Date: 12/22/00 11:37 AM
From: Marcia Montgomery
She had a 'ball" running in the backyard in the snow last night and playing chase with the other dog. She is a very affectionate dog and I am sure that we are going to have a lot of wonderful years with her.
I may have "rescued" her, but she has turned what was going to be a not so great Christmas a very happy one.
Thank you
Marcia Montgomery
Date: 12/21/00 2:02 AM
From: Eve
I am so sorry that I haven't written back until now but we have been so busy with last minute Xmas stuff around here! Bailey is absolutely TERRIFIC! He is very happy and loves to sleep with Ed's socks! He is so funny with his toys. He and Macie are getting along just fine. He follows Ed everywhere and won't even get out of bed in the morning until Ed gets up! Both dogs seem to respect Tiffanie a great deal and never bother her. When they play, Tifannie spins around in circles! I guess I have one big happy dog family! Bailey is great with Devon and could care less about the cat. My parents met him last night and think he is wonderful and could not believe that he was a stray and that no one at the shelter wanted him. Your description of him was so perfect. He is so laid back and very patient. How is everyone with you? Hope all is well. Talk to you soon!
Eve.
Date: 12/12/00 1:00 PM
From: Ann Isaacs
She seemed a little confused and scared when we first got her home but has since adjusted amazingly well. She particularly likes the boys and follows them everywhere. She sleeps in their room on a blanket and doesn't wake up until 7 a.m. (which is when they need to get up for school). So far no accidents in the house, which is nice. Initially she wanted to be on the couch and the bed but we were pretty firm and she seems to accept it.
She has been eating, but not with gusto, so I don't know if she's just not a big eater or if that will change as she gets more comfortable. She appears to know the commands "sit", "paw" and "stay" which thrills the boys because they think they taught her these things.
The best news, though, is that I haven't seen any significant allergies so far. There have been a few sniffles and sneezes but I would expect that this time of year any way. I'll keep my eye on it but I think she's a keeper. I have the number for Lorraine and I will call her in a couple of days to find out what I owe her.
Thanks for all your help and thanks for rescuing such a wonderful dog.
-Ann
Date: 11/3/00 12:32 PM
From: Tammi Lindholm
I wanted to provide you with an update on Jake Ian O'Reilley - "JAKE". If I had to fail Fostering 101, this big black lovable lab was the dog to do it with! He has really come a long way over the past couple of months. As you now, when I began fostering him, he was VERY underweight - only weighing 72 pounds - he was skin and bones. He's up to 85 pounds now and he looks great! The vet is so pleased with his progress. Now that he knows he isn't going to put out on the streets again, he's settling into our home nicely. He walks well on the leash, LOVES to play ball and has becomes Bailey's (my other dog) bestfriend. The two of them are inseparable. Jake is a large sweetheart! He loves to be pet and craves attention. I know that the goal is to find foster parents who can help an animal until it finds a new home, but I can't imagine my life without Jake. He is my "Gentle Giant".
Now that my knee surgery is over, and I'm working locally, I should have some time to devote to the BCAA. If you need my assistance, please let me know.
- Tammi Lindholm
Date: 10/19/00 8:01 AM
From: Elisa Dvinoff
He loves people now, especially men, for some reason. He's actually become very social (he'll walk right up to our friends and neighbors and sniff them), but he loves other animals even more than people!
His tail wags all the time and he gives us doggy kisses, so we think he's happy. He never barks, and the only time he makes any noise at all is if we have to leave the house, sometimes he howls.
We're working on housetraining, and we have him in the routine where we walk him the same times everyday in the same place, and he's pretty good. Sometimes he'll even walk over to the door and sniff it, and when he does that, we take him out. (He has a very active sniffer!). He also drinks a lot! And he chews, but we got him lots of chew toys so he doesn't chew on anything of ours.
His nose is still running a little bit, but the cough is gone and his operation was healed within about 3 days.
All in all, he's an absolute joy, and we give him lots of love and attention. We couldn't ask for a cuter or more wonderful dog!!
(And we haven't forgotten about sending you that picture...)
Again, thanks so much for what you and Lorraine have done for so many animals! It's just amazing what a difference you guys have made!! (I'm actually considering volunteerwork now, or fostercare when we have our own house, because I think it's so great to save these animals, and so many people can benefit from these precious puppies/dogs and cats!!)
