including four ASPCA staffers, most of the dogs are absolute gems with people, and quite a number are also good with other dogs.

Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center, Dr. Pamela Reid, who was a member of the behavior evaluations team, says, “We found the dogs to be true to Pit Bull reputation─they were extremely friendly with people. Most greeted us with wagging tails and smiling eyes, and while some were aggressive with other dogs, as would be expected from their history, about two-thirds of the adults and most of the puppies did not test as aggressive. With socialization and training, many of these dogs may well turn out to be excellent pets and companions."

A Tribute to Dakota

We so often feel the need to resort to faith when we're confronted with misfortune, heartbreak, calamity, or catastrophe, that cannot be justified or explained away in any logical plane. Losing a loved one far too soon comes to mind. One such occurrence hit the Hunsicker clan this week with horrific impact. A most unfortunate mishap – I would even go so far as to label it a disaster – that left us all with such sorrow. You cry, then you remember, then you cry some more until you try to make sense of it all. We are all left wondering how such a loving, giving little soul could be forced to endure the pain of a debilitating illness. And, despite the best medical care available, a little dog that brought so much joy to so many would eventually succumb to the disease. Not for lack of fighting either. From all first hand accounts, the little Yorkie – our Dakota - was a real trooper, a true fighter. She had much to live for. After all, too many relied on her for her to leave. In the short period that our Dakota was under hospital supervision, she quickly won the hearts of the doctors and staff.

We were all praying and pulling for her recovery. But it wasn't meant to be. And we all are left to deal with the pain and bewilderment in our own way. Personally, I pulled the faith card. All things happen for a reason. And, I know enough from experience to stop there. If you take it to the next level – attempting to figure out the "why" - you'll simply end up in a very bad state – anger, the feeling of betrayal, and eventually loss of faith. Best not to go there. Because as sure as the day is long, there's another heartbreak not too far down the road. And its faith that will get us all through that one. And the next one, and so on.

This post is a tribute to the too short, but incredibly full life that Dakota lived. I only hope my mother and sister can "pull the faith card", as I have, to get through this. Because through faith we know this happened for a reason, and some day – when all are united again, we will have the answer to all the "whys". We love you Dakota, we will miss you Dakota, and we will see you again. We know this because we have faith.

An email from Dakota's Doctor at the Florida Veterinary Referral Center to my sister Susan, who - along with Dakota's sister Phoebe - was under the constant care and supervision of Dakota from sun up to sun down.

From: Courtney North [mailto:courtnorthvmd@gmail.com]

Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 11:06 AM

To: susan@susangallo.com

Subject: Dakota

Hi Ms. Gallo - yesterday I took a look at Dakota's blog and I just wanted to drop you a note because the site is so sweet and the pictures of Dakota are wonderful. She and Phoebe were adorable together and I also love the photo of Dakota looking perky. I know what a tremendous loss this is for all of you - Dakota was such a sweet girl and was quickly beloved by everyone at FVRC. She is in everyone's thoughts.

Sincerely,
Courtney North

My sister's reply to Dr. North:

From: Susan Gallo [mailto:Susan@SusanGallo.com]

Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 6:14 PM

To: 'Courtney North'

Subject: RE: Dakota

Thank you, Dr. North. I am still reeling and can't quite come to grips with our loss. I so believed she would be coming back home, I was devastated Sunday when I saw her. I still can't understand and wish so much I had spent the last 2-1/2 hours with her instead of sitting in the reception area. When I finally got to see her and those loving eyes saw me, she just gave up. She had waited for me to say goodbye. I have so much guilt and regrets over the last two weeks....I cannot see straight.

My issues aside, my brother is going to do a tribute on his blog. I will send you the link when it is finished. I want to thank you and your staff for caring so much and trying so hard to save her—believe me, she was worth the trouble. I just wish we could have kept her here—pain free—for many more years. I need her love. She loved so hard and cared so much it was unbelievable. She actually cared if you were upset, hurt or if she did something naughty—which she so seldom did....and she would pout if you had to scold her....

Again, thank you. I just wish I was thanking you for saving her....God Bless You.

Warmly,
Susan

An email from a nieghbor who was also touched and inspired by Dakota's loving nature...

From: Ann Frees [mailto:afrees@harmonyinc.com]

Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:37 AM

To: 'Susan Gallo'

Subject: RE: Dakota's tribute

Hi Susan,

I loved Dakota and will miss her. She called to me from her open garage door whenever she knew that I was near by. …..always ready and wanting to reach out and connect. That meant giving a lick and getting a tummy rub. She had complete confidence in her purpose in the world…..to share her unrestrained exuberance and unconditional love. Thank you Dakota. We can all take a lesson from you and make sure that we live each day in the same way.

Harmony in all things,

Ann

And another...

