ELVIS (formerly known as Soukey)

It's been almost 2 years and our rescue dog-we renamed him Elvis-has been the light of our life. It's so hard to imagine a time before he was in our lives. He has fit right into the business and is spoiled rotten by all the customers who ask for him by name! He is a bookstore dog.

Thank you for all you do with the animals, and all your wonderful volunteers. Our life is so much richer because you decided to save a life (we were told they were going to put him o sleep!!!)

Regards,
Barb

 

PLUTO

Just wanted to send a picture of Pluto. We adopted him almost two years ago. He has been the Best friend that we all needed.

Thanks to all at Satchels for all You Do

Have a Wonderful Day,

David

 

SADIE (formerly known as SARAH)

Hi to all my Dear Friends at Satchels!

Well it's one month ago today that I found the BEST HOME ever!!!! I love my mom and she Loves Me So Much!!!  Mommie is So impressed with my good manners (when she eats, I don't look at her) and says I am already So Smart and learning everything so quickly - I'm exceeding all her expectations she says to friends!  I'm getting lots of exercise (and so is she!!), lots of walks, dog parks and playtime in the house every waking moment that she doesn't have to go to work.  We are working out together like a match made in heaven!!!
Mommie had to take me to the vet when she found black stuff in both my ears - turns out I have had bad ear infections in both (why I probably didn't like my ears touched when i lived there). The vet had me on an ear wash, ear ointment and i finished my antibiotic pills, and I feel so much better now!!!  

I love my home too!!! I have so many cool, fun toys and it's big with lots of rooms to explore. I've been very good, no accidents or anything! I don't even stay in a crate anymore when mommie's at work!  That only lasted about 1 week - and mom knew she could trust me to be a good girl (she comes home every day at lunchtime just to see me - she says I wag my tail and my whole body shakes - she calls me "Wiggle-Butt then)!!!

There's lots of doggies that live here too to sniff when we go on our walks morning and evening - and all the neighbors are happy that mom got me!  Mommie tells me every single day that I'm such a good girl, and adorable, and beautiful and she loves playing with me in the house too. Only once did she say I was playing 'too hard' and got aggressive with her, and she said "NO SADIE" and I don't do it anymore unless i'm caught off-guard - and mommie knows I don't mean or like to be bad because she loves me so much.  She says I'm showing so much promise too, because she says I'm such a Smart little Doggie and she Loves that - she talks to me All the time and I've already learned so Many New Words (I'm happy too that I know what she's saying!!!). She told me her old dog was very 'brilliant' and I want to live up to her reputation - Mommie loves me so much (and I love my mommie too for taking such good care of me and is very affectionate - I get to sleep with my mom on the bed all night too!)

Thanks you ALL SO MUCH for taking such excellent care of me till I found my forever home ~~~ I'm so grateful for all of you and wanted you to know I'M SO HAPPY NOW!
Love Always,
SADIE

 PS.  Mommie tells all the people in dog parks, at our vet, and friends possibly thinking of rescuing a dog to go to Satchel's - she tells them you're the best she has ever seen!!!! and you are - I KNOW! XOXOXOXO

 

HOPE

Hi Everyone,

Joe and I wanted to send over some pictures of Hope.  She is doing so well and fit in with our family perfectly.  We have no complaints at all.  She is so sweet and listens better than Louie (our other dog) who has quickly become her best friend.

We couldn't ask for a better couple of dogs.   We've actually had a run in with a friends dog at our house and Hope did really well then too.  She was actually very playful and not aggressive at all... a big relief to me! I attached some pictures of her and Louie around the house.  They have more toys than they know what to do with!  We are guilty of spoiling them.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks and that we are so happy as is Hope. We will keep in touch. - Holly, Joe, Louie and Hope!

 

JIGGY & QUEEN ANNE (formerly known as GRACIE)

Hi everyone at Satchel's!!