Date: 10/15/00 1:46 AM
From: Wayne Moran
I just wanted to drop you a quick line about "Autumn". First I should tell you that the girls wanted to re-name her and after much debate they settled on Heather.... Sorry about that, Joan and I didn't think it would hurt since she was only called Autumn for a couple of days, we hope you understand.
Well, she is doing very well. She is feeling more at home every day and she just adores the girls. You were right she is just a sweetheart. She is very well mannered and very well trained. She gets all the attention she can stand. She loves to go for walks around the neighborhood and loves to romp in the backyard with the girls, chasing soccer balls or tennis balls. She is now a regular at the girls' soccer practices and games and just loves being around children. (We haven't made it to the shore yet but probably will pretty soon.) That "golden" smile of hers is back and her tail is constantly wagging. Today she was introduced to the fun of rolling around with the girls in a big pile of leaves!
We are doing ok with feeding, although she doesn't have a huge appetite for dog food. I suspect she was used to eating a lot of table scraps, but she is coming along ok. She likes it when we add pumpkin or string beans to her food and she loves carrots for treats. She is getting plenty of exercise, loosing weight and definitely getting more energetic. Most importantly we think she feels at home and we feel very lucky to have adopted her. It is a great match!!
We had a "bathroom scale" weight of 78 lbs last week!!! Her appointment with Dr. Abelson is tomorrow (Monday 10/30). We will let you know what she thinks of Heather and will give you a full report. We will send you a picture soon (We don't have a digital camera but will have a picture scanned and email you a copy).
We hope everything is going well with you and Breeze. We will be in touch soon.
Thanks again,
Wayne
Date: 10/17/00 11:14 AM
From: dino-212@webtv.net
This message is for everyone at the alliance, but especially for Lorraine!
I am writing to update you on my dog "Teddy" formerly known as Pepe. Teddy is a male bichon.
Teddy will be with us one year on Halloween. He has been a joy to have in our family. Teddy has come along way in one years time. When we first got him he was not affectionate at all, now he follows me everywhere and has to sit on my lap when ever I am on the couch. We have gone to obedience classes and I am soo proud of his progress at those classes. I had a woman in the class comment to me that she couldn't believe the change that had taken place in him from the first class. Teddy still has challenges that we work on. Like coming when he is called and not tugging on the leash when we go for a walk, but those things will just take more time.
Thanks again for rescuing my little bichon, our lives wouldn't be the same if he wasn't here to brighten up each day with his energetic personality and unconditional love.
Happy Halloween!! :)
Marianne
Date: 10/15/00 10:19 AM
From: Tfm1992@aol.com
I just wanted to let you all know what a WONDERFUL job you are doing. We looked for many months trying to find a dog that would be good with our two daughters as well as our two cats. It seemed that every dog we were interested in just wasn't suited for our family. Until we met Ginger, she is an absolute joy!!!!! She is great with the kids (and doesn't mind the cats too much either). She is by far the most affectionate, loving dog we've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She's been with us for over two months now and is very comfortable in her new home.
We are truly grateful for everything you all did to bring this special dog into our lives. Keep up the great work!!!! These shelter animals need people like you to help them find FOREVER homes.
Thank you again,
The Markarian Family
Franci, Tom, Ashley & Avery
Date: 10/10/00 1:00 PM
From: Andrea
We are just writing in to let you know how grateful we are that you allowed us to rescue our Boxer (Chance) from you. We adopted him approximately two and half weeks ago and he is the most wonderful dog ever. We are so very sad that any dog would have to go through any bad experiences, but I guess like people, it happens sometimes. Chance was a wonderful name for him, because when I saw him on the Internet I just knew I needed to save him, my husband and I knew he needed us and we wanted him. He came to us weighing in at 50 pounds. He is about twenty three pounds underweight, but he has gained 12 pounds already. He was weighed in yesterday at his third visit to the vet and he weighed in at 62 pounds. He is just a bundle of joy. We love him dearly, he is great with our son Austin who is two and half. He is a great ball player, loves to run and mostly he loves other boxers. We have a Breeder not far from us with two adult Boxers male and female and we took him up there to see if he would like to play and he played for a good hour half. He was just the funniest thing to watch! He came home exhausted, gulped down a gallon of water and he was out for the rest of the afternoon until dinner.
Again we just want to say thank you and he is wonderful! We love him! We have sent along some pictures of him to the shelter, we hope you enjoy them. If ever you get another Boxer in please feel free to contact us, as we would love to adopt another Boxer for Chance to play with.
Good Luck with all of the other animals.
Sincerely,
Matthew and Andrea
Date: 9/22/00 2:24 PM
From: SALRangers@aol.com
He's calm, sweet, and oh so laid back. Anything anyone does is okay with him as long as he's included and petted. I had a house warming party with 30 people. He went on 7 different walks with 7 different groups of people and everyone commented on how well behaved and wonderful he was. He's a very easy dog to love.
Thank you for giving me unconditional love in the form of a darling four-legged friend. Hopefully, someone else will find it in their hearts to give other "Stafforshire Terriers" a chance. I'm so glad that I have one at home waiting for me.
Sherry Manzino
Date: 9/21/00 8:59 PM
From: Joan C
Thank you,
Joan C
Date: 9/18/00 6:53 PM
From: Carol Shaw
Carol Shaw
Date: 9/8/00 9:58 PM
From: Jennifer
I wanted you to know that Murphy is an incredibly wonderful addition to our family. He is very obedient, playful with the kids and very loyal. I am so glad we have him. Having been a skeptic at first, I would recommend his breed to anyone looking for a great family dog. He spends his weekends at the shore with us and loves the beach! I hope you have luck placing Luke.
Jennifer
Date: 9/2/00 8:03 PM
From: Athena
As for my Simon, his tail hasn't stopped wagging since Coal Jack walked through the door. He let him know that he's the BOSS, then they fell asleep next each other, exhausted on the floor. They played nonstop for close to three hours. Now they're napping, waking up and playing, then napping again. I expect that this is how they will behave and this is exactly what I wanted. I don't anticipate any problems, although Coal Jack doesn't like to be left alone. He barks and cries, however when I left him alone with Simon, to get something from the car, he was quiet. A very good sign.
Thank you for allowing me the pleasure if this happy, sweet dog. I expect that he will have a good life with myself and Simon.
Athena Badras
Date: 9/1/00 8:39 AM
From: Lori
Lori
Date: 8/29/00 2:01 PM
From: Melody
I hope this is you. I adopted Benny (smooth fox terrier) from you in October. We are coming up to our first anniversary together and I wanted to let you know how great things are! I absolutely adore him, he is my little boy and makes me very happy. I know he is also very happy in his home. He has lots of other dog friends around the neighborhood and he also has my mom's two girls, who we visit often. He has adjusted very well to his life and I can't ask for anything more. I have been surfing the web a lot lately and always look at dog websites. It is really heartbreaking to see so many homeless dogs, because of irresponsible owners. I am so glad to say that I had the opportunity to save one, thank you. I know that in the future I would ONLY rescue a dog, never go to a store or breeder.
Well Benny and I thank you for your help!
Keep up your great ( and admirable) work!
Sincerely,
Melody & Benny Hana (Bean)
Date: 8/26/00 6:23 PM
From: Rosalie
Hi there!
Before you could even reply to my last email, I buckled down and did
Becca's site. If you go to this website (address to follow) and click on her name, it will take you to her site!
http://www.eticomm.net/~karma26/pets.html
Any input would be appreciated!
Have a good weekend!
Take care!
Rosalie, Mark, Spenser, Kippy, Pacey, and Becca
Date: 8/15/00 2:40 PM
From: Allison Schiding
Two months ago, my husband and I began our adventure in doggie parenthood with a one-year-old Beagle/Boston Terrier mix. Duchess' former owner surrendered her to the shelter because she was too old to keep her. Her time ran out at the shelter, but thankfully, BCAA had a foster home for her. Well, that didn't last long. She was only there a day when I fell in love with her silly underbite and expressive eyebrows. The first order of business was a new name. Duchess was far too ordinary for this odd little dog. So, she was rechristened Fergie.
Over the past two months, we have become hopelessly smitten with her, and from all appearances the feeling is mutual. All my friends laugh at us. We are such avid cat people, no one ever thought a dog would affect us this way. We still love our cats just as madly, but there always seems to be room to love another creature. Especially one that is so smart and affectionate.
In the evenings, when Fergie finally calms down and lays beside us to watch TV (and snore!) I look at that sweet face with its funny underbite and soft brown eyes and I wonder how anyone could have passed her up. But I guess it was because she belonged with us. Thank you so much for the work you do. Your love of animals shines through in everything your organization does. And it doesn't go unappreciated.
With much happiness,
Allison & Ron Schiding, and Fergie
Date: 8/14/00 3:35 PM
From: Cindy Troy
It is so strange that you called when you did. Brian and I were just saying
how we needed to call to thank you for our little puddin'. The picture
included here is even a little old- he's gotten bigger and cuter. He's
really doing well. He's learned sit and stay and down and catches the
frisbee like a pro. He likes to go to the beach- but not in the water. Not
knowing his actual birthdate - we picked Sept 16. We'll have to send you a
picture with him in his birthday hat! Keep up the good work saving these
guys because we couldn't even imagine our lives without our Trooper. Take
care, Cindy and Brian.
Date: 7/15/00 7:08 PM
From: Ofra
My foster lab pup, Georgie was adopted today by a wonderful family, at the Burlington County Animal Alliance adoption day, at PetSmart in Moorestown, NJ!!!
Early this afternoon as the rescued dogs and their foster parents were gathered at the store, a woman came to chat with me. She liked the young lab a lot, but said she already had a dog and a cat, teenagers and a husband... I really liked her, but couldn't push the dog on her. I moved on to talk with other shoppers who stopped by to pet the dogs and chat. Then, an hour later, a clerk came to me and asked if I was the black Lab owner. I said: "His foster Mom, yes!" She said that someone had called and asked to talk with me, but the phone got disconnected.
A few minutes before we were supposed to pack up and leave, Janet returned, with her son and her Female Retriever mix. I realized who she was and was very happy to see her again! She said that at home she told her husband about Georgie, how cute he was, and how much she wanted him. He said: "Than go get him!" (This hubby is a find, or what???) So she did!!! We went outside, she introduced Georgie to "Her children," and everyone seemed to like each other. She walked the pooch, he heeled well, he kissed her, she was impressed by his gentleness and manners, and we knew it was right!
Back inside Janet, who is, BTW, the creative director for big Brothers and Big Sisters in Philly (Yeah, I can Shmooz some future gigs here!!!) filled in the papers, including neutering contract for the pooch, paid the fee, and because she was prescreened earlier in the year, when she adopted a cat from BCAA, she was Okayed to adopt Georgie on the spot!
After Janet fitted him in bright red collar and leash, and received compliments on how gorgeous he was, I kissed him good-bye, gave him a few toys and some treats to take home with him, and went to my car to shed a tear...
So this is the story about Georgie, who was almost put down last week, had I not intervened and volunteered to foster him. Thanks to Barb, Lorraine, and Betsy, who trusted that I indeed would foster him, removed him from the kill shelter and took care of him when I recovered from my surgery, Georgie is on his way to a great future with a "forever" family.
KaCee and Stanley had great fun with Georgie while he stayed with us, too!
@)}--->--->------------
Ofra.
Date: 6/22/00 2:17 PM
From: Cynthia Reed
Things were a little rough for the first few days, while she and my other dog sorted things out. By the way, her name is now Stella! (It just somehow suits her better). She is the sweetest little thing! And she and Teddy are in a much better place with each other now. Stella is pretty much the alpha, although Teddy will sometimes let her know if she's crossed one of his lines.
They absolutely love her at the vet's office! I had her in right after I got her, for a kennel cough vaccine and Lyme. Also got a heartworm blood test to back up the smear from the shelter, and started her on heartworm med. I've been working with a trainer with Stella, and she's doing quite well. She's a really smart little girl. She was a little porky when she first came, but I've had her on Nutro lite formula, and she goes for a run with me almost every morning. She's lost almost 2 pounds, and yesterday when I had her in for her Lyme booster, the vet assistant said, "Oh, she's got a waist, now." (Stella looked a lot like a bratwurst about a month ago).