From: Toni Hunter [mailto:toni3299@verizon.net]

Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 9:59 AM

To: 'Sharon Arnold'

Subject: RE: Tribute to Dakota

Oh, what a beautiful tribute to little Dakota – it seems that everyone that she touched loved her so much. Just think of the joy she brought to your family the years she lived with them. Knowing that she was loved and taken care of better than some children experience is a tribute to all of you.

Dakota will live forever in your memory and like you wrote in the blog, she has joined the other Hunsicker pets, who are not in pain anymore and will once again be frolicking and being the puppy you know her to be.

Thanks so much for sharing this with me…what a wonderful touching tribute.

Love you,
Me

How Cammi rescued ME!

Heartbroken, after putting Gus, my first dog, a Blue Heeler to sleep in July, 2007, a friend reached out to me by sending daily emails with Petfinder listings of dogs up for adoption. "I'll never get another dog," I swore...Until I saw Cammi's beautiful scrappy photo on my computer. She was a petite Red Heeler- at CA Underdog Rescue all the way down in Fresno, over 250 miles away! "Too far," I thought, but as the days wore on, I could not stop thinking about her.

A 3-hour drive and a few days later, I loaded up Cammi into my car with her new collar and leash, full of anticipation.

Cammi had been found at the side of the road in a ditch, pregnant, sick with a respiratory infection and covered in ticks. She was taken in by the resuce, treated and prepared to deliver her puppies. Unfortunately, her pups were born with the same respiratory infection she had and they did not make it. Consequently, I learned that she too had a broken heart when we met. Our bond was immediate and it was like she already knew me.

The 2 of us drove down Interstate 5 together; both knowing the healing process had begun; my heart full of joy.

Two years later, Cammi convinced me to adopt again; fastforward to Sammi, another Red Heeler rescue, and the rewards have been never ending!

Kelly Sullivan
Windsor, CA

"Trying to find my soldier momma!"

I rescued a dog I named Maggie from a shelter at Ft Stewart GA in Feb 2007. She had been beaten, abused, and starved before I got her. I have rescued 2 black lab retreiver mixes before her, and I love them. I got her home and we bonded immediatly. She got along great with my other dog (a rescue from a shelter in TX) and my cat.

I got married in Sept 2007 and deployed to Iraq in Oct 2007. Once I deployed to Iraq in support of OIF V Maggie took it VERY hard. She is a momma's girl and went everywhere I went. She wouldnt eat, play, or be herself without me. At the beginning on Dec 2007 she ran away, appearently trying to find me. She was gone for 4 months. I came home on leave in Feb 2008 and spent my 2 weeks home looking for her. I went house to house and back to the shelter numerous times.

I finally had to go back to Iraq, and in April my husband received a call from the shelter saying that they thought they had Maggie. I happened to be talking to him online when he got the call. He went down there and sure enough she was there. He brought her home, and told me online that she was home safe and sound. I called him immediatly and talked to her on the phone. He told me that she was wagging her tail and I could hear her whining when she heard my voice. Since I have been home from Iraq she will barely leave my side.

Brandie Sims

Nacogdoches, TX

Prayers for Dakota

A brave little pup is in need of your prayers for recovery from a number of ailments that really shouldn't have to borne by such a kind little loving soul such as Dakota. She is in a great deal of pain due to complications from diabetes which she was diagnosed with about three months ago. She has since had recurring bouts of pancreatis. And, in the last ten days she has developed a severe (acute) case of pancreatitis.

But I am told by her family (my mom and sister) that she is such an incredible fighter. And the veterinarians and staff of the Florida Veterinary Referral Center that Dakota has been calling home for much too long agree. They have all fallen for the little Yorkie. She is also missed at home greatly by her sister Phoebe (top photo). Any and all prayers for Dakota's complete recovery will be greatly appreciated.Florida

Dakota is under the care of Dr. Courtney North, DVMInternal Medicine in Estero, Florida.

Stella the Minature Pinscher

As a MinPin lover for more than 20 years, I was so tempted when my friend, Sarah, was fostering an adorable one. I talked to my husband and the kids and we agreed that we had room in our hearts and our home for a second dog.

Sarah's dog wasn't right for us, but we started looking on the IMPS website and fell in love with Stella the moment we saw her picture and read her story. After talking to her foster mom, we couldn't wait to meet her. We brought her home that day and our home has been happier ever since. We had never had two dogs at once and didn't know what to expect. What we got was twice the four-legged love and twice the joy. Even the aloof Zeus became attached to her quickly. Not a day goes by when she doesn't make me laugh out loud with her silliness. It is amazing that a dog who was mistreated for so many years can be so loving and trusting.

Thank you to all who foster dogs while they await their forever home. We are so thankful to have Stella in ours.

Stella is on the right in the picture.

