{"WE BELIEVE IN HAPPY BEGINNINGS, & NOW THEY DO TOO"}
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"PENELOPE"
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"CECE"
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"TIPPY"
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"CONNOR"
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"GRIFFIN"
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"SCRUFFY"
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"SKITTLES"
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"EVAN"
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"BEN"
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"PARIS"
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"HUNTER"
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"MISTY"
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"JACKSON"
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"MELODY"
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"BUDDY"
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"BAYOU"
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"SCOUT"
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"FRITZ"
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"PETEY"
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"GABRIEL"
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"ROCCO"
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"BEA"
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"OREO"
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"BUSTER"
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"CHLOE"
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"GIZMO"
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"DUSTY"
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"GAVIN"
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"BO"
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"DIXIE" Same litter adopted by a different family
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"CHAZ"
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"MYLO"
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"MAMA & BABIES"
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"APRIL"
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"AUGIE"
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"LEXI"
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"LEXUS"
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"PEPPER"
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"SADIE MAE"
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"BARRON AND BALITMORE"
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"RADAR"
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"ANNIE"
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"MOGLI"
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"PARIS"
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"WILLOW"
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"EMITT"
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"TROOPER"
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"BREE"
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"ASPEN"
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"DAWSON" AKA: BUDDY
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"AVA"
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"BUFFY"
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"ELLISE & STARR"
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"JACQUES" (Moving to a new home in Austin)
This precious baby was one everyone wanted. The phone rang off the hook and you can see why. .He arrived at the shelter with his harness still on.. Picture perfect, loving, docile, and in perfect condition. .Still no one thought to come to the shelter to look for their beloved angel.. He sat stoic and just starred at me.. Well there was no way from the minute I laid eyes on him he was saying there.. He was such a beautiful boy..After carfully considering the applicants I finally decided on someone who lived in Austin.. They had lost one of their dogs recently after many years of love. They were active, outdoorsy and a male. Something Jacques seemed to love.. Tom was elated he was the one chosen to be the adoptee.. I know this is definitely going to be a match made in heaven.. Not only is Jacques a very lucky boy but so is his new dad. Jacques was in very high demand.. Sadly someone must miss him terribly but he is on to a whole new life, in a whole other city. Never having to face such a tragedy again.. Tom assured me this will be his new love for the rest of his life.. Today he made the trip to meet his new best friend... He said he is thrilled and can already tell that Jacuqes now named Oliver is happier then ever to be running around his new home.. I do believe in Happy Endings, don't you?...
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"HAZEL" (Abandoned, pregnant, emotionally void. Now the life of a REAL DOG)
I was at the shelter when Hazel's owner walked in to leave her there. The man said she was a great dog, but they had too many.. There was no way I could leave this darling girl there. I could see the confusion and trauma she was going through being left at the shelter like so many. So before I even left I took her with the others I was taking that day.. Turned out Hazel was in the very early stages of pregnancy... We didn't even know and only found this out when she was taken to be spayed.. It was probably the true reason this man was abandoning her.. It made her story even sadder to me.. It just amazes me what owners will do and then the dogs pay the price for it in the end..
When Hazel was moved to her foster home everything was new to her. The water, the trees.. Everything. It was then that I knew she had very little access to being a real dog in life. I know the old owner kept her pretty much penned up in a backyard her whole life.. She was very introverted at first and socialized very little. But, over time it was amazing the progress she made in her foster home.. She began to run and play with the other dogs. She quickly started to enjoy life.. Still it was hard for Hazel to show much emotion or happienss when we brought her to adoption days and no matter how great she was in her foster home people didn't see that when they met her. She seemed detached but with Hazel you just had to get to know her and she was nothing but love.. Still people couldn't get past that and believe she truly would bond as she did with her foster family..We ended up having Hazel for around 2 months until I could find her forever home.. In that time, she came such a long way and by the time she left her fosters she finally realized that not all people were bad and she she could feel safe with humans... Thanks fo foster mom and dad, Dawn and Chuck, Hazel really felt what it was like to be a real dog and enjoy true love... ..
Today Hazel has finally found someone who understands her needs and wants.. Needless to say it truly was love when her new mom met Hazel.. ..I do believe Hazel is finally on the road to the life she deserved, but never had the chance to experience in the past.. I believe in my heart she will be loved forever and have a great life from this point on..Hazel you truly deserve it after all you"ve been through..
When Hazel was moved to her foster home everything was new to her. The water, the trees.. Everything. It was then that I knew she had very little access to being a real dog in life. I know the old owner kept her pretty much penned up in a backyard her whole life.. She was very introverted at first and socialized very little. But, over time it was amazing the progress she made in her foster home.. She began to run and play with the other dogs. She quickly started to enjoy life.. Still it was hard for Hazel to show much emotion or happienss when we brought her to adoption days and no matter how great she was in her foster home people didn't see that when they met her. She seemed detached but with Hazel you just had to get to know her and she was nothing but love.. Still people couldn't get past that and believe she truly would bond as she did with her foster family..We ended up having Hazel for around 2 months until I could find her forever home.. In that time, she came such a long way and by the time she left her fosters she finally realized that not all people were bad and she she could feel safe with humans... Thanks fo foster mom and dad, Dawn and Chuck, Hazel really felt what it was like to be a real dog and enjoy true love... ..
Today Hazel has finally found someone who understands her needs and wants.. Needless to say it truly was love when her new mom met Hazel.. ..I do believe Hazel is finally on the road to the life she deserved, but never had the chance to experience in the past.. I believe in my heart she will be loved forever and have a great life from this point on..Hazel you truly deserve it after all you"ve been through..
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"FOSTY" (Lost with his dad, on to a new life... What a PRECIOUS BABY!)
This precious baby was actually found in the shelter.. I know it's hard to believe but he was. He was found on the street wtih Chachie below, who I believe was his dad.. Chachie was so protective of him I thought he was this babies mom until I looked him over.. He certainly did his job well in caring for him while on the street even though it was only for a short while.. I cannot tell you how many loved this baby when they would see him.. He was just too cute for words.. Both were in such wonderful condition it very sad knowing someone probably owned and loved them very much... Somehow they got out and no one came to look for them at the shelter.. Just terribely unfortunate.. However he is now in his new home and starting a whole new life.. .. The family had been looking for an Am. Eskimo for some time and they truly lucked out when I rescue these two.. It's just not a breed you find in the shelter often... They were very lucky to find such a beauty... I know they will have many years together with this little guy.. He truly was a joy to have even if just a matter of days...
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"CHACHIE"
Chachie came in with the little guy just above him. These two were 2 of the most beautiful dogs I ever took out of the shelter.. Incredibly well kept and the baby Eskie was to die for.. Another heartbreaking thing to see knowing someone had to love them.. Again, they didn't go to the shelter to check to see if they had been brought in.. At first I thought Chachie was his mom.. Then I realized he must have been the baby Fosty's dad. He was very protective of him and they had been found running together.. Amazing the little one kept up with him.. They were both just stunning and that's putting it mildly.. Each were adopted within the week I brought them home. NO surprise at all to me.. Chachie was adopted by a man who owned Am. Eskimo's all his life. .Little Fosty was adopted by another wonderful family.. I cannot tell you how bitter sweet it is when you see a dog like this in the shelter.. You know someone is grieving for them. They have to be. Still they didn't take the means to protect them by microchipping and keeping them safe.. On the other hand you realize how irresponsible it was of the owners, they even ot away.. The only thing you are left to think about is that they now have a new life with new owners.. Hopefully way more responsible.
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"BINDI" ( Precious baby who almost didn't make it, now off to W. Palm Beach)
Bindi was a tiny girl who starred back at me and her new foster at the shelter. We knew she was the one we would be taking.. She was a tiny, loving, and we could tell a very special girl.. She immediately went to her foster home.. Bindi's loving nature was very different from the start. and no could help but fall for her... She was ever so gentle and enjoyed being in your lap. She adored a kiss on her face and the bow of her head and eyes showed me how much it meant to her when I did this... She was so hard not to fall in love with.. Not long after she came to us, she started to get sick.. We could not determine what she had. She definitely had Peumonia and they think the early onset of Distemper.. I scrambled to get his girl the help she needed.. I couldn't stand the thought of losing her. She went down so fast that I thought she wouldn't ever get through what she had.. She was very depressed and nothing we did could entice her to eat...She stayed at the vets office on IV fluids for days.. She went from 18lbs to 15lbs very fast. Something she just couldn't afford to do. She was withering away to nothing. I was concerned to put it mildly.. After being on the fluids, the next few days she started to pull through.. Both foster mom and I worked so hard to save her, as well as the Dr. Rowe who vetted her.. When she started to eat it was a major celebration to say the least.. We were happy beyond words.. She put some weight back on plus more and fast becoming a happy playful girl again.... She became 100% and was well on her way to a healthy dog..She either picked this up from the shelter or came in with this illness... We will never know..
Around that time I got a call from a lady in N.Y. who was also involved in rescue, telling me her brother wanted Bindi so much.. He lived in West Palm Beach. He had lost one of his dog and was simply devastated.. Bindi touched a part of his soul, as she did to many of us and he could not get her out of his mind.. We were determined to make it work although I normally am not set up for transports out of state yet..After speaking to him I knew in my heart Bindi would not find a better home and I had to make this happen.. We got things together fast. She stayed with us another 2 weeks to ensure her health. Then she was picked up and trasported to Houston. From there she flew to her new home in West Palm Beach..I could not think of a more happy ending then that of Bindi's... She was so close to death and now today she is living the high life in West Palm Beach. Her pictures show how much of a happy and healthy girl she is today.. She's living in a the home of her dreams now.. Dreams really do come true... We miss you Bindi!!!
Around that time I got a call from a lady in N.Y. who was also involved in rescue, telling me her brother wanted Bindi so much.. He lived in West Palm Beach. He had lost one of his dog and was simply devastated.. Bindi touched a part of his soul, as she did to many of us and he could not get her out of his mind.. We were determined to make it work although I normally am not set up for transports out of state yet..After speaking to him I knew in my heart Bindi would not find a better home and I had to make this happen.. We got things together fast. She stayed with us another 2 weeks to ensure her health. Then she was picked up and trasported to Houston. From there she flew to her new home in West Palm Beach..I could not think of a more happy ending then that of Bindi's... She was so close to death and now today she is living the high life in West Palm Beach. Her pictures show how much of a happy and healthy girl she is today.. She's living in a the home of her dreams now.. Dreams really do come true... We miss you Bindi!!!
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"PHEOBE" (Lost, dropped off at a vets office, now finally a home to call her own)
Pheobe was found by a jogger, when Pheobe decided to jog right along with her for that morning run.... Not knowing what to do, the good samaritan could see the great shape she was in, and took her to a local vet near by.. The vet's office was nice enough to keep her and do part of the vetting on her while she was there in her temporary home..She stayed at the vet's office for 2 weeks. I was reading my tons of emails as usual that morning while sipping some tea when I opened up the email about Pheobe. I knew right then I would take her. I just know when it's one that I should take in to Harbored Souls.. I hit reply and told them I would gladly take her right away.. I picked Pheobe up from the vet, and finished getting her fully vetted so she would be ready to go when adopted.. . In a matter of a week or so Pheobe got adopted at our next adoption event that was held.. The people fell madly in love with her. She looked identical to their other male dog they had. It was like holding their own. I could tell.. They wanted her by all means ...Her bark lead them over to her kennel on that day and there was no going back for them. Just as easily as she got lost she just that easily had found her new home.. Before they left they bought Pheobe a new pink dress and pink bows.. They were determined to make her all girl and she left looking absolutely darling..
Sadly for Pheobe, you would tell that her past owner had taken very good care of her and even though signs were posted, no one stepped up to claim her. Pheobe may have missed someone back then, but on the day she left, I know the old owner didn't enter her mind.... In her heart she knew she was going home to a new mom and just a feeling, she was very happy about it.. . She was all licks.. .
Sadly for Pheobe, you would tell that her past owner had taken very good care of her and even though signs were posted, no one stepped up to claim her. Pheobe may have missed someone back then, but on the day she left, I know the old owner didn't enter her mind.... In her heart she knew she was going home to a new mom and just a feeling, she was very happy about it.. . She was all licks.. .
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"ELI" (An incredible looking dog out of time. Now a new life in San Antonio)
When I saw Eli I was pretty aww struck. He was one gorgeous boy!!.... Hard to believe, this huge boy was stuffed in the night drop box at the shelter.. .. He is so large in person I just cannot imagine what kind of inhumane person would do such a thing and the next question would be how in the world do you give up a picture perfect dog... He was so gorgeous I knew people would be fighting to have this boy. To make matters worse they told me he would be euthanized with days at the shelter. I wasn't about to let that happen to him.. NO WAY!!..At frist it was hard to find a foster who could handle him, he was just that strong, but he ended up in the right hands, with a cowgirl as his foster... His new foster Tami, took him on full forth without hesitation and it was love after of a matter of just a day.. She just could not belive how wonderful he was, and how anyone could abandon him.. He was great with other dogs and kids too. Even though he was so incredibly strong, he was as gentle as ever when it came to kids.. When it came to adults he would easily steal the heart of anyone that was near him..Before you knew it, all 80 pounds of him was sleeping in bed with this new foster family... Awwww, I think they call that love = ).. I know it will also be pure love for the guy who adopted Eli, too.. Any man would be head over heels to have this dog as their new best friend.. He is thrilled to be having Eli as his new companion I know. I keep hearing how excited his is to make the trip from San Antonio to Fort Worth to get him.... I had people as far away as Ca. longing to have this angel.. Eli has ended up in San Antonio and in the heart of one new special best friend. Amazing to me how disposable dogs are to some people, and how much others would do anything to have them, as their very own..Well we found that one person and now that time has come..Eli is San Antonio bound..
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"LIL BIT" (No hope left, no doors open, the clock was ticking)
This little baby was to be killed at the shelter on the day I went to pick him up.. He was in horrible shape. He had both types of Mange, non-contagious, and Scabies which of course is contagious to humans too. So everyone was afraid to take him of course.. . But, how do you leave a tiny one like this to be killed due to no fault of his own.. He was just darling. So many people were pulling for this little guy.. Everyone wanted to help him but the clock was ticking and no one was offering to go and get him.. .. He was all the rage on Facebook, but no one stepped up and followed through.. So off to the shelter I went to get this little one.. I knew by the way he kept starring at me, he knew he has just been saved.. He really looked thankful and the glare he had was sort of haunting in a way. .One I will never forget.....Only one lady named Mary really came through for him along with his foster who stepped up..... I had a wonderful foster who stepped in, and gave him the best of care and love until we could get some of his vetting completed.. She took him on without hesitation and I was so thankful... We wanted to start him on the road to recovery and his foster mom kept him for 2 weeks after I brought him to the vet. ... Then Mary, his new mom took him in.. I explained his situation to her and she too understood and still wanted him as her very own... As I said she was the only one who truly followed through and adopted him.. Lots of people wanted him unti they found out he had Mange. Something that is very treatable today..Well thank God for Mary being able to look past this.. All she could see was a bright new beginning for him....
Mary has reported that he is an active loving little boy and doing very well.. Some of his hair has started to grow in and I am anxiouly awaiting his new pics.. ..This little dog is going to be darling when all his hair comes back. Sadly then, and only then, is when everyone will think he is so adorable. Sometimes people just can't look past an disease that is treatable. Thank you so much Mary for being able to look forward and not dewell on what he has today... This too shall pass....
Mary has reported that he is an active loving little boy and doing very well.. Some of his hair has started to grow in and I am anxiouly awaiting his new pics.. ..This little dog is going to be darling when all his hair comes back. Sadly then, and only then, is when everyone will think he is so adorable. Sometimes people just can't look past an disease that is treatable. Thank you so much Mary for being able to look forward and not dewell on what he has today... This too shall pass....
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"SHEBA"(Memories of a dog from the past turns in to a new beginning for another)
This little girl was so wanted by her new mom Becky.. Becky had a female dog in the pats that reminder her so much of her other dog she could not get Sheba off her mind. Sheba was on the euthasia list for that week and Becky could barely sleep at night thinking about her being killed for no reason.. It was like looking at her own dog who had passed and it was more than she could stand.... I didn't know Becky, but after reading her pleas on Facebook for someone to please rescue Sheba I had to help. .She also lived quite a distance away and that was part of the problem too.. Well after reading plea after plea I had to make this happen. Why should an innocent dog die when someone was so willing to give her life and adopt her.. I still had to find someone willing to drive Sheba to Becky if I rescued her... Finally I had a very unselfish person willing to do this for me. Her name was Tran... She was willing to pick up Sheba from the shelter after I tagged her for rescue and drive her almost an hour and half away to her new home. Becky was thrilled and very very thankful for Harbored Souls and Tran making her dream come true...She adores this girl and cannot say enough wonderful things about her. She is beyond thanks for us helping to make this all happen.
To think Sheba would have died within a day or two knowing someone wanted her so very much.. This was certainly a dream come true for Becky and definitely one for little Sheba too..... She could not be loved more than she is now.. AWESOME!!
To think Sheba would have died within a day or two knowing someone wanted her so very much.. This was certainly a dream come true for Becky and definitely one for little Sheba too..... She could not be loved more than she is now.. AWESOME!!
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"ELLA" (A new beginning for an adopter and a dog left with no hope)
Ella was a dog who was extremely urgent at the shelter so I agreed to take her.. If not swould have been euthanized any day...I felt so bad for her when I finally got the chance to meet her... She had a golf ball sized tumor in her ear, a cateract in one eye and I could tell she was been used for breeding purposes... She was also kept in the cage at the shelter for over a month and had never had the chance to even get out and run around during that time....I will leave it to your imagination what she smelled like.. It was just so sad... Still, Ella has a joy and zest for life and that made you love her even more.. She loved her walks on the leash and pulled as if to say OMG I am out, I am free!!.. She loved every stepped she took and you could tell she appreciated life so much and that someone was caring for her for a change. Her fosters that help me save her, loved her as soon as they met her, and in the first few days of having Ella they took her to many places they went including a big party.. She was getting socialized right off the bat... She never met a stranger and loved kids and dogs as well. She was nothing more than a wiggle butt .. To this day it amazes me at how these dogs are so forgiving, after all humans have done to them..
I got a call from a wonderful family about 2 hours away. We had only had Ella about a week and a half.. They were willing to make the drive to meet Ellaa nd sounded very serious.. They had lost their Cocker a few years back and was still longing for another. They wanted her to be an indoor dog and sleep in bed with them. I really liked that. comment from them.. This would all be new to Ella I was sure.. There is nothing that can take the place of human touch from someone who truly loves a dog who has been through so much. They are forever greatful and will never forget you have helped them.. I can honestly say that Ella has found a wonderful home. I could tell she would be loved, upon meeting her new mom and the fact she would get chocked up each time she looked in to Ella's eyes... I knew Ella would mean alot to them.. I have since heard from the family and am happy to report that in a matter of days she seems to have filled that void. She is sleeping in bed with them and they are loving every minute of having her. Just as I am positive that Ella is loving life and the touch a human who has finally shown her kindness and the meaning of true love...Ella has finally made it home....
I got a call from a wonderful family about 2 hours away. We had only had Ella about a week and a half.. They were willing to make the drive to meet Ellaa nd sounded very serious.. They had lost their Cocker a few years back and was still longing for another. They wanted her to be an indoor dog and sleep in bed with them. I really liked that. comment from them.. This would all be new to Ella I was sure.. There is nothing that can take the place of human touch from someone who truly loves a dog who has been through so much. They are forever greatful and will never forget you have helped them.. I can honestly say that Ella has found a wonderful home. I could tell she would be loved, upon meeting her new mom and the fact she would get chocked up each time she looked in to Ella's eyes... I knew Ella would mean alot to them.. I have since heard from the family and am happy to report that in a matter of days she seems to have filled that void. She is sleeping in bed with them and they are loving every minute of having her. Just as I am positive that Ella is loving life and the touch a human who has finally shown her kindness and the meaning of true love...Ella has finally made it home....
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"BENSON" ( An amazing transformation)
If you take a look at Benson's before picture you can see the terrible shape he was in. when he was rescued.. Just horrible. He had obviously been living on the streets a long time and had Heartworms we found out, when I had him tested.. Not a surprise at all. His foster mom spotted him online and so did it. We didn't know we were both trying to help this guy. He certainly pulled at the heartstrings in a second when you saw his pic.. I agreed to take him in to Harbored Souls and she agreed to foster him. We knew it would be a long road but everyone for Benson's sake stuck by him... He was immediately groomed as soon as foster mom Lisa picked him up.. The tranformation was amazing to say the least.. For the first week or so it was a big adjustment and he just wanted quiet time to his self.. Before you knew it though, Benson was coming around and loving his 4 year old human playmate at the house.. He was fast turning in to the most awesome little dog to our amazment after all he had gone through... We did find out he loved to charge the door and run. .I think for Benson it had become a game of some sort.. I am positive that is how this little guy got lost in the first place. I needed to make sure that whom ever adopted him truly could understand this was something they had to be super careful of.... He still needed to undergo his HW treatment for 5 weeks and he did with flying colors.. I am happy to report he has now tested negative and is now a happy healthy little guy ready to take on a new life..
I am happy to report Benson has found a wonderful loving home he will be going to this week. ..He has finished his treatment and then off in to the wild blue yonder he will go...He has gone through such an amazing transformation. It just goes to show what TLC will do for a dog. who was living on the streets.... It will certainily lead them in to a whole world filled with the unconditional love they had never received before..GOOD LUCK BENSON!
I am happy to report Benson has found a wonderful loving home he will be going to this week. ..He has finished his treatment and then off in to the wild blue yonder he will go...He has gone through such an amazing transformation. It just goes to show what TLC will do for a dog. who was living on the streets.... It will certainily lead them in to a whole world filled with the unconditional love they had never received before..GOOD LUCK BENSON!
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"CHARLIE" (A long road for Charlie but now on the right path)
gCharlie Charlie.. About as picture perfect as they come.. What a doll!!.. When I saw this face starring back at me he was in a cage with a Yellow Lab.. They had both come in together and had been dumped by the owner there. Charlie was one of the most depressed dogs I had seen in the shelter. Very very down and out.. When I went back to get him I truly felt bad about leaving his brother behind.. I knew the chance of them getting adopted woudl be slim to none being such different breeds. I decided I would see how he would do and if he wasn't getting better I would take his friend too.. When I went back he had been adopted which I was happy to see. I knew he was on to a better life.. Meanwhile back to Charlie he was slowly but surely coming around.. He still had such a sadness about him but slowing would play some.. Temp mom/foster Katie let him sleep in bed with her and hubby to make him feel more at ease. A line she had never crossed before.. .We all wanted this sweetheart to come around and he certainly was more and more..
After a couple of weeks we got a great call from someone interested in Charllie. She had lost her dog due to illness . She was certain that she could fall in love with Charlie and desperately wanted him. We agreed to set up a time to meet him.. When she walked in, there sat Charlie, barking and very upset that a stranger were there.. This wasn't looking good. haha...Especially when he snipped snipped when she went to put his collar on. A-OOOOOOOO!!...He was still iffy about new people and although he trusted foster mom Katie and myself he was very leary of others.. I finally coaxed him out and before you knew it, he was eating treats from his soon to be new mom.. Charlie would warm up quickly and was really a total love, he just had to feel safe.. An affect that had lasted with him after being abandoned.. . I loved the fact his new mom wasn't affected much by his antics and stayed quiet and spoke softly to him even though he had acted out some... He seemed to realize in no time she was a good person and someone he would trust.. After discussing everything about Charlie they drove off , and both foster mom and I kept our fingers crossed he would adjust.. Well, he surely has.. His new mom says he is such a great companion and she loves him to death. Now when she walks in the house he is all tail wags.. He adores her and they have become best friends already.. She knew this would be a happy ending and Charlie was finally feeling at home, when she woke up one morning to see that Charlie had been dragging cat toys all night long, in to a big pile in her bedroom. I think Charlie knows he is well loved and he can finally feel safe in his new environment. He also thinks he now runs the show that is quite obvious.. A good sign his confidence is returning.. Ya gotta love Charlie!!
After a couple of weeks we got a great call from someone interested in Charllie. She had lost her dog due to illness . She was certain that she could fall in love with Charlie and desperately wanted him. We agreed to set up a time to meet him.. When she walked in, there sat Charlie, barking and very upset that a stranger were there.. This wasn't looking good. haha...Especially when he snipped snipped when she went to put his collar on. A-OOOOOOOO!!...He was still iffy about new people and although he trusted foster mom Katie and myself he was very leary of others.. I finally coaxed him out and before you knew it, he was eating treats from his soon to be new mom.. Charlie would warm up quickly and was really a total love, he just had to feel safe.. An affect that had lasted with him after being abandoned.. . I loved the fact his new mom wasn't affected much by his antics and stayed quiet and spoke softly to him even though he had acted out some... He seemed to realize in no time she was a good person and someone he would trust.. After discussing everything about Charlie they drove off , and both foster mom and I kept our fingers crossed he would adjust.. Well, he surely has.. His new mom says he is such a great companion and she loves him to death. Now when she walks in the house he is all tail wags.. He adores her and they have become best friends already.. She knew this would be a happy ending and Charlie was finally feeling at home, when she woke up one morning to see that Charlie had been dragging cat toys all night long, in to a big pile in her bedroom. I think Charlie knows he is well loved and he can finally feel safe in his new environment. He also thinks he now runs the show that is quite obvious.. A good sign his confidence is returning.. Ya gotta love Charlie!!
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"SASHA" (A quiet little puppy seeking the love of just one)
There sat little Sasha in her cage. A tiny little thing at the time... Very quiet and loving little girl. Just about as sweet as they come.. Not a peep from this baby even though she was just a little over 2 months..... I decided I would rescue her at that time from her dispostion alone.. Below is the pic of her that I saw when I first spotted her.. Sasha quickly grew after she got out of the shelter and I have to saw grew in to a real beauty..She went through a bad bout with Kennel Cough after she came out of the shelter, but quickly recovered and as soon as she was, I put her up for adoption.. We got her all fixed up and vetted and she was ready for her new home.. On her first adoption event sheattended, Sasha was adopted. She had someone come to meet her on that day.. A former fosters daughter ,came by to take a look at Sasha...Of course when you see this little beauty she would be pretty hard to resist.. She was adopted on that day of course.. When I look back on her pic and see how much she has grown in such a short time, it's hard to believe..When you see the look I saw on that day, when she was in the shelter, you know why I had to rescue her..As a rescuer ,when I see a pair of eyes looking back at me like the ones below, they say so much. They told me what I needed to do and I did.. Sasha welcome to your new life..
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"MS. MOOKY" ( A ball of energy that finally met her ideal partner)
Ms. Mooky's mom called me asking for some help. She truly needed to place Mooky and she wanted to know if I could take her in to Harbored Souls.. I agreed right away... I knew she was very loved by her mom, but she was going through some major changes in her life and she traveled often and it was nearly impossible to continue to keep her. It was a very hard decision and a sad one after having Mooky for a year and a half, but I went in full force to help out.. I had quite a few calls on Mooky after she was posted, but the families never matched up... Mooky's mom even agreed to let a family try it out by taking her for a week, to see how the dogs would match up together..After a week she came back.. Mooky although very well behaved was very energetic... Even though we told the people this up front, sometimes people just want the dog but don't really hear what you are saying.. Well Mooky had far too much energy for them.. As I always say when a dog is turned dog it's usually because that better family is out there and it has always been the case.. I would rather a dog be returned to me rather then dumped in a shelter..
We met Mooky's new family about a week later.. We had a meet and greet along with another family.. The first family had another Westie and I was sure it would be a great fit, but they were totally uninterested in one another.. I was pretty surprised.. Then came Archie, the Min Pin.. Known for their endless energy I thought well this will be interesting.. To put it mildly it was love at first sight for both and ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh play at first sight as well....They played the entire time and we knew this was Mooky's match.. He had as much if not more than she did.. Mooky went to her new home that night and her new dad reported they played hard till 2am.. Yes, you heard me right.. They had to have been exhausted including her new doggie parents.. From the moment I saw these two together I knew this was an ideal match. Archie had only 3 legs, but that didn't stop him one bit, and Ms. Mooky was blind in one eye.. You could see these two dogs had alot to teach people about so called, handicaps.. They didn't have anything that slowed them down one bit. They were just like any other dog.. The fact of the matter was, they were more playful, more energetic and more loving in a way.. Somehow these two knew they needed one another in more ways then one.. It's funny how things work out sometimes.. I could not have found a better match for either of these dogs.. It truly was the best match ever..I do know that new mom and dad are going to have some late nights with these two playing until the wee hours. But, what makes this all so nice is that they truly didn't care about how much energy each brought out in one another... They were just so happy they had found one another and were so in love..They were up for the challenge, just so they could be happy for the rest of their life together and that my friends, I know will happen!
We met Mooky's new family about a week later.. We had a meet and greet along with another family.. The first family had another Westie and I was sure it would be a great fit, but they were totally uninterested in one another.. I was pretty surprised.. Then came Archie, the Min Pin.. Known for their endless energy I thought well this will be interesting.. To put it mildly it was love at first sight for both and ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh play at first sight as well....They played the entire time and we knew this was Mooky's match.. He had as much if not more than she did.. Mooky went to her new home that night and her new dad reported they played hard till 2am.. Yes, you heard me right.. They had to have been exhausted including her new doggie parents.. From the moment I saw these two together I knew this was an ideal match. Archie had only 3 legs, but that didn't stop him one bit, and Ms. Mooky was blind in one eye.. You could see these two dogs had alot to teach people about so called, handicaps.. They didn't have anything that slowed them down one bit. They were just like any other dog.. The fact of the matter was, they were more playful, more energetic and more loving in a way.. Somehow these two knew they needed one another in more ways then one.. It's funny how things work out sometimes.. I could not have found a better match for either of these dogs.. It truly was the best match ever..I do know that new mom and dad are going to have some late nights with these two playing until the wee hours. But, what makes this all so nice is that they truly didn't care about how much energy each brought out in one another... They were just so happy they had found one another and were so in love..They were up for the challenge, just so they could be happy for the rest of their life together and that my friends, I know will happen!