We just wanted to send you some pics of Jiggy and Gracie (renamed Queen Anne) They are doing wonderful and we tell everyone about you guys.  We are so blessed with these wonderful dogs.  Queen Anne is like a different dog than when we first got her.  You wouldn't believe it!  She isn't shy anymore, that's for sure. She and Jiggy are like peas and carrots.  They get along so well.  They bring us so much joy, none of which would be possible without you guys.  You are the best.
When we get ready to adopt again, you can be sure that you will see us again.   Queen Anne is very regal.  She is my shadow, follows me all around the house. She gives so much love out and in the past 3 months, she has made crazy progress.  She jumps up on the couch and squirms her way into little spaces to get love from us.  She sits on top of Jiggy to get to us, much to Jiggy's chagrin. :-)  
Jiggy is living the high life.  He has his own room, with his own big red chair and we spoil the heck out of them.  We take them on walking trails at Emerson Point and I walk them down by the river everyday.  They love their fenced in backyard and they love to visit my Mom and Stepdad and their doggie.  We take them for rides in the car, which they love. Jiggy likes to stick his nose out the window, Queen Anne just sits very regally and sniffs the air when it comes to her.  hee hee!!!   They are our children and we can't thank you enough for bringing them into our lives.  Have a wonderful summer!
Heather and Eric
Proud adoptive parents of Jiggy and Queen Anne 

 

 

BREE (formerly known as BROWNIE)

Can I just tell you....... I.   love.   this.  dog!

She is amazing.  She is beginning to anticipate the routine of our workweek schedule after only a week.  She is so smart.

Bree now wags her tail when greeting us more often than not.  We're honored by this.  Didn't expect it this soon. Today she rolled over for me to scratch her belly.  Never thought that would come this soon!   She is definitely a Momma's girl.  Just ask the boys. 

She loves to play soccer in the side yard (wow, is she good!), play fetch with sticks or the rope toy and go for loonng walks with Connor, my son.  If I kneel down and open my arms, she will come running to me.  You'd have to see it to believe it. 

As far as entering the yard we have found the trick............ stand beside her middle, give her two loving pats to her side and say "Come on, Bree" and she comes unfailingly.

I thank God she waited for us to come get her from Satchel's Last Resort. She is finally home.

Thank you (and everyone there) again for what you do.

Jane

KIKI

Hello!! I thought I’d send you all an update on my wonderful new life since being adopted this December. Included are a few pictures of me, during our New Years celebration I couldn’t help but stretch out on my favorite chair. I made myself right at home the second I arrived and have even proven myself very trustworthy to be left outside of my crate if I am ever home alone. Although I tried my hardest to be easy going there was one challenge since moving in… you see, we live on the second floor and I am just so afraid of stairs that I made Mom and Dad ride the elevator up and down with me for the first month. Just last week I finally got up the courage and braved the stairs; now I am a champ and wonder what I was ever afraid of in the first place! I have a ton of new toys to play with and not one but two fluffy dog beds to curl up on and nap, although nothing beats cuddling with my Mom and Dad on the couch. Mom and Dad say I am the best cuddler. I guess I am a pretty affectionate dog to say the least, they say I am the sweetest dog they have ever known. 

I am also a wonderful companion, I love to follow Mommy around the kitchen as she cooks, she calls me her “sous chef” and I keep Dad company while he reads his law school books. I won’t let either of my parents leave the room without following by their side. I still am just as playful as always and make my parents laugh every single day. On weekdays I go for long walks and runs and on weekends we make day trips to the beach and park. Because of my obsession with chasing squirrels I can’t be trusted not to take off, so Mom and Dad keep me on a loonnngggg leash at the park so I can still run around, fetch and sniff trees (I can't blame them for not wanting to lose me). I loved the beach so much I tried to jump right in and swim out to the seagulls. Dad and I play hide and seek in the house, I am a pretty good seeker, and when I am really tired I will stretch out on my back for a good belly rub.

I have met many new dogs in my apartment complex and especially like a black lab named Penny, but I will always love my best friend Penny from Satchels the most, please tell her I say Hi!  I am a very happy dog. Mom and Dad say that I know how lucky I am and that I don’t take anything for granted; they are right!  I just want to tell all of you at Satchels I am so grateful for all you have done for me, thank you for taking me in and getting me ready for my forever home, I will never forget your kindness.