Terry Hanly

Anaheim Hills, CA

Meet Archie - the ASCPA Dog of the Year

ASPCA Dog of the Year

A true four-legged hero, Archie is an eight-year-old black Labrador retriever, who serves as an assistance dog and social lifeline for Sergeant Clay Rankin. Sgt. Rankin suffered spinal injuries while serving in Iraq, and Archie is his primary caregiver and social safety net. Archie's loyalty and perseverance in helping Sgt. Rankin accomplish his daily tasks has allowed the veteran to regain his confidence and independence, move forward with his life and continue serving the country he loves.

On October 29, during the ASPCA annual Humane Awards Luncheon at the Pierre Hotel in New York City, we honored a heroic guide dog, a piano-playing Tabby and eight extraordinary people who’ve made a big impact on the lives of animals. In the hotel’s newly restored ballroom, winners and guests gathered to celebrate the contributions of those who devote their lives to animal welfare and, according to ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres, to honor “those who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion, bravery and commitment to furthering the human-animal bond.”

Indeed, the recipient of the 2009 Dog of the Year award could be the “poster pooch” for the human-animal bond. A true four-legged hero, Archie is an eight-year-old black Labrador Retriever who serves as an assistance dog and social lifeline for another kind of hero, Sergeant Clay Rankin. Sgt. Rankin suffered spinal injuries—as well as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—from serving in Iraq, and Archie is his primary caregiver and social safety net. Archie's loyalty and perseverance in helping Sgt. Rankin accomplish his daily tasks has allowed the veteran to regain his confidence and independence, move forward with his life and continue serving the country he loves.

Before and after the awards ceremony, Archie comforted and guided Sgt. Rankin, who graciously accepted the award with Archie by his side. Archie deftly navigated the ballroom’s maze of tables, enjoying the excitement surrounding his human companion. This get-along pooch even posed for photographs with the other award winners. These included four brave men from Missouri who worked on the frontlines of the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history; Alayne Marker, who along with her husband, Steve Smith, runs the Rolling Dog Ranch for disabled animals in Ovando, MT; the animal-friendly Hingham (MA) Fire Department; and a truly remarkable young girl, Monica Plumb of Powhatan County, VA, who raised funds to purchase pet oxygen masks for fire departments across the country.

Courtesy of ASPCA

Truly a heartwarming story with a happy ending!

Dog Builds ‘Nest’ From Injured Family’s Possessions

When Kathy, an animal shelter worker in Tennessee, spotted an emaciated Rottweiler along the side of a highway, she figured the dog was a stray or had been cruelly abandoned there.

But Kathy soon realized that there was something different about “Ella.” Ella was friendly and eager for attention -- behavior that is unusual for either a stray or an abused animal. She had clearly been loved by someone.

There were more clues in the wooded area just off the highway. Kathy discovered a “nest” where Ella had been sleeping (upper left). It was strewn with someone’s personal items, including a toothbrush, razor, comb and candle.

Then Kathy remembered something crucial. A few weeks earlier, a terrible car wreck had taken place on the highway…very close to where Ella had made her makeshift home.

Could Ella have been in the car? Was it possible that she had survived the crash and gathered the items thrown from her family’s car? Was she now loyally waiting for someone’s return?

Help Pets Separated From Suffering Families

Kathy’s hunch soon proved true. She contacted the state’s highway patrol authorities and learned that a single car had flipped over and landed on the side of the road near Ella’s “nest.” A family of five had been in the car. Some members had been hospitalized, but they all survived.

Rescuers had never seen Ella, who had likely been thrown from the car. The dog foraged on her own for a few weeks, drinking from a drainage ditch and patiently waiting for beloved family members who thought their special pet was dead!

American Humane stepped in when we learned that the family’s medical bills had caused tremendous financial strain. Unfortunately, the family had moved to a home that did not allow pets. We provided a critical grant to Kathy’s animal shelter to help fund Ella’s care.

Though unable to bring Ella back into their home at this time, the family was thrilled to see her and hopes to be reunited for good in the future. Meanwhile, Ella is living safely and comfortably in a loving foster home.

During this month of giving thanks, please consider a donation to help fund American Humane’s Foreclosure Pets Grants. A single act of generosity -- no matter how small -- will make a tremendous difference for pets like Ella, whose families are undergoing extreme financial hardship.

Donate today!

*A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Messaging & Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the "American Humane Association" by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at http://www.hmgf.org/t/. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code 85944; Reply HELP to 85944 for help.

Thanks to Susan Gallo for forwarding this to me.

Bubba the Pomeranian

We saw Bubba's picture on an internet adoption site and couldn't wait to meet him. This little 4 year old Pomeranian was confined to a kennel at a vet's office and I knew there was no way I was leaving that place without him. When we got him home he was a mess: afraid of the tv, a statue of Elvis, the neighbor's dog, parks, everything except us. With lots of love, patience and of course discipline, he is a fun-loving little guy who wants nothing more than a ride in the car with his family and to sleep beside his mommy every night.

Brett, Danielle & Foxy
Los Angeles, CA