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"MISHA" ( A match made in heaven)
When I first spotted Misha I was walking around the "Lost and Found" section of the shelter, with a new foster.. He really wanted to take Misha in from the time he first saw her. She was so well behaved and loving with both of us, gentle and just an over all good girl, you could tell.. I agreed she should be the one we rescue but when I asked about taking her they told me she was, " unavailable". They told me, an all breed Wiermarana Rescue was coming to get her. I was sure she would be picked up in a matter of a few days..Meanwhile I pulled another dog for the new foster, and that dog was quickly adopted in a week and a half.. I went back the next week to rescue more dogs and when I walked in to the "L ost and Found", who was still there starring back at me, Misha.. I couldn't believe it.. It was 2 weeks later.. Well I went back up to the desk and they finally agreed I could have Misha on that day, since no one ever shown up. I was very very happy about this. She was a beautiful dog and it was so unfair to her she was in there that long.. You could tell it had started to take a toll on her.. I rescued her on that day and the orginal foster who wanted her took her in..
We brought her to the first adoption event only a week later, after I had rescued her, and that is where her new family found her. They walked in with another Weirmarana and I was so happy to see this.. They came specifially to meet Misha.. When the two dogs met it was as though they had known one another forever.. This looked like the double mint twins and I couldn't think of a better situation.. One thing about dogs. I know it sounds crazy, but I think they know when a dog is of the same breed. Just a feeling I get.. It was a sweet thing to see them interact and the family was so incredibly nice. I knew Misha would be going to a wonderful forever home..To think that Misha had sat all that time so sad in the shelter.. Here it was only a week later and she had found her forever home already.. It's an awesome thing to see the change in these dogs only days later when they come out of the shelter.. Even sweeter when you know they sense this is their family and their new beginning..It certainly was
We brought her to the first adoption event only a week later, after I had rescued her, and that is where her new family found her. They walked in with another Weirmarana and I was so happy to see this.. They came specifially to meet Misha.. When the two dogs met it was as though they had known one another forever.. This looked like the double mint twins and I couldn't think of a better situation.. One thing about dogs. I know it sounds crazy, but I think they know when a dog is of the same breed. Just a feeling I get.. It was a sweet thing to see them interact and the family was so incredibly nice. I knew Misha would be going to a wonderful forever home..To think that Misha had sat all that time so sad in the shelter.. Here it was only a week later and she had found her forever home already.. It's an awesome thing to see the change in these dogs only days later when they come out of the shelter.. Even sweeter when you know they sense this is their family and their new beginning..It certainly was
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"MIA & GIA" (Two bouncing babies gone in no time)
MEET Mia and Gia. .Two darling little Boxer mixes I found together in the shelter side by side. Obviously from the same litter. Hard to imagine these two darling babies were an owner release. Why I haven't a clue, because within days each were adopted.. Both to very loving families who could not wait to take them home.. If I would have had duplicates they would have been gone too. That is how many wanted these two little beauties...I love when babies like these who are wanted go to the best homes ever.. Sometimes they are just meant to go in to homes that are more suited to give them all the love they need, and can truly take care of them for the rest of their life the way they need to be cared for.. That is exactly what happened in both cases and I couldn't be more happy for each of them.
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"ANDRE" (By the way, do you have a cat?)
What can I say about Andre?.. Nothing more than, special. I first spotted Andre sitting in the shelter starring back at me. Not a bark or anything from him, but just a big ole quiet soul looking at me with his head tilted to the side. As if to say, come on, come on, you know you want me.. I smiled...Week after week I would see him there and we quickly became friends.. I would go over to his cage each time and pass my hand under the 2 inch gap of his cage.. I wanted him to get the smell and touch of my hand. Just some human interaction... I would bring him special treats each time, thinking this would be the last week I would see him... He sat literally for almost 2 months in a cage with no interest... I could not believe NO ONE was interested in such a beautiful loving boy..It astounds me to this day and was a mystery and all I can think is he waiting for that very special someone to bring him home.. Next time I visited him, I saw he had been placed on the euthanasia list.. Oh no, that wasn't going to happen. So I tagged him that day for pick up. Thinking now that I have home and out of the shelter, he would be gone in no time once I promoted him.. Andre was always incredibly sweet and loving to all of us. He would go with anyone who loved on him. He was more of a lap dog and a big baby than anything.. The way he looked at me would always touch my soul.. I knew that Andre had never forgotten I was the one who saved him. .It was just a sense and I get it from so many of them. They truly never forget you.. Well, week after week went by, and Andre would have a call here or there, but each and every person who wanted Andre had a cat and that was Andre's only downfall. He was not a cat lover. He had a natural herding instinct, being a Terrier and Heeler mix.. I could not believe his luck. After all that time in the shelter ,my rescue was having a hard time as well placing him.... Everyone loved him on the adoption days but the same question came up. "Do you have a cat"? YES.. End of story again.. This went on for 3 months.. His foster mom loved him as well as her dogs and he was getting more and more bonded with them Something I try not to let happen so they adjust quickly to their new homes..We just couldn't believe he was still with us and not in his permanent home after all this time.. More than any other dog we knew Andre deserved it the most.. Everyone pulled for him every single adoption day, but he would always return to his foster at the end of each event that was held.. He was all over Facebook and after all this time the question was asked over and over.. .Did Andre get adopted?.. I would say no and then it would always follow with, I just cannot believe it...
Then our event for April came up and someone showed up just to see, who else, OUR Andre.. She had his picture in hand and I pointed him out.. I held my breath.............................................................. "Do you have a cat"?................................"NO", was her answer.."Not even a dog".... I couldn't help but think, today is his day but I was still cautious....I couldn't believe it. She spent so much time walking around with Andre and looking him over. I could see there was love in those eyes already.. I left them together so they could get to know one another..I knew there was a connection and when she approached me and said I want Andre.. We all did a woohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. FINALLY IT WAS HIS DAY. The day he had waited so long for and it was so so well deserved.. Everyone knew about it on Facebook believe me and we were all thrilled.. Our boy had finally found his PERMANENT FOREVER HOME.. I hear from his new mom ofter and it's more than love I can tell you that. She adores him. I get daily reports on his antics and how loving he is.. I could not be more thrilled for this boy. He was so patient and always so loving. I cannot help but think this is why it took Andre so long to find his forever home. It was perfect for him. Somehow I just knew that on the day they left together, that Andre felt he had finally made it home with someone he could truly fall in love with forever.. Woohooooooooooooooo!!
Then our event for April came up and someone showed up just to see, who else, OUR Andre.. She had his picture in hand and I pointed him out.. I held my breath.............................................................. "Do you have a cat"?................................"NO", was her answer.."Not even a dog".... I couldn't help but think, today is his day but I was still cautious....I couldn't believe it. She spent so much time walking around with Andre and looking him over. I could see there was love in those eyes already.. I left them together so they could get to know one another..I knew there was a connection and when she approached me and said I want Andre.. We all did a woohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. FINALLY IT WAS HIS DAY. The day he had waited so long for and it was so so well deserved.. Everyone knew about it on Facebook believe me and we were all thrilled.. Our boy had finally found his PERMANENT FOREVER HOME.. I hear from his new mom ofter and it's more than love I can tell you that. She adores him. I get daily reports on his antics and how loving he is.. I could not be more thrilled for this boy. He was so patient and always so loving. I cannot help but think this is why it took Andre so long to find his forever home. It was perfect for him. Somehow I just knew that on the day they left together, that Andre felt he had finally made it home with someone he could truly fall in love with forever.. Woohooooooooooooooo!!
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"BISHOP" (A near death experience leads to a new beginning)
Bishop was found on someone's front porch after he had been seen wandering around the neighborhood for a few days. He was only puppy but had some how survived... They didn't realize how close to death he was at first when they saw his little nose pressed up against the window of their home.. Then upon looking him over they saw how extremely dehydrated he was, then he suddenly became lethergic as well... He was thin and way more close to death then they ever dreamed. This good samaritan took Bishop under her wing and started him on Pediatlite immediately.. After he became hydrated he started to eat.. And eat, And eat.. Bishop made a quick recovery in a matter of a couple of weeks.. That is the beauty of being young...They bounce back if aught in enough time..He had a wonderful foster mom who took him in and it is because of her he has survived and blossomed in to an awesome looking guy.... He has totally turned into a full fledged BUTTER BALL... In fact he has gotten so big in the last month it's pretty remarkable.. I saw him yes and he is a pretty darn confident little guy just as adorable as can be... He was adotped at one of our adotpion days to a wonderful young couple. They have reported he is doing fantastic and he truly thinks he is the "big dog" in the house.. Even though his brother outweighs him by about 60lbs...This was truly a beautiful ending to a story that could have very well been tragic had it not been for a the love of one person who saw the need in him..... Bishop may you continue to blossom in to the beautiful little boy you have already become.. = ))
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"ROBIN"(MOVED 4 times in her life/finally a 5th that would change everything)
This beautiful girl just killed me seeing her listed on a local site, out of desperation from her family. They were having to place her due to the fact their youngest child had bad allergies. They only had her a year. I wrote them and told them of my love for Shelties being I had two myself . I told them I would pay the adoption fee if they would let me take her into HS Rescue. I couldn't stand the thought of her not being placed in the right home or people without knowledge making her an outside dog. Oh that would have killed me. Robin was already 7-8 years old and how this broke my heart that she had to leave again. You see Robin was found years ago running with 2 other Shelites, when they were caught and brought into the shelter. Sadly, Robin was also pregnant. I guess from all the stress and running, Robin ended up delivering while there at the shelter. Seven little babies is what she delivered. Just breaks my heart. Then a rescue came to pick all three of them up from the shelter. After Robin was recouperated she was placed into an adoptive home where she lived for 6 long years, bonded I am sure. BUT, they started to travel and no longer wanted to keep her so they adopted her out. (NO comment Urggg) On to her forth move she went into another home where she lived a year and that is when she had to be placed again. She so touched my heart because I have two Shelties of my own, one of which was moved like this over an over again and one who lived in a puppy mill for 5 years of her life. It is so heartbreaking to this breed, they bond so strongly and are such a loving breed. Each time this happens it is very hard on them and takes another adjustment period. What really broke my heart again was seeing how Robin went so easily with me who was a stranger. It told me she was used to this. Just made me cry. She was the most loving and peaceful soul like this breed usually is. She did look back as her family left but, moved right along like she just expected it to happen one day again. She had been through it so much i her lifetime....
I was to meet a family that night. I had a ton of calls for Robin and everyone wanted this beauty. I stressed they had to know the breed, had to have owned one and she must live her entire remainder of her life with them no matter what. I wanted her to stay in full coat as any Sheltie should. If you love the breed you wouldn't dare want to take that away from them. So to put it mildly they are very high maintenance! I was not expecting to place her when I met the first family. However sometimes you just know when it's a perfect fit, and I did. They had just lost their Sheltie 2 wks prior and I could tell that he was deeply loved. They had also lost their Terrier right before, and they decided to adopt one of our other dogs too. See Tyler below, he reminded them so much of the other dog. This truly was a match made in heaven. Both dogs got along instantly and it just seemed to all fit together. They also had one other brother waiting for them at home. I think the family was so excited they got to adopt Robin. I had told them up front I was going to be really particular. You know what though, sometimes it's just a perfect match and this time I think it was. I am so happy for Robin and hoping and praying this is the end of the road for such a beautiful beautiful soul...
I was to meet a family that night. I had a ton of calls for Robin and everyone wanted this beauty. I stressed they had to know the breed, had to have owned one and she must live her entire remainder of her life with them no matter what. I wanted her to stay in full coat as any Sheltie should. If you love the breed you wouldn't dare want to take that away from them. So to put it mildly they are very high maintenance! I was not expecting to place her when I met the first family. However sometimes you just know when it's a perfect fit, and I did. They had just lost their Sheltie 2 wks prior and I could tell that he was deeply loved. They had also lost their Terrier right before, and they decided to adopt one of our other dogs too. See Tyler below, he reminded them so much of the other dog. This truly was a match made in heaven. Both dogs got along instantly and it just seemed to all fit together. They also had one other brother waiting for them at home. I think the family was so excited they got to adopt Robin. I had told them up front I was going to be really particular. You know what though, sometimes it's just a perfect match and this time I think it was. I am so happy for Robin and hoping and praying this is the end of the road for such a beautiful beautiful soul...
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"TYLER" ( Two Harbored Souls Angels that were adopted in to the same home)
Meet Tyler!! The one dog that should have been in movies. I mean come on, does he not look like he should be? Still, he sat in the shelter for a while and every time I would see him I just couldn't believe he was still there. First he was in "Lost and Found", then when he was moved to "Adoptions" I thought for sure he would move fast but there he sat for a couple of weeks with the look of rejection like most have after being there a while. I just thought he was a darling boy and obviously someone else did too. It's so funny how these dogs just sit in the shelter looked over again and again and then when they are rescued, BAM!! In a week or two everyone wants them. I guess that's the wonderful thing about rescue. They have the chance to get promoted more and in no time they have a home of their own. Tyler was so lucky. Not only did he get adopted but he went to the same home that Robin (above) was adopted into! They got along just great from the minute they met which was awesome. Just like ole buds who had been together forever. Tyler reminded them so much of the Terrier they had that passed away, they didn't want to leave him behind and Robin was a Sheltie, a breed they loved. Their Sheltie boy had just died 2 weeks prior, and so Robin stole their heart too. How awesome is this?!? Two dogs from HS Rescue both going to the same home. Two dogs that needed a new loving home and family that needed to dogs to fill a void. We knew this was going to be a wonderful life for both of these angels and I think they sensed it as well.. = )
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"DALTON AND DACY" ( Two best friends, lost together and now adopted together)
Dacy and Dalton were two darling Lhasa Apso's with awesome tempermants. Sadly both of them got lost together. They were not from the same litter because they had a slight age difference but they were definitely from the same household. When they got lost they ended up in someone's backyard. A total stranger. We think what happened was they got out of a yard or house and went off wandering around. Then someone spotted them and instead of them just leaving them on the streets they dropped them in the nearest yard they could find. When the owners of the house came out to the backyard and saw their new present, they quickly called the local shelter. The rest is history. Off to the shelter they went. About a week later, my foster Dawn, saw them online .She knows how I love the hairy breeds and especially Lhasa's . Not to mention I used to show my own Lhasa Beaux in the 90's so I had a soft spot for this breed. We drove to the shelter the day she called me to check them out, and right away we could see how darling they were. Yes, they were coming to Harbored Souls!! They were so sweet and loving! I mean, I knew someone would want to adopt them right away. They were ideal. Over a period of the next couple of weeks we got calls, but none were just right. Although we would have liked them to stay together for their own sake, we were willing to seperate them as well. Within about 2 weeks we finally got the right call from David and Richard, the most ideal family ever for these two.The best part was they wanted them together. Oh that just made me so happy. I love when dogs who lived together can stay together in the end. So much sweeter... We met with David and Richard and I am telling you, you just couldn't get better then this. They were so excited about getting them. They showed pics of their home, their other dogs past and present and I just knew in my heart that Dacy and Dalton was going to their forever home where they would be loved as much as any dog ever could. We have since been in touch through emails and it's been the perfect ending. These two were so smart within the first day they figured out how to use the doggie door and all was going ever so smoothly. We just love these kinds of happy endings where the transition is so smooth like they have been there forever. Sometimes a dog just knows when he is in the perfect home for them and I think these two would agree that is exactly where they landed..Dacy and Dalton together forever!!
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"GIGI" (Abandoned sweetheart at the vet's office now living a wonderful life)
GiGi and her friend had a very sad story. The orginal owner walked in the vets office. .A vet they had never been to before.. That person came in with both GiGi and her friend/protector who was a Dachshund.. After she stepped in and filled out paper work she announced she had to run to the car for a minute. Well that person never came back... Leaving these two abandoned.. I can't think of a more cowardly thing to do, no matter what the situation was.. The vets office kept them day after day and just didn't know what to do.. Weeks went by and they knew they had to leave the office. They couldn't just stay there forever....I got one of those emails looking for someone to help. Some you pass over and others you just cannot.. This was one of those.. GiGi caught my eye and knowing each were older it would be even harder to get people to step pup.. . I felt so bad when I saw the posting. .Righ away I figured I would take GiGi for sure and work on her friend after.. I had alot to think about after talking to Alexjandra . The lady who sent out the posting.... Her little Doxie friend was so protective of GiGi, the he would try to bite if anyone came near her.. After talking to the lady who posted the write up she decided to take the Doxie to her home and I would take GiGi here with me..it was really for the better. GiGi got adopted by a family I had been trying to find a dog for. They had alot of love they told me and not alot to spend on and adoption. I assured them I would find them a dog.. A week went by with our calls back and forth.. You see their Pekinese that they loved had died. He was around 13 yrs old and they were lost.. Then GiGi dropped almost in my lap.. When I called to tell them that I had found them a Pekinese they were elated to say the least. It was like a dream come true.. What a better way to end this story.. I mean here was GiGi abandoned and here was a family longing for another Pekinese.. I delivered GiGi to Chris and his mom in Dallas after she was transported to me, and they were so thrilled to see her enter the house... I could tell right away it was truly a dream come true for them and I would not second guess that GiGi would be filling that same thing in a matter of a few days..The void in all three of these hearts were filled to the rim.. All I can say is, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
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"PRINCESS" (Dedication & Love to her 1st mom/ now a new mom to take her place)
Yes this is the rescurer new baby.. I acquired this darling little peanut all 6lbs of her, after I got a call, from someone involved in rescue. They were asking if I could take her in to my rescue.. Her story was a sad one and there was no way I could even think to say not to her... Her mom died and they found Princess in bed next to her mom, true to her dedication to the lady who took care of her she never left her.. It just killed me when I heard her story.. The daughter of the lady who passed away couldn't keep her. She reminded her too much of her mom and it was just to painful.. She was about to bring her to the shelter ( hard to believe) when someone who found out about this, told her she would keep Princess until a permanent home could be found. Three months later she was still looking for a home..This lady was use to German Shepherds and Princess wasn't her cup of tea and she really needed help from someone to take her. She had no clue about little breeds.. I was glad to take her in. She was transported from another city 2 hours away and on the day I got her she was terrified.. We literally had to shake the kenneld to get her to drop out. She was clinging to the side of the cage.. Well she went from that to wihin two days, having a love affair with us.. Mainly my husband. She was so taken by him... It was comical.. She never left his side and oh how her eyes would light up when he walked int he room.. She was quickly joined at both of our hips..
I had some of the best families ever, wanting her, but it became apparent after she met with a few, that it just was not going to be good for her to leave us. . You could tell she had bonded with us. She would shake and have a begging look to her eyes to please not leave her.. She would even run from friends out of fear they would take her from us.. We couldn't do that to her and although we were never planning in a million years to take in a 4th we knew this was definitely the home she was meant to be in... She fit in perfectly with us. Loved our other dogs and our dogs didn't blink and eye that this 6lbs was flying around the house.. They could have cared less. To see her, blossom in to this little dog in just a week, playing all day long with her sqeeky toys and smiling non stop, I just knew she had found her place. It was her choice. She wanted to be with us, no if, ands are buts. I couldn't help to think it's what her mom would have wanted too. She would be so happy to know that Princess ended up in the most loving home ever and she would never have to worry again about leaing.... We love her as if she has been with us forever and she in turn, acts the same way with us.You would never know she had a previous home...... We know this was all meant to be.. We are sure her mom is watching over her now........Just as she did for her original mom...
I had some of the best families ever, wanting her, but it became apparent after she met with a few, that it just was not going to be good for her to leave us. . You could tell she had bonded with us. She would shake and have a begging look to her eyes to please not leave her.. She would even run from friends out of fear they would take her from us.. We couldn't do that to her and although we were never planning in a million years to take in a 4th we knew this was definitely the home she was meant to be in... She fit in perfectly with us. Loved our other dogs and our dogs didn't blink and eye that this 6lbs was flying around the house.. They could have cared less. To see her, blossom in to this little dog in just a week, playing all day long with her sqeeky toys and smiling non stop, I just knew she had found her place. It was her choice. She wanted to be with us, no if, ands are buts. I couldn't help to think it's what her mom would have wanted too. She would be so happy to know that Princess ended up in the most loving home ever and she would never have to worry again about leaing.... We love her as if she has been with us forever and she in turn, acts the same way with us.You would never know she had a previous home...... We know this was all meant to be.. We are sure her mom is watching over her now........Just as she did for her original mom...
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"TONY" (From school grounds to a home of his own)
Tony was a litle guy running around by a school yard when he was found... This was the second one the teacher and foster mom Maricarmen had taken in from around the school property.. Two lives she had now saved that wouldn't have had a chance since they were on the streets....We quickly gave little Tony his shot to protect him and Maricarmen got him all cleaned up..Who in the world could lose a 3 month old puppy?? Hard to believe we see this alot at the shelter.... Tony was one of the lucky ones that was adopted in about a week.. I mean look at this darling face.. How can you resist.. He was placed with an awesome new family and his new human brother was over joyed to meet him and know he was coming to live with them. This is a wonderful ending for a little dog who would have been killed or died from starvation. Thank you Maricarmen once again for being the angel that protected yet another one..
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"SIMBA"( A beautiful lost dog turns up in the shelter with a mysterious story)
This beautiful dog was found as a lost dog.. At least that is what the person who found him and turned him in to the shelter said.. When they brought him in to the shelter they claimed they had held him for a month after they found him.. No owner was ever found.... .When I hear stories like this, I can't help but wonder if he was truly lost or another situation.. Why would someone turn this beautiful boy in to the shelter? I have to question that.. He was a stunning pure bred Pom..I was there the day he was brought in and put the grocery cart before being brought to the back to be placed in his cage at the shelter.. Just broke my heart to see this beauty experiencing this.... I knew I would have to get him out. .I came home and started posting his pics to find a foster home for him.. When I went back a few days later he was besides his self he was in there and it tore at my heart.. Again I tried to find a foster and then someone stepped up.. The foster went the very next day to pick up Simba from the shelter.. He was a wonderful dog his foster mom reported in every way.. So sad to think someone owned this dog and lost them.. You always wonder who they could were, and the loss they must feel.. Simba has found a new home with a mom and 13yr old girl who were thrilled to have adopted him.. They wanted him by all means..Even though Simba's orginal mom could not be found at least he has a new start in life where he can once again feel the love he obviously had in the past..
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"SAMPSON" (Saved by not one but two dads, who dearly love him)
Samspon by far was one of the most beautiful puppies I ever rescued.. He looked as though, his pics were computer generated that is how gorgeous he turned out to be....Sampson and his little sister were dumped in the night box at the shelter.. I am so thankful I spotted these two little angels sitting quietly in the shelter. .(See their pic below).. These are the two faces that were starring back at me when I first spotted them.. Sampson's sister went first and as Sampson started to grow the calls came pouring in.. How could anyone resist the looks of this handsome boy?.. He is truly a beautiful dog.. I choose a home where Sampson would have two dads not just one, and when I tell you he could not be more loved that is an understatment.. .. Sampson went to a home where he will never have to be worried about being abandoned again.. His personality is as perfect as his pictures where.. His two new dads can vouch for this. "He is the best dog we have ever had".. That was evident from day one with this little guy.. How lucky could anyone be to have the chance to adopt this perfect little angel...
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"FREDDIE" (From shelter to loving foster family)
This is little Freddie..we are still stumped by his breed but he is 100% cutie patootie! He was found at shelter sitting in his cage, with his little head peeking out of some blankets in his cage. At the time, my wonderful foster Tricia, who had fostered quite a few dogs for me, finally decided it was time. Time to adopt a buddy for her little Yorkie. At the time, Freddie was iddy bitty too and so we thought he would stay tinier like her Yorkie. Since then, he has been growing like a weed and he does seem to be part of the Poodle breed.
When I showed Tricia his pics it was a sure thing. Yes, he was the one!!! Instant love is what I would call it. Typically, I have a policy where a foster cannot adopt the dog they are fostering at that time, but heck SHE WASN'T FOSTERING HIM. So, Freddie I decided could definitely go to them. This is something they had been longing to do. I knew he was going to a GREAT family. He would not only have another dog to play with but 3 girls too. I know Tricia fairly well and her loving spirit for the dogs she has fostered made little Freddie one of the luckiest boys ever.
Freddie was just so darn cute how could anyone have resisted this precious face!! I may have lost a foster for a little while, but Freddie gained a wonderful home and life. For me, that is what it's certainly all about ... = )
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"PENELOPE"( A void filled on both ends)
When I first saw Penelope she was shaking and huddled up in back of her cage. Too afraid to approach anyone. She kept her distance...She was very timid at first, and they told me she was not doing well.. I think out of her fear the shelter ACO's thought she would bite, but that was far from who Penny really was. Underneath all that fear was a loving, very sweet, girlie girl of a Cocker.... She was about as sweet as they come and, once she realized no one was going to hurt her she started to respond quickly.... Although she was so timid at first, she started to come around in a matter of days. I really wanted to rescue her, she needed it and I knew if she didn't get out it would only get worse.. As soon as she was available I was up there to get her.... I was anxious to get her once I had a definite foster family step up.. I Penny was an easy girl to love.. Even her foster family loved her and did a great job helping to bring her out of her shell.. I did get alot of calls suddenly on Penny but one family in particular I felt was the best fit. I pretty much liked everything about them....By the time she met her potential new family she was doing 100% better and she even greeted them with a tail wag as soon as they stepped up. This made them beem. They has just lost their dog who was an elderly Shep mix. They were so lonely without and were missing her terribly.. . They knew Penny would not replace their dog but they needed a void filled with a new dog in their home.. Penny in turn needed a void filled too.. She needed a family who would love her for life..Penny fell in love with the young man in th family immediately.. She was clinging to him even after, they had just met.. This was definitely match for Penny.. A perfect match in fact...The family has kept in touch and love her to death already. She is the best dog they said, and even after all she's been through she greets them every morning with her usual tail wag..I would say Penny has filled that void all ready and I know for sure they have filled that lonely void in Penny's life as well..
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"MARTIKA AND BABIES" (Abandoned at the shelter pregnant. Life is now fulfilled)
Martika was dropped off at the shelter pregnant by her very own "so called" owner. The first day I saw her of course I saw a look of sadness. I didn't realize she was pregnant at the time. The next few days later I went back to the shelter for other dogs, and there she sat in a litle basket, with all 5 babies... OMG so tiny all five.. All I could think was they shouldn't be in there.. Mom was a doll as well as all 5 of these iddy bitty little things..I went home and started to post their pics hoping it would catch someone's attention and they would open their heart up to foster them.. All were rescued and moved to a fantastic foster home the very next day.... The foster was well schooled on babies and thank God she was, because I didn't have a clue. I just wanted to get them out.. Rescuing I was great at, caring for babies not as knowledgable... Patty stepped up and she was amazing with all of them. She has fostered for many organizations and most all were babies she would take in..
Within the next week the runt of the litter died.. As heartbreaking as it was, he was just too frail to make it. It was touch and go from the beginning for him.... Then just when all was looking so great about 2 weeks later out of the blue the last little boy died too. He just came down with something and was gone in a day... This is not uncommon for babies.. You just cannot predict these things with litters. The strong survive and that is the law of nauture no matter how well you care for them.. Finally 8 weeks later the three baby girl's left were ready to be adopted along with mom who has finished weaning them.. I moved them to a new foster home where they planned to help me place them and bring them to the upcoming adoption event that weekend..Two of the babies were gone within a few hours. They were just adorable..That left mom and one baby. Mom Martika and baby went back home to their foster that afternoon.. The new foster was quickly falling in love with the tiniest of them all.. So after we talked about how much they wanted her I decided to let them go ahead and adopt her. She was fitting in so nicely in to their home.. That left mom Martika to be adopted so she was moved her new foster home where we could focus solely on her.. She loved her fosters to say the least and followed them everywhere..... We had another adoption event with no luck but only a week later someone who had met Martika there called us.. It was finally Martika's turn. She was to be adopted by a wonderful couple with no other dogs.. Perfect for her, since she was a total lap dog... This was a happy ending for all. Mom and her babies were now safe and placed in to their new homes.. It's was a long road for all the fosters involved but a job so well done by each foster that was involved in the process.. All of you made this possible for them to be saved and have a brand new start in life..
Within the next week the runt of the litter died.. As heartbreaking as it was, he was just too frail to make it. It was touch and go from the beginning for him.... Then just when all was looking so great about 2 weeks later out of the blue the last little boy died too. He just came down with something and was gone in a day... This is not uncommon for babies.. You just cannot predict these things with litters. The strong survive and that is the law of nauture no matter how well you care for them.. Finally 8 weeks later the three baby girl's left were ready to be adopted along with mom who has finished weaning them.. I moved them to a new foster home where they planned to help me place them and bring them to the upcoming adoption event that weekend..Two of the babies were gone within a few hours. They were just adorable..That left mom and one baby. Mom Martika and baby went back home to their foster that afternoon.. The new foster was quickly falling in love with the tiniest of them all.. So after we talked about how much they wanted her I decided to let them go ahead and adopt her. She was fitting in so nicely in to their home.. That left mom Martika to be adopted so she was moved her new foster home where we could focus solely on her.. She loved her fosters to say the least and followed them everywhere..... We had another adoption event with no luck but only a week later someone who had met Martika there called us.. It was finally Martika's turn. She was to be adopted by a wonderful couple with no other dogs.. Perfect for her, since she was a total lap dog... This was a happy ending for all. Mom and her babies were now safe and placed in to their new homes.. It's was a long road for all the fosters involved but a job so well done by each foster that was involved in the process.. All of you made this possible for them to be saved and have a brand new start in life..
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"SOPHIA" ( On to fly ball and good times with a brand new family)
Sophie was in dropped off at the shelter with another dog due to the fact her owner didn't want to pay the deposit on the new place they were moving to.. I hear this often and am constantly amazed how heartless some can be. Never putting their dog first, nor realizing what this does to them mentally when they are abandoned in a shelter of all places.. I knew from one look at Sophia she would be gone quickly. She was such a sweetheart just sitting in her cage. I knew some familly would be crazy for her.... It was less than a week later she was adopted. Just as I suspected.... Her beauty and grace was evident. She was sweet natured and well mannered making her an ideal new family memeber. She knew basic commands was even housebroken. Her foster adored her and had nothing but words of praise for her.... . I couldn't help but think . All these wonderful points about this dog and yet she still wasn't put as a top priority.. I just cannot comprehend this.. Well, for what ever reason it surely made Sophia's new family very happy. They were extremely excited to adopt her.. They have so many plans for her and they fell in love with her beauty right away upon meet her.. Sophie has a couple of human brothers and sisters as well as a another dog her size to play with.. The family had plans to teach her fly ball. Perfect for a dog with her athletic ability and breed.. I could not have placed her in to a better home than with people who knew the breed well and knew eactly what was needed in her life to keep her happy forever.. ..
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"MISSY" (A puppy abandoned..Adopted within hours)
I was walking out of Dallas Animal Services when Missy, pictured here was being dropped off in the lobby by her owner. All the lady said was she couldn't keep Missy anymore, and she was a Poodle mix. She didn't have time for her. I talked to her and got more info on Missy, the little she had to offer. Missy sat quitely, not a peep the entire time. Somehow she knew this was not a place she would want to be, it showed in her little face. After one of the animal control officers pointed her out to me I couldn't leave her there. She was so darling and confused by what was going on. Within a few minutes we were walking out of the shelter doors, Missy in my arms. I wasn't about to leave her there. I started to think on the way home about who's foster home I could place her in. This wasn't planned. Hmmm what to do?? She sat quietly in my car the whole drive home. As I started to think where I could put her until a home was found, I remembered I had been talking to someone about finding them a dog/puppy for their family. I quickly made a call to them to let them know about this little angel I had just picked up. I told them the little I knew about her. They were excited so I rushed home, gave her the shots she needed, gave her a bath and groomed her. Later that night the family drove to come and meet her. They loved her and couldn't believe how quiet and sweet she was. She was adopted right on the spot that night!!Missy was so worth rescuing! She was an absolute sweetheart. Who knew in a matter of hours Missy would be going to her new forever home where she would be truly loved. They have reported all is going well and she is a wonderful little girl. That was the fastest rescue/adoption ever!
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"CHLOE" (Just what the doctor ordered........LOVE)
Chloe was one of those dogs who turned out to be very lucky. She was really on her last leg at the shelter and was going to be euthanized the next day. She was quiet, thin and had absolutely no energy. I am sure within a day or two she would have died on her own and if not, she definitely would have been euthanized because they knew she was so sick with heartworms. Something we didn't know when we spotted her. Chloe was immediately adopted as soon as she came out of the shelter. Her new mom was looking for a Cocker and she could not resist her at all after spending an hour with her. Even in the condition she was in she knew it was love. That's true love and a perfect home for sure when someone overlooks the issues of a dog they know will take some work to bring back to good health. Sadly, within day or two we found out that she had heartworms, but being the excellent owner her mom was, she immediately started her HW treatment. Chloe is now doing fantastic and her treatment is almost complete. She is coming around more and more each day. She is becoming stronger and it's been a hard road for a girl who didn't deserve any of this. She is very loved by her new mom and she can't say enough about her being the best little girl ever. Chloe was so lucky to have found such a loving home so quickly. Chloe would have died had if it had not been for the love of just that one person. That's truly all it took to live!!.................LOVE!! Chloe has found that now.
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"MAX" (Dreams really do come true for dogs that never had a chance)
Max had a very sad story. The previous owner moved out of the house and left Max to fend for his self. Not only did the previous owner abandon this wonderful dog, but he was left in the snow and the cold. It was during the time here in TX, when it was freezing and snowing like crazy. A neighbor who lived close by could see what was going on with Max in the yard. He was tied to a tree, no food or water and all while it was snowing. She couldn't stand it any more and took Max in to her home, out of the goodness of her heart and quickly fell in love. Only thing was, she had a serious illness come to light. She didn't know what to do and felt she would have to place Max her self. So the new owner showed up at one of our adoption days and asked would there be any way I could take Max in. I had no fosters open at the time, but I felt so bad for the situation too. What was I to do? Just then I had a lady passing. We started to chat. She told me she used to foster for Lab Rescue. Incredibly, this lady just happened to be standing there and we started to have a conversation. Next thing you know I told her the story of Max and pointed him out. Without hesitation she told me that she would agree to foster Max. I knew right then someone was looking over Max. As someone said 'This was a "GOD THIING", I had to agree. I mean what are the chances?? Anyway, Max was with that foster mom for a little over a month when I got a great call from a military couple looking to adopt him. He was transported closer to where they lived by a very special person who stepped up to help since they lived hours away. Upon meeting Max they knew he was the one. What really did it for them was when Max laid his head in their hand. That was the defining moment for them and they just knew he should be "their" dog. Shelly, who did the transport offered to keep him another couple of weeks while they were out on duty with the military. Max is now awaiting his forever home with his new mom and dad. New foster mom adds that he is a joy and she just adores his sweet nature. Dreams really do come true for dogs that would have never made it out of the shelter or had a chance to live.... Max's just did!!!
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"BAILEY"(Bailey's happily ever after story, has now begun)
RBailey was an easy dog to adopt. She was sweet, attentive, pretty and a purebred Border Collie. This is a great breed to have if you live here in Tx. Bailey was one of the lucky breeds that move fast here in cattle country. Besides that Bailey was incredibly beautiful and I now she just had gotten lost on some adventure she took on her own one day. Lots of people make the mistake of thinking it is perfectly ok for dogs to roam free here. I have no clue why people have this mentality. It is the very reason so many end up in shelters..
I found Bailey curled up in her cage at the shelter... She was shy and timid.. She had come in as a lost doga nd was sitting there alone, I am sure wondering how in the world she ended up in a place like this... You could not have met a sweeter, more gentler dog and I knew people would want her. Her nature was A+. She had just been passed for adoptions due to her sweet nature and I pretty much begged to have her. I just didn't want her in the shelter one more day.. Being passed for adoptions was great but she would still have to wait it out for someone to want her. I didn't want her good nature to be ruined waiting for this to happen..She went into a new foster home the same day I spotted her.. Foster mom Nikki would report to me, about every other day, never having a negative thing to say about Bailey. Bailey started to get a lot of calls on her almost immediately, and I had it narrowed down to 3 families. I chose the one I felt was best for her. Their child was older, and I just knew it would be a good fit being they had another dog about Bailey's size. She needed a friend to play and run with. Border Collies definitely need this to stay happy. They need to get out and do what their instinct tells them. Running. playing and herding are high on their list of important things..Today Bailey is living a wonderful life and she is in a very happy place. The family adores her and looking at the pic below, when they met for the first time, I truly believe this is where Bailey was meant to be. Looks like true love to me and an instant bond!!
I found Bailey curled up in her cage at the shelter... She was shy and timid.. She had come in as a lost doga nd was sitting there alone, I am sure wondering how in the world she ended up in a place like this... You could not have met a sweeter, more gentler dog and I knew people would want her. Her nature was A+. She had just been passed for adoptions due to her sweet nature and I pretty much begged to have her. I just didn't want her in the shelter one more day.. Being passed for adoptions was great but she would still have to wait it out for someone to want her. I didn't want her good nature to be ruined waiting for this to happen..She went into a new foster home the same day I spotted her.. Foster mom Nikki would report to me, about every other day, never having a negative thing to say about Bailey. Bailey started to get a lot of calls on her almost immediately, and I had it narrowed down to 3 families. I chose the one I felt was best for her. Their child was older, and I just knew it would be a good fit being they had another dog about Bailey's size. She needed a friend to play and run with. Border Collies definitely need this to stay happy. They need to get out and do what their instinct tells them. Running. playing and herding are high on their list of important things..Today Bailey is living a wonderful life and she is in a very happy place. The family adores her and looking at the pic below, when they met for the first time, I truly believe this is where Bailey was meant to be. Looks like true love to me and an instant bond!!
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"LILLY" (A void filled on both ends..Now safe and sound)
Darling as can be, there sat Lilly. OMG I had to rescue this one!! Just as cute as a button! Lilly was picked up as a stray. She obviously got out of someones yard and went out to explore. She had such a darling face and oh those ears! I figured she was a Westie/Papillon mix, and they certainly just didn't get cuter than this. I was watching and waiting to see if the owner reclaimed her. See she had tags on her and they had contacted the owner, yes they sure did. Ten days by law the owner has to come back and reclaim their dogs. It's not right to me at all, and so unfair to the dogs who are in the shelter but that's the law here in TX. I mean, by the time 10 days is up they could have any disease or who knows what could have happened during a week and a half stay. Well, needless to say, tags and all.,.the "so called" owner was called and never came to get this picture perfect little girl. She was abandoned like so many. Some people just do not want to pay the fine. Not sure about you, but there is no money that could replace my dog. No matter how much it was, I would have driven to the ends of the earth to get my own dogs back. Amazing to me some would rather leave them there then pay the money. After her 10 day hold she was available I made the drive to pick her up from the shelter!
Lilly was placed in a new foster home where she loved her foster mommy and Polo (their little Pom), her foster brother. They played and played and played! They almost drove foster mom nuts because the playing went on for hours in to the night. Haha...She was just a very happy go lucky little girl. Lilly had calls but it was never a good fit for her. As precious and prissy as she was, she was a confident active girl. I knew she had to be a very good fit with the right person. She needed that energy of hers put to use or it would not work. Finally, her new mom gave me a call and she sounded perfect! She lived alone and wanted to take Lilly to work with her to the antique store she owned. Perfect for Lilly! I knew she would be smothered with love and that is exactly what Lilly needed to overcome all she had been through. Within days Lilly was sleeping in bed with her new mom, and when Lilly felt a little dirty her new mom reported she would just jump in to the tub on her own..Too cute!! Smart little thing. Lilly has totally filled a void for her new mom who's daughter left for college. I am positive as well, that new mom Sandra has filled the void of a little girl who was abandoned and left to fend for herself. Lilly found her forever home now with a mom I am certain would do anything to keep her Lilly safe and sound.
Lilly was placed in a new foster home where she loved her foster mommy and Polo (their little Pom), her foster brother. They played and played and played! They almost drove foster mom nuts because the playing went on for hours in to the night. Haha...She was just a very happy go lucky little girl. Lilly had calls but it was never a good fit for her. As precious and prissy as she was, she was a confident active girl. I knew she had to be a very good fit with the right person. She needed that energy of hers put to use or it would not work. Finally, her new mom gave me a call and she sounded perfect! She lived alone and wanted to take Lilly to work with her to the antique store she owned. Perfect for Lilly! I knew she would be smothered with love and that is exactly what Lilly needed to overcome all she had been through. Within days Lilly was sleeping in bed with her new mom, and when Lilly felt a little dirty her new mom reported she would just jump in to the tub on her own..Too cute!! Smart little thing. Lilly has totally filled a void for her new mom who's daughter left for college. I am positive as well, that new mom Sandra has filled the void of a little girl who was abandoned and left to fend for herself. Lilly found her forever home now with a mom I am certain would do anything to keep her Lilly safe and sound.
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"TEDDY"( A quiet, shy puppy..Bursting with personality since finding true love)
Teddy was one of these puppies that people just wend nuts over. Everybody loved this little guy. I mean HELLO, these eyes would melt any cold heart.. When I first saw Teddy he was in one of the lower cages at the shelter where most would not have spotted him. Lucky for me I guess.. .When I did see him he was shy and lonely I could tell. For a little puppy he was so quiet. It just made me so sad to see such a darling puppy feeling so alone.. Hard to believe he was an owner release.. I wasn't sure of his breed but those paws said one thing to me.. No, wait, two things.. "BIG BOY".. I knew Teddy was going to be a big big boy and his new family had to realize this..
Teddy had a ton of calls as soon as he hit my website and the others I post the dogs on.. I was screening and screening .. I found a home I thought Teddy would be awesome in and within less then a week he was coming back.. It broke my heart. I thought I had done a good job at weeding out but sometimes no matter what you just do not know how they will work out until they are placed there.. Foster mom and dad were more than willing to take in Teddy again.. They loved him to death and wanted only the best for him.. Sometime people just do not realize what it as like to have a puppy and the work it involves..They are so taken a back by a precious face and them whammm it hits them. They have to train them, and oh, wow they want to play all the time.. Even though I felt horrible he was coming back I knew he would have no trouble at all finding a home, and that he did very quickly. The family called me that was to adopt Teddy and were so excited.. They knew what having a puppy entailed and were all about taking him on. Their 6 year old was thrilled to say the least..From the time Teddy was rescued from the shelter to the time he went to his new home he had grown so much it was unreal... Not to mention his new found personality.. He was all about playing and just as bubbly as ever.. Not the shy timid little thing I first spotted who seemed so lonely.. Teddy has found his forever home now, and the new family says he has been a pure joy.. He's growing day by day and seeing just how big Teddy will be when fully grown is still a work in progress. We get updates often from the new family...For now, we know Teddy is well loved and will have a home for the rest of his life. For this gentle to be giant that is what's most important of all.. = )
Teddy had a ton of calls as soon as he hit my website and the others I post the dogs on.. I was screening and screening .. I found a home I thought Teddy would be awesome in and within less then a week he was coming back.. It broke my heart. I thought I had done a good job at weeding out but sometimes no matter what you just do not know how they will work out until they are placed there.. Foster mom and dad were more than willing to take in Teddy again.. They loved him to death and wanted only the best for him.. Sometime people just do not realize what it as like to have a puppy and the work it involves..They are so taken a back by a precious face and them whammm it hits them. They have to train them, and oh, wow they want to play all the time.. Even though I felt horrible he was coming back I knew he would have no trouble at all finding a home, and that he did very quickly. The family called me that was to adopt Teddy and were so excited.. They knew what having a puppy entailed and were all about taking him on. Their 6 year old was thrilled to say the least..From the time Teddy was rescued from the shelter to the time he went to his new home he had grown so much it was unreal... Not to mention his new found personality.. He was all about playing and just as bubbly as ever.. Not the shy timid little thing I first spotted who seemed so lonely.. Teddy has found his forever home now, and the new family says he has been a pure joy.. He's growing day by day and seeing just how big Teddy will be when fully grown is still a work in progress. We get updates often from the new family...For now, we know Teddy is well loved and will have a home for the rest of his life. For this gentle to be giant that is what's most important of all.. = )
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"DUKE" ( A most beautiful dog with a mysterious previous life)
Duke was in the shelter and when I first spotted him I just couldn't believe how beautiful he was, not to mentiion the great condition he was in.. How could anyone not come to look for him? He was so much prettier in person and he had a way of pulling at your heartstrings big time.. He was one of those dogs you just couldn't forget no matter what. I just kept thinking and thinking about him, just knowing in my heart his owner would defintiely come back for him.... Duke even had a rabies tag on and yes WAS MICROCHPPED.. They tried to reach the owner but could not.. What good is a microchip people if you do not update the info on the chip when you move or change your number.. it's a lost cause when you do not do this and I have seen this numberous times.. It makes me so sad for these dogs that it never occured to an owner to go and look for them at the shelter..When a dog comes in, in such great condition I know they had to be loved.. So what happened?? Where were they??.. Where were your people Duke? That's all I could think each time he would press his darling face but lonely face, pressed up against the cage for me to touch..He wanted out so much and I was determined not to leave him there..... When it came time for his stray hold to be up, I was there to get him and when I walked in I looked at him. The same look on his face. Some face up against the cage door and I told himz>>>>Today is your lucky day boy.. You are leaving!!...His looked change, eyes brighter. I know that he knew what I was saying to him.. Luckily for Duke as soon as I posted him a great family offered to foster him..When you have a foster lined up, that makes it all possible for them to leave as soon as they can.. The foster family came and met me on the day I was to get him from the shelter. They had lots of acreage for him to run and play on which was great for a big dog.... We quickly found out Dukie Boy could clear a 4 ft fence.. Probably the very way he got lost to begin with... The fosters kept a close eye on him ever since they learned this, never letting him out of their site after day one when he pulled his stunt.. This is very reason it is so awesome to adopt from a rescue.. We know things people wouldn't know when they go right in to a shelter.. Don't get me wrong, adopting from a shelter is great too.. It certainly saves many dogs.. It's just we have some insight on their behavior and issues before they go in to a new home that helps the new family tremendously from the start.. We knew we could at least share this with his new family and knew he could never go to a home wiht a small fence....
It didn't take long for Duke to find his new home.. Someone was seiously interested right away..Duke ened up with 2 human brothers and below he is pictured with his two new best friends who were also rescues..This is truly another aweome ending to an otherwise very sad story.. Duke, who knew you would end up with so many new buds to play with and in a home who truly knows what rescue is all about...Today they are one big happy rescue family.. Duke is now living the good life once again, thanks to a loving heart who knew he should join their clan..
It didn't take long for Duke to find his new home.. Someone was seiously interested right away..Duke ened up with 2 human brothers and below he is pictured with his two new best friends who were also rescues..This is truly another aweome ending to an otherwise very sad story.. Duke, who knew you would end up with so many new buds to play with and in a home who truly knows what rescue is all about...Today they are one big happy rescue family.. Duke is now living the good life once again, thanks to a loving heart who knew he should join their clan..
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"NATE" (A dog who wouldn't budge, but life has taken a turn for happiness)
Nate was an incredibly beautiful dog. when I spotted him I saw a sad and depressed boy just laid out on his cage floor.. I tried to talk to him but the look of rejection was obvious.. He was lost and lonely.. He had never seen a place like this before.. I was just amazed at how gorgeous he was and once again no one came to look for him.. After having a few tender words with him he came of to me and I petted him the best I could though the bars of the cage. I took one look at those eyes and melted.. I told him I would be back the next day to get him.... I have said this many times. When I make that promise to a dog in the shelter I ALWAYS follow through..I won't say it unless I know I will make it work... Two days later I walked in and there he was, still lying down depressed. I told him that today was his day, he was leaving, and he popped right up..When I took him out of his cage, he laid flat on the ground and wouldn't budge. All the dogs were going nuts in the shelter and Nate was deternined not to move an inch... No one was around so I literally had to drag him to the lobby.. I begged and pleaded with him and withe those eyes peering at me frm the ground he was determined.. Uh Ah he thought..... Dragging about 70lbs wasn't easy but he had to get to my car some way... Still nothing... I don't think he had ever been on a leash before, plus he was afraid.... Huffing and Puffing I got him to the lobby. .Still nothing. He wasn't budging.. .. Anyway, finallly I got help, and we picked him up and put him in the car. It was the only way we could get him there... He started to perk up when we got to the car and I had a good long talk with him. Told him he was off to a better home and life and that he was..Suddenly I think he got it. This was a good thing! I got calls immediately on this beautiful boy as expected. The one family that truly wanted Nate had older children which was perfect because of his strength. His new mom was even a Judge. So you don't get better then that.. For them it was love at first site and off they went the same day they met him.. Nate has done beautifully in his new home and today I doubt we are seeing much depression.. I know that he is well loved and on a path to a wondeful new beginning..
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"SCARLET"( The "Perfect Family Dog" that no one wanted)
Scarlet was one of those dogs that killed me. .I saw her day after day, week after week in the shelter. She was unbelivablelly sweet I could tell. While all the other dogs were going nuts in the shelter, not Scarlet, she just lay there with out a peep.. Looking sadder than ever. it was just working on me so much to help save her..Each time I would go to the shelter I would go looking for her, just to scratch her nose under the glass and let her know I hadn't forgotten her.. These dogs I tell them most how beautiful they are, because I know they hear it the least... She was one of those dogs who just couldn't peak anyones interest .. Apparently no one was seeing what I was.. A perfect family dog.... If just broke my heart and I knew she had to get out.. I could see the toll it was taking on this wonderful dog.. Depression finally setting in.. While some might think of her as just an ordianary girl I could tell she was as sweet and docile as they come.. Still she was over looked for the cuter more eye catching dogs...Some dogs I just know will take longer to place unless people can see or know more about them, and from time to time I choose one in the shelter to post and promote to go straight to an adoptive home. before I even pull them. To me they are more urgent and when I see sadness written all over their face I can't help but want to help them.. Scarlet was one of those very dogs... She had spent enough time alone in a cage.. In fact it was around 2 months..Day after day, hour after hour no one wanting her.. So I was on a mission.. I posted and posted and posted. Who she was and what I say when I would go to the shelter.. I quickly got a response from one of my fosters that a friend of hers answered to her she was interested.. I was thrilled to say the least. These are dogs that mean the most to me to get out. .The ones who have spent so many weeks there alone.. They are the true heartbreakers that need to be saved..
Everything was arranged quickly.. Transport, vetting ,ect... The family agreed they wanted her. She would be going to a home with no other dogs. What a dream for a dog who had been alone for so long with no love.. She would now be on the receiving in of all of the love just for her self.... Amazing with just a little promoting of just one dog with no hope will do for them..
Scarlet today is well loved and has really come around. Her family says she has been great and an easy dog to love.. Just as I suspected., the "perfect family dog" that no one ever wanted.. Today she is very wanted and yes very much that perfect dog that someone had the insight to look beyond see what she truly was.. Hooray for the underdog!!!
Everything was arranged quickly.. Transport, vetting ,ect... The family agreed they wanted her. She would be going to a home with no other dogs. What a dream for a dog who had been alone for so long with no love.. She would now be on the receiving in of all of the love just for her self.... Amazing with just a little promoting of just one dog with no hope will do for them..
Scarlet today is well loved and has really come around. Her family says she has been great and an easy dog to love.. Just as I suspected., the "perfect family dog" that no one ever wanted.. Today she is very wanted and yes very much that perfect dog that someone had the insight to look beyond see what she truly was.. Hooray for the underdog!!!
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"YASHI" (A very special delivery to"Who Dat" land)
Meet everyone's FAVORITE dog that was rescued.. Our Yashi!!... What an amazing tale he lead.. I found Yashi in the shelter clinging to the back of his cage and shaking. I was actully afraid to touch him at first because he was so afraid I thought he would bite me. .... Little did I know what a true angel he was in every way at the time.... That day I just peered at him through the bars of his cage and had a conversation with him, letting him know he would not be forgotten... A couple of days later, I went back. There he was, same position still terrified. The eyes that peered back at me was asking this time for help and it was hard for me to ignore what I was seeing..I know he felt death was lurking and for the first time I did too.. Certain dogs give you a look as if to know death is close and swear to this and I just feel it too.. I quickly asked a foster to take him and she came over to the shelter, her two kids in tow... Yashi was too distaught with being in there and he seemed uninterested and so were the kids. It wasn't a good match. Even for just a foster.... We decided on another dog that would be a better fit for their home. It broke my heart to put him back in the cage, something I NEVER DO. As I walked out the room he started to bark at me, as if to say, please don't, don't leave me. It was the worse feeling in the world .. All I could do was reassure him that I would be back. I thought about him all night long and felt horrible.. So I came home and posted like a nut and finally got an answer from someone who wanted to foster him.. The next morning I made the long drive back to the shelter.. His foster Rihannon pictured below left with him shaking and still uncertain where he was going this time..
After a matter of days the joy and transformation in this one little dog was amazing and he had started his journey to touch everyone's heart who met him. Rihannon and husband John quickly feel in love as well as their Great Dane and Boxer.. It was one happy family and they joy he brought was evident.. I got a call from some good friends in New Orleans. They saw Yashi's pictures online, and at first they thought they would foster him in N.O., but that quickly turned to oh heck, we'll just adopt him. They had a Pom before that lived to a ripe old age and they were never ready to adopt again. BUT, something about Yashi's magic and what he did to people with those eyes was starting to take over their thoughts...Once they decided they would adopt him it was a go.. I was leaving for New Orleans in a week and plans had to be put together very fast. He needed to be vetted, groomed, and arrangements for his flight which all still had to all be organized...The few days he spent with me in our home, once again was love. I cannot tell you how perfect this little guy was.. As perfect as anyone would get for a dog. AMAZING FOR A DOG who had just came from the shelter a week prior. Wow ...I let my friends Mona and Danny know this. I knew they would love thislittle one.. This was the first one I was adopting out of state so it was a big thing.. Mainly because he was flying with me in the cabin. I was praying he would do ok. I had a bad experience with my own barking dog many years ago and was pretty afraid it would happen again. It was to say the least humilating..= ))... See the picture below of Yashi on the morning we left to meet his new family..
We made it to N.O. in an hour and 20 min. Not a peep or sound came from that bag under the seat . He once again proved what a perfect angel he was.. I am telling you, I have adopted many but none as perfect as Yashi....When I met Mona and Danny at the airport we were all thrilled to put it mildly. Everyone was teary eyed.. Finally getting to meet Yashi had everyone a big overwhelemed..I showed them the tag I bought for his going away gitt. It simply said " WHO DAT DOGGIE"..Perfectly fitting now that he would be living in New Orleans. They even named him "Who Dat". He he even carried the right colors. Black and Gold. .If this wan't meant to be I have no clue what was..
Since being in New Orleans "Who Dat" has become the over night sensation of the small town of Gretna.. Everyone there knows his story and adores him.. He is known to be a some what of a celebrity.. His mom and dad are very well known and loved there so it was inevitable that Lil Who Dat was going to be famous one day..He is seen weekly at, Gattuso's, a favorite hang out by many in Gretna who go to listen to the band, have drinks or food.. Mona and Danny could not be happier with their new addition.. Never in their life have they had a dog so well behaved, so perfect with people/kids/dogs, anything who comes within reach of him.. He is one of our most well loved, beautiful souls ever with such an amazing ending to his story.... Who knew a little boy so afraid, so close to death, would touch so many hearts in such an amazing way... Here's to the good time's "Who Dat", in my home town of New Orleans. You have landed with the very best . This is your very own dream come true!!!......................................Now where are the Kleenex= )
After a matter of days the joy and transformation in this one little dog was amazing and he had started his journey to touch everyone's heart who met him. Rihannon and husband John quickly feel in love as well as their Great Dane and Boxer.. It was one happy family and they joy he brought was evident.. I got a call from some good friends in New Orleans. They saw Yashi's pictures online, and at first they thought they would foster him in N.O., but that quickly turned to oh heck, we'll just adopt him. They had a Pom before that lived to a ripe old age and they were never ready to adopt again. BUT, something about Yashi's magic and what he did to people with those eyes was starting to take over their thoughts...Once they decided they would adopt him it was a go.. I was leaving for New Orleans in a week and plans had to be put together very fast. He needed to be vetted, groomed, and arrangements for his flight which all still had to all be organized...The few days he spent with me in our home, once again was love. I cannot tell you how perfect this little guy was.. As perfect as anyone would get for a dog. AMAZING FOR A DOG who had just came from the shelter a week prior. Wow ...I let my friends Mona and Danny know this. I knew they would love thislittle one.. This was the first one I was adopting out of state so it was a big thing.. Mainly because he was flying with me in the cabin. I was praying he would do ok. I had a bad experience with my own barking dog many years ago and was pretty afraid it would happen again. It was to say the least humilating..= ))... See the picture below of Yashi on the morning we left to meet his new family..
We made it to N.O. in an hour and 20 min. Not a peep or sound came from that bag under the seat . He once again proved what a perfect angel he was.. I am telling you, I have adopted many but none as perfect as Yashi....When I met Mona and Danny at the airport we were all thrilled to put it mildly. Everyone was teary eyed.. Finally getting to meet Yashi had everyone a big overwhelemed..I showed them the tag I bought for his going away gitt. It simply said " WHO DAT DOGGIE"..Perfectly fitting now that he would be living in New Orleans. They even named him "Who Dat". He he even carried the right colors. Black and Gold. .If this wan't meant to be I have no clue what was..
Since being in New Orleans "Who Dat" has become the over night sensation of the small town of Gretna.. Everyone there knows his story and adores him.. He is known to be a some what of a celebrity.. His mom and dad are very well known and loved there so it was inevitable that Lil Who Dat was going to be famous one day..He is seen weekly at, Gattuso's, a favorite hang out by many in Gretna who go to listen to the band, have drinks or food.. Mona and Danny could not be happier with their new addition.. Never in their life have they had a dog so well behaved, so perfect with people/kids/dogs, anything who comes within reach of him.. He is one of our most well loved, beautiful souls ever with such an amazing ending to his story.... Who knew a little boy so afraid, so close to death, would touch so many hearts in such an amazing way... Here's to the good time's "Who Dat", in my home town of New Orleans. You have landed with the very best . This is your very own dream come true!!!......................................Now where are the Kleenex= )
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"TANGO" (A short visit from a friend leads to ever lasting love)
Meet Tango or Harvey as his foster nick named him in a matter of a day.. Harvey was one of those very cute little dogs you knew would be well loved by a family or anyone who adopted him. I mean look at this doll... He was one of the lucky ones.. Harvey was only in the shetler for a few days.. I picked him out right away when I saw him... How could you not want to take this one home.. We had some great calls on him but it came down to some very close friends of the foster. They came over to meet Harvey when they were feeling the need to fill a void in their home. They loved this guy as soon as they met him. I quickly got a call saying they wanted him and his new foster mom was so excited. .She told me what an awesome home he would be going to.. He would live in the lap of luxury.. Ahhhhhhhhh, I like that when they only get the best after having such a bad experience.. Tango, aka: Harvey was off that night with his new family.. Sometimes you just know a good thing right away.. I think Harvey knew it too. He had just landed in to the best home ever.. What a lucky guy!1
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"GIZMO AND LOLA"( 2 dogs labled "UNADOPTABLE", now in their forever homes)
Lola and Gizmo were in the same foster home in the end and both have since found their new homes.. I found Lola at the shelter and decided to rescue her on that day.. On my way out I found out that Lola had Heartworms. I didn't have the heart to put her back and she deserved a relly new start in life, so on to Harbored Souls Rescue she went... .I think Lola was used for breeding.. You could tell she has quite a few litters and the owner dumped her in the shelter.. Probably once he found out she had Heartworms and was finished using her for his own monetary benefits. So sad but happens often.... She ended up with an awesome foster mom and dad who loved her so very much and gav e her the best of care.. It was a difficult thing for them to part with her after having her through the roughest part of her life.. Lola went through her treatment like a real trooper. She was better in no time and adopted by animal loving people.. They had other rescue and one even looked identical to Lola only a large dog. They traveled back and forth from where her husband worked and their permanent home..Lola was sure to have fun going back and forth to the two different homes.. They truly loved Lola and couldn't wait to make her part of their family. As soon as her treatment was finished they picked from her foster home.. She left behind two very special people who truly loved her, and I know Lola loved them too but it was on to a whole new start in life with a brand new family..
Gizmo was sitting in the shelter considered to be unadoptable.. He as so quiet and shy they felt he wouldn't be very adoptable. I thought he was darling and willing to take the chance. Thinking he was quiet to to possibley haveing Heartworms his self I quickly took him to be tested and he was negative. Thank God!.. He was just a quite little guy.. At his first fosters home he truly blossomed.. he learned to play and run with their other dogs and he really started to come out of his shell.. He was then moved to another foster home when his orginal fosters mom became ill.. Lola's foster mom and dad agreed to take him in as well.. He and Lola adored one another and I was glad he was adopted quickly after Lola was. He really missed her after she had left..