Love, Kiki


EINSTEIN

Hi,
 
Well, all 3 of us have been together for over 24 hours and it's a wonderful experience all round.  Einstein visited my office this morning and behaved like the perfect gentleman.  All the ladies are in love with him :>))  We took him to Petsmart and we walked around and he behaved beautifully while we picked up a can of the citronella repellent. We also made some new friends in Petsmart.
 
Then we went to the Phillippi Creek farmers' market and did a little shopping.  He met several other 4-legged friends.  The 2-legged friends couldn't believe he was a rescue dog.  Einstein impressed them so much that one of the couple's is going to go on-line to see if they can find his clone :>)) 
 
We finished the morning with lunch at Panera's and we couldn't believe how Einstein just sat under the table and watched the world go by while we ate.  Nothing distracted him enough to misbehave or carry on in any way whatsoever. He never barked; jumped, growled---just remained his sweet self.
 
He is an absolute darling and if we were to rename him we'd call him Wonder Dog because that's what he is.  He is the sweetest; most loving doggy we could ever hope for.  We wanted to let you know just how very much Michael and I cherish him.  He's met two of our neighbor dogs and he's better behaved than the girl a couple of doors down. :>))  What a guy!
 
Big hugs to the two of you for doing such a good job with Einstein and the other pets that need love and attention.  You are to be admired.
 
Val & Mike

SASSY

Sassy's introduction to Tashy, our daughter, this morning was incredible. Sassy was awesome with Tashy, and Tashy was thrilled to have a new puppy "sister." Sassy, however, is no longer "Sassy." She has responded very well to her new name, "Maisie," which was Tashy's immediate and unequivocal decree.

The day has been full of excitement: a trip to PetSmart for a new harness (pink, of course!), dog food, training treats, nail clippers, and other doggy paraphernalia. Then a quick nap in the car with Tom and Zak while the other girls darted into a party store for a few supplies for the birthday party. Several walks around the property throughout the day -- despite the wind and cold temperatures. Lots of ball chasing inside. Even a bath! It is now 10:45, and Sassy/Maisie is dreaming on Tashy's bean bag chair.

We have taken some pictures to capture just how well she's been doing, but there's really no way to explain it.  She is such a magnificent dog -- patient with a birthday-jazzed 6 year old, warm and loving to adults, curious about the world around her, polite to the dogs we met at the pet store. It seems, in just half a day, that she has always been with us.

Thank you all! If not for Satchel's Last Resort, Sassy/Maisie might not be here on the planet, much less here with us.  We so appreciate the work you do.

 Carrie, Tom, Zak, Liza, and Tashy

HANK

Hey everyone at Satchels, its Hank!

I hope everyone had great holidays, mine was perfect! It was my first Thanksgiving and Christmas with my new family!  I must have been a good dog because oh boy, was I ever spoiled!!! Santy Paws was sooo good to me. I ate lots of treats, got plenty of stuffed toys, and bones galore! I just love my new family so much.

My brother Dexter is a lot of fun, I look out for him because he is a little bit of a trouble maker. I also get to snuggle with my new Mommy every morning and night. She loves when I lay in her lap and she pets me until I fall asleep. She says I have the softest fur in the world!  My Daddy is really great too. We play a lot together.

I do miss all my friends at Satchels, they were all really good to me. But I really love my new forever home and am so happy Satchels let them love me back! My Mommy will attach a few pictures of me so you can see how I'm doing!

 

LOUIE 

I was introduced to Satchel’s Last Resort as a volunteer, and had the opportunity to meet a and play with number of the dogs. I can tell you that having had a chance to get to know the team at Satchel’s for a few weeks, the dogs could not be in better hands. These are wonderful, caring people doing a great job and I thank God that they are there. I would recommend volunteering as a great way to get to know the dogs that are available to anyone interested in adopting.

On my first day as a volunteer, I met Louie, a twelve year old American bulldog/ Staffordshire terrier mix. It was hard to believe how badly neglected he had been, but Satchels’ did a wonderful job nursing him back to health. Although he was exactly the opposite of the dog I was thinking I wanted to adopt, it was love at first site. A couple of weeks later we brought Louie home for a test ride. We fell in love with his sweet nature immediately, even though he can look a little intimidating to strangers. He has since turned into the perfect dog and it seems like he has always been here. He loves to be with us, listens to all commands, gets along with the neighborhood dogs, and is a great protector. His health has continued to improve and he looks great for a 12 year old. People are always surprised when I tell them how old he is. We are really glad God brought him to us, he deserves all of the love and attention we can possibly provide. He is the best!