So I just wanted to let you know that everything worked out very well, and that Stella (formerly Gemini) seems to be very happy. I know I am!
Thanks again for putting that post on the JRT board.
Cynthia
PS: I have some pictures, but I have to send them separately, because I don't think I can attach them to this.
Date: 6/21/00 10:26 AM
From: Mike Coleman
It's been six months since we adopted Jiggles from
you and/or the county alliance. We have grown very
attached to Jiggles, my wife especially, and likewise
for Jiggles. He's very playful, affectionate, and
therapeutic in a sense. He's up to date on his shots, on
preventive treatment for heartworm and even has pet
insurance! His coat has grown in beautifully and was
recently trimmed and groomed. He also lost some weight
coming down to 30 lbs. from 34. He behaves very well
with family, friends, and kids in our building. Thought
I'd just keep you up to date on onr of your successful
adoptions! There's a photo attached in case you don't
quite remember Jiggles. I'll keep in touch.
Mike Coleman
Date: 6/18/00 10:23 PM
From: Pam & Howie
Spirit is great - It is almost un-believable how well she fits into our family. Let me tell you two things; first, we took her to our vet on Monday. After he examined her and asked some questions we ready to go. As we were leaving he said "if you decide that you don't want to keep her I'll take her " what a compliment to her! The other thing is that to me it's almost eerie how easily both my other dogs accept her, especially Mandy who is Gretchen's pup - Gretchen was our beautiful lady who died. If I were superstitious (I'm not) I'd say that she is well named. She seems almost like Gretchen's spirit - same sweet, loveable kind of dog. She's been great with kids - both two-legged and four legged. We love her already. Please keep in touch.
Pam & Howie
Date: 6/5/00 6:19 PM
From: Piotr Piwowski
I just wanted to write you a note to let you know how the boys are doing. They are doing absolutely great! We are extremely happy that they are home with us now. Chevy is now Buddy, and KC is Henry; I got them both a little heart name tag with their name, phone and address engraved on them (I love PETSMART!!)
Buddy of course is very happy-go-lucky and settled right in to his new house. Little Henry was nervous at first, but still excited and happy. He gets his tail wagging so hard that his back paws come off the floor. It really is just the cutest thing! I am very glad they were able to stay together, they are such good friends! I had to separate them for a little while because Henry needed to rest and Buddy justs wants to play non-stop. Henry's stiches were looking slightly swollen - so I cleaned it up and put some triple-antibiotic on there, and let him have some good quiet time, and he looks much better now. The stiches don't appear to be bothering him any longer; He's upstairs tackling Buddy as we speak (or write as the case may be)
They have both been excellant with going potty and their other business outside. Buddy was marking his territory a little (not much) but that's normal and to be expected. They have both accepted their new home, and are already starting to protect it. Buddy heard something outside and was barking, and even Henry was baying at the neighbor's dog. He has the sweetest bay - it almost sounds like he's saying 'how rude'.
They both love to play. Their favorite game is to get down on their front paws, with their rears in the air, then I either bark at them or make a false lunge and they go ripping through the house and come back and wait for me to do it again. They are both smiley from ear to ear, very happy and lovey and doing wonderfully. I have been giving Henry an extra small meal to help put some meat on his bones.
Thank you for helping facilitate our adoption, and for taking such good care of them, I will keep in touch and send you pictures in a month or two. We absolutley adore them - our family is complete now!
Date: 5/27/00 2:29 PM
From: Don & Juanita Jane Schmidt
She has been to the vet who prescribed antibiotics for kennel cough, and salve for her eyes - she will require a minor eye operation later. He gave her a rabies shot and prounounced her healthy otherwise.
After a long bath, her coat is now shining black and in remarkable condition for a shar-pei and considering her escapades the last few weeks! She looks quite the show dog now especially with her new red collar!
She had a couple of initial skirmishes with our other shar-peis, and emerged as low dog on the totem pole but as long as they sorted it out, that's all we care about!!
Regards,
Juanita Schmidt
Cape May, NJ
Date: 5/21/00 3:41 PM
From: Carole Sheffield
Everyday is a new adventure, watching her adjust to living in a loving family. She is so much fun; a very curious dog. When we are not home, she goes through the house and collects things. She never chews or destroys, just leaves them in a pile in the living room ( a shoe, a teddy bear, whatever she can find). I have taken to hiding things just for her to find when I am not home. Mona loves sitting outside and watching the squirels, chipmunks, birds, bugs, whatever. She amuses herself and is a hoot to watch.
When we initially let her off-leash, she would just run in tight little circles; now she chases after the ball (and brings it back for a belly-rub) and will go quite a distance for it. She is slowly getting more comfortable with being in the bedroom with us at night and sitting on the couch for snuggling. I bought her an $80 dog bed which she won't use. She took Shannon's and now Shannon is using the new one! She has been great with Shannon. Shannon had her hip removed on 5/10 and requires 3 weeks of intensive care (10 minute walks, 6x a day--to force her to be weight-bearing). Mona gets 3 vigourous walks a day and lots of playing in the yard in between. Except for the first night in the back of the car, when one of them growled at the other (we're not sure who, the why was obvious--the car is rather small), there hasn't been a problem between the two of them. Shannon smiles all the time. After the first 3 weeks, Shannon will need lots of exercise, including off-leash running. We can see that Mona will be a big help with that.
The only "problem" we have with Mona is that she is over-protective. We are asking friends to stop by, so we can socialize her. She is fine off the property (with the vet, groomer, etc.), but at home, she barks and growls, her hair goes up, etc. She will take treats from people and that's a good sign, but she does scare people. We are optimistic that this will work out, but we want to take our annual week in Maine at the end of June and need to be able to leave her with a house/dog sitter.
Mona is not happy with the rainy weather; it interfers with her squirrel-watching time. Yesterday, she discovered that if she sits a certain way on the couch, she can see the squirrels. Can you tell we love her? Anyway, I finally had a moment and wanted to let you know that Mona is fine and very happy. Shannon, David and I are happy as well. I hope you are well.
Best, Carole
Date: 5/17/00 11:38 AM
From: Angela Harrison
The first couple of months she was sweet and loving, but didn't want to get to attached to us. Now she has finally realized that this is HER home, and you can see it in the way she acts. Before, she would take the love we gave her but didn't ask for any, and tried to act very low key.
Now, she DEMANDS attention; she rolls on her back asking for belly rubs, follows my husband around (unless I'm in the kitchen), sits with my children when they are watching TV, and asks to get on my lap every time I sit at the computer.
My husband says she's a hound dog, because she can be happily sleeping, and you open a banana on the other side of the house, and it takes her 5 seconds to be there asking for some. My children have nicknamed her "the truck", because when she doesn't want to go out, trying to make her move is like trying to pull a truck.
She is a joy to have. We are all madly in love with her, She is such a blessing!!!
We thank God every day for Precious,for letting her into our lives, and for you, for letting us have her.
Thank you for making our family complete.
Jeff, Angela, Eric, Sandra, Puffy, Sweetie and Precious Harrison
Chris
Date: 5/10/00 9:43 AM
From: Chris
Hello! I just wanted to get back to you about PJ. He has quickly become the prince of the household.
He has taken to the house and the yard quickly. Despite the unseasonal heat, he has even really been into running around the back yard. Needless to say, this has caused us to be extra cautious and also has made it necessary to add many more ice cube trays! Helen has also seen to it that he will never be left wanting for toys, so he is very occupied inside and out. I am amazed at how animated yet well behaved he is (even in his very early morning visits to the yard). We are very happy with our new addition. As soon as I can unpack the digital camera, I will send some shots of him. By the way, where did you find those ice cube trays? They sound really neat! Thank you for all your help with adopting PJ -- we really couldn't have found a better dog anywhere. I will try to keep you well updated as we go through puppyhood!
All the Best,
Chris
Date: 5/7/00 11:59 AM
From: Casey (AKA Kissy) Russel
Just want to let you know how happy I am with the Russells and thank you so much for taking care of me when I was a puppy. I have a big yard to play in and Nicole thinks she takes me for walks, but I really take her! Michael acts like a tough teenager, but when no one is looking he gives me lots of love and hugs, you know how boys are. My new Dad would not let me on the couch the first day, but now I am the queen of the couch, I got him wraped around my little paw! I just feel so lucky that you was there for me when I was little and you found me a nice home. I will alawys love and think of you. Well duty calls, time to go and play with Nicole.
Love,
Casey aka Kissy
Date: 4/30/00 8:05 AM
From: Karen King
We just adore Shelby! She was fine on the ride back home. She was a little skittish at first, but seems to be more relaxed around us. she is just a love. She alternated sleeping with us and my daughter last nite. She loves to go for walks and the kids love to take her. So far, no accidents in the house. We did buy a crate and will crate her when we go back to work tomorrow. Thank you so much for all of your help. She is the perfect dog for our family.
Karen :)
Date: 4/25/2000 4:33 PM EDT
From: Jennifer Ribeca
I just wanted to give you an update on Nikko (10yr. Siamese) and how well he is adapting to his new home. I had BIG doubts at first that my 7yr. old German Shorthaired Pointer Rocky, would accept this new edition to our house. When I first brought Nikko home from the shelter, Rocky went crazy trying to smell the cat and would even try to grab at the cat. We gave Nikko his own room and let him stay in there for a couple of days until he felt comfortable enough in his new surroundings. Rocky would sniff under the door and cry and moan all night. That was difficult to deal with, but we made sure Rocky got his share of attention and eventually he left the door alone. When the weekend came, I brought Nikko out and perched him on top of our entertainment center where he could overlook the room and Rocky could not reach him. A few times I brought him down and tried the two of them together in the same room. It only took Rocky just a few times to learn that if he went near the cat I would turn him over on his back and give a sharp, loud NO!! I could see the change in him immediately because he would leave the room as soon as the cat came near him because he was afraid he would get in trouble. Nikko let me know when it was time for me to start leaving the door to his room open by scratching at the door if we closed it. So, we left the door open at night and he could explore while everyone (including Rocky) was asleep. We ran into a few problems such as Rocky eating Nikko's food, but nothing that we couldn't cure. After just three weeks, we leave the door open all the time and Nikko runs the house. The dog and cat don't bother with each other at all. It's so nice to have harmony!! Nikko follows me and my daughter around constantly, scratching at the doors if we shut them without letting him in (good thing he is declawed). Such an affectionate friend, which is exactly what I had hoped for!!! Thanks for bringing Nikko into our lives, we greatly appreciate it!!!!!
Jen
Date: 4/24/2000 10:24 PM EDT
From: Sandy
Thanks for saving her life!
Huggs,
Sandy :)
Date: 4/19/2000 11:00 AM EDT
From: Donna B. Sulak
Thank you again!
Donna Sulak
Date: 3/21/00 06:10:00 PM EDT
From: Michele
We sat here reading your letter, both of us with tears in our eyes! I do not know how to thank you for helping us the way you are. I want you to know we are grateful for & will never forget your kindness. Please keep in touch & let me know where you are so we can connect on Saturday. Again, I sincerely thank you.
Michele
Tue 3/28/00 9:48 PM
Dear Lorraine,
We love him! He's very well behaved, except when he sees another dog. Otherwise he's pretty cool! We'll be having him fixed soon & also getting his rabies shot.
Everything went pretty smooth with the shelter. I really have to thank everyone involved with making this happen.....especially you!
I have a suggestion for your internet site. It makes a big difference when people searching for a pet can see a photo, at least it did for me. The folks that take your photos were there the night that we came down. It was almost closing time yet they were there taking shots of the animals. I don't know if you rely on public funding for operating costs for your site?
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you what we named this guy! His name is
Sunshine and we call him "Sunny" for short! He loves walking with us in the
park. Oh, a funny thing before I go..... Sunny didn't eat very much when he
first got here. We figured it might take a few days so we didn't get too
excited. He's got a bowl of dry food he can pick at any time. Even still he
really wasn't eating much yet seemed to be at ease with us. Sunday night I
sat down on the floor with him and asked him why he wasn't eating. I touched
the food and offered it to him.....nothing. Then I picked up one of the
large marble sized peices and rolled it across the floor to him. Bingo.....
he thought we were playing a game.....now to get him started at mealtime all
I have to do is start the game and after 5 or 10 rolls he's over at the dish
eating on his own.! He's a cool dog, a welcome addition to our family & a
lot of fun!
Thanks again to you & everyone in on this!
Most Sincerely,
Michele & Cory Maslany
P.S. We did take some pictures & as soon as we get them developed I'll send
some your way.
Date: 3/20/00 14:37:00 EDT
From: Chrysler
Dear Lorraine --
Sorry it's been so long! We have all been really busy and happy in the new year. I just wanted to let you know that Charming is doing very well. He is spending a lot of time outside with new dog friends -- 2 australian cattle dogs -- and I have been riding (horses) quite a bit, and am working on getting him to follow when we go on trail rides. I am probably going to adopt a rescue horse soon. Charming likes horses! Altogether, I think he is having a wonderful time.
I hope you are doing well. I am terrible at getting pictures developed, but when I do, I'll send them on to you.
Thank you again for rescuing Charming, and letting me adopt such a wonderful dog.
Love,
Chrysler
Date: 2/22/00 08:14:00 PM EDT
From: Jennifer
Lorraine:
Thanks for all of your quick responses and information in my search for the perfect dog. We adopted Murphy last weekend from his foster home with Linda Worrell. I fell in love with him the first time I saw him at the shelter. He is so gentle and a real sweetie! Keep up the great work.
Thank you.
Jennifer
Date: 12/1/99 2:51:41 PM EST
From: Mina Davis
Hi Barbara, how nice of you to ask!
He's doing just great, and we're so happy to have him. He had his checkup at the vet this past week and received a clean bill of health. To our surprise, our vet agrees that he is probably 10 years old, he just thinks he's led an "athletic" life, and that he's in really good shape. I'm amazed, because as playful and active as he is, he sure does not seem like an "old" dog.
A couple of days after he came to live with us, he discovered our stash of tennis balls (my husband plays), and what a riot! He was a one dog party! He loves to play catch, and actually tosses the ball back to you, it's hilarious. He tries to play with our other dog, but since he likes to play catch, and she likes to play keep-away, it's a short game...! He even tried to get the cat to play with him (the cat was not amused when Fritz winged a tennis ball at him...!), but they worked it out that Fritz would run past him with the ball, and the cat would bat at him on the way by....too funny.
Our other dog is delighted to have a dog friend again. I often wake up in the morning and find both dogs asleep side by side together.
Each day his personality shines a little more, and he's just so friendly and affectionate. I know it'll be a while before he's completely adjusted to being ours, but we really feel fortunate at how well he's doing. His appetite is improving, that had been iffy at first, and he's getting used to our house and our routine more each day. And he survived Thanksgiving well, too. We had my family at our house, and since he'd only been with us about 10 days I was wondering how he'd make out with all the confusion. He was a little upset at first, when everyone arrived at once, but within a few minutes he was fine, and lapping up all the extra attention!
It's really kind of you to ask about him - I hope you can tell how much we're enjoying him!
Thank you,
Mina Davis
Date: 11/19/99 11:54:57 AM EST
From: Melody
Hello Lorraine,
How are you? Benny is great! Sorry it has taken me a while to respond. I have not checked my email in a while. Benny is all finished with his cold finally and he is adjusted veryn well. He eats regularly and plays all the time. He has some doggie friends around the neighborhood. Today we came home to Jackson for a birthday party for my mom's dog, Bailey. He likes to be around other dogs. He always gets so excited to see his sisters or his friends. He is really loving life and I really love him. Thank you so much for making it possible. I promise to keep in touch.
Thanks again!
Melody
Date: 8/26/99 11:04:31 PM EDT
From: Dave Luck
Thanks for your great work on keeping the animals for adoption up to date. We searched Wednesday night, and found several beagles available at the Burlington County Shelter. We visited the shelter Thursday and adopted Sarah -- she's very quiet, and has been great with everyone in the family and all the neighbors who stopped by to welcome her.
We were advised by the shelter employees Sarah had been surrendered because they were unable to housebreak her. We have noticed she has an unbelievable capacity to "hold it in," but have been encouraged by her behavior and response so far.
We'll be taking her to our vet Friday night for a complete checkup and all necessary shots, but for tonight she is laying at my feet fast asleep as I send you this message. :-)
Keep up your great work!
Dave Luck