A good friend of mine who also happened to be from New Olreans was looking for a dog . She was having empty nest syndrome and really wanted a dog to be a part of her life.. I promised her that I would find her one..I started to look and suggested she come to our adoption day that weekend.. She actually came to the adoption day for another dog but when she saw Gizmo she knew this was her littl guy.. He seemed to be a perfect fit.. Vinnie ( his new mom) has since told me that he has been a wonderful addition for her and a new quiet baby has been ideal for her.. She looks forward to coming home after work and watching t.v. with her little buddy. He has worked out beautifully..
So there you have it .. Two dogs considered unadoptable living a wonderful life now. all because someone could see beyond their so called "issues" . What some call unadoptable I call very adoptable. It all depends on how you look at it.. It just has to be what that one person is looking for , and then you have a perfect match. a NEW life, a life saved and a void filled.. On both ends...A lovely ending for two dogs that would have been killed "just because" someone labled them as unadoptable..
Gizmo was sitting in the shelter considered to be unadoptable.. He as so quiet and shy they felt he wouldn't be very adoptable. I thought he was darling and willing to take the chance. Thinking he was quiet to to possibley haveing Heartworms his self I quickly took him to be tested and he was negative. Thank God!.. He was just a quite little guy.. At his first fosters home he truly blossomed.. he learned to play and run with their other dogs and he really started to come out of his shell.. He was then moved to another foster home when his orginal fosters mom became ill.. Lola's foster mom and dad agreed to take him in as well.. He and Lola adored one another and I was glad he was adopted quickly after Lola was. He really missed her after she had left..
A good friend of mine who also happened to be from New Olreans was looking for a dog . She was having empty nest syndrome and really wanted a dog to be a part of her life.. I promised her that I would find her one..I started to look and suggested she come to our adoption day that weekend.. She actually came to the adoption day for another dog but when she saw Gizmo she knew this was her littl guy.. He seemed to be a perfect fit.. Vinnie ( his new mom) has since told me that he has been a wonderful addition for her and a new quiet baby has been ideal for her.. She looks forward to coming home after work and watching t.v. with her little buddy. He has worked out beautifully..
So there you have it .. Two dogs considered unadoptable living a wonderful life now. all because someone could see beyond their so called "issues" . What some call unadoptable I call very adoptable. It all depends on how you look at it.. It just has to be what that one person is looking for , and then you have a perfect match. a NEW life, a life saved and a void filled.. On both ends...A lovely ending for two dogs that would have been killed "just because" someone labled them as unadoptable..
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"DAHLILA" (Two precious faces that were staring back at me)
Dahlila was the most precious baby. She caught my eye right way. See the picture below as I first saw Dahlila and her brother sitting in the cage at the shelter. She was sitting in the shelter along with her brother and all I could think was, what a darling pair. They sat quietly and just watched. Never barking or cutting up like most babies would be doing. So I rescued both of them on that day and off to foster mom Katie's we drove! Dahlila was the first to go in a matter of a week. Sampson her brother is about to be placed as well. All I can say is who could resist faces like this. Kind of impossible.She is doing fantastic in her new home and is growing like a weed just like her bigger brother! She is well loved her mom says and has the world at her little paws just on looks alone. What a doll face!! Two precoius babies abandoned at the shelter.. just hard to imagine!
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"PEBBLES"(Lost hope at the shelter, turns to a bright future)
Pebbles was a dog that was so hard to place at the shelter. I have no idea why, as cute as she was. Sometimes that is just what happens. You have a dog who sits in the shelter for a month or more, then they are rescued and everyone wants them. That was her story. Pebbles sat in the Weatherford Shelter for a while. A friend who helps out a lot at this shelter by volunteering brought it to my attention how long Pebbles had been there. She told me how urgent it was that she get out, her time was about up. So I found a foster for her and by the end of the week Le Ann was delivering her to Harbored Souls.Peebles was a precious dog and in a matter of days there were people lining up to adotp her. It was hard to decide who would fill her needs the best but a very good family was chosen for Pebbles.. They seemed really excited about getting her and I knew Peebles would soon be getting lots of attention to fill the void of so many days sitting in a shelter cage.. Peebles finally had made it in to a home ... Yes, finally , a FOREVER HOME!....No more cages or lonely night wishing she would be the next one to leave the shelter..Her day had finally arrived...
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"LEAHA"(1, 2, 3 and she was rescued and off to a new life)
Leaha was just an easy dog to adopt. I mean look at her. Who knows truly what her mix was but she was stunning. Such a beautiful girl. When her foster mom and myself saw her, we both agreed she was the one to be going home on that day. Leaha was housebroken, well mannered and just an over all excellent dog .She was already passed for adoptions but they let me take her anyway. Her beauty and elegance stood out. Her background was a mystery. Who had her, what was her breed, how did she turn out so well mannered. More so, how did she end up in a shelter? We would never know her story like so many others, true, but she ended up with an excellent new family in no time. She was adopted about a week after her rescue. Leaha was just one of those dogs who was very lucky. Everything went her way and fell in to place. Just a sinking feeling I had after meeting her new family. I know somehow that she would definitely be going to the perfect home for her. They were very excited to pick her up that weekend. Leaha was good to go after her vetting. It was as simple as 1, 2, 3! Leaha was a lucky girl how everything fell into place for her and I was positive she would have an awesome new life filled with happiness.
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"ROWDY"(A very sad story, loss of a best friend leads to life out on the ranch)
Well what a story Rowdy had. I was standing in the lobby of the shelter one day when a lady walked in to drop off Rowdy and his best friend. All of their legs trembled from fear and they just knew this was the end for them. So did I.... It broke my heart watching this play out. The woman who was leaving them showed little emotion and it floored me. I cried and didn't even know the dogs. They were hers and yet she didn't seem very affected they were being left at a kill shelter. I knew each would be killed for sure. I could over hear her say that she didn't want to put the deposit down on the new apt. she was moving to for the dogs. I starred at her as if to say, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!..Unaffected she walked out and I felt broken hearted for both. I knew I could not take both. Where would I put them? I took Rowdy knowing he would be easier than a Pit mix to place. So after calling foster Stacy who agreed (thank God) to foster him off we went. He was shaking uncontrollably. Stacy took him in and Rowdy quickly became very attached to her husband. We knew from the beginning that Rowdy would be there for a while with his size and the longer he was there the more attached he got to Stacy's husband. As for Sadie, his best friend, none of us could forget her and knew within the next week after Rowdy's rescue, that Sadie was about to die. So after talking to someone else who did independent rescue we decided to get Sadie out. I drove to meet her and rescue Sadie then turned her over immediately to the other person who was handling Sadie's foster situation. Time went on and the two never met up again. We still wanted to reunite them. Two months later out the blue a lady got a hold of their story and wanted to make it a happy ending. This was such an incredible dream come true. They would reunite after 2 months. It was a beautiful day! Below is the picture of them on the day they met again. It was nothing but happiness for everyone. The two girls loved the dogs and so did their mom and dad.. It was short lived though. As beautiful as things were going Rowdy suddenly was having a hard time fitting in. He had become too attached to his foster dad. He was regressing and not doing well at all suddenly and had a mistrust of women. We knew that even though we wanted this to have the ending we all believed would be incredible, it just was not going to happen that way. Rowdy was returned to his foster dad. He barked and jumped up and down when he saw him again. I knew after hearing the story, it was the right thing to do. I wanted so much for him and Sadie to have that happy ending together but sometimes certain bonds are too strong to break. Obviously Rowdy had that with his foster dad. He had built up such a strong trust with him that he was the only one who he should end up living with. It was still a happy ending for Rowdy. He was happy with the life he had since he was rescued, and if Rowdy was happy with his new dad, that is where he was meant to be. Out on the ranch, living out the rest of his life in peace...
(Below are the pics of when Rowdy and Sadie met one another again months later)
(Below are the pics of when Rowdy and Sadie met one another again months later)
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"WESLEY" (Two lonely hearts quickly mended when they found one another)
Wesley I thought was a darling dog from day one when I spotted him in the shelter. I had a family who met me to foster a dog for the first time. There sat Wesley staring at me with one blue eye and one brown eye. I knew he was the one. He could not have been more picture perfect. He turned out to be a fantastic first foster dog and was such an easy adoption. I mean this boy could have been in pictures he was so adorable. The fosters quickly got him to the groomer and we got him looking his very best, when only days later we got a call from a lady who was from England, now living here. She came out to meet Wesley and totally fell in love. Her husband had passed away only a year earlier and she was wanting a companion so much to fill the void of being alone. Wesley was what would do it, we quickly found that out. He turned out to be such a fantastic dog in every way. The foster loved caring for him. It was as easy as ever to fall in love with him. Wesley's new mom came to pick him up once he was fully vetted. It has totally been love since then. She even plans to take him back to England with her when the time is right! Wesley filled a much needed void in someones life and she did the same for him. I can't think of a better way to mend two lonely hearts....
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"KYIA AND KASSI"(2 darling babies to start a new life)
Two iddy biddy babies. My foster's father in law had these two awesome little girls. She asked would I help place them. With the looks of these angels how hard would this be? NOT!!!! Too adorable.... Baby Kassi was the first to go on our adoption day at Petsmart. .She was only a part of Harbored Souls for a couple of days. I knew they would go fast with their precious looks! Kyia was the next to be adopted by a wonderful younger lady. She had lost her Pug and totaly fell head over heels with Kyia. Kyia happened to be on a road trip with her foster parents at the time, so she filled out her application and sent in her adoption fee and was on pins and needles waiting to get her. She was totally in love with her! I assured her she was all hers. Today is the day for her to get new baby Kyia. Both girls were cuter than ever and now starting a whole new life of their own with new families. It's a big world for these two babies and all ahead of them = )
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"RUSTY" (Beautiful angel to die over Cherry Eye. Rescue to the Rescue!)
I rushed to Rusty's rescue, literally. See, he was to be killed that very day at 2pm. He had Cherry Eye. .For those of you who do not know what Cherry eye is, it's not worth dying over and lots of dogs get this. It's an easy fix with a simple surgery. I got there about 2 hours right before he was to be put down. As you can see he is just gorgeous. What a waste that would have been. Lucky for me and for Rusty, I got the euthanasia list that very morning for this shelter. I got in my car and drove to get him. When I got there they said they couldn't find him without an id number. I was so mad! I knew if I left he would be killed because I knew he was in there. So I told them I wanted to walk through the back where they keep the dogs to be killed. So sad. I can't tell you. There he was just as I expected. I took Rusty home and he became one of my own fosters. He was an awesome dog without a doubt, so full of life and love. He was a beautiful dog in so many ways but oh so challenging with his energy! Still, you couldn't help but love this dog. I am sure Rusty belonged to someone and he got lost. Once again, why, oh why didn't they go to the shelter?? Well, lucky for Rusty he found a home very quickly. I made a call to a lady who had called me a week prior. She was looking for a Cocker. I didn't have one at that time, but, I assured her I would find her one. I kept her number thank goodness and when I saw Rusty I knew they would easily fall in love. They had lost their rescue Cocker only recently. He had a wonderful long life of 12 years with them. Finally they felt they were ready for another. I invited them over to meet Rusty, and of course it was love. He adored the older son they have and I truly believe they will be the best of friends. They took to one another immediately! Rusty will be having his surgery this coming Monday and then going to his forever home the next day. Rusty was a lucky boy. He simply got lost through no fault of his own but his owner. This would have meant certain death. Instead he will have a whole new beginning and Cherry Eyes all gone for good!
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"LIL J.J" (Darling boy from rescue to loving new home)
Precious little J.J. I found in the shelter cuddled up in his bed and so afraid at the shelter. I couldn't stand seeing this little one so fearful. I opened his door and petted his head and I knew I would be on a mission to find a foster for this sweetheart. I assured him I would be back in a day or two to get him. I never make that promise unless I know for sure it will happen. I swear they seem to understand me when I say that. The next day I couldn't wait any more and decided to foster him myself. I made the drive to pick him up and I was so glad I did, he seemed to be getting more and more afraid in the shelter environment. He had a limp that needed to be tended too. I had him neutered immediately and found out he also had a loose rotator cuff. Poor litle guy.. lucky for him it didn't stop him one bit. He was a typical little boy at 6 months and in no time was running and playing like crazy. The Dr. assured me it was nothing to worry about. He proably pulled his little leg somehow and being a baby luckily it would heal on it's own. Sure enough, that was exactly what it did! I took him home and as usual my girl's quickly accepted him. He came out of the scared shell he was hiding in fast! Nipping at my heals every where I walked and full of fun. We totally adored him, I knew he would be adopted very fast and sure enough in a matter of days I got a call about little J.J. It was from a great family with 3 kids. They asked loads of questions and I assured them this was a great match for them. The whole family came to meet J.J., kids in tow and it was love. Of course it couldn't be anything else with this darling face! I continued to have him vetted and the next week they picked him up. I have had many reports on J.J. since, about how awesome he is with such a great dispostion. I was happy to see J.J. go to his forever home that week. He was the perfect puppy for a family with 3 girls, ow he takes turns going from arm to arm. here will be loads of love for this little one forever....Just what the doctor ordered!
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"KOBI" (Abandoned more than once. Finally happiness and love forever)
Kobi was an extremely sad case. When I saw him in the shelter it made me sick. To think someone left him in a night box at the shelter. This perfectly sweet boy was so traumatized beyond belief, and I could see how frazzled he was over being abandoned in a strange place. He was left on his own one night, and he was deeply affected. There was no way with a good conscience I could leave him as afraid as he was. He was in his foster home about 2 weeks when he got adopted. I thought we had found the perfect home when they called and said they had 6 kids. He needed a lot of attention and would be clingy after all he went t through! I went over everything with them.. still Kobi was let down once again. Little did I know he would be returned to us after 5 weeks. It broke my heart. He was once again abandoned and would have to build up a trust again with yet another. People do not realize how attached they become when they are abandoned, then to do it again, it is a double hit to them and very very hard on them to never feel they will be left again. This is so terribly hard for these dogs when people do this. Adopting a dog is a commitment! They are work at first because of the trauma they go through. This is not to be taken lightly at all. Their well being is at stake when you do this. Some never come out of this when it happens over and over! With all that being said, he was lucky enough to find a new mom within a week. A very loving younger girl called us. She also had a little Yorkie who would be his new best friend. They all met together and her baby and Kobi hit if off right away!! They seem to really love Kobi. I am keeping Kobi in my thought's that he will never go through this again and that he will adjust with the unconditional love his new mom will provide to him. He never deserved any of this as many dogs do not. This is truly is a wondeful little dog who was totally misunderstood and never given a chance till now..... Our little Kobi, may you live a great life forever and loved beyond belief!!!!
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"DAKOTA & FIONNA" (A long awaited adoption ends with a best friend to join him)
Dakota was a hard one to place. Why.. I have no clue. I thought he was darling from day one! I mean he did keep the shelter busy and ended up staying there for about a month and half. One morning they found him in the cage of the dog across the way from him. They couldn't understand how he got there, then quickly realized he climbed up his cage to the top and jumped across the way in to the other cage! Hey what's a guy to do!! After being in there so long I guess he wanted to meet a new best friend. Oh well, nothing else to do, right? This is how we found out that Dakota could climb.. = ) From the day I first saw Dakota I saw such a sadness in his eyes I knew he had to get out. Even after they moved him to the main hall where you have a better chance of being adopted, no one adopted him. That is when I decided he had to get out of there. It was all becoming too much for him. The sadness I could see on his face was evident. One of my fosters offered to take him and off we went that day to a better life, a home. Little did we know about a month later we would still have Dakota. I truly didn't understand why he didn't have interest. We did have a little on adoption days but nothing definite. It didn't help he hated the adoption days. It was too much activity for him and he was not a fan at all of big dogs. Fast forward to Fionna . .she was as darling as ever and I discovered her sitting in lost and found. The owner brought her there, no longer wanted. You have to be kidding me!! Another darling dog, just abandoned. Luckily for these 2 guys, both were placed in to Nancy's home as her fosters. They got along great and quickly became friends. This amazing story took an awesome turn when I got a call for Fiona. I told the lady after speaking wtih her that actually, Dakota would be a better fit. He was more the size she wanted and a lot of other qualities. She decided to meet both, and low and behold she wanted them together! Each were darling to her, each had certain qualites she wanted and both were just too adorable to leave one behind. Both Dakota and Fionna would stay together for life! She decided to adopt both, I couldn't have been happier, mainly for Dakota. He finally had a home of his own after almost 3 months between the shelter and his foster home, then there was poor little Fiona who was abandoned. Dakota got the chance to have his new best friend with him for life. They are each doing so well with their new family. They were thrilled to be together again and the new family is ever so happy with the two new babies. This is truly a happy ending for two homeless dogs that felt forgotten...
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"ANNIE" (67 Acres of pure freedom)
This pretty angel sat in the shelter for quite some time before Harbored Souls Rescued her. From day one it was apparent how wonderful a dog she was! Such a perfect dog and so full of life and ready to be loved. Still, it took a while in foster care for her to get adopted and into a home. Sometimes it takes time to find the right home, but when you do it is such a perfect match that you are just thankful no one else did come along before the adoption happened!! When Annie finally did get adopted, it was the best ever! Not only did she find a 67 acre home to go to, but she had a new best friend who was also a Heeler. Annie truly hit the jackpot. Two Heelers together forever was just incredible for her. Heelers love to run and play and need land. Annie could not have ended up in better hands or a better home. This was truly a dream come true after not having this kind of freedom. Today Annie is doing fantastic and her new home said she is extremely happy and thrilled to be there. Annie's dream of love, a friend and land has all come true in one shot. Lucky lucky girl to have been chosen to go to such a happy home!!
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"JASMINE"(A last minute adoption turns into a life of happiness for all)
This beautiful girl didn't last long with us. She was rescued, and within a week later she was adopted. All meant to be! We had an adoption day held at Petsmart and it was actually the end of the day. Almost everything was picked up when her new family was rushing by to look at who was there. Jasmine was still standing there and it was love at first sight. They could not believe how beautiful she was! After talking to them a while they knew they wanted this girl, who they have since named Bella. Perfectly fitting for such a beautiful dog. I tried to get them to think things over and not make a hasty decision but they KNEW she was the one for them and their 3 boys. They knew it was all meant to be and thanked me so much for waiting for them to fill paperwork out and adopt her. Since picking up Bella they have kept in touch through our website and told me how much they, along with the boys, adore her! She is living the high life at their home and being spoiled rotten, which honestly I like to hear. They are so happy with her and I could tell how happy she is too. Bella showed up at our last adoption day to say hi and she was so excited to see everyone. She truly ended up in a great home. Thank you for seeing the beauty in Bella and help give her the best forever home she could have ever possibly gotten... = )
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"ISABELLA"(Moved to adoptions, then, a change of heart)
Isabella was so darling when we (her foster and I) saw her sitting in her cage. The attendant at the shelter took me over to see her. She asked me to consider her. She had been passed for adoptions and never really came out of her shell once being moved there. She was shy and timid. A quiet little girl misunderstood. Fear was getting the best of her. I knew if they moved her back and out of adoptions that would mean certain death. So I decided to take Izzy in to our program. It was amazing the turn around in this girl within 48 hours. Sweet was putting it mildly. She was ever so gentle and loving and she did fantastic with the fosters dogs. Izzy just needed that safe place to call "home". She moved in with her fosters and the only reports I ever received where perfect ones. Just the best little dog!Lucky for Izzy she was saved, unlike so many who would be killed just because they ended up there. Hard to believe she was considered unadoptable. Izzy was only with us a matter of days when she was adopted. A nice couple who used to have a Min Pin saw her and really thought she was awesome. This lucky girl who was so close to death due to her quiet demeanor had really made a great impression on everyone. Even her new family just thought she was darling. So there you have it! A dog considered unadoptable had a home in a matter of 3 days. This is the joy of rescue, knowing you can save a dog that was so close to being killed and now has a whole new life.. Awesome!!
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"HARLEY"( Precious boy abandoned by owner, why?)
How can you resist a dog this incredibly beautiful?.. Just a baby.. Still the owner for what ever reason abandoned him at the shelter. When I first saw him he was so full of feces and just flithy. .I knew he was one I have to rescue. So off he went to his foster home. He was freshly bathed and settled in right away.. Such a wonderful dog the foster reported...Boggles the mind that anyone would leave a dog like this at the shelter....As soon as I started to post this huge baby I got calls.. One persons trash is another persons treasure and that HE WAS.. I recieved a call from a family who's German Shepherd was stolen.. They were dying to have another.. They had several smaller dogs but really wanted a Shepherd and as soon as they say Harley they knew this guy was the one.. I met with them on the adoption day. All went well and sure enough they knew they could love this boy forever...He was to be neutered first and then shortly after that he went to their home. He is doing well and enjoying a whole new life with his new family..Happy Endings for this beautiful boy who was abandoned by precious owner without a heart....
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"KIKO" ( A little guy in high demand)
Kiko was another one of those little dogs that everyone flipped over..HIs story was short and sweet.. He came in to the shelter as a stray believe it or not.. He had an upper respiratory infection that the shelter gave him meds for.. He quickly recovered thank goodness.. I saw thim there and asked if I could take him and they felt he was well enough to go.. So the foster came by to pick him up from me..A young couple showed up at our adoption day that weekend, and they immediately wanted him.. Their other little dog looked just like him.. After talking to them I could see how excited they were and decided it would be a good match.. He was the hit of the adoption day. Everyone wanted him but this young couple got there early.. Lucky for Kiko he went to a home not only filled with love but a new sister who looked identical to him.. I believe all of it was meant to be.. What are the chances they walked up to the adoption day and saw the look alike to the little girl they already had.. Luckily for Kiko he had a short stay at the shelter and an even shorter stay at a foster home. He was placed in a matter of a few days.. Happy and healthy again he was ready to start a brand new life...
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"HANNAH" (The most mild mannered girl to heal a broken heart)
One of the most incredibley precious, sweetest, low keyed dogs I ever rescued.. When I say angel I mean it with this girl. Who in their right mind would abandon this dog?....I spotted Hannah, and just couldn't forget her. She sat up on her hind legs and begged by the door of her cage to take her. I just felt like crying.. On that day I knew I had a load already and couldn't take her, but, I promised I would be back and a few days later I did come back for her. As always when that promise is made I keep it..She did the same thing as soon as she saw me. Begged with the little paws moving up and down. I assured her this was her day of freedom.. When I took her out I noticed part of her back paw was very inflammed and red and so deep you could see the bone in her paw. Now I saw why her paper work said "rescue only".... She came out and was quickly vetted. We thought she had an injury but actually they started thinking it was more of a bacterial infection or fungus.. Had she not been rescued she could have lost her entire paw and God knows how far up it would have traveled. With all this being said Hannah found such an incredible home in the end.. It was more than a perfect match. They had lost their best friend some months earlier and was looking for that special someone, then they saw Hannah. What's not to love about the angel... I could see that the couple who was adoptging Hannah was just as gentle and loving as she was, an exact match.... It could not have been a better couple to adopt her.. I knew this was going to be love for life.. Eveyone in the household was gentle and loving and compassionate.. Last reported Hannah was doing very well and she was very loved.. . I am so happy that Hannah found her forever home wth such loving people who wanted her so very much...
P.S. The picture below is a pic of Hannah when I saw her in the shelter. YES IT IS HER and the picture just below is of Hannah after I groomed her and loved her.. Incredible what a matter of days will do.. .UNREAL!!
P.S. The picture below is a pic of Hannah when I saw her in the shelter. YES IT IS HER and the picture just below is of Hannah after I groomed her and loved her.. Incredible what a matter of days will do.. .UNREAL!!
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"GIANNI aka: G" (Gorgeous boy>hit by car, death row, fear, leads to endless LOVE)
Oh what a beautiful boy!.. And this one so touched my own heart ,being one of my very own fosters.. Gianna was to be killed at the shelter on the day I found him. Yes you heard me right. This gorgeous gorgeous boy was to be killed...You see he had been hit by a car and they didn't have the time to have him fully vetted. Not to mention he was so terrified no one could get near him. This is how a shelter operates.. There is no time for working issued or illness out. You automatically go down...I would be terrifeid too if I were 10lbs and hit by a car.. I quickly drove there to get him not knowing what I would find.. When I walked in they brought in to me the most beautiful little guy ever. I could not believe it.. All I could think was, OMG they were going to KILL HIM!! As I took him from their arms he screamed beyond belief.. I asked them how bad off was he. I got a quick, sort of snide remark that , nothing was wrong with him he was just spoiled by someone.. Hummmmm, did it not just enter in to their minds he was hit by a car?..Amazing.. Still not knowing what was going on I took him.. Straight to the vet we drove from the shelter.. After a seris of x rays, not a broken bone was found , but a few ever so minor hairline fractures in his ribs.. Ahhhhhhh he was sore and very very afraid to be picked up. I took him home and babied him, never pushed him to come around. I knew he had to do it on his own... For about 1 1/2 weeks you couldn't dare pick him up unless you wanted to hear the most blood curdling scream ever.. Still I waited.. Gave him his meds, groomed him. All while trying to find his real owner.. Nothing.. I knew someone had to be crying over this guy, or perhaps not. If he were mine the shelter would have been the first place I would go besides the neighborhood... Finding the owner didn't happen so I began to look for a new adoptive home.. All the while we were falling in love. Each day Gianna aka: G as we called him was doing better and better. .So well we thought of making him a perfmanent member in to our clan.. He blossomed beyond belief.. Within about 2 weeks that fear started to disappear and he was the most bubbly little guy ever.. The transformation was just incredible.. he loved our group and adorable Faith one of our dogs. They would play sun up to sun down.. I truly loved this guy but I knew I had to place him. With 3 dogs and 2 cats that was all we could handle. It wasn't easy but it had to be done. I did get some some wonderful people who wanted him.. All three families had at least one Pom which I liked.. But I chose the one family with 2 girl Pomeranians and 2 older children. It was in deed a match made in heaven.. It was hard to hand over this little guy who I loved so much. I seen the major improvement and he loves us so but when you know they are going to a great home it makes it a little easier.. I have since heard from the family, and they said "G" acts as though he has lived there forever. He loves his new dog sisters and the kids as well.. A beautiful little guy who touched my heart so much ended up with a very happy ending to his story. A story, that would have been a complete tragedy had I not made the drive to rescue him on that day. This is what rescue is all about, in ever sense of the word..= )
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"BINKY" (A little guy abandoned that everyone wanted)
Binky was the kind of little dog everyone wanted.. Scruffy and amazingly cute.. Abandoned by his owner, who was called by the shelterto say they had found him.. She promise to go and pick him up ,and never did.. It might seem sad but it wasn't a loss for him. It was actually a win..Anyone who doesn't care enough to go back and get them didn't deserve them to begin with... Although I had many calls I chose one couple who stood out.. They really wanted to adopt Binky which left alot of other people sad.. However for Binky he didn't know he just hit the jackpot.. They were a retired couple looking for their new best friend and a little adventure... I knew as soon as I talked to them this was a match and Binky would be awesome for them.. I met up at Petsmart Binky in tow. I truly liked them right off the bat, and the knowledge they had about dogs was ideal.. Binky seemed to be happy with them right away and vice versa.... That night they took him home and the adventure had begun.. His new name quickly changed to INDY after jumping out the of the car window a matter of days after.. Although INDY, aka: Binky almost gave his new adoptive parents a heart attack to him it was just for fun.. He quickly came out of the woods near by full of sticks, leaves and a tail wags.. Not to mention a big old smile..It wasn't a big deal to him, just some fun.. Well Jim, you said ya'll wanted an adventurous dog, so there you have it! haha.. I am so happy to report they love him to death and Indy fits in to their home and life perfectly. He spends many night sleeping with one of them on the chair in front of the television or going for hikes.. There is only one thing that changed besides a wonderful new home and loving doggie parents... A brand new body harness for Indy so that he can never take off again!!. Ahhhhhhh the thrill of it all.. A NEW DOG!..= )
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"SHEA"(It was love at first sight)
Shea was such a fast adoption we barely had her and she was placed.... This tiny girl was so darling how could I possibly pass on pulling her out of the shelter. I walked up to her cage and all I heard was a faint whimper. What a darling girl I thought.. I took Shea out and loved on her. She ate it up... I called her foster mom Sara and told her, "wait till you see this one"... Of course the kids and Sara both thought she was a darling. when I delivered the new little package to them... I had an adoption day planned for that weekend and I told foster mom to be prepared she was going to go, I was sure of it.. Sure enough she was the very first one to be adopted at the event....She was such a tiny precious little girl and the people loved her when they spotted her. Her new adoptive mom was looking for a smaller dog to bring on the road with her while she worked.. After discussing Shea more they drove home to get their male dog and she how he would do with her.. it took a little sniffing here and there but all was good and certainly a match for mom....New adoptive parents decided they loved Shea and had to have her.. We had her all vetted and in a matter of days she was placed with them. I know Shea will have a great home... What dog wouldn't want to be with their mom 24/7. Shea now spends time in the lap of luxury ( her mom's) all day long driving around the city for her job. Shea you will never lack for love that is one thing for sure...
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"ZOE"(A death row girl saved because of a passion>Black dogs)
Zoe was a girl who sat in the shelter for months. She was a "black dog" which was not good for her as far as adoption goes... It didn't matter how sweet her dispostion was. That didn't count when you are chosen for euthanasia in the shelter.. For those who do not know, "Black Dogs" are the first to be euthanized at the shelters and if you are a Lab or Shepherd mix, even more the reason to euthanize them as far as shelters go... Considered to be too common and not unique enough by people who want to adopt that is how all this started in the shelters everywhere.... Black dogs are also very hard to place and at times it takes months for them to find homes.. Sadly they by far are the harder ones to get adopted.. Zoe was chosen by one of the fosters to save.. She had a love of Black dogs knowing their fate. I was totally in agreeance I would rescue her from the shelter and let her foster and help Zoe to find a new life..... It took a little over a month which was not that long of a time actually, when I got a call from a couple after she had been posted .... We talked for quite a while and I could tell they were very enthusiastic about her.. We spoke once again after the application for Zoe came through. I knew then they were very serious about her..They were saddened to hear about the "Black Dog Syndrone" and had no clue about this.. I was so very happy they were the ones to find Zoe and choose her.. She was the most loving, laid back little girl and we all knew she would make a great addition to any home.. That little Zoe certainly has. The couple fell in love immediately. Zoe made it in to the best home she could have ever found. I am certain of it.. Another Blackie saved!!!