I wish more people knew about Satchel’s and the great work they do and the dogs that are available.

David

 

SCOOTER

It’s been a while but I wanted to give you a little New Year update on our beautiful Scooter who we adopted from you several years ago! 2010 was a good year for her though she still has not been able to catch a squirrel. The odds of her catching one do not look good either as she is starting to get “up there” in age. In fact, she doesn’t chase them with the vigor of her youth! She is starting to show her age now with a little gray around her face but you would never know it when she’s on a walk.

She spends her days keeping us company while we work and gets very excited when it’s time for her walk. She always knows it’s time before we even say anything to her. She is still inseparable from her brother Bula, the Wheatten Terrier. Earlier in the year Scooter did suffer from facial nerve paresis which had us extremely worried but it appears to be fairly common in dogs and causes no pain or discomfort. She’s just a little lopsided these days.

Scooter is the kindest, most gentle dog we have ever known. She has never growled at us or our children and has always been so incredibly sweet. Should your thoughts ever wander to that “red dog” know that she couldn’t possibly be more loved!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

DAISY

We adopted Daisy in August 2010 and she has been a blessing ever since! She loves to go to dog parks, play at her other friends houses, have visitors, chase lizards, and to make new friends. She loves her sister (our 4 yr old daughter) she gives her kisses, sleeps with her and makes sure if she leaves anything on the floor in her room to remind to clean up!

We love Daisy and thank you for letting her be in our lives.

Love, Spears Family


LIZZIE & MR. DARCY (fka Ivy & Griffin)
Hello to everyone at Satchel's Last Resort! I hope you are all doing well and had a wonderful Thanksgiving!   I wanted to give you an update on the loves of our lives - Lizzie and Mr. Darcy!!  You knew them as Ivy and Griffin - the two cutest Rottweilers you've ever seen!! lol.. ;-p  They are doing magnificent!!  They are our pride and joy!!  Both of them have put on a little weight since you last saw them - ahem - but, I think they say that photos add 10 pounds...ha ha ha.. Anyway, I am attaching some recent photos of the babies for your enjoyment. :)    
Wishing you all a blessed and safe Christmas!!  
Jennifer 

DASH

Dash is doing a little better with everything in his life these days. Saturday we took him to a dog park in Estero – and we were probably there 2-3 hours.  He had a ball!! He played and ran and played some more with other pups his size, off-leash.  The area is fenced in of course. It was such a delight for both of us to witness him happy and having fun.  This is the dog I know that he is and can be.  We plan to make many more trips down there!

He’s been around other people and dogs and we are trying to socialize him – he’s okay with it.  Still timid.   We had to get him a little jacket – since it’s 39 degrees this morning!

He’s eating well; he’s been to see our vet. . . and seems to be doing just fine.  We will continue to work on his behaviors, and he’s still shy of Paul and other men, but he does sit between us on the couch and puts his little head in Paul’s lap – so that is Progress!!

Thank you all again SO VERY MUCH! 

TRIXIE
Just an update on Trixie. We are thankful everyday for her, and for you guys for letting her into our lives. I never knew I could love a dog so much. Thinking about it, I realised its peace and calm I get from her being with us. She's so loving!

She has joined me on the boat a few times and is so well behaved, I can see she really enjoys being out on the water.

She treats others gently, especially kids and the elderly.  We are very proud of her. 
 
Thanks again. John and Mary Beth

MAGGIE (formerly known as Princess)
My name is Shay, and Gary and I have adopted Maggie (then named Princess), a wonderful 5 yr old Rottweiler last February. Happy Tails have inspired me to write yet another happy and successful story about one of your dogs.
 
When we adopted Maggie, she was only 60 lbs, very energetic, but suffered from what our trainer believed to be dog and people agression. After taking her to several private classes in PetSmart, and lots of love, treats and toys, she came around and turned into the best dog. We could not imagine our family and home without Maggie. Everywhere we go, she is a favorite. She politely greets everyone, and offers her kisses in the exchange for affection. We always say that she is the most affectionate dog in the world. Coming home each day and finding Maggie laying on the sofa is the best thing ever! She loves chewing on her peanut butter stuffed Kong.
 
We have never seen a dog that loves kisses more than Maggie. Even though she is now about 80 lbs, we are pretty certain she thinks she is a lap dog. Maggie is yet to figure out that all she has to do in a car is stick her head out the window and enjoy the ride, but oh well.. we still love her.
 
We could not be any happier to be priviledged to provide a home for such a wonderful pet. Thank you so much for helping us find Maggie. Maggie's unconditional love is truly inspiring, and we hope that all your wonderful dogs find a home they deserve.
   

HUCKLEBERRY
We adopted Huckleberry back in Jan 2010. This email is late in coming, but we wanted to let ya'll know how happy the three of us are! Mike and I don't know how we lived before Huckleberry came into our lives.

He is the best dog, and does nothing but love those around him. He spends most of his time these days playing with his toys, and sleeping on the couch. Thank you so much for letting us take him home with us we love him dearly.

Thanks again! 
Mike, Ashli, and Huckleberry Hound

HARRY
Hello!
It's me Handsome Harry!!! I know it has been a few months since we talked (three whole months my mom keeps telling me with a big smile!) so I thought I should let you know what I have been up to and boy have I got a lot to tell you! At first I wasn't sure where exactly I was supposed to go potty, and my parents seemed to disapprove of the kitchen corner that I thought looked like a good place. Since they gave me so many kisses and treats when I went outside, I figured that was probably the right place, and after the first few weeks of "experimenting" back and forth, and several boxes of treats, we have had a clean kitchen for two months!

Every day we go for lots and lots of walks, I made really good friends with some cows that share my yard, and I have even been caught "cat napping" with my Siamese brother. My other kitty brother still is a bit wary of me, but I find that if he sleeps up by my moms face and I sleep by her feet, we can have a really good nap together. You can see my king size bed in some of my pictures, and I even let my dad squeeze in with me sometimes. That huge bed just isn't big enough for all five of us so after a few weeks of sleeping with mom and dad while I got comfy here, I found the best place on a big cushioned couch to sleep at night. As soon as mom and dad go to work in the morning, I jump right in that bed though!!

They promise were going to come visit really really soon, but you might not even recognize me! I run around like a puppy, I have SO many favorite toys and I absolutely love to run around with my tennis ball. You can see my favorite camel in one of the pictures, I carry it around all day long and then bring it to mom and dad when they go to bed so they will keep it safe while I sleep. When I first got here, I had no idea what I was supposed to do with all these toys they kept giving me, but I got the hang of it now.

See that picture with my eyes half closed? That's me on the way home from Robinson's Preserve, where we walked over three miles in nature with my Aunt's Lab/boxer mix and mixed breed Leo and Lucky. Were friends now, even though they wanted to know why I had to stop and mark every single bush and branch and leaf we walked past. My mom laughed at all the funny things I did, and we had so much fun! I marched all around like a champ and didn't even give a mean look to the hundreds of other dogs and people I met, although I did sniff lots of hands and butts. By the time we got to the car, I was pooped, so that's why you see me half asleep in that picture.

My mom wants me to tell you that her and dad love me so so much they can't imagine being without me because I make them so happy. Of course that doesn't keep me from running away for a high speed romp once in a while, but I always make it back home. Now we have a new trick, where I sit and stay and don't even move my tail until they say APPLE and then I know I am allowed to go running and I love this game! OH you should see the happy look on my mom's face when I sit, stay, lay down and up up up!! We're working on shake now. She loves it!

Dad got me a present last month, a doggie water fountain that we both think is SO cool, and mom brought me a little lamb toy that we call lambie and I will do ANYTHING to get lambie and camel at the same time! Anyway, it's getting late and school starts again in the morning so mom says we have to go to bed so she can get up in time to get to Tampa. Thanks for taking care of me for so many years while my forever home was getting ready for me, I love it here!! 

Harry

(JP and I love Harry SO much! He is just the best dog I can imagine and for all the little naughty habits we had to really try hard to work around we love him even more. Thank you so much, I can't say it enough, for taking care of him until we could find him!! And a special thank you to Iris who has given us so much patience and so many clues as to how we should best handle each situation with our baby...yes he is our 7 year old baby.

He is SO good, especially considering that at first he was determined to pee in my kitchen, and now has not had an accident, or even been impatient to go out, in months. He has blossomed into such a wonderful dog, he is so incredibly playful and loving, he adores cuddling, gets jealous when anyone else gets attention, and nuzzles constantly if he doesn't get enough attention while we sit on the couch!!! He is still shy with strangers, but with us, he is a whole new dog. Thank you a million times!!)

ABBY
 
Its Abby, a long-time friend of Satchels.  I was adopted back in 2004 when hurricane Charlie came through the area and my family wanted to adopt a dog to help out the shelters.  I was three years old at the time and really was happy to move in with them.  I  am nine years old now and I still love to play with my tennis ball and take walks at the park.  I love my adopted family because they say I'm the best well behaved dog ever and they love me, too. I say hi to any of my old friends and especially, Sammy, my kennel mate.

MEL
Thank you so much for bringing Mel into our lives. While I might be just a bragging mommy, Mel is pretty much the best and most perfect dog in the world. Being just 12 years young, he adjusted to our pack in in about an hour.
He loves his doggie brother and sisters and loves all his kitties. It’s as though he’s been here his whole life! As far as any difficulty with men, you wouldn’t know it. He absolutely adores his dad acting positively puppyish around him. He has even started to do the same things as his dad!
I call him the Einstein of pups. He has enriched our lives so much! I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t adopt a senior pup, especially one from Satchel’s.

PEPE
I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful addition to our family Pepe has been.  I was a little worried getting a dog that had been previously mistreated.  I have kids and worried he might have a bad temperament.  Pepe has been the best dog we ever had.  He is extremely patient, especially with the youngest who seems to think he is a pillow.  He loves to be around us and loves to play.  I just wanted to let others know not to judge a dog just on their past.  I could not have asked for a better pet than him for our family.  If you are thinking of getting a new pet please consider rescuing one.

BRODY
I just wanted to say hi and that I'm happy in my new home! I celebrated my birthday on Friday with my new mommy and daddy.  I was told that I share my birthday with my uncle that passed away.  I got ice cream that's made for doggies and some treats.  Please tell Iris that I said thank you for not giving up on me.  
Love Brody.

HONEY
WE HAVE HAD WONDERFUL HONEY FOR 5 YEARS NOW AND TIME GOES TOO FAST.  WE LOVE HER SO MUCH.  SHE IS THE BEST DOG WE EVER HAD.  PROTECTIVE, LOVING AND GOOD.

TWO YEARS BACK WE HAD TO PUT MY-LING DOWN AT THE OLD AGE OF 15.  THEN WE ADOPTED A MIX PUPPY WHO WE NAMED HALF-PINT BUT SHE GREW TO A GALLON, SO WE CALL HER HAPPY.  SHE IS A VERY HAPPY DOG AND SHE AND HONEY LOVE EACH OTHER.

WHEN WE FIRST BROUGHT HONEY HOME, WHEN WE WENT OUT FOR A FEW HOURS AND WE CAME HOME, SHE WOULD PUT HER FRONT PAWS AROUND US AND NOT LET US WALK IN UNTIL SHE HUGGED US.  THAT LASTED ABOUT 8 MONTHS, NOW SHE RUNS TO US FOR PETS AND PATS.

THERE IS NO OTHER DOG LIKE HONEY, GOOD, KIND AND VERY LOVING.  EVERY MORNING SHE COMES TO ME FOR HUGS, THEN JIM AND THEN SHE CHECKS ON KIM AND EMMA LY AND SHE SLEEPS IN BED WITH KATIE AND HAPPY.

THANK YOU FOR THE BEST LOVING DOG.

LOVE
LORRAINE

PUPSQUEAK
Pupsqueak was rescued by Manatee County Cