In February 2012, I saw an eight week old puppy on the Lapeer County Animal Shelter website. We decided to get him as a gift for our older dog, Uh-Oh, who had just survived a life threatening surgery. I met the puppy before he was up for adoption. I fell in love with him the minute he gave me his paw through the cage door. I knew I never wanted to let him go. I brought Trouble home a few days later. I never imagined the emotional journey we would begin that day.
A day later, the volunteers at the shelter left me a message saying Trouble may have been exposed to Parvo in the shelter and listed the symptoms to look for. Within three days Trouble was in ICU receiving 24 hour treatment for Parvo, for four days. Three days after coming home he was rushed back to ICU with a fever of 106.3 due to a secondary infection. That stay lasted three days.
After recovering at home for a few days he began acting like the carefree silly puppy I remembered. He spent months making us laugh until we cried, running through the house with his butt down, flipping the rugs along the way. Until one day we noticed he was limping. At ten months old, Trouble has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia in both hips.
We dont know what his future will be but Trouble has fought hard to stay alive while jumping, panting and running circles around his challenges. As long as he is happy we will fight every obstacle we face while holding his paw.
We would like to thank the person that didn't want him, because he was meant for us. We can't imagine our lives without those deep brown eyes watching us.
Shannon Bradshaw
Lapeer, MI
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
The Unlikely Rescuer & From puppy mill to beloved family member
On our early morning walk one weekend, Rambo and I happened across a strange sight - a tiny kitten trotting along behind a Labrador and his walker - in a high traffic street. I immediately reigned in my 70 pound lab who had never before encountered a live cat. The kitten was undaunted and simply arched her back and proceeded on tip toes to increase her size. Rambo was smitten by this < 1 lb creature with 100 lbs of guts. Knowing that the area, apart from the traffic, has a number of stray dogs, I could do naught but oblige Rambo and bring Kitty home.
She immediately settled in with Rambo (himself rescued at a near-death state) and Zuma (a recently adopted stray puppy who was suffering from Rickets and Distemper) on my terrace. Kitty initially missed her mommy and Zuma had to grow up quickly to play mom. Now Rambo shares suckling duties. I love going upstairs and watching the three at their antics. It is heartwarming to see that Rambo allows the much smaller Zuma to play rough with him and, similarly, Kitty is quite wicked when playing with Zuma. The stronger often takes a beating at play but does not hurt the weaker!
Preeti
Delhi, India
******************************************************************************** From puppy mill dog to beloved family member, heartwarming only begins to describe Honey’s story. In the process of finding a better life, she also has warmed the hearts of those she has met.
Four months after she was rescued by Wisconsin Adopt A Golden Retriever, Inc. (Brookfield, Wis.) and learned the many lessons on how to be a dog, she came to our home for foster care at the age of seven and never left. Shy and quiet when we first got her, she found her bark and a spring in her step with the help of our other Golden Retriever, Sulley. Trips to the cottage are her favorite, as are treats and squeaky toys. She never begs for food, but knows to wait by her bowl when pancakes or waffles are made (smart girl).
Knowing Honey’s background, every day she teaches lessons about loving life. At almost 14, she rules our home, and has stolen the hearts of members of my family. And she has given back to the rescue that did so much for her, appearing on TV, at events, and in publicity to represent WAAGR.
If you come to my house, you will most likely find her sleeping and possibly dreaming of her next pancake, a far cry from where her life began. We can’t imagine our lives without her.
Amy Behrendt
Menasha, WI
Sunday, February 10, 2013
The Perfect Dog!
After I lost my sweet Maggie of 16 years (also a wonderful rescue dog) in May, I knew that I wanted to adopt another companion, but I could not do so until after the summer. I just knew there was a little friend justing waiting for me to adopt him, and sure enough, I found Matthew (now Matty) on the Almost Home Foundation's website. Poor thing was living in a kennel for 6 months because he was attacked by a dog in foster, and he was just waiting for us to come get him. He is the perfect little dog, sweet, loving, playful, and well behaved. We love him so much!
Adoption is the way to go, and the Almost Home Foundation has dedicated and kind people who give their all to find homes for dogs and cats.
Deni Gottlieb
Elk Grove Village, IL
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