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"MADDOX" (Rescue to Rescue. A life saved together)
Maddox was a dog that literally just haunted me for the longest. He had such a saddness about him I simply could not forget him.. Each time I went to the shelter, he looked sadder and sadder.. The very last visit I couldn't stand it he was so depressed.. I knew he had to be rescued immediately.. I came home that night and he was all I could think about.. . He had spent 3 months of his life in the shelter.... So unfair and why no one saw his beauty is beyond me.. .. How miseralbe for a cattledog to be couped up that long..He had no life and the joy of running and playing were such a distant memory after all that time being caged....I started to post him in the hopes someone would step up to foster him when an old friend contacted me.. Misty Panzino, had saved several dogs from a shelter I use to volunteer at.. I would try to get the most desperate cases out and she stepped up to help with those..She has "RANCH DOG RESCUE"... She loves this very type of breed and works wonders with them.. She was interested in taking him from me. I was thrilled to say the least.. I knew with Misty he would be in great hands and go to a very loving environment....All that the both us cared about was saving him.. Misty met me along the drive back from the shelter to get him.. I cannot tell you how much he came to life after we stepped out of the door of the shelter. before we left to meet Misty.. You could tell he enjoyed seeing the sun again and how he missed the simple pleasures , such as grass, trees, fresh air... This was a rescue to rescue save.. I can't thank Misty enough for helping me to save him. He was well worth it. She was head over heels when she met him. She says today he is doing fantastic.. Plays in the pond, runs on the property and totally is enjoying life again.. He was also housebroken to top it off.. Maddox you made it out guy, thanks to someone who could see the same beauty I saw and a loving heart.. Thank you Misty.. You helped me to make it all happen.. YOU ARE THE BEST!!
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"LEXI" (Our hard to place beauty finally finds her forever home)
I walked down the aisle at the shlelter, head back and forth, back and forth.. Then my eyes locked with Lexi's.. She had the most intense looking eyes I had ever seen.. She starred at me non stop. I could read what she was saying. PLEASE was all I saw written all over her face and in those eyes.. PLEASE.. I passed by and came back around. I put my fingers through the cage to scratch her.. She ate it up. Feet tap tap tapping.. PLEASE was what I saw again. I had never seen a pair of eyes so intense looking other than one of out Blue eyed babies Gabby...I knew I couldn't take her that day because I had others but when one gives me a look and communicates that to me I know right then I will not forget them. I went to the front desk and asked about her story. The owner simply said he had too many dogs and she had to go..PEOPLE STILL AMAZE ME sometimes how ignorant they can be.. Who's fault was it he had too many. It was his to begin with but she paid the price. I knew because Lexi was black she would be one of the first to die in the shelter. It is a fact, the black ones go first and many many never make it out.. I had to think about this though because I knew she wouldn't go fast. Still I could not forget her and what she said to me.. So I went back a day later. I brought her bones and treats. She was so happy to see me and yes definitely remembered me.. I told her Lexi I am going to get you out I promise. When I make that promise to any of them I stand by it come hell or high water.. Now, I just had to find a foster... My trusted foster Stacy had stepped up for so many larger dogs before and right way again she stepped up for Lexi.. I was thrilled... Lexi was a wonderful sweet girl. Only issue was she didn't like female dogs. WELL, Stacy had male dogs but had 2 females as well. She didn't like them and after 4 weeks of having tiffs with both it was getting harder for foster mom and harder for me knowing what to do with yet another hard case.. I knew Lexi was a wonderful dog, it just had to be the right home but when woudl it happen I was thinking.. She had to be an only dog and just about everyone in Tx has alot of dogs. .Certainly more than one... We were all worried when 5 weeks had passed. She had little interest and it really surprised me.. .She was so beautiful to me.. It was hard to believe no one had a strong interest in her.. Someone though above, is always looking out for Harbored Souls Rescue.. The call came and they really were interested in Lexi, and guess what?? No other dogs and she would be the only dog... Oh WOW, this is so great for Lexi.. We met Lexi's family and they loved her. .I have since spoken to them and they said she is the BEST DOG they have ever had. She loves their 10 year old son and follows him everywhere. .This was such an ideal match for Lexi being the only dog. She had always been with alot of dogs and she finally got what she wanted the most!! A home/family just for her. She didn't have to share any more.. We always believed in our Lexi no matter how hard it was getting. Lexi your dream has just come true... They made this all possible for you and so worth the wait.... Lexi you finally found YOUR very own home......= )
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"CLYDE" (A gorgeous dog who was abandoned over and over)
When I first saw Clyde all I could think was how stunning he was.. He was huge. A Golden and Pyranese mix. As soon as he saw me he threw his self on the ground and rolled over for a belly rub. Ok, you win I said I will take you. .Absolutely darling is the only way to describe this big boy. I could not imagine why in the world he was in a shelter.. To make a very long story short I found out by accident his history. He was brought to one shelter, adopted, returned due to being Heartworm postive, picked up by a rescue from that shelter, returned after almost 80 days with them. PIcked up by another rescue and returned once again. That is when Harbored Souls rescued this boy. I had not idea of his horrible past history and how so many had let him down. In no time he was adopted. .I had many calls on him but I settled on a very sweet person who was a nurse. .At first I wasnn't sure since she had 2 tiny dogs.. I mean Clyde was huge. I had name him Clyde, short for Clydesdale.. He ran like a horse and was so heavy footed.. The very first day I met with Clyde's foster and his new potential adopter, he slipped out the door as soon as it was opened and bolted.. Everyone was running down the street and I was so frantic I cannot even describe it. I jumped in my car and by the time I got around the corner he was having a ball running on the golf couse chasing every squirrel he could find... He was in heaven!!.. AND, we were in hell trying to catch him.... Suddenly l the adopters friend literally tackled him to the ground. LOL. It's funny now, but at that time I thought I was going to have a full blown heart attack.. Anyway, we gathered him up in to my car, muddy feet and all and back to the fosters we drove.. My first thing to point out was, never just open the door with Clyde, he was obfiously a bolter.. We all had a good laugh. Little did I know that was part of his issues in the past.. Bolting, escaping yards, destructive behavior.. All I can say is the home he landed in has been his God send..I did end up choosing Mary as his new mom. She was the one we met with that day. She was so genuine I just new it was the best home for Clyde...I think for the first time in his life he has felt stable and like he truly is home. His new mom has had little problems with him with the exception of running after the cats and an occasional counter surfing. .He was nothing like the pictures painted from his past... He is about to start obediance classes and Mary his new mom is the best thing that ever happend to him. So many gave up on him and didn't understand his needs. Somehow Mary knew his needs, and he felt that... He has already had so much unconditional love and support and Clyde knows he is with a very special person.... When we found out about his past I felt so sad that this GORGEOUS DOG HAD SUCH A SAD LIFE.... So many had abandoned him, even rescues returning him to the shelter, something that just wouldn't happen with us....It's the worse possible thing that can happen to a dog more than once..I would have acted out too if I didn't get what I truly needed.. Clyde never had security, and today I am so proud to say we chose the right home... Clyde has security, unconditional love and so much attention. This is the first time in his life he can finally rest assure he has found his forever home. Never to be abandoned again. Amazing how a dog can turn around by something as simple as love and the right home.
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"OREO" (A most popular baby).
Oreo was dumped in the night box at the shelter.. I could not believe it . I knew from one look people were going to love him and I was right... This one dog I had more calls on than any other dog.. Everyone wanted him. He was such an ideal family dog with such a great dispostion.. Besides he was incredibly precious and so great with kids.. Call after call came in. I was surprised myself I had that many calls... Finally I had chosen a family. Sadly for Oreo, the day before they were to adopt him, we got a call saying that she had lost her job and couldn't take him. I was scrambling for numbers of people who really wanted him when his foster mom called me. One of her best friends fathers really thought he wanted him.. Oreo reminded him so much of the other dog he had owned that had passed away..We the story ends on an aweome note. He did end up adopting Oreo and is totally head of heels for him .He is one lucky guy to have gotten him.. As I said so many truly wanted him so much.. I think Oreo was a lucky guy too from what I hear. Tricia, his foster mom said he could not be going to a better family. That he will be loved beyond belief.. That's the kind of endings we always strive for.. The best life ever, with the best families ever. Oreo you finally made it home my friend.. You finally made it home... Here's to another very happy ending....
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"POLO" (Tiny boy with a big boy AT-TI-TUDE)
Meet Polo.. Wow I thought, such a gorgeous little animated boy. He was all that and more...Yes, and more... OH did I say and more??....One look at this little boy who looked like a stuffed toy and I knew he had to get out of the shelter. .I could not understand why he was sitting in the shelter after a week.. The cute ones always go fast I thought..The word was his owners decided to have a baby and he had to go..A story I have heard over and over. Disgusting to me.... When we drove home from the shelter that sunny day it was a matter of 15 minutes when he started to knock my hand around and bark at me. Attitude big time. .I knew we were going to have to work on this.. You see, it wasn't Polo's fault he was this way. It was the very owner who dumped him that turned him in to this tough guy. First he was un-neutered ( big mistake) and second you could tell he had NEVER in is life been disciplined. He definitely had a case of "Little big man's diease".....He definitely was never, I mean never disciplined in his life, and if you tried we found out quickly, it was an all out ATTACK. LOL. First stop his foster home.... Before I put him on the groud I told his foster he will not work with her dog. .LOL. We put him down, he poked, and mounted her dog over and over.. I knew it!!.. "See how he does today I told Sara, and call me".. I got the call within hoursl." Karen, he growled the whole time I bathed him, and he doesn't like the kids". Okie Dokie. A no go with kids in the house. So off to foster number two.. Katie handled just about any breed with any issues, Pitbulls, you name it. A call came to me that Polo was having nasty little periods of bad attitude big time and lifting his leg on everything. I immediately had to get him to be neutered and he was within days. Step number one.. Katie immediately called the trainer we used often for help, Amy Terry.. She explained the situation and how much we needed her. I was beginning to worry. What are we going to do? He couldn't go in to a home with kids AND that "little big man's disease" had to go!! Worry, Worry, Worry. Then we got a call from a younger girl who had been looking for so long for the right dog. She just knew he was the one. I talked to her for any hour. Do you have kids? "No".. Ok.." Do you live alone"?.. "Well my fiance is with me." Hum ok.. Now let me explain I said.. Polo needs a major attitude ajustment, second, he likes to lift his left on everything, Silence on the other end.... Hummmmm was all I heard..NOT GOOD = (.. We talked and I told her he would need training.. Ok, let me think about it.. I thought we would not hear back. I told her more bad things about Polo then good trust me..She had to know the truth though... She called Katie his foster. Same with Katie. Hour or more of conversation, mostly negative. Still she wanted to try and seemed to understand. She took him home. First few days beautiful....Awesome little guy. After a few days boyfriend tried to correct him, SNAP SNAP.. Then he pulled the same thing on his new mom, SNAP SNAP..She couldn't believe the attitude and was thinking of giving up. .She called Katie who quickly called our trainer. The trainer talked to his new mom and told her what to do and how to stay consistent.. She followed all of what Amy told her.... The next time he tried his SNAP SNAP he was SHOCKED AND BACKED OFF. It worked..= )... He was beginning to realize that he had no choice and had to listen to his master..To this day she had kept up with the training.. No more pottying in the house either since his neuter. Just as we expected.. His mom Jessica has been a god send to this little boy. She took immediate steps to correct what someone else had done to him. She understood so quickly what needed to be done and has worked tirelessly on it.. Had it not been for her, Polo would have had to be put down immediately for biting someone. Thank you God for sending us Jessica. Someone who realized it would take time and not bean over night success.. He had made tremendous strides already and YES she has really fallen in love with Polo, including her boyfriend...No one should ever give up on a dog and just resort to killing. All dogs deserve a life and yes things can be corrected with the right training, lots of love and consistancy. Polo is certainly proof of that very thing. .This precious little boy so deserved the right to live.. It was not his fault the previous owners did this to him.. With his new owners in the picture I see a wonderful life filled with happiness ahead for the rest of his life.. Thank you so much Jessica for not giving up on Polo.he would have definitley faced death without you.. He will never forget!
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"HEATHER"(A home of her own was all she ever wanted)
Heather was such a sweetheart and for the life of me I couldn't understand why no one would adopt her.. She sat in the shelter for 2 months and nothing. no one was interested.. I thought she was such a beautiful girl.... She wasn't ordinary to me. Her eyes were a stunning pale blue.. Every time I went to the shelter there she was. Still sitting and waiting. She always had a sadness about her, but was always so happy to see me come in to the shelter.. She would stick her paws under the glass for me to touch her.. All she wanted was your touch.. It breaks my heart just looking at her now and knowing how she felt all those days alone there... She was one of the sweetest girls.. I just couldn't understand why people didn't see what I saw.. Finally I couldn't take it any more and I knew she had to get out. I was surprised she had lasted that long in a kill shelter.. I was out of town so I had a foster go and pick her up along with another one who was at risk of being euthanized.. Happy was putting it mildly when these two got out.. They knew it was their lucky day.. Two months for both.. They were acting like someone who just hit the lottery and actually they did in the dog world... Heather ended up in a new foster home out in the country. She was the best girl ever. .Enjoyed the farm life and living with all the other temporary dog buddies she was with About 3 weeks after she was placed there, the fosters very good friend felt like she wanted to adopt Heather. I was so happy.. Even after Heather got out of the shelter she had very little interest. Honestly I just didn't understand what it was about her that no one saw this dogs heart and unbelievably sweet nature . The foster mom said she was as good as gold.. Well she got lucky because in the end she did go to a very good home.. Finally this angel with the pale blue eyes had someone who truly wanted to love her.. A place of her very own.. After months of hoping for a home, her wish finally came true.. Heather you are home and FINALLY someone saw what I had seen all along...
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" PACO"(His slight birth defect was about to get him killed)
Mark at Dallas Animal Services who coordinates with Rescue groups took me to Paco's cage. .He told me that Paco was in danger of being killed because he was born with a birth defect. It was nothing major at all. His little legs bow out in the front. See if you are not perfect you cannot pass the test to go in to adoptions. That is where the rescues come in. If a rescue doesn't take them,after failing to get in to adoptions, then they are killed. This is the sad reality of the life of an animal who cannot speak for their self... He was gorgeous, beautifully kept, completely vetted and yet he was yet another dropped in the night box... After taking such good care of him they left him behind but we will never know his story. He is such a precious boy. Who cared about a minor birth defeat..This dog is extremely cute and lovable. He was thrilled to be out. He ran and ran in the yard outside where we snapped his pics before going to his new foster home. Watching them run and be free when they are initially taken out of the shelter is so rewarding. They just know they were saved. He went in to his foster home and it was instant love for them. Some rescues are just beyond words how good they are, and he was one of them. They had never had a better foster dog in their home. This guy was picture perfect in every way... To think he would have been killed over somethign so minor.. To see him shaking and scared and them within a day turning in to this wonderful dog makes rescuing all so rewarding.. You see the transformation within a day. Within a day of his rescue the calls started coming in. People were quickly falling in love. Finally it was decided the best would be a family who had one child and no other dogs. He deserves to be spoiled rotten for the rest of his life. They are smitten as ever with him. We get up dates quite a bit on how perfect of a dog he is and how much he is loved. This is the outcome we want for all of them. We cannot think of a more deserving little guy after all he had gone through. Simply because he was born with something that was totally out of his control. You were perfect in our eyes, and now to your family who loves you so very much!!
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"SUMMER" ( The girl who told us her name)
This adorable girl was on her hind legs at the shelter when I first met her.. She wanted out like so many others.. She was so beautiful I thought. How in the world could someone do this. I took her out and that's when I saw she was missing some hair by her tail in the back. A pretty big spot.. Then I realized.. Another wonderful owner who didn't want to bother... I couldn't decide if she had Mange or if it was a flea allergy but I was leaning more towards that it was a very bad allergy left unattended.. Still I wanted her. This girl was so pretty and she could be vetted for this.. Not a big deal. So I took Summer to meet her new foster family and they quickly just adored her. So did Toby, their dog.. Who loved getting new playmates whenever a foster would arrive.. From day one she was a good girl and acted as though she have lived there forever.. She thought she died and went to heaven and she loved the kids as well...The strange part was we were all trying to think of a name for her. The name Summer had entered my mind the night before for some strange reason. Then I called the family and asked them, have ya'll thought of a name yet.. Well we like Gigi, (one I had thought of earlier) but we like Summer better, and she responds to it.. "What"!! I said.. I thought of the same name.. I am not kidding I said... .I couldn't believe it. I mean what are the chances? Plus she responded to it.. Hummmmm was this some mental telepathy on Summer's part to let us know.. Well needless to say, Summer was definitely going to be her name.. It did fit her perfect too.. Fast forward to a week later.. I took her to the vet and yes it was a flea allergy.. Thank God, no Mange!.It looked bad enough to be Mange believe me... We immediately started treating her and bits of her hair started to grow back . She was already looking better when we got the call from several people who wanted her..We decided to go with a lady who had a dog similar to Summer. It seemed like a good fit. .I explained everything she needed to continue with in order fo Summer to be completely healed. Summer is doing well in he new home .She is so quiet and well behaved the lady thought something was wrong with her. I assured her that Summer was just this good of a little girl..She had never had a rescue before. They are the best dogs ever and so forgiving... So many that come out of the shelter are on their best behavior after going through such a bad experience... They have been through so much, they simply want to be their best. As if it was ever their fault to begin with they ended up in a shelter... Summer had experienced enough and never wanted to leave home again.. She was just being her grateful little self to show how much she appreciated real love from a human being.. Summer we love you!
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"FAITH" ( The girl that changed everyones life)
MEET Faith.. A girl who really changed so many lives, especially my our life at the Dussel home....I had decided I needed to give back. My rescue was doing fantastic and people had been so wonderful to me with donations, the dogs were also moving fast in to wonderful new homes. So I said to myself, I needed to take a few dogs with major medical issues.. I had already found one girl, when I walked in to the shelter and then I spotted Faith. There she sat in her bed not moving at all, very quiet with a little tilt of her head. In her own way she was pleading with me. I could see it..I walked past her and quickly walked back over to talk to her. Moving on again, I turned back around and ventured over to her again. I wasn't taking a special needs on that day but was picking up others. I thought to myself what a darling little Cocker..I went to the manager found out that Faith could not walk. She literally came in with a badly infected foot, that actually has magots of all things in it. .How horrible. The shelter had cleaned the foot up. .I didn't know though that it was because her foot was dragging on the ground that she had the infection....Her left back leg was just dead and hanging there. She also had a huge lump in the back that they thought was a hernia..Well needless to say, I want back 2 days later and there Faith sat.. The manager told me that the Cocker Rescue was not taking her. I guess they knew the expense of removing her leg would just be too much.. So extremely sad with a face like hers.. I decided she was getting out that day. She deserved more.. I wasn't going to worrry about the cost. I could not resist her silent plea to me.. Below is the pic of her when I greeted her to take her from the shelter on that day.. She knew I was there to save her, I am convinced. I took her in my care and quickly gave her the appropriate name, very fitting with her situation. At the same time I was caring for Faith my dog Beaux, who was my entire life for the past 16 yrs started to go down hill fast. I am totally convinced now that Faith was there for me to rescue, for a very good reason. Not only did she comfort Beaux as he was leaving us, but she was there for me. She gave me something to focus on while I was going through so much grief overing my very best friend leaving me, who adored so much. As the days passed I would find Faith often lying with Beaux in his bed next to him. Faith was not a dogs dog. .She could care less if she is with other dogs or not. But somehow she knew he needed her..Amazing to see on a daily basis.
I set up Faith's appt for the leg amputation after finding out she had a broken pelvis and leg that someone left to heal on it's own.. Unbelievable to me someone could be so cruel. She didn't have a hernia either, her body was somewhat distrarted from the broken pelvis. She did however have Heartworms on top of all of this I found out. I was surprised but I wasn't worried. I was going to take care of all of it.. She was fast becoming a dog that you knew deserves a wonderful life.. You never heard a peep from this dog, She followed my other dogs and copied what they did as if she knew the routine. She was just a perfect fit. Although I fought the temptation to keep her. The last thing you are thinking about, when you lose a dog you adored is adopting another one, right then. She was in a foster home for a week prior to my home while I was out of town. Faith was not crazy for the doggies there.. Still in our home, it was never an issue. It was like she had always been with us. After Faith surgery it was an amazing transformation. This dog NEVER showed pain, ever. Two days later she was trying to run. She had perfect balance. As a matter a fact the day after her surgery when I picked her up she walked right out on her own and I had to slow her down.. The twist in her body has straightened out on it's all from all the running and exercising. Many people when they first meet her have no clue her leg is gone, she is that active. They are surprise to see it and always say, " OH, I never knew she didn't have her leg". Then they quickly want to know her story. Well today, Faith is happier than even to put it mildly, just as active as any dog and more. My beloved Beaux has passed on. Something I thought I would never get over, but with the help of Faith being there, I am moving on. Faith's surgery in the end had enough donations sent in to cover her cost of $2500.. Yes, amazing to me to that people have that big of a heart. Faith shows us every day how thankful she is I saved her. She is a very gentle, loving soul and is never out of line. She listens as though she never wants to make a mistake that would jepordize her having to leave our home. It was because of all this and more that I realized Faith had to stay with us. I had to do this for her. She was meant to be here with us. She was sitting there in that shelter on that day for a reason. She helped Beaux during the time he needed the comfort of another soul. To me that meant more than anything. Somehow I just knew, I just knew, that this was the home Faith was meant to be in. .Faith has found a way in to our hearts, as she has everyone elses who meets her. She is a pefect example of what unconditional love will do for an animal who was all but forgotten and neglected. Faith has found her forever home till the end. Our home, and if I must say so myself, it is the best place you could have ever ended up lil Faith. You are one very special girl!
I set up Faith's appt for the leg amputation after finding out she had a broken pelvis and leg that someone left to heal on it's own.. Unbelievable to me someone could be so cruel. She didn't have a hernia either, her body was somewhat distrarted from the broken pelvis. She did however have Heartworms on top of all of this I found out. I was surprised but I wasn't worried. I was going to take care of all of it.. She was fast becoming a dog that you knew deserves a wonderful life.. You never heard a peep from this dog, She followed my other dogs and copied what they did as if she knew the routine. She was just a perfect fit. Although I fought the temptation to keep her. The last thing you are thinking about, when you lose a dog you adored is adopting another one, right then. She was in a foster home for a week prior to my home while I was out of town. Faith was not crazy for the doggies there.. Still in our home, it was never an issue. It was like she had always been with us. After Faith surgery it was an amazing transformation. This dog NEVER showed pain, ever. Two days later she was trying to run. She had perfect balance. As a matter a fact the day after her surgery when I picked her up she walked right out on her own and I had to slow her down.. The twist in her body has straightened out on it's all from all the running and exercising. Many people when they first meet her have no clue her leg is gone, she is that active. They are surprise to see it and always say, " OH, I never knew she didn't have her leg". Then they quickly want to know her story. Well today, Faith is happier than even to put it mildly, just as active as any dog and more. My beloved Beaux has passed on. Something I thought I would never get over, but with the help of Faith being there, I am moving on. Faith's surgery in the end had enough donations sent in to cover her cost of $2500.. Yes, amazing to me to that people have that big of a heart. Faith shows us every day how thankful she is I saved her. She is a very gentle, loving soul and is never out of line. She listens as though she never wants to make a mistake that would jepordize her having to leave our home. It was because of all this and more that I realized Faith had to stay with us. I had to do this for her. She was meant to be here with us. She was sitting there in that shelter on that day for a reason. She helped Beaux during the time he needed the comfort of another soul. To me that meant more than anything. Somehow I just knew, I just knew, that this was the home Faith was meant to be in. .Faith has found a way in to our hearts, as she has everyone elses who meets her. She is a pefect example of what unconditional love will do for an animal who was all but forgotten and neglected. Faith has found her forever home till the end. Our home, and if I must say so myself, it is the best place you could have ever ended up lil Faith. You are one very special girl!
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"HOPE" ( A girl at deaths door to find a whole new life & a sister too)
It was Hope's last day at the shelter. She was to euthanized that day at close.. I got an email from someone begging me to make the drive. They had extended her stay of EU once and she had no time left.. Hope was a darling Basenji mix.. I had no intentions of going to that particular shelter on that day, but when I got an additional email from someone saying they would foster if I would rescue her. I was quickly in the car and on the road.. I had to get there before they euthanized her and there wasn't much time.. I had never gone to that shelter before so I had to submit paper work and be approved before I could even take her.. Well Hope got her wish and, that is how she got her name. I made it there in time, got approved and out the door with the new foster I had never met.. They spent excellent quality time with this girl. She enjoyed dog parks, runs on a daily basis and mega doses of love.. Then the call from her new family came. "Oh, please consider us they said". "We have another Basenji mix and would LOVE to have this girl, PLEASE"! They were actually the last family who called us. She had a meet and greet with two other families before them, that week. They were the most excited and something in their voice told me they would end up being" the family". I was right!! They truly adored this girl and meeting their other Basenji mix was like meeting her long lost sister. They loved one another and instantly started to play. It was a definite match for them and I felt among all the people who applied you couldn't ask for a more loving, wonderful family for this girl. She even had an instant sister just like her. You could not ask for more. We were hopeful, that Hope, would get her wish.. She certainly did and new sister too!
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"IVANNA" (From the cold shelter to a very warm family)
This precious little girl was sitting in the shelter freezing. You can plainly see she is a hairless Chinese Crested.. The air conditioner that day was extremely cold, and she was just shivering.. I felt so bad for her not having any hair. .I asked if they could turn it down but they told me it was controlled by the city and they had no way of doing this.. I felt so horrible for her, but, I was thinking being a Chinese Crested surely someone would come in and take her or the owner would come back looking for her. .Rarely do you see these in the shelter and she came in with a cute black and pink collar on...She could even walk on her hind legs and she smiled too.. Honestly, I mean a really big smile. A few days passed and I was back again at the shelter.. There she was..................Still sitting alone and shaking.. I told her not to worry she was leaving on that day.. Ivanna took the drive with me to her fosters and she was nothing short of an angel. So thankful to be gone from there.. She stayed with a wonderful foster for about 2 weeks to took excellent care of her. Then I got a call from a lady who had just fallen in love with Ivanna.. She told me she wanted a girlie dog for her daughter. Her son who was special needs had a dog of his own that he was proud of and together they decided that his sister needed her own dog too.. Ivanna was her Christmas present. Below is mom holding Ivanna who I delivered to the dress shop she worked in. She along with the kids are totally smitten. .She is having a truly awesome life with them.. Sad for the owner who lost her, but you know what she couldn't have landed in better hands.. She will be loved forever...................
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"BUGSY"( A baby boy in high demand)
Bugsy was a baby boy we hardly got a chance to get to know. I was actually driving home from the shelter after I had picked him up. Before I reached home, it was a voice on the other end of the line saying he was at the shelter. He came back to adopt Bugsy on this day. The day they said he was available, but he was already gone. .He truly wanted him. Long story short. He spent only one or two night at the fosters home.. The man who adopted him knew this was the baby boy he wanted to adopt for his girlfriend. After more than one long conversation and the application was filled out Bugsy went to his forever home in just a matter of days. It was obvious he was a darling boy to all of us who came in contact with him. I wanted him out as soon as I saw him, the guy came all the way back to adopt him after just one day of seeing him, and the foster was so in love with him Bugsy that he was already sleeping with foster mom and dad since the first night. I would call call this a baby in high demand.. Everyone just loved this precious lil dog..How can you not with a face like this??
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"ELLIE"(A daddy's girl through and through)
I saw Ellie sitting in the shelter .She was shaking like a leaf and I was told by the manager she would be put down that weekend if she was not adopted. .I knew that wouldn't happen since she had been there for a while as an owner release already. How could I resist such a darling face. Lucky for Ellie, after given that news of an untimely death, she was one that was definitely going to be rescued that day to spare her life. She was a happy camper and so excited to be out . I took her to her new foster mom who worked with her a whole lot on f calming her nerves and teaching her to get along and share love with her other dogs. .She was doing beautifully by the time her new adoptive family called us about her.. They were very interested in having another Terrier and were looking for a friend for the one they already had. They told me all about how they bought clothes, cooked them food and EVEN put their little Terrier in pj's at night. OK, this seemed like my kind of house.Dog Crazy! I love em spoiled rotten after being dumped like Ellie was. OK, I have to admit, the pj's were a little over the top for me but loving them to death was fine by me. I was thrilled they were interested. They made 2 hour drive one way. That's a sure sign they were serious.. They truly loved her, but knew it would be an adjustment for her. They had a farm and lots of animals around. Ellie quickly became a big time daddy's girl. He decided as soon as he saw her, this was "his' girl. Mom already had the little Terrier at home and this girl was going to be his. She has melted his heart big time. Ellie has finally adjusted to all the animals and is doing fantastic. She goes on daily runs with new dad in his truck. Ellie could not be happier in her new home. .Daddy especially is head over heels and mom is loving her too but Ellie thinks dad is her world. This beauty is now resting comfy cozy in her new pj's I am sure each night, tucked in safe and sound with a kiss from dad, oh and mom too..........Lights out X
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"GABRIELLA"( Eyes that captivated us all!!)
Gabriella, aka: Gabby was one dog you just couldn't forget. The eyes on this dog were so unbelievable that wherever she went she was noticed.. I spotted her in the shelter one day. She was skin and bones, standing there quiet as can be and those gorgeous sky blue eyes glared back...I noticed there was a sign that she was adopted so I knew she couldn't be rescued.. Fast forward about a week later.. One of my foster came along for the ride.. We both were walking around the shelter in different directions. She had spotted Gabby and came up to me.. "I found the one I want".. " Where I said".. Low and behold next thing I know we were standing over by Gabby.. Huh!!.. I saw her last week and she was adopted.. She was even thinner than before.. Apparently she was an adoption returned. Their reason was she was destructive.. Ah huh, we've heard that excuse before.. She was probably hungry from the looks of it, or lack of attention. Sure enough I rescue her out of the shelter that day and off she wen,t with Erika her foster.. Right away Gabby was eating high quality food.. The food fit for a princess to put it mildly. Within a week or so she had put on 5 lbs.. Imagine that!.. She was more and more gorgeous as each day passed.. Destructive????? Erika never saw that in her. Why? Because she got the love and attention she needed. Time spent with her. Not to mention good meals which helped her to trust and love again..All this for a dog, is how they build trust with a person.. Destructive dogs are acting out and for a reason. .. This girl was good as gold and foster mom quickly fell in love.. She was doing beautifully for weeks and then we got a call from what we both thought was the perfect family.. They understood her needs/wants and asked alot of questions.. They were definitely interested in doing things right.. I decided it was an adoption made in heaven for Gabby with this family.. Gabby was to be the new present under the tree for Christmas morning when the kids woke up.. Everything was arranged and set up.. Gabby was dropped off the day before Christmas and on Christmas morning a very special package had arrived.. A gorgeous bouncing baby girl, with the brightest blue eyes ever. .Needless to say the kids where ecstatic and Gabby had finally made it home to her very own family.. Happy days ahead for this beautiful girl, l with the eyes that captivated everyone who met her...
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"MAGGIE"(Dumped in a night box, but found love for an eternity)
Maggie was one very special needs little girl.. She was a breeder dog and when the nasty breeder was finished using her to make his profit, he dumped her in the night box at the shelter..She was only about 3 but looked alot older from the years of neglect.. You could tell she was bred alot. She had big tumors all over ther belly and she was deaf...Still Maggie was a very happy little girl in her own way.. Tail always wagging... .She was strong minded too for all she had been through.... Leaving Maggie in the night box, was traumatizing to her.... You could tell.. She caught my eye right away when I saw her. I just thought she was so cute.. She was barking up a storm at me with feet tapping back and forth. Practically begging for me to get her out.... I had already decided that week that I would take two special needs dogs.. My rescue was going so well and I felt I would take two with medical issues. Get them fixed up and place them in to a loving home without an adoption fee. .They would go to families I felt would be a good fit and would love them for the rest of their life.. To begin with Maggie ended up in an excellent foster .. This is the picture of Maggie and Tricia's little girl at home.... Maggie adored the family and I knew it would be somewhat hard on Maggie to leave after all she had been through.. Still I did end up finding a loving home with another family who also had 2 girls she would live with.. It's been somewhat of a hard adjustment for Maggie with all the traumas and changed in her life, but she is doing well and each day she is settling in more and more..She loves her new best friend who was the initial family dog.. Her surgery for her tumor removal is coming up in Feb.. I am hoping for the best for this little girl. If nothing more at least she will be loved for the rest of her life by a family who knows how to love unconditionally....
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"BABY BUCK"(Sadness caught my eye. A new love that will now, never die)
When I saw this precious little guy at the shelter I cannot tell you how depressed he looked. He was very skinny. and so unhappy.. He was also sprawled out just lying there hopeless. He had no life for a puppy. He was just existing. This beautiful baby was to be killed because he was so thin when he was brought to the shelter. I wasn't about to stand for that so I took him home as one of my very own fosters. First thing I did was scrub his body down. A nice clean body and a bowl of Mama K's chicken and rice and it was love. In no time he was eating like a horse and within a couple of days, he came out of his shell. It's so amazing to see the transformation of these animals with something as simple as TLC. His confidence was up, and in no time and before you knew it, he was running and fetching his toys. Unbelievable that just days prior, he was to be killed. He was a whole different puppy, with a new lease on life. I knew he would be adopted quickly. He was just too precious for words. About 4 days later I got a call from a family very interested. They just happen to be from New Orleans, as am I. After we talked I just knew Buck was going home. When they came to my home, the two teenage girls fell in love immediately with Buck. I mean how can you not? Mom and dad felt the same. Everyone could not believe he was more adorable then the pictures they had seen. After talking to them and knowing they had lost their Lab after 13 years, I knew Buck was going to live a very happy long life. They could not have been more thrilled to adopt him. Just a day shy of being killed, and now on to a whole new beginning! Incredible what a simple rescue will do for these babies. You will be forever loved Buck...For a very long time!
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"BEAU & SAM"(A long road home)
These two boys were once well cared for and very loved. The owner decided that they just didn't have time for them any more and they needed to find a loving home where someone could really spend time with them. So they flew them down to TX. from Pennsylvania where they were to live with a friend until she could find them a home. It became apparent quickly that although she loved them very much she just wasn't going to be able to keep them. She already had too many dogs in a smaller home.. She called me and asked if I could help.. Not a problem I said... She told me they had to stay together, that they were brothers and very bonded. .I assured her that two just left and were place together and that was exactly what I would do. Well, in no time a guy called me from New Mexico of all places .. He had Pugs before, that had passed and he so wanted these two guys.. How in the world I thought is he even going to adopt them from so far away.. We talked and he decided no matter what it took he was going to get them. He tried for days to get transport from there to TX and back. He almost got taken by a con artist. After all the trouble he was going through he decided, no more.. He was getting in the car the next day and driving.. And, that my friend is exactly what he did.. Allllllllllllllllll the way from New Mexico to get the two chunky budda's... Needless to say he ended up being the most wonderful guy ever. It was love at first site for him.. Deb ( The friend of the person looking for a home for the Pugs) met the man and his son, who was to adopt them. .She totally thought he was the greatest as well. We all agreed a very good home for them was in store. This set Deb's mind at ease as well. She loved these guys and wanted the best for them too. After their conversation and brief connection/friendship, in a matter of a hour or so the two guys were off to there new home.. And as old Willie said, "On the road again"... Going places that I've never been"........It was time for a long long drive home.....
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"DESTINY" (Loyalty beyond belief)
Destiny has a very special story like so many others. She was dumped out on a country road where the person who owned her had left her. No longer wanted by them, she literally sat at that stop sign for 4 days!! Day and night, she waited for this person to return. How people doubt the loyalty of a dog is beyond me. This was about as loyal as it gets. A good Samaritan called me asking if I would take her in to my rescue she didn't have the room or money to care for her. How could I say no to a dog that was so betrayed so much, yet remained so loyal. I told her if she could hold on a couple of weeks when I had a foster home opening I would gladly do it. Finally the time came and she joined Harbored Souls Rescue. Once she had been vetted and spayed she was ready to find her family. Destiny was a quiet, shy, loving girl who remarkably had no major issues, even after all she had been through. All she needed was love and time to build up her confidence once again in the right home. Many people wanted to adopt her, and many were turned down. I was determined to place her in to the just the right home that would help to bring Destiny out to her full potential. You can see that is exactly what started to happen. She has blossomed tremendously. She was adopted by a horse trainer who has much knowledge and experience with dogs. Her son is wonderful with Destiny and very gentle as well. This is certainly a match made in heaven. Below is a video of Destiny at her fosters home, just prior to being adopted. This shows just how much she had progressed from that quiet, shy girl. This is a very happy ending for a dog who showed her loyalty, and love to all who's lives she touched. Now she will never have to worry again about being abandoned. She went to a fabulous home with great animal loving people who know how to meet her needs and shower her with all the love in the world!
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"WILLOW" (Her gentleness touched everyone)
This very special girl sat for 6 long weeks in the shelter. When I saw this face there was just now way I could leave her. I approached her cage and all she could do was lick my hand over and over. Her beautiful Sheltie face and gentle heart after being in a shelter so long touched me so much. Not a mean bone in her body after all that had been done to her. I knew it was time for her to start a new life. So off we went together to the foster home where she would be well cared for and given much needed TLC. I had many calls on Willow, but decided on a family that has 2 children. When they met her it was instant love. She stayed by the kids side the entire time of their meeting. Her gentle ways touched their heart so much as it did everyone who met her. I knew it was a match. They were met with kisses the entire time. They knew it was love, and somehow Willow knew they were going to be her new family. The ones that would give her a whole new life... Your Gentleness did shine through Willow...
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"TINKER" ( A bitty baby with confidence galore)
Meet my very own foster baby, Tinker Bell, aka: Rottie Girl!!.. This tiny adorable package was found in a huge shelter in Dallas after being picked up as a stray. Now how in the world does a dog this tiny get lost? I ask you, HOW? The first time I saw her, I just couldn't believe this itty bitty baby was surrounded by all kinds of big dogs, including Pitbulls. .She caught my attention right away. when she ran up to the gate begging for my attention. I feel in love with her, but I was debating about taking her. I knew she would be gone in no time and there were so many others that needed to get out way more, who had spent months there. Sure enough a family was about to adopt her, when the shelter realized they had a dog that just died with Parvo. A big no no, the adoption was off. This could easily kill a young puppy, who was brought in to a home before 60 days, with another dying of Parvo. Back to her cage she went and I was off wtih a load of others. Fast forward to a week and a half later. I walk in to the shetler and there she was. STILL!! Are you kidding me, I thought? She quickly flipped on her back to show me her belly. I smiled and just thought it was adorable. I moved on down to view the row of dogs there. One by one I looked at them, passing again, this tiny girl, once again, flipped on her back to show me her belly. This little gesture went on 3 or 4 times and I said to her, you're leaving today. ........................i KNOW SHE KNEW WHAT SHE WAS DOING, I COULD SWEAR.......................I took her home, something I promised I would never do. With 3 other senior dogs I felt it was only fair to not bring others in to our home,, and disrupt their lives at their ages. I had broke the rule just a few weeks before with a pair we fell in love with. When my husband came home he just looked at me, and I said, how could I possibly leave her in that BIG, COLD, SHELTER, WITH NO ONE. .........Silence......In a matter of days this tiny little girl was amazingly confident... Nothing scared her at all and my husband totallyl fell head over heels in love. He nick named her "Rottie Girl". She was truly amazing with the amount of strength she had. The intelligence of this tiny girl amazed us. She could fetch within hours. NO matter how big the toy, she could bring it back. We threw some bigger than her just to see if she could, and sure enough she would run back to us in seconds. She was a little power house. She loved attention and was all puppy. The sky was the limit in her mind. It was nothing to her to bulldoz right to any of her dogs, 30lbs bigger then she was, or take on the cat 3 times her size. We fell in love, especially you know who. Still I reminded my husband, she was not ours to keep, and she had to find her very own home just for her. .............I got more emails and calls, on this one little girl, more than any other rescue. I would say in the end a minimum of 20. I finally decided on one family I knew would be great. They showed so much entusiasm for her, that I knew it was a perfect fit. When I met them, I knew I had made the right choice. They asked a ton of questions and wanted to do everything just right for this little "Rottie Girl". With a 14 yr old girl at home and a 6 yr old too, I knew that Tinker would have a home filled with tons of kisses. As the door closed and tiny Tinker who had touched our hearts left, I heard one voice. My husband, saying, " we should have adopted her", which I politely replied, NOOOOOOOOOOO.
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"TALLULAH" (Life in shelter, then in a flash, all changed)
I had one of my fosters take a ride with me one day to the shelter. She had her eye on "big ears" Tallulah for over a week, since she had been shown her photo. She told me, if she is there, that is my next foster baby. Well, we walked around and did not see her. Then, around the corner, through the glass who should appear, of course, looking right into her fosters Moms eyes. Lucky for Tallulah that foster loves big ole ears. Tallulah was with her 2 litter mates spending nearly 1/2 their live in the shelter. . How unbelievably sad is that? They were literally growing up in the shelter. We quickly gathered up Tallulah along with the other dogs who we were also able to rescue that day. "On to a new life guys, today is your lucky day". Tallulah had no idea what she was about to experience. She had never experienced anything other than a shelter. Grass, trees, birds, new people, toys and new doggie friends were all new to her. For the next few weeks foster mom Erika gave her the opportunity every single day to meet new people, go on walks, play, run and totally enjoy life. She was amazed by it all and within a week she was a whole new confident little girl. She was LOVIN LIFE!! Foster mom, "broke her rule" of "one foster at a time", and Tallulah actually joined foster brother Tucker. They bonded immediately! Ate, slept, drank, played together 24/7. Then along came Lexi, her first foster baby that she is blessed to sit when her people go out of town. So, now there was, Tucker, Tallulah, and Lexi. All three playing running and enjoying each others company, even if only for a day. That was Friday, Saturday Tallulah and Tucker were off to an adoption event in Saginaw. They left early in the morning. Well, Tucker was adopted, but not Tallulah. Foster mom and Tallulah returned home to Lexi, who was extremely happy to see Tallulah! She also looked for Tucker, but not for long. Soon she and Tallulah were playing and running! Happy to be together once again!! They were totally in love and it was like, little sister, meeting big sister. Two peas in a pod . One big Oreo and one little one. It was one of the best weeks of their life. Little did they know when their dog parents came back to town, and found out about the bond they had, they decided to adopt Tallulah! They could see how well they got along and just felt it was something they wanted to do. This is a match made in heaven. Luckily for Tallulah, Lexi had a sleep over at Erika's house. Wow, you are one lucky girl Tallulah. First you get saved from the shelter, after spending 1/2 your life there, and then the best thing ever happened. You found your big sister and best friend, all because of a sleep over. I couldn't think of a happier ending for a girl who was literally growing up in a shelter.. Tallulah you have hit the jackpot.. Thank you foster mom for saving Tallulah's life and new adoptive parents Linda and Michelle for seeing what a wonderful girl she truly is... Lexi thanks you too. = )
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"ROMEO" ( A happy ending for a foster failure)
Romeo was at one of the local shelters when one of my fosters went in to visit the dogs there. I soon got a call to me asking if she could take Romeo out of the shelter, so that we could bring him in to Harbored Souls Rescue I did not hesitate to give her the go ahead to have him join the HSR family. In no time Sherry was in love with the "little red dog". She could not believe how well he listened and how smart he truly is. He also fit in to her pack very well. In a matter of a week I knew what was coming "foster failure". Sherry had hard time letting go of her first foster. She did a wonderful job with his transition from shelter to forever home. But with Romeo, the feeling of having to "let him go" were even more overwhelming than the first baby. Both she and her husband had fallen in love. The inevitable had happened she wanted to adopt Romeo. It's not always easy for people to let go of their fosters and this was one dog that made it difficult to say goodbye. They truly wanted to adopt him since it seemed he had been with them forever. How could I say no to such great animal loving people, even if it was your final foster. I know Romeo will definitely live happily ever after. You and your husband have given him a life he had only dreamed of, I'm sure.
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"MASON" (A home filled with love and children)
When I walked in to the shelter there sat the most gorgeous dog. I could not believe he had not adopted him. He was there for a while and as soon as I laid eyes on him I had to get him out. So I left that day with Mason in tow. Off he went to a great foster home that afternoon. He was living the high life in no time. He had lots of big dogs to run with, and all the land he wanted to play on too. You couldn't ask for a better foster situation than what Mason experienced. He was very happy!! He especially loved and bonded with their HSR adoptive doggie Mo. Mo too, loved Mason to dearly. They quickly became best friends. Ironically they look much alike as well, only Mo is the "Minnie Me'" of Mason. They played together and truly couldn't get enough of one another. It was hard for his foster mom to let go of such an awesome dog. It was also very hard for his temporary brother to lose him to his adoptive home. During an adoption event we held in Saginaw, he met his people! A wonderful family with 5 children and one other dog for Mason. I knew the home would be filled with love and affection with that many people and so much love to give this baby! They have since been in touch and have said Mason is an awesome dog and doing beautifully with their family and even the baby too. Mason you had the best start in your foster home, with a loving foster Mom and pups, now may you spend the rest of your life being loved and cared for till the end. You will be happy, healthy and loved for the rest of your days!
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"TUCKER" ( Green acres is the place to be!)
Tucker was dog that came in to the shelter and literally sat there with his 2 other siblings for 3 months. You heard me right. They sat there with no one, never knowing what it even felt like to ever have a home. All three were dumped in the night box at shelter at 2 months of age .They had no clue what it was like to really be loved and have a family of their own. We could not believe it as cute as they were.. We quickly decided on Tucker and another rescue friend of mine took Tucker's two other siblings. All were finally out. It amazed us how well mannered and behaved Tucker was. I MEAN PERFECT. He would do anything you asked of him, as if to say, hey, I am NOT SCREWING THIS UP. I promise to be a very good boy. And, oh, how he was. Amazing is putting it mildly. Calm, smart, quick learner, played well with others. The perfect dog. Hard to believe his whole life was in a shelter. At one of our adoption days the new family came out to meet Tucker after seeing him on my website. They knew it was a sure thing when they laid eyes on him. They explained how many acres they had and how big their farm was. Tucker would be an only dog child. Their other had just passed away their son was so ready for a new best friend. We knew after meeting them Tucker had found the home of our dreams, not to mention his own. He was going to live out the rest of his life growing in to the huge boy he already was. Tucker was on his way to a whole new life. One he had never had, one he didn't even knew existed. Heaven for andy dog. Wow a farm!.
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"BRODY" ( A dog who brought someone a new beginning)
I first spotted Brody's gorgeous green eyes glaring back at me at the shelter. He was directly across from his twin brother. I could only take one though, sadly for me and them as well. Broday was incredibly handsome and I just knew right away, he was just a guys kind of dog. He just came across that way. A real boy who loved to play hard. I was also hoping for this as well. I just get a feel for these things with the dogs I rescue. . I met Brody's new dad at an adoption day. He was down on life with some complicated things going on and really need something special, something new to bring him joy. Some friends of his called him and told him they had a adoption day and he should make the drive to take a look. They were thinking what he was thinking. Perhaps a dog would bring his joy back.>>> Brody meet dad. Yes this was his guy when he met him. See that smile on his face. That about fills in the blank of this happy ending story. I got a letter a week or so later telling me how this was the best dog he EVER had, and how much it fufilled that void he was feeling. Brody had found his new best friend and his dad needed himequally as well. This could not have been a better match for either of them..
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"PARIS" (Finally the princess she was meant to be)
Paris's family came out to our adoption event . They were just passing by at the Starbucks and when they saw dogs were being adopted and decided they would stop by. They had considered for a while adopting a dog and when they walked up and saw little Paris, who no one could resist, the oldest daughter just really fell in love. She talked to mom and mom agreed she thought Paris would be a great fit. She didn't leave on that day because she still needed to be vetted. They thought it all through and knew she would be their special little girl. Paris was so precious that NO ONE COULD RESIST such a darling dog and with all these girl's in the family this was just what she needed ... .To be all dolled up and girlie as ever. Exactly what she has became. Paris has become the center of this families life and the kids are fantastic with her. I ran in to mom weeks after their adoption in all places, Petsmart. Shopping for new clothes for the new princess. Exactly what I invisioned for Paris. She was just that kind of girl. This was the most perfect ending to a most precious little girl, wanting nothing more than to be a girlie girl. .She got that wish. How could a girl want more. All these kids to be smothered with love forever. Thank you mom for stopping at Starbuck's. You made more than one girl's dream come true. Have a wonderful new beginning.
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"ROSCOE" (A picture that said a 1,000 words)
I got a call about this precious boy early that morning. He was scheduled for euthanasia, that day at 2pm. We had been looking at him and I planned to get him the next day, not realizing his minutes were numbered!! I knew I had to spring in to action and save this angel!! I mean, look at that face and the plea in his eyes. So with the help of my coordinator we started the plea for his safety. While I got on my way from Fort Worth to Arlington, she called, e-mailed, sent messages via Facebook, anything she could think of to ensure he would be SAFE until I arrived to bring him to safety! She called and told me he would be safe, and they were anxiously awaiting my arrival. He was safe from being killed and I made it their in record time! So much was written about him and his picture was splashed everywhere on Facebook that by the end of the day a wonderful lady had stepped up to adopt him. Talk about a great home!! It was love for them, as soon as they saw his picture. I quickly got him vetted and he made his trip to his new family a week later. They are thrilled to have him as part of their family! This is such a precious dog in person. It is beyond me that anyone could kill a dog so adoptable as this one. Unfortunately this is the process and once they end up in the shelter, their days are numbered. For Roscoe he was one of the lucky ones, saved just in the nick of time. He is one very special fellow that certainly had many people trying to help him find a way out. A picture in his case certainly spoke volumes. He is loved by many who had never even met him and because of that, he will have the best life ever from a wonderful new family!!
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"CHANEL & CASSIDY" ( A very unique bond that touched our hearts FOREVER)
This was a very unique story...I had found Chanel in one shelter and fell totally head over heals in love with her. She was such a darling little lady.. She's the grey one..She was left in an abandoned house.. Hard to believe someone could do such a thing to such a darling little angel like this... She had two big scars on her from neglect that I worked on before adoption her out.. She was one of my first fosters. Something I said I would not do, because of my own dogs..But we did and I loved her to death.. Then I went to another shelter and I saw this precious angel lying on the ground so down and out.. He seemed so alone.. He is the little white guy I named Cassidy. I knew it was risky but I decided what the heck Chanel would have a friend..They will both be my fosters... Little did I know these two would be inseperably.. From day one, they ate, slept and played together every day. .They would cry if I seperated them at all. Cassidy was the worse with this. He just couldn't be without the little lady. They would cuddle close to one another any time they were in the kennel. .I knew right then, that whom ever adopted one had to adopt the other. .They obviously loved one another and shouldn't be seperated. These two really needed one another.. So that is exactly the way it should be...Along came a great family. They had a terrible tragedy intheir family. They had lost a son at a young age. They wanted Christmas to be different. Not about gifts, but love this year.. They wanted two dogs that got along great and knew one another.. They wanted this Chirstmas to be a happy one. Something to bring smiles and laughs back to the home. Well, need I say more! BINGO A BEAUTIFUL STORY FOR BOTH. I couldn't think of a better home to place these two loves in.. I adored them so much and won't lie, it was really hard to give them up, but I knew this should be their forever home. They were needed there and they needed a family to be with.. Chanel and Cassidy has brought many new memories already to the family and they love them both so much.. I couldn't think of a happier ending for this dynamic duo.. They were total sweethearts who found one another and became best friends... . The family found something too... Happiness once again in the home.. This was definitely a completed circle of life for both situations. Everyone needed each another, and I cannot think of a happier ending to a very sad story for all involved.. The light at the end of the tunnel arrived...They were home!
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"PENNY & LOLA"( A long distance love)
I got a call from an individual who lives in Denton and she saw these two at the Denton Shelter. She feel in love with this two right way. She asked me if it would be possible for her to foster them. She had considered adopting one of them. However I felt the two of them were too bonded to separate. The owner had dumped both of them together at the shelter.. They pretty much did everything together.. So with that, it was a decision that I thought was best for them and she agreed. Then came the person to adopt them both, together! Exactly what they needed!! She lives in a retirement community in Austin! Perfect, as their are many activities for dogs and their humans to keep them busy!!. She made the long drive to adopt both Penny and Lola together. Obviously these two will live happily ever after, since they will always have one another close by for the rest of their lives together.
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"LATTE"( A very special home for an extraordinary girl)
Latte was such a sad story. How anyone could lose a dog this beautiful and not come looking for her at a shelter is beyond me. Latte was spotted by another rescue person. She could not forget that beautiful face. She quickly went back to rescue her the following day. Latte then lived with this lady and her husband for 6 months.. They thought they would keep her, but when they realized they had to move in to an apartment, they had to place all of their foster dogs. I offered to take Latte in to Harbored Souls Rescue, as I had a foster available willing to give her much needed TLC. The poor girl went through a difficult transition. She was extremely stressed and depressed for having been separated from her family. She did not know why, and nor could we explain this to her. It was truly, in every sense of the word heartbreaking. She had become attached to the person who rescued her, which is a very normal occurrence. The dogs become extremely bonded to the people that rescue and foster them, especially the person that actually rescues them from the shelter. They have a special bond, one that can not be explained, only experienced. Latte was not able to attend adoption days, she would bark and growl at everyone who passed. Everything was so uncertain to her once again after all she had been through. Well fast forward to about a month later. A miracle happened when her new dad called me. He was also a foster father for children in the past. He loves animals and has rescued 6 dogs from the shelter in his community. He lives in a very big home out in the country with lots of land and better yet, tons of love. All his dogs live the high life and all live with he and his two sons, inside. PERFECT FOR LATTE. No cages, free roam of the house and room to play! He had just lost his Golden, who died by his side and he really missed his baby. I assured him Latte would be perfect. They made the 2 hour drive to get her and I knew upon meeting him and his sons Latte was finally going home. Going to the best home she would ever dream of having. She seemed to take to them immediately, something she didn't usually do. Something in my heart told me this was going to be a very happy life and Latte herself felt this too. I have since heard from her new family. She is doing wonderful. She has found her spot at the foot of his bed where she sleeps and has certainly become a princess. This was a dream come true for all of us involved in her story. We wanted Latte to have a wonderful life with a very happy ending. Her new Dad said she has certainly become a Daddy's girl and she follows him everywhere. We could not have wished for a happier life for her. This truly was a picture perfect ending to a very sad story. She will never have to worry again about ever being left.... OF THAT WE CAN BE CERTAIN!!
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"COOPER" ( A little guy with the charm of a Rottie)
Well what can I say about Cooper. One look at this face and you will know why EVERYONE wanted this little guy.. All I knew about Cooper was he was found as a lost dog.. I saw that face sitting behind bars at the shelter and had to have him.... Just too darling for words....I got a call from a lady who said her family had not had a dog in years.. They were once again ready for one.. They were living 3 hours from Fort Worth but she was coming in to F.W. that weekend and wanted to meet Cooper... She had spotted Cooper on my website and just fell in love.. They made the drive in and were thrilled with what they saw.. It was their new baby.. It was love at first sight for sure..Cooper was such a smart little guy, who had so much charm with anyone who met him.. There was just no way you could resist him.. All I can say is, that charm, worked magic on this family for sure. .They left smiling with Cooper in tow. On their way to a 3 hour drive back home with the new love of their life... COOPER YOU DID IT AGAIN!!.. You melted yet another heart, and that gave you the prize of a brand new life.. What a doll!
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"ALLY" ( An abused girl, who amazed us with her turn around)
This darling little girl was absolutely terrified after being dumped at the shelter by her owners. When I mean terrified, I mean beyond belief. She just stayed in her little bed and shook the entire time.. I noticed her when I went to rescue other dogs... When I went back a few days later she was still there, doing the same thing. I asked what her story was, that the owners said she didn't like kids.. Hummmmm, typical excuse and I didn't believe it for a minute.. I decided to take her that day.. She let me pick her right up. She was more afraid I would bite her, then me afraid she would bite me. I knew it wouldn't happen...She was so relieved to be out, , but still so unsure of what would happened next, she never stopped shaking the whole way home.. I promised her she was off to a better life.. She was placed in a foster home with, WHAT ELSE? Two kids.. Was she mean, no, did she bite, no, she loved them. Just as I figured.. Amazing what people will say to do something they know is wrong.. Ally had a wonderful foster family who showered her with love .. She was so traumatized by what had happened her foster family, still could not get her to come out of her shell completely.. Then she was spayed and some sort of miracle happened. As soon as this was complete Ally was a different dog. The vet seemed to think she had an infection that was starting in her uterus. From the time Ally was healed she ran, she played, she loved on everyone, including the other dog in the foster home she was at. She quit hiding under the bed. Her life was totally different. It was truly amazing... I believe now it was because of what she was feeling and the trauma she went through that caused so many uneasy feelings.. ........
Finally someone called wanting Ally for their grandmother. This lady was also in rescue so I knew she loved animals and would be in the best of hands.. Granny had just lost her other Rat Terrier and it's all she wanted.. Well Granny, meet Ally.. All I can say is, this was a whole new start for the both of them.. Ally would receive one on one affection and love.Something she deserved so much after being abandoned.... It was truly a match made in heaven .. They both needed one another more than ever and I couldn't think of a better match..Happy times ahead for Ally and Granny, TOGETHER!
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"MAYA" (A teacher, who gave her a whole new beginning!)
This adorable little girl was found near an elementary school, by one of the teachers who works there. She also happens to now be one of my fosters. She could see, that this beautiful little girl was always on the streets, and not being cared for at all. Maya would hang out by the school I guess because of all the children there...After finding out who the owners were, she asked them if they would consider letting her take Maya... No problem of course. She was unwanted to begin with. Maricarman took her in to her home and quickly found out what it meant to be a foster mom.. She had her vetted and begin to care for her...She taught her the things she didn't have a clue about, such as love and quality care... As you can see she turned out beautifully.. We had several families who really wanted this girl..All trying to prove they would be the best one for her. It was a very hard desicion, but I decided to go with the family I did, because not only did they have a Basenji before that has passed away, but they also had children. Something Maya loved. I could see that Maya was meant to be with children because of how she reacted when she was around them.. .Below is the picture of Maya and her new family.. .She has now found the perfect place to live out her life, where she will be cared for and loved beyond belief. This is a dream come true for Maya. She can now live happily ever after with a house, mom, dad and best of all, children.. All because someone one person, took the time to see that this beautiful girl needed love and to be cared for. Since she cannot talk, I will say it for her. Thank you Maricarman for giving her a brand new life, at a tender young age. = )
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"REDMOND"( Let's get ready to rumble!!)
Redmond was one of these dogs that just stole your heart when you saw him. When I went to the shelter he was one of the saddest there. I reached over, and took a look at his paper work.. He had been there for months.. I had two already, to bring to fosters that day, but, I promised him after petting and talking to him, I would be back.. I knew he thought, he was just being passed over, once again...You could see the look in his eyes...A few days later, I came back to get him. .He was a little unsure, but happy at the same time... Wow, so this is the sun, I am sure he thought after all those months of shelter life... As the day went on this quiet, sweet guy, became a bouncing ball of energy.. Surely I thought this would stop. .As you can see by his pictures he looked like a very laid back dog with complete innocence.. haha.. Well the intensity for him was very strong and the anxiety he had grew and grew.....I think, the thought of being out of jail, finally hit him, and he could not get enough. .The foster he was placed with originally, was just not working out.. She was new to fostering, and bigger dogs to top it off.. She just couldn't handle Remond at all.. So I moved him to a foster with lots of experience with training larger dogs..The very first day he fell in the pool, peed on everything, and basically went ga ga over every animal he saw on their ranch.. I knew this was bad and OH GOD, we were in trouble!!.... When she called me huffing and puffing saying she could barely handle him and was TOTALLY exhausted, right then I knew we had met our first challenge..... haha.. It really wasn't funny at the time .. I was panicked... I couldn't bring him back to the shelter and if Stacy, foster mom, couldn't handle him, no one could.. Especially in a new adoptive home.. WOW!!. BUT HE LOOKED SO SWEET at the shelter.. Days went by and Stacy worked tirelessly with Redmond.. Training, training and more training.. He became better and better.. By the time he left he was just about housebroken and he had learned commands. ...I was beginning to see some hope for Redmond. Still if he was lying down next to you, he had to be touching you. .That was how much anxiety he had, and a perfect example of what a shelter does to these dogs.. FINALLY, AMEN!!.. We got a call from a family who we felt understood his needs. They knew he was special needs and would need continued training.. They were up for it... They were ready to take him on.. YES, THERE IS A GOD, I THOUGHT!!. .HAHA.. .We loved Redmond, but getting someone to commit to a dog with his needs and anxiety, we knew, would be a god send.. Well they arrived!!.. They spent time with Stacy, and she drilled them on how they needed to handle Redmond. She went over all his issues and he still had many.... They were good with it all, and ready to take on the challenge.. .Committing to him for the rest of his life. They left smiling, Redmond in tow.. For some reason I pictured him with a smirk on his face, as if to say, are ya ready to rumble??.. As far as we know, it has worked out fantastic.. Let's just hope they didn't have a pool... The moral of this story is NEVER GIVE UP HOPE ON EVEN THE HARDEST OF CASES.. The end of the story is STACY NEEDED A MUCH NEEDED VACATION AFTER HER DARLING FOSTER WAS ADOPTED.. = )
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"SKYLAR"( Incredible eyes to match his incrdible heart)
Skylar caught my attention when I was looking through the pictures online a the Denton Shelter. His eyes were so striking, and they said so much. Yes, I must admit, I have a weakness for dogs with light eyes...I felt like I am looking straight in to their soul.... My new foster mom was taking on her first new foster, and she too, fell for him when she saw his pic. I went the very next day to look at him. He was in a cage with a tiny Chi.. He looked so sad and so lonely. I could tell he was confused about his new surroundings.. He was definitely depressed... He did seem to me, like he was missing someone... I decided as soon as I saw him, to take him.. So, our short journey was beginning.. Sherry, new foster mom took him in. It was immediate love. Sherry and her husband took on Skylar full force. He came in to their home like he had been there forever, fitting right in to their established pack.. He loved their other dogs so much.. He also loved, playing on a daily basis, in the fort they had built behind their house, just for their dogs.. Yes, Skylar had died and I know he thought he had gone to heaven.. I had daily reports on just how perfect he was.. Not a negative thing could be found. He loved to fetch, run with his football, and take in the birds flying over head. This darling boy within a matter of days, became no only the love of their life, but totally content and very happy.. I knew giving him up would be hard for his foster mom.. Fast forward to the new dad who adopted him.. A guy called me seeking a new dog for he and his son. He didn't have other dogs but sounded great.. I told him he was really going to do best in a home with other dogs.. He wanted him so bad, he went to a shelter and found that special friend for Skylar. I knew right then, that Skylar had found the perfect home.. Foster mom was almost devastated to lose Skylar. .They wanted him so much. But I reminded her why she was with HSR, and that was to help as many as she could. She agreed.. She met with Skylar's new dad and broke down on his shoulder. It's not that she wasn't happy for him. It's just he was SO PERFECT and they loved him so much.. I'm lucky she thought new dad was the cream of the crop, and handsome too because if not, I don't think he would have Skylar today.. = ).. I called her on the drive home and she sobbed.. She truly loved this boy but knew in her heart he had gone to the perfect home. Sometimes letting go is the hardest.. We just see them blossom so much in the following days, that they feel like our very own..So much time is put in by these fosters that when the dogs leave they are wonderful well adjusted dogs. Ready for their new home... Since the adoption Sherry has received updates and that has made her feel so great.. She knows now she did the right thing and he was in the best home ever.. The foster mom's job was complete....Reports are, he has shown his new buddy how to even use their doggie door. It truly was a match made in heaven.. Skylar, you were very loved and fell in to hands, who will love you equally for the rest of your life..You are finally home!!
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"MACKENZIE" (Her beauty was is in the eye of the beholder)
What can I say about Mackenzie, Millie, Mac and Cheese. This darling girl stayed with Harbored Souls longer than any other dog. .I have no clue why, since she was about as perfect as they get , for a puppy.. Sadly Black dogs are the hardest to place, nd the first to be euthanized in any shelter.. .Simply because they are the most common looking with no unique markings.... How sad...... They had a man named Jim who had rescued 25 dogs from a really bad shelter. He then took all of them to be boarded and was asking people to either help by adopting them, or taking them in to their rescue. I went over a day or so later and looked everyone over, pulling 3 of them and taking them with me... Mac was one of those 3.. When I first saw her she was a tiny girl, sitting with a White dog who looked identical to her only larger. They were picked up together. Quickly I decided to take the White dog and then I just couldn't leave Mac behind knowing they were found together. I kept thinking how lonely she would be. Still I knew she would be harder to adopt.. Ok, Ok, I decide they were both coming with me... I named the two of them Millie and Vanillie, after the 80's singing duo.. haha. Well, Vanillie was adopted within a week. Just as I expected... Millie was placed in another foster after Vanilie left. The foster changed her name to Mackenzie. She definitely needed her own identity and Mackenzie just seemed to fit her better, we both agreed.. Everyday her foster took her out. She was determined to show her a good life, let her meet people and give her a life she never knew existed...She LOVED THIS GIRL!!..... Dog Parks, PetSmart, walks in the neighborhood, you name it, they were out daily meeting others and socializing. ... .Everyone who saw her, said how precious she was, but no one offered to adopt her. Weeks went by and we were now up to over a month of her being with us. .We all wanted her to find her home.. Usually HSR dogs move fast and poor Mac, well we just wanted her to have her new beginning too.. Still Foster mom Erika worked her tail off with her, threatening every step she was just going to keep her.. NO, then I would lose yet another foster to caving in to these angels.. We knew she would get adopted, we just didn't know when. She was becoming our mascot we had her for so long.. Then SUDDENLY...................................... a NON CONTAGIOUS skin disorder came up..Right smack on her nose. OMG we thought, this poor baby has gone through so much. Why this now?? If was hard enough for people to over look her simple look, but now , missing some hair on her face!!.. OK, off to the vet she went.. So we got her meds and then out of the blue, we get a call the same week.. This one sounded serious.. How in the world will we break the news without them running off.. I just explained to them that it looks bad but will be all gone in a few weeks.. Most people will not hold on that long. They want everything to look great from day one.. Still to our surprise they still wanted to meet her very much. They had her pictures up at home and they just knew she was meant for them.. Well I knew right then and so did foster mom, if this didn't bother them, then it was meant to be...Fast forward to the day this great couple met her.. By that point they had her food bowl personalized and a welcome home sign posted. They had made up their mind.. This is what we all waited for. Her day... They looked at her scab on the nose and didn't blink and eye..All Erika saw were tears in their eyes, they loved her... Yes this was their baby girl.. The mere fact they could over look this, said so much about this couple. They had no hesitation, they wanted her with them.. This sweet girl had waited so long and HSR couldn't have placed her a better home. .. They truly adored her and they write her foster often. Sending up dated pics of Mac. She is doing beautifully...... She had an awesome foster and now her forever home was the kind we dreamed of for this special girl . .FINALLY, after almost 7 weeks Mac was in her "home sweet home" .. Forever!!
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"BARON"(A new friend to love for life)
This beautiful boy was sitting in a kill shelter.. I took one look and knew I had to come back for him. He was simply gorgeous! He was listed as a St. Bernard mix but honestly I think he is purebred. He was in perfect shape and just a total sweetheart when I stopped by to talk to him. I kept starring at him, no matter where I was in the shelter, AND HE STARRED BACK. As if to say, what in the world are you waiting for, come on, take me! I was there to pick up others but it was at that time I knew I was coming back to get him. The look of rejection almost broke my heart, when I think he realized, it was not his day. But, what he didn't know was, I would be back first thing in the morning. When I walked in I think he remembered me because he jumped and barked and barked. I just looked at him and told him, see I told you, I would be back. He could not wait to get in the car, and on the ride home, all of his worries left him. He took a deep breath, and slept the entire drive. His foster mom met me and it was instant love. She completely adored him as I did, and I knew this beautiful guy, would be a hard one to let go of. I got a call a few days later from a great man. He talked to me, and told me all about his family. They had just lost their dog due to illness, and his daughter was truly wanting another. See, she had picked Baron picture out from all the dogs, they had sat and looked at together. Sadly, in the beginning I told them I wouldn't adopt him to the family. They had no fence around their 8 acres. But, in talking to them, and emailing back and forth I started to realize this was a phenomenal family and Baron would have the best life ever. I could tell how responsible they were and having the little girl home schooled, I knew he would be with her every single day. How much better could it get? They were elated to know I agreed to adopt him to the family. .Happy is putting it mildly. I have received many emails and pictures since then, and truly I think this was a perfect fit. I can honestly say, I think Baron has died and gone to heaven. This is a life he never could have imagined. PERFECTION! Now, that's the kind of ending I like!
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"LAYLA" ( A girl, as "GOOD AS GOLD")
Layla was not a dog I was going to the shelter to pick up. There was another I was suppose to get, but she had been adopted right before I got there.. I walked around and looked at all the dogs, and there sat Layla. She was very quiet and gentle, sitting on her ilttle bed. Everyone else, was running around like crazy but no not her. Even at 5 months she sat like the good little girl she was. I quickly decided she was the one to take. With this dispostion someone would truly fall in love with her fast, and that is exactly what happened. I held my first adoption day out at the Polo club in Oak Point Texas. I along with some other rescues were there.. Unfortunately they had a lower turn out than everyone had expected. Still Layla was one of the few adopted..A man who was there particiapting in the car show noticed her... He quickly spotted Layla sitting in her kennel, breeze blowing, sun shining and not a bark out of her. Just the sweet sense she was free and taking it all in. He could not believe how sweet, docile and laid back she was. He just could not get over it. He had to have her. Well he quickly rang his wife up, who was not prepared for another, still he kept insisting this was "the one" for her, soon to be sister at home. Layla was one of the few there at the event, that was adopted, and I know it's because of who she was. She was years ahead with her dispostion, and intelligence. You could just tell, Layla had been through some hardships for her young age. Still, she was ready and willing to start a new life. You could tell she desired a family of her own. Well, her wish came. She was the one girl, who was lucky enough for her family to find her on this day, simply by being>> "GOOD AS GOLD".
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"Lil Cajun" (A void filled, all by fate)
I had a friend call me about a dog named "Mox".. He was located at the Denton Shelter and she just thought he was adorable.. She offered to foster him, so I drove over to Denton to take a look and there he sat. A little Chi/Pug mix.. What a darling little dog!. He was very afraid to besharing a cage with a big dog, so he didn't come out from the back of his cage for me to pet him. I reached in, and picked him up. He was puddy in my hands. Nothing mean about him at all, or nippy, like some smaller dogs can be, especially under a stressful enviornment. I quickly took one look and named him, "Lil Cajun". I don't know, being from New Orleans it just fit him. haha. His foster mom took him right there from the shelter where she met me, and they were on their way. Fast forward..
I returned to the shelter the next day to pick up two other dogs and guy walks in. I could hear he was very upset. He had taken a day off of work to come and adopt a dog named, "Mox". They told him he would not be available until that day. He was upset to hear that, "Mox" was already gone a few days prior. But, today was his lucky day, because the rescue lady who pulled him just happened to be standing right next to him, "me". Call it fate, or good luck, but it was meant to be. I explained to him that I had rescued the lil guy named "Mox", the day before.. He wasn't happy to know this thinking he had missed out. I gave him my number and told him to call me and off he went. While driving home his mom called asking me to PLEASE not adopt him out, they wanted him. She explained that his dog was close to death and that he truly wanted "Mox", now, "Lil Cajun" to help him recover from his loss and start a new. Well I assured her that they could adopt him. The next day his lil dog of many years passed on sadly, but, "Lil Cajun" was right there waiting. The following day, they came to adopt Lil Cajun and take him home. I knew right then, that this was meant to be. The fact I was right there when this guy came in looking for him was not coincidence. "Lil Cajun" was badly needed and wanted, as much as" Lil Cajun" needed a new beginning and love. It was in the cards!!
I returned to the shelter the next day to pick up two other dogs and guy walks in. I could hear he was very upset. He had taken a day off of work to come and adopt a dog named, "Mox". They told him he would not be available until that day. He was upset to hear that, "Mox" was already gone a few days prior. But, today was his lucky day, because the rescue lady who pulled him just happened to be standing right next to him, "me". Call it fate, or good luck, but it was meant to be. I explained to him that I had rescued the lil guy named "Mox", the day before.. He wasn't happy to know this thinking he had missed out. I gave him my number and told him to call me and off he went. While driving home his mom called asking me to PLEASE not adopt him out, they wanted him. She explained that his dog was close to death and that he truly wanted "Mox", now, "Lil Cajun" to help him recover from his loss and start a new. Well I assured her that they could adopt him. The next day his lil dog of many years passed on sadly, but, "Lil Cajun" was right there waiting. The following day, they came to adopt Lil Cajun and take him home. I knew right then, that this was meant to be. The fact I was right there when this guy came in looking for him was not coincidence. "Lil Cajun" was badly needed and wanted, as much as" Lil Cajun" needed a new beginning and love. It was in the cards!!
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"ROO ROO"( He pleaded for me to take him home and he got his wish)
When I saw this precious boy he was a total mess. Completely matted and dirty. So full of urine, I wondered if I would ever get him clean.. Still his happy demeanor is what caught my eye.. Even with all this going on, and having to share a cage with 4 others, he smiled from ear to ear.. But, when he sat up and begged, with his little paws together, moving up and down, I felt like crying.. It was as though he was saying please "take me". Well then, what was I to do.. Of course, load him up and take him home.. I took him straight to the house and scrubbed him, not once, not twice, but three times and only barely then, was the yellow stains coming off of his coat.. The next day we went to a groomer and she finished him off. Unfortunately his tail was so matted she had to shave it to the skin.. So here we had this little angel with a now, rat looking tail. Still his precious personality had you quickly over look this and I knew he would be good as new in a matter of weeks.. He was only in my home for one day, when a man called me saying that he saw him on the website, when he was at the shelter and he really believed he "was the one". He said he had another that looked very much like him, and he surely did, only bigger. The man and his wife drove 2 hours the next day to visit Roo Roo and quickly agreed this was going to be their new family member. The other little guy they had agreed, and each wagged upon meeting. I held him until he was vetted for a few more days. Not once did this little guy make a peep in my house. He was such a sweet lovable little guy, who had excellent manners. How in the world could anyone not miss such a darling boy?? He could fetch, sit up, sit and give you his paw. Still this angel was never claimed. Oh how it breaks my heart. The only happy part of this story is, they have the chance at a new life. Perhaps with an owner, who will be more responsible and loving than his past owner was. He was such a doll, one I will never forget!.
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"LIL CHLOE" (Unique little girl, turns in to a princes over night)
I got a call from my neighbor who is also in rescue.. She knew about this little girl who had been at the shelter for over 2 months but didn't have room for her. .She wanted to know if I could take her in to my rescue.. I figured I would go ahead and take her, especially being tiny.. The tiny ones go so fast and I knew I could place her rather quickly.. When I got to the shelter and saw her, I could tell she was as total sweetheart. .Fleas were running rampant on her... I took her home bathed and trimmed her up, and just kept thinking WHAT BREED IS SHE???.. Still I had no clue.. The calls started to come in. .Everyone loved how unique she looked.... All I could think was how much she looked like a tiny Lhama.. Seriously!!! Everyone thought this who saw her as well.... I had so many calls the first few days on her....Her heart was as big as ever and her personality even bigger and so loving..I just knew the right person would come along, and love her to death. That's exactly what happened.. I finally got a call from someone, I knew who was very sincere, and truly truly wanted this girl. They had just lost there other dog due to old age.. They were yearning to love another., I could tell they would be perfect for this little girl who endured so many lonely days in a shelter.. Months of not having anyone to call her very own..I could not have found a better family for little Chloe.. They were totally in love with her.. Within a week she was being pampered like the little princess she was meant to be.... Nails polished and all. A stay at home mom for Chloe was the ideal situation for a girl who had gone through so much.. They truly love this little girl and she has definitely become the princess of the household.. This is truly one happy ending..
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"OLIVER" (He could clear a 6ft fence, but love was calling him back)
When I first saw Oliver I could not believe how different he looked.. I really wasn't sure of his breed, but he was so adorable.. I knew he had some Schnauzer in there, and to me he looked like a big teddy bear.. I had a few calls on him only a day or two after I took him in, and then I got a call from a man who really wanted him. He was sure, this was "the one". He told me he was looking for a dog as a playmate for his 8 yr old rescue Betty Boop. He was a Vietnam vet, and he told me how much he loved his Betty Boop, for the past 8 yrs.. He was ready for another one for her. We met his new potential adopter and his grand daughter was crazy for Oliver. She could not believe how precious he was in person. They were both pleasantly surprised. They handed me his paper work and drove off with him to his new home. A few days later he called me to say Oliver could jump a 6 ft fence and he had no clue what to do! Daily Mr Leal was out looking for Oliver, 4 and 5 times a day. He loved him so much, but I told him he couldn't keep him, unless he found out how to keep him inside the fence. I couldn't take the chance of him getting lost and ending up back in the shelter. In a panic he started shoveling dirt everywhere. Checking for holes, doing all he could to keep him in, even installing a zip line for when he went out. Long story short, I think Oliver knew he had it too good after that first week, and didn't want to leave again. After all the adjustments were made I am happy to report that Mr Leal says he is now staying in the yard and is doing fantastic! His last words to one of my fosters was, "I think this guy really loves us now, and we love him too". That's all I ever want to hear in the end. Those are magic words to my ears, and I know to theirs as well.......
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"BOSLEY" ( A totally different dog after some much needed TLC)
Bosley just killed me from the minute I saw him crouched in the badk of his cage, shaking.. I went out looking for a dog, so that my friends daughter could start to foster for me. .She felt at this time in her life, she really needed something special to love and care for.. I told her no worries, I promise to find the love of her life!.. There Bosley was, sitting in a very high kill shelter. .Matted, coat filled with tar balls, flea infestation beyond words. Still underneath all that I could see a darling dog. before me.... He was so shy and so scared, they could not get him out the cage. They thought he was aggressive and he was put on the euthanasia list.. Are you kidding me?.. ..That was not going to happen.. He was simply afraid. He had been through hell and back.. He sat on the front seat of my car, hardly looking at me on the drive home... I kept telling him how beautiful he was, even though I was wondering, where I would even start when we got home.. I quickly sprayed him down with the hose as soon as we got out of the car, and hundreds of fleas were on him. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. .Well after 3 hours of working on him I could start to see who Bosley truly was.. He wasn't tan, he was actually white!!.. Wow!!.. We had another visit with a groomer (DEDE) who did a wonderful job finishing him off the next day, clipping and cutting mats galore. When we finished this was the result.. .This darling boy emerged. The one I thought he would become when he was shown alot of TLC.... I took him that night to meet my friend's daughter.. Well let's just say he never made it in to foster care..OH well, lost another foster.. Something even better happened though, he made it in to his forever home that night. .He was just too irresistible to not love and keep.. All I can say is Bosley, you hit the jack pot with this family.. You will never know what it's like, to have one more night alone, on the streets, or to ever feel a flea invade you skin again. .You are one lucky little angel. Saved by many people who just found you, too good to be true...
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"WINSTON" ( A new state to move to)
When I saw Winston I thought he was just darling.. I had no clue why the Schnauzer rescue, didn't run in to get him out of a kill shelter.. He had sat in lost and found for weeks.. NO owner came by to look for him.. Just too sad... He really pulled at my heart strings.. I decided to go ahead and take him right then and there.. I placed him in foster care, after her was neutered, and because of all the anxiety and stressed he was a nervous wreck. to put it mildly.... I felt so bad for him as well as the foster for enduring what she did.... Winston was missing someone so much and needed a real home quickly...I was beginning to worry about Winston, when I got a call from a dog trainer friend..She said a friend of hers, was driving in from La. and was looking for just that breed... I was thrilled.. When her friend came in to town and saw Winston, it was love at first site.. He couldn't wait to take him to be groomed and spoil him rotten.. He was ready to adopt him, right then and there.. Winston has gone to a wonderful home filled with love.. Rumor has it, he is being spoiled beyond belief.. That is exactly what the doctor ordered for this little guy.. Winston has truly died and gone to heaven.. He's now doing fantastic in his new home town of La., with a wonderful owner to love him forever..
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"MIA" (Love is all you need)
Meet Mia... Mia Ham to be exact... She is a precious tiny Yorkie mix girl, weighing around 5lbs....She is one of most precious little dogs I have ever rescued..She was absolutely terrified at the shelter. When I walked in the shelter the guy who runs the rescue program took me to her right away to see her.. I walked up, opened the cage and there she sat. Shaking and terrified. She was cowering, in the back of her cage, with a fear I cannot describe.. I called her over more than once, with my hand out stretched. .Finally she crept over to me very cautiously, low to the ground.. Mark told me she was an adoption returned.. So, so sad , and honestly I haven't a clue why, unless it was just ignorance......There was something there in her, I could see, and I couldn't forget.. I told Mark I would definitely take her.. I wrapped her up in a towel and held her the whole time I walked around the shelter, trying to choose one other lucky dog to be rescued for that day....She was such a mess, but, I just knew, I knew someone would love her..... She knew from the time we drove home, she could trust me.. By the time we arrived home she stopped shaking and was nothing but thankful to be out, you could tell.. I bathed her right away really good, trimmed her little bangs and bam, a whole new girl started to emerge....She was just the most darling girl ever...The pics are of her, the same day she came out of the shelter.. You can see how quickly she started to recuperate........She had become a total love bug in the first 24 hours!!.. You couldn't help but to fall for this tiny precious little thing..... I brought her to her new foster home that day, because I knew I would fall for this one...They totally fell in love. She was excellent with their 2 yr. old, and even slept in bed with them.. She was only there 2 days when calls started coming in.. In no time she was adopted to a wonderful young lady.. She was a teacher, who lived alone and wanted a little companion to share her love and life with.. A perfect situation for this little doll.. I want everyone to see what love and patience can do.. The next time you pass one in the shelter and they are shaking, terrified, and cowering. Don't think the worse.....Remember, they will be a totally different dog once they are removed from that environment... It is not a reflection of who they truly are, but keep in mind who they WILL become.. All you need is love, love, love.. Love is all you NEED... They will never forget you saved them and gave them life...
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"MOZART" ( A foster failure who became a foster success)
Mozart is a darling dog, as you can [plainly see.. When I first saw him listed at the Denton Shelter it took me all of two seconds to want to go over and rescue him.. He is believe it or not, a Corgi/Husky mix. .What a combination!!.. But who knew such a mix would produce such a precious dog.. You could not ask for a sweeter, more laid back dog.. When I tell you I fell in love with this little dog on the drive home, I mean it.. He was that special, and I quickly realized this on my drive to meet his new foster mom.... I delivered him to her just a hours or so after picking him up... .As I dropped him off I told her what a doll he was. .This was her very first time fostering.. She was excited , but unsure of what to expect.. She had 4 other large dogs at home but she was ready, willing and able, to care for this darling boy.. In the following days she took great care of him.. When he had a little cough, he was rushed to the vet. Anything he needed she was there for him.. I knew I had found a great new foster.. She keep telling me how he was sleeping with them at night and how much they were getting attached.. That he was just a perfect fit in to their home.. He got along great with their dogs and their dogs loved and excepted him, as if he was there forever.. I could see it coming.. = ).. OH YES!!
I had people interested, but many didn't follow through.. I had someone come to look at him and they wanted to think about it.. I could almost here relief in my fosters words.. Yes, it was coming.. She sent me an email and asked would it be possible to just adopt him. They had fallen in love. .An easy thing to do with Mozart.. You just couldn't help yourself with this little guy.. I assured her that this would be fine.. That the main thing I want with my rescues, are great homes and I knew he had landed in one.. They truly adored him.. Many people call it "foster failure", when a dog is being fostered and the foster ends up adopting them.. They have caved in.. It happened to me personally.. I just fall too in love, and that is how I got my Lexee.. To me I do not call this foster failure. .Even though it's meant in a joking way.. I call it "foster success"....It means you had enough love in your heart, and wanted to help the one you were fostering so much, that you let yourself fall.. That to me is success!!. .It shows compassion and love for the animal you are caring for..I am really glad Stacy you were a "foster failure", because I know Mozart is in a wonderful loving home for the rest of his life.. I can tell just by your words.. He will be forever loved and that warms my heart........Now, can we move on to fostering another.. Let's make the next one, a foster success of a different kind...= )
I had people interested, but many didn't follow through.. I had someone come to look at him and they wanted to think about it.. I could almost here relief in my fosters words.. Yes, it was coming.. She sent me an email and asked would it be possible to just adopt him. They had fallen in love. .An easy thing to do with Mozart.. You just couldn't help yourself with this little guy.. I assured her that this would be fine.. That the main thing I want with my rescues, are great homes and I knew he had landed in one.. They truly adored him.. Many people call it "foster failure", when a dog is being fostered and the foster ends up adopting them.. They have caved in.. It happened to me personally.. I just fall too in love, and that is how I got my Lexee.. To me I do not call this foster failure. .Even though it's meant in a joking way.. I call it "foster success"....It means you had enough love in your heart, and wanted to help the one you were fostering so much, that you let yourself fall.. That to me is success!!. .It shows compassion and love for the animal you are caring for..I am really glad Stacy you were a "foster failure", because I know Mozart is in a wonderful loving home for the rest of his life.. I can tell just by your words.. He will be forever loved and that warms my heart........Now, can we move on to fostering another.. Let's make the next one, a foster success of a different kind...= )
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"WINNIE POOH" (Water logged baby)
Meet the incredibly cute Winnie Pooh.. As you can see, he is one of the most adorable little guys I have ever seen.. This darling little dog was one of 10 in a litter. The person who owned them got most of the puppies they had adopted. When only 4 were left, they were tired of keeping them. So as many do, now a days, they were brought to the shelter.. Just the saddest ever, that people think in the terms so often... When I walked in, I saw the 4 of them, all playing, Winnie was the one, that just tugged at my heart.. He acted the most like a baby. .He loved to be held and talked to. He would quietly sit in your arms and would eat up every single word you said to him. He looked at me like it was love, love, love.. One look at those green eyes he had, and it was love right back.. I took him home the first day. .I was going to keep him till I could transport him to the fosters in 2 days.. But this little quiet baby started crying, AND moaning , and howling, every single time I walked out the room. He wanted his new mom to hold him. His new mom was tired from rescuing dogs that day.He had just left all his brothers and he was truly feeling it, and with each moan and howl, I felt it too, all the way to my bones.. LOL.. Still when I would look at him, I couldn't help but smile. .He was just too adorable..... Exhausted I had a great foster come to my rescue that night, so I could get some rest. She spent time with him and once again his charm melted another ones heart.. After a few days he finally got in to his foster home. He spent the next week there.. Then after a week, the calls started to come in. One in particular struck me.. It was from a guy who had a dog he had lost, and now his other dog who was only a year needed a playmate.Someone to be his best new friend.... He thought Winnie would be just right.. So he came by to meet Winnie.. He was trying to make sure Winnie was the one.. He was talking and petting him, watching him play, when suddenly Winnie took his usual dunk in the bucket of water his foster kept outside.. You see Winnie discovered this only days before and he LOVEDDDDDDDDDDDDD IT!!.. It was the most precious thing to see. It was so sweet to see this tiny little guy enjoy this so much.. I think that was it for his new dad once he saw how adorable he truly was.. His fun loving spirit won him over and he just couldn't pass this one up.. Winnie was going to a great home, with a new brother who coincidentally LOVED WATER!!... I would say this was a definite match, and I think there will be 2 water logged babies in this household....
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"TRIXIE" ( She was always meant to be "THEIR GIRL")
This darling girl sat in the shelter for about 6 weeks.. She was also featured on one of the morning local t.v. shows.. When I went to the shelter I ran across Trixie, and so wanted her.. I knew people would fall in love with her.. I asked the shelter could I take her. They politely said no.. .She haf just appeared on the morning show and had alot of calls..They wanted to wait and see if anyone would come in and adopt her. She has just been featured a day or two before.. I told them it didn't make sense to me, for her to spend one more day in the shelter and that 6 weeks was enough. They stood their ground and so did I...I went to the supervisor, and their supervisor, and finally I had convinced them to release her to me... I was so excited for Trixie to finally be out. She was placed in a great foster home who worked with her every day. Lesa her foster, told me how wonderful she truly was, an how she just adored her.. Call after call came in, in the following week.. But, no one followed through.. Then I had a phone call from one of the nicest gentleman.. I knew after speaking to him the very first time, that he and his wife, would be wonderful for Trixie.. They had lost their Schnauzer recently and they truly wanted another dog.. Something about Trixie was a combination of the two last Schnauzer's they had.. I just felt in my heart it was meant to be.. He told me of how he had seen Trixie on the morning show and fell for her then. Knowing she was on t.v., he felt they would be bombarded with calls, so he didn't call.. He thought they would never have a chance at adopting her... Then, he found her listed on Petfinder.. That's when he gave me a call.. He told me the story and how surprised he was to find her listed there by my rescue.. We set up a meeting after Trixie had already met a few other people for possible adoptions..... I was really always leaning towards this couple.. I just knew it was right and another perfect fit.. The first time they laid eyes on Trixie, Mr. Sonny replied, "she's a done deal for me". = )...... Somehow I knew they would fall in love and they certainly have.. He has thanked me many times over for having the opportunity to adopt her.. I know in my heart that Trixie now will have the most wonderful home ever, and I also know in my heart she was truly meant to be THEIR DOG..
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"VANILLIE" (A boy and his friend with unusal names)
Vanillie was named after the lip syncing group Millie and Vanillie..It just came to me after rescuing these two, on the drive home. .Don't ask me how, it just did...= ). I guess Vanillie being White, made me think if vanilla, and there where two of them.. Next thing ya know, the group pops in to my head.. ... Millie and Vanillie were found running together. Two best friends side by side... How these 2 darling dogs were running loose, at the age of 14 weeks is beyond me. When I saw them together I decided to take both. I just didn't have the heart to separate them.. I mean they stuck together like glue out on the highways...They originally, were in a kill shelter, when a man stepped in, and rescued 25 dogs.. I went over to the boarding facility he brought them to, and picked out Millie and Vanillie right away.. I just adored the both of them as soon as I saw them together in the cage..... I never could figure out what their true breed was, but I think they have Bull Terrier in them.. Vanillie had lots of calls, and finally I got one I really thought would be his forever home.. His new parents had also adopted a special needs dogs who was abandoned for a very long time. They felt Vanillie would be good for her. It may help to bring her out of her shell more.. I truly think it will.. Vanillie is an outgoing lil guy with a zest for life.. When the couple met him, they just feel in love right way.. The other dog, well, she's not so sure as to what she thinks yet... .She is very introverted and shy due to her abandonment.. I feel in my heart Vanillie is going to change all that.. I just know this little guy will have the key to her heart..It will be a happy ending for everyone..
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"DINKY" (A very special dog, for a very special boy)
Dinky was a very special boy, who ended up in a very special home.. I found him along with 2 others that I picked up, from a boarding facility.. A man had saved about 25 dogs from a "not so nice shelter", and moved them there.. I drove over to Dallas to take a look at all the dogs, and Dinky was the first one I choose.. He was scared to death, shaking like a leaf, but he face was undeniably cute.. I just adored the way he looked and knew he would go fast... I got quite a few calls on him, in the following week, but one definitely struck me as the "family" for him.. You see they had a special needs son.. The son had grown very attached to their Beagle they had.. It give him structure feeding, and caring for him, on a daily basis.. But his dog passed away a few months prior... So they had been looking for a while for another. .Then they saw Dinky.. I told them about how wonderful Dinky was and I was sure it would be a good fit for them all..They decided to drive in to meet Dinky at the end of the week.. They sat, talked and petted Dinky.. Still they were apprehensive.. Cooper their other Beagle, was 12 and very sedentary and Dinky was still a puppy.. They thought it over long and hard . Then they decided they would go ahead with Dinky..Yes, he was the one for them....All is going wonderfully now as stated in the last conversation. >Dinky is taking daily runs with his new dad and run/walks with their son in the evening to curve his energy.. Works like a charm now..... It took them about a week, but once they feel in love with Dinky they really did.. They could see what I saw from day one... Just how very special Dinky truly was.. They finally realized they had found the match that they so desperately had searched for.. .Dinky was that special missing link, for a very special boy, to move on and start to love another again.. Just as he had with Cooper... A very happy ending for a family, and a new chapter for Dinky to start.....
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"SIERRA" (Poster dog for HOPE)
I got a call from Dallas Animal Services asking if I could take little Sierra.. I she yes right away after seeing her picture, but yes quickly turned to no, when I found out she was Heartworm positive...Poor lil girl, she was originally given up by her owner, because as he stated, he had too many dogs.. He dropped 3 of them off at the shelter.. More than likely, a hoarder type situation.. Although I felt so bad for her, I didn't feel as a new rescue, I could handle the $700 and up expense most vets charge for such a treatment.. I then called back after thinking about her, and said to them, if I can raise the money, I will take her.... So up the postings went.. I posted her on Pawsitvely Tx... One of the best sites ever for rescues.. Within a matter of hours, I had raised enough to pay for her HW treatments as well as her spaying.. There are some very generous people here in Texas,, who love animals, and everyone was pulling for Sierra to get out of her situation..I drove the very next morning to get her.. All I saw from her was pure happiness!!.. Even while still in her cage.... One of the sweetest, happiest dogs I had ever rescued.. I was so happy I did end up rescuing her after seeing such enthusiasm for life.... She was so appreciative she was out, and smiled constantly.. She went in to a wonderful foster home.. Within days you could tell she adored the kids there, so we knew she needed a home with children.. I debated about keeping her there, until she was treated. Then opted to place her and have the treatment done after she was in her new permanent home...I knew I would have to stress to whom ever adopted her, all she had been through, and still has a long road ahead..... Then I got a call out of the blue, from a very nice lady. After speaking with her, I knew I would like this family right away. They had 4 children for Sierra to play with... They were really excited about helping a dog in need. That was what they mainly wanted.. One who really needed help.. Perfect for Sierra..
They came to meet Sierra.. All the kids adored her beyond belief and she loveddddddd the attention. She would roll on her back to let the kids scratch her belly. They brushed and combed her, and I know she thought she died and went to heaven with all the love, just for her.. I cannot tell you how wonderful this family is.. I can tell the children really knew and cared about animals.. They also had two Great Dane's at home as the new siblings to Sierra.. Wow a really big brother and sister.... They wanted Sierra as their inside dog they could baby.. So I thought this was perfect for all she had gone through...We talked things ove, r and they totally understood what all they would face with the treatments.. Still they were willing to adopt and love her for life.. The kids could not get enough of her...It was truly a story of hope, hope for all the ones killed just because they needed treatment.. When I think of how joyful this girl is, and how positive her little attitude always has been from day one, it makes me really sad to think she would have been killed..She is the picture of HOPE, of what can be, with just a little love and care.. She is what rescue is all about.. She is our poster girl of HOPE for 2010..Sierra has now begun her new journey in life, a new beginning.. All because people wanted her to live...
They came to meet Sierra.. All the kids adored her beyond belief and she loveddddddd the attention. She would roll on her back to let the kids scratch her belly. They brushed and combed her, and I know she thought she died and went to heaven with all the love, just for her.. I cannot tell you how wonderful this family is.. I can tell the children really knew and cared about animals.. They also had two Great Dane's at home as the new siblings to Sierra.. Wow a really big brother and sister.... They wanted Sierra as their inside dog they could baby.. So I thought this was perfect for all she had gone through...We talked things ove, r and they totally understood what all they would face with the treatments.. Still they were willing to adopt and love her for life.. The kids could not get enough of her...It was truly a story of hope, hope for all the ones killed just because they needed treatment.. When I think of how joyful this girl is, and how positive her little attitude always has been from day one, it makes me really sad to think she would have been killed..She is the picture of HOPE, of what can be, with just a little love and care.. She is what rescue is all about.. She is our poster girl of HOPE for 2010..Sierra has now begun her new journey in life, a new beginning.. All because people wanted her to live...
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"LELO"(Great things come in small packages)
Meet Lelo.. One of the most precious dogs I EVER SAVED....This precious little angel sat in the shelter since early July.. I found him all alone, in the lost and found section.. He was waiting to be reclaimed, and no one ever came for this sweetheart.. I took one look and thought, no way I am leaving him here.. He had nothing but big dogs around him barking, and he was extremely depressed. He didn't want to budge from his little bed.. He just raised his head, looked at me and but it right back down... He truly broke my heart......Time had taken it's toll on this 4 month old baby.. His zest for life was gone...You do the math.. He was in there for a over a month. How do you find a 2 1/2 month old dog as a stray, that weighs 4 pds?? Sickening....Total lack of responsibility. These are the ones that kill me the most, that I see in the shelters .
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This darling boy was in foster for only 2 days and I had taken him to the vet, so I kept him for about another 2 days at my own home. Then lots of calls started pouring in about Lelo... I cannot tell you what a perfect dog he was at my home.. He never made a peep at his age, or had an accident in my home. I COMPLETELY FELL IN LOVE with this tiny boy, and I know he fell in love with me.. He would just stare at me over and over.. I adored him.. I have to admit, it was hard to give him up.... He had an excellent nature, even with all he had been through..In a day or so, I got a call from a lady who had another tiny Chi who was 7 yrs old. .She was looking for another Chi as a friend, for Blaze, her other dog.. We went over the next day to meet Blaze and mom, and all went very well..Blaze and Lelo were fine with one another from the start.. He was still attached to me though. .He knew I had saved him. But I knew in my heart, this would be a good home. He needed another Chi for him to play with and have as a companion... When I left he just starred and did I cry when I got to the car. You just couldn't help but love this little guy.... Still I knew it was the right thing... When I left, he then politely threw a fit as his new mom told me. He cried and ran around looking for me, scratching the rug, biting things.. He was upset.... But in not time, by the end of the day he was already sleeping next to Blaze, eating and doing all the things little dogs do once they realize they will be loved, by the person who adopted him.. In the following days I got many emails telling me how well he was doing. He was bonding more and more, and then I knew he was home.. I knew he would be loved forever, and now he had a best friend too.. This is what it's all about, a good match and a new start in life.... Great things come in small packages, oh make that two small packages..Together, forever!!
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This darling boy was in foster for only 2 days and I had taken him to the vet, so I kept him for about another 2 days at my own home. Then lots of calls started pouring in about Lelo... I cannot tell you what a perfect dog he was at my home.. He never made a peep at his age, or had an accident in my home. I COMPLETELY FELL IN LOVE with this tiny boy, and I know he fell in love with me.. He would just stare at me over and over.. I adored him.. I have to admit, it was hard to give him up.... He had an excellent nature, even with all he had been through..In a day or so, I got a call from a lady who had another tiny Chi who was 7 yrs old. .She was looking for another Chi as a friend, for Blaze, her other dog.. We went over the next day to meet Blaze and mom, and all went very well..Blaze and Lelo were fine with one another from the start.. He was still attached to me though. .He knew I had saved him. But I knew in my heart, this would be a good home. He needed another Chi for him to play with and have as a companion... When I left he just starred and did I cry when I got to the car. You just couldn't help but love this little guy.... Still I knew it was the right thing... When I left, he then politely threw a fit as his new mom told me. He cried and ran around looking for me, scratching the rug, biting things.. He was upset.... But in not time, by the end of the day he was already sleeping next to Blaze, eating and doing all the things little dogs do once they realize they will be loved, by the person who adopted him.. In the following days I got many emails telling me how well he was doing. He was bonding more and more, and then I knew he was home.. I knew he would be loved forever, and now he had a best friend too.. This is what it's all about, a good match and a new start in life.... Great things come in small packages, oh make that two small packages..Together, forever!!
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"ALEXI" (A girl with a dream come true)
Where do I even start with Alexi.. I had eyed this girl up, who was on the euthanasia list for days. It came down to the day before they were to put her down, but I had no one to foster her. Without a foster I just couldn't do it, no matter how much I wanted to....Out of the blue, I got a email from someone with a wish. Their wish was to foster Alexi.. Yes, ALEXI!!...She had never fostered before, but there was something about Alexi.. Obviously she saw what I saw in this girl.. I was so excited, and for the new foster, she was too.. She was also very apprehensive. This was all new, and she had other dogs at home as well, so much to think about....I assured her I would be right there with her, helping this girl.. I went to the shelter and there she was. Sitting quietly and alone in her cage. I pulled her card and read it... She had spent the last 50 days sitting in that one cage!!!!.. She didn't know it, but her life was about to finally take a turn towards happiness forever..I took Alexi out the cage and we walked together to my car.. The whole time I was driving I talked to her and looked at her in my mirror... She sat quietly, never making eye contact, just starring. Not a move in over an hour.... She seemed to be in deep thought.. I could see the relief on her face, death was now out of site.. They do feel this, and every dog I pick up changes the minute they walk out the door of any shelter...We drove to meet her new foster...She took one look and it was the beginning of love. I told her how great of a dog I knew she was going to be. I could see she still didn't believe me, just yet. She had to see it for herself....She took Alexi home, and worked tirelessly with this girl. Day in and day out.. Training, teaching, swimming, playing, dog parks, sprinklers, pictures, more training and tons of love. Fifty days in a shelter is hell for any dog and affects them so much... She was determined to bring this girl out of her shell, and believe me, she did... She became the love of her life in the month she foster. She now believed how incredible she was, she finally could see it for herself.
Enter Linda and Michelle...After a month of hard work we got the best call ever.. Oh , I got many, but this one I could feel, was different.. We never could find that right fit until I got that one call.. By this point we knew, both the foster and myself, knew just what she needed, and we were sticking by that..Something about Linda, I just knew after talking. Then the sweet words came pouring out, "oh, and we have a Whippet already that needs a playmate"... BINGO!!....Perfection at it's best. This was Alexi's dream. A playmate, a family with love, a new life, a sister same breed as she was, as well as one other. All of her foster mom's training had her ready for her new life and it showed. When Linda and Michelle met Alexi it was a total and complete fit... They looked as though they had been together forever.. I cannot tell you, how happy everyone involved felt at that meeting.. .We all knew how perfect it was.. An oh, that dream Alexi was dreaming about, on the way home from the shelter, it finally came true. This was all she ever wanted, and waited for.. It was here..This perfectly extraordinary day, just for her this time... All the lonely days in the shelter just changed.. This was Alexi's new family and new life..It was all she dreamed of, for so very long......
Enter Linda and Michelle...After a month of hard work we got the best call ever.. Oh , I got many, but this one I could feel, was different.. We never could find that right fit until I got that one call.. By this point we knew, both the foster and myself, knew just what she needed, and we were sticking by that..Something about Linda, I just knew after talking. Then the sweet words came pouring out, "oh, and we have a Whippet already that needs a playmate"... BINGO!!....Perfection at it's best. This was Alexi's dream. A playmate, a family with love, a new life, a sister same breed as she was, as well as one other. All of her foster mom's training had her ready for her new life and it showed. When Linda and Michelle met Alexi it was a total and complete fit... They looked as though they had been together forever.. I cannot tell you, how happy everyone involved felt at that meeting.. .We all knew how perfect it was.. An oh, that dream Alexi was dreaming about, on the way home from the shelter, it finally came true. This was all she ever wanted, and waited for.. It was here..This perfectly extraordinary day, just for her this time... All the lonely days in the shelter just changed.. This was Alexi's new family and new life..It was all she dreamed of, for so very long......
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"ROMI AND J.T." ( Then there were 3!!)
Romi and J.T. had a very sad story. However, everything about their story, has changed to an extremely happy ending.... These two boys were very loved by their previous owner.. However he fell on hard times. Devastated and faced with no other options, they were brought to a shelter...Both Romi and J.T. were very traumatized while in the shelter. They were totally confused by the loss of their owner..They were there only one week, when they were put on the euthanasia list and considered aggressive.. They were just that frightened.. Thank God, I could see this was NOT aggression but fear they were feeling. With this label they absolutely would not have made it out or in to any home.... The day they were to be put down, I picked them up. So many people in the rescue world were rallying for these two boys, I cannot tell you...Iit's much harder to place two dogs instead of one, plus the people at the shelter assumed they were aggressive dogs with some of the actions they saw....
Romi and J.T. are extremely close and bonded. I had to find a home who would accept the fact they must remain together for life, and that they WOULD come around...They were so insecure around people after all the sudden trauma in their life, I cannot tell you. Thank God for a wonderful foster that they bonded with. They started to trust again and see that new people in their life was a good thing. They adored their foster mom, and vice versa..After ony two weeks God, (could not have been any thing else), sent us the most wonderful family that no one could have ever dreamed of..What I thought would take months for happened in only a couple of weeks....I got a call explaining, THEY had two bonded brothers for 11 yrs., and one had died.. They were truly devastated, beyond belief..They felt perhaps the new pair of bonded brothers would help the older Doxie, Clark that was left, and the family as well. They just could not get over the loss...We all met together and the two boys barked, snapped, and basically, wellllllllllllllll freaked out for an hour!.. The new owner to be, stayed totally collected and calm through all this, and simply said," I am not worried one bit about all this, this is normal protective behavior they have, my other boys were the same".. "Not to mention, it's a Doxie thing". THANK GOD, because although they were extremely loving, with both the foster and myself, the only way this would work was with a person who knew the breed welL. Not to mention could understand it was all the trauma they had endured.... The family, took a few days of thinking things over..I still felt in my heart this was "the place' for them to be and it truly was a god send to both the foster and I, as well as the boys. We waited patiently for their answer......
I got an email, only two days after they met the pair saying, Karen. we are ready. Fully committed, I could hear it in their email..They needed the boys, as much as the boys needed them....I cannot tell the joy I felt, the foster felt, and every single person who rallied for them. This was their day!!...A whole new life for 2, that faced certain death. We all met at their new home. There were no barks, no bites, just two little boys with wagging tails and lots of running around the yard..Clark, still trying to figure out, how 2 others could look so identical to him.....Somehow they knew this was home, and a new beginning... I could see it.... After meeting for a hour, the foster left crying, I left teary eyed and with the biggest smile you could ever imagine. When the door closed I heard the new owner say to the boys, "ok guys, you're home now". Then there were my tears from me, AND then there were 3!!!..........Thank you God for prays answered for two wonderful little loving boys that simply wanted a home, and someone to love again....
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"R.C."(One lucky boy!)
Meet R.C......This precious dog was actually dropped off in the night box, at the local shelter in Dallas.. He was in the shelter for over 30 days and was about to euthanized when I spotted him.. I cannot tell you how adorable he is, but then again his pictures show how incredibly precious he is.... .He was adopted and picked up after his family drove a long distance, from another part of Texas, to get him.. They are absolutely thrilled with him.. R.C. (Ragin Cajun) , now lives happily ever after with a human brother and sister, as well as, two other dog siblings.... He has died and gone to heaven, I can tell you that!.... He even goes on family vacations quite often with his entire family...In fact R.C. is getting a little R n' R in the mountains right now....Woohoo to R.C and your brand new life!... You are one lucky boy !!... I know he truly adores this new family and place, he can now call home!!!
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"BELLA ROSE" (A picture says a thousand words!)
This precious angel was dropped off by her owner, no longer wanted.. How in the world could ANYONE in their right mind, do this to such adorable angel.. At 5 yrs old, she was brought to a kill shelter of all places.. When I received the euthanasia list I couldn't resist this one.. I got in my car and drove up to pick her up. From the minute I laid eyes on her, I knew she would be a total doll!!. She certainly, was that. Bella is now living the good life with a fantastic family . They were searching for a new JRT because their 15 yr old had died, and their other JRT male had to have another friend as a companion to keep him company. I met grandma and grandpa at Petsmart, and like myself, it was love at first sight.. Bella now lives in a beautiful home with lots of acreage, another JRT and 2 other big brother and sister dog buddies.. Rumor has it they are treated like royalty in this household. I have to admit, I knew she was going to a great home.. Still, after only 3 days I cried when I handed her over to her new family... You just can't help but fall in love with this precious, precious angel...The sweet, the incomparable Bella Rose!
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"RANGER" (Eyes that melt your heart and soul!)
This gorgeous, gorgeous dog was scheduled for euthanasia the very next day after I picked him up. I walked in and there he was ..Sitting quietly in his cage, where he had been for 45 days!!.... One of the last ones on the list. . When my eyes met his, all I could think was, how could anyone kill this gorgeous dog?..How could he have been passed by, for 45 days, in a shelter?.. I felt as though I was meeting "Scooby Do" as soon as I saw him. .His precious look on his face, and tilt of the head, melted my heart and soul immediately... He was going home with me for sure...We walked to the car and he was filled with excitement knowing he would finally see outside the shelter, after living in one for so long.. This darling boy stood on my seat, and looking out the window, interrupted by licks on my hands over and over, the whole way home.. He so missed seeing and being outdoors, you could just tell...After only a week, a new mom came in to his life and adopted him.. This lucky boy ended up with two human sisters!!. He gets to be the king of castle, being the only male in the household.. Imagine the attention this darling guy is going to get every day for the rest of his life!....They run and walk with him everyday and love, love, love this guy.. But then again, who could resist this pair of eyes on any dog.. They speak volumes!!.. The 1, THE ONLY, Ranger... Be still my heart!!
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"MILES" (Happy days ahead!)
Walking in to the shelter, I asked to see the ones on the euthanasia list...As we walked though, I saw many, but there sat one tiny guy who they said, had been on the list for over 45 days.. When he saw me, his eyes lite up and he begin to jump, jump, jump.. Over and over.. I was trying to take them all in, so my attention wasn't on him the entire time. .Suddenly he stopped jumping and just laid there, head on the ground, with a sadness that came over him... .I could tell he was feeling rejected.. He thought once again, he would not be leaving.. BUT, he was wrong. I had made my mind up, as soon as I saw him, to take him to a better place.. A new life... I thought he was adorable upon seeing him..He turned out to be such a sweetheart, and at only 6 months he was so well behaved.. You never heard a peep out of this little guy... Then, a family called me, seeking a new dog. .Tragically they had lost there little dog after only 3 years.. Although it had happened a few months back, they were still devastated I could tell... They were very cautious, because they knew no other would fill his shoes.. I reassured them that loving another is the best thing they could do, to help them get over their loss.... After meeting Miles and taking him home it was love once again. Although another cannot fill the shoes of one you adored, they certainly can help you, to find love again.. Mile's demeanor and loving spirit, showed just how easily you can find that special angel once more!
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"ROXY" (Tragedy, turns to a road of forever love!)
Meet beautiful Roxy....Roxy and her best friend, had previous "so called " owners...You see their house had burned down.. After this happened, Roxy and her best friend were found tied to the back fence where the house was.. They were left to fend for themselves...Sadly, they were there for days, with no food or water. Finally animal control went to pick them up.. Roxy's best friend was adopted soon after arriving at the shelter, leaving Roxy behind. .Finally she was put on the euthanasia list, since she was not moving fast enough.. On her last day, a friend called me, and we were both concerned for her.. We came up with a plan. I would pick her up, and she would foster her. Our plan saved Roxy from certain death.. Roxy was an angel from day one. So shy and timid after all she had been through, but still so loving...Along comes her new mom who wrote to me. After being fostered for a about a month, this lady was truly a dream come true for Roxy.. She is a wonderful, animal loving soul..Roxy is now living with her new girlfriend, a Basset named Gracie, and a whole bunch of kitties..Thank God Roxy didn't mind sharing a home with other furry buddies.. Peggy, her new mom, has been a God send to Roxy. .She ADORES her.. She realizes just how very special she truly is..Roxy and mom alike, have a heart of gold, so it truly is a perfect match..... Roxy spends her days now, doing what she loves, PLAYING IN THE WATER, fetching balls, and just snoozing in a secure place, she can now call home.. A home where she knows she will remain forever, and loved beyond belief!!..... What an awesome life Roxy!
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"DIXIE" (A bundle of joy)
There is only one word to describe this little girl.. Happy... BUT, when I saw her pictures on the euthanasia list it was anything but smiling .She looked so sad, that's what caught my attention.. At the time they thought this little girl was pregnant , and still, she was scheduled for euthanasia.. My foster still was prepared to take on the babies too.. Lucky, it was discovered she was NOT pregnant, which of course was a good thing.. Just a fat belly, even though she was found on the streets...Once Dixie came out of the cage she came to life immediately. .She wanted out by all means.. She broke lose from her collar and hauled for the front door of the shelter.. Of course we stopped her and I explained that it was going to happen in just a few minutes. .Freedom!!...... At last!!....... I had a family call me who had a bigger dog, kids, and the works, but they wanted a little buddy inside with them. .Mom especially, wanted a dog to call her own... They came over to my foster Katie's home, and it was love at first sight. They walked in and hugged her..First words out of mom's mouth was, that's MY DOG!!...With the tail going 90 miles and hour and all smiles from everyone including Dixie, they were off in no time...This very happy lil girl, Dixie was off to the probably the best life she had ever known....Better then that, freedom to live and a brand new family who would cherish her!!
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"KIARA" (Abandoned angel, on to brand new life!)
This tiny precious girl called Kiara, was dumped at the shelter by the "so called" previous owner. When I first saw her she was terrified, shaking and totally confused by what had happened to her.. All the owners said was, she was unwanted and would get destructive when away.. Well because of her severe anxiety, I could tell she was destructive because she was left for hours, possibly more then a day alone. When she got to her foster home it was immediate love, and that was not the pictures they saw as stated by the previous person who owned her...... They adored this little girl and she was clinging for dear life to their every move.... Where ever they went, Kiara was right at their feet... That reaffirmed what I had thought to begin with. She was left alone a whole lot... Afraid of being left alone again, she didn't want them out of her sight...She loved them as much as they loved her. They saw no destruction just a little girl afraid of being left.. They spent lots of time and showered her with love, and each day she blossomed in to more confident dog. She was a complete angel, and in no time, even roaming around the house with the Golden Retriever's there.. Then one day, I got that call, from a special lady. I explained everything to her, and how important it was to understand why she was so anxious.... She told me it was not a problem that she could come with her to work, and would be by her side almost all day.. Perfect situation for Kara. She needed this so much!!... We then found out this poor baby had HW's. Then I really knew how little care she received in her previous life.. Although she was not suppose to be an outside dog, that is exactly where they probably left her for long periods.... She was vetted for her HW and is now living a very happy life with a tiny doggie sister just like her, and their new mom.. Kiara never knew she could have the kind of life and love she is now receiving.. Oh, and as for her anxiety she is doing 100% better.. Amazing what a love and compassion will do!!
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"EMMY"(Do you think I am "just ordinary"?)
I named her Emmy.. I wanted something really cute. Something that showed how even though she looked so ordinary, she was an amazing little girl to adopt.. Emmy came in to the shelter at 4 months old. She sat there till 6 months of age. .She really had no clue, what it was like, to live in a home with a family. She had been in a shelter for so long.. In a way, I guess that was better. She had nothing to compare it to,. When I walked in, looking over the new list of dogs, there sat Emmy.. One of the last two on the list , and she was to be put down next.... I passed her up and kept walking, but turned around and went back...She was running back and forth, and was playing with the little girl in the cage with her.. Suddenly, they ran to their bed, and curled up together. I could tell they were best friends. They needed one another and it was a good feeling to her to have someone with her, their by her side.... I sat and watched this, for about 10 minutes. Play, rest, play rest.. I knew that Emmy would be considered by some to be just an "ordinary girl".. Sadly making her harder to adopt... She had long lanky legs, a Doxie face, and half a tail. Still there was something about this little girl that was so adorable....I just couldn't do it to her.. Leave her there to die. She had such a love of life and it would be so unfair.....So it was Emmy's turn... She was taken to her foster home that night. In the days that followed I was told of how adorable she was... How great she got along with all 3 of the other dogs, and how over all she was just a wonderful this little girl.... I knew foster mom Katie, could see what I saw. Her sweetness just shined through and that never ending zest for life..... Over the next few days no calls or Emails. .Then suddenly 2 or 3 came in through email. Then low and behold, one in particular really wanted her, as well as another family.. They came to visit, their dogs in tow.... Emmy met the other guys who were bigger and it was a match. Everyone loved each other. Well looks like this little girl found her forever home..Emmy then drove off in to the sunset with 3 other companions to call her new friends.. Ordinary does not mean you are not special...I was wrong too, thinking it would take Emmy longer to be adopted..... Emmy was adopted about 1 1/2 weeks later.. It only takes that one person to see something in that one dogs eyes, and make that connection with them.... Emmy is now finally in a place she can call HOME!!!!
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"BUDDY" (How could anyone abandon this adorable boy!)
Buddy was dropped off at a kill shelter at the age of 15!!. .Yes you heard me right, dumped!!.... The owner said he was 15 years old.. Makes me wonder if they made a mistake, because he was in fantastic shape and had the energy of a 7 yr old... When I saw this posting I had to rush to get this little guy. .First I was sick he was brought there at this age and secondly, he was just the cutest thing I remembered seeing in a long time.. When I got there he bobbed his way out to the car and could not wait to get in.. He was even more adorable in person then ever.. Oh, lord I could have fallen for this one. Thank God I brought him straight to someone who wanted to adopt him.. He was very nervous on the way home and I could tell he had been through alot, being left at the shelter.. I knew he was thinking, where am I going now?... .So we drove though McDonald's and he got a kids hamburger and some cold water, we instantly bonded.. haha.. I know he was thinking, hey this ain't so bad, I am digging this woman. On the drive to the meet the new adoptive family I could not help but wonder about who gave him away.. He was just darling and so good in the car... I was thrilled he was going to a home who had Westies all their life.. Three living at home...They knew the breed well, which was ideal..... Finally I picked out our destination and met the new family.. Of course they thought he was as adorable as I told them he was... .Since going to his new home, I have spoken to the owner and she said he is right at home and has fit in perfectly.... She said, he instantly bonded with her other Westies and was completely adorable.. "Just perfect" were her words...It was a match made in heaven, and the best part was, he had a bunch of little buddies running with him that were his mirror image... = )
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"HALEY" (A tiny girl with a hard start)
Haley was one of the tiniest, sweetest ones I picked up at the shelter.. I was searching for a smaller dog to rescue, and there weren't any that the guy knew of, that was on the euthanasia list.. So we walked around and looked more, then he remembered Haley.. As we walked down the hall he was telling me that when she came in she was very very sick. They had kept her in quarantine and treated her.. Not something many shelters would do, but lucky for Haley they did... They treated her about a month or more ... She had just finally recuperated and was about to be put up for adoption or rescue...As soon as I saw her I wanted to take her.. She was a complete doll and extremely sweet... Within days of rescuing her, calls started coming in.. Every body wanted her. .She just had that sweet look that everyone looks for.. She pretty much had it all and was housebroken to make her adoption even sweeter..Finally I chose a family to adopt Haley.. They had one small daughter and no other animals.. They were very cautious because of their little girl. I assured them, they would not adopt a better dog for a small child.. We finally met up outdoors somewhere, and the little girl lite up when she saw Haley... Haley too, lite up when she saw the little girl.. She jumped right up in the back seat with the little girl and was all kisses and love with their daughter.... A match!!.... They were delighted the daughter loved Haley and that Haley was so easy going... A kiss goodbye from the foster and myself, and Haley was on to a whole new life... She would have the family all to herself and I knew it would be love forever!!.. ALL YA NEED IS LOVE, and you can see there is plenty of it!!.....Another beautiful match...
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"BUNNY" ( Gentle loving little girl, travel ahead)
When I walked in to the shelter there sat Bunny.. She was in a cage with 3 other dogs.. All were running around, jumping, hyper and there she was in her own little world.. In her little bed, head held high, just starring. I took one look at this sweetheart and knew she was one coming back with me. She has been this way ever since.. Always the good girl. A lap dog at that... . .At only 8 months old she has the soul of a much older dog.. You can look at her eyes and you just know, although she is quiet, she is very wise...She is a just an adorable young girl with such a loving heart..... You could not ask for a better dog to adopt.... She is very quiet and you would hardly know she's in the room with you... Soon after Bunny was posted I got a call from a lady who was looking for a little dog companion. She and her husband, travel around the country, since her husband is an engineer. He works in different cities months at a time...The lady wanted a dog as a companion because she spent alot of time alone, while her husband was off working . .Perfect for little Bunny, since she loves to be in someones lap and to side by side with whom ever cares for her...This couple travels alot, even when not working, so Bunny is on her way to seeing the world.. It's been a long road from a kill shelter to traveling the highways all over the country.. Have a great trip Bunny and enjoy your new family! Life is going to be one big vacation for you.. You will surely be spoiled rotten being the only doggie in the household!!
I have since gotten an update on Bunny, now Kaci.. They told me, they could not have found a more sweeter dog to adopt.. She has since learned tons of new commands and is definitely a smart dog. She goes everywhere with them, and they are truly in love with this girl. They say she is spoiled rotten.. I love a happy ending and love them being spoiled after enduring life in a shelter.. You deserve the good life Kaci, and I know that is exactly what you are living now... = )
I have since gotten an update on Bunny, now Kaci.. They told me, they could not have found a more sweeter dog to adopt.. She has since learned tons of new commands and is definitely a smart dog. She goes everywhere with them, and they are truly in love with this girl. They say she is spoiled rotten.. I love a happy ending and love them being spoiled after enduring life in a shelter.. You deserve the good life Kaci, and I know that is exactly what you are living now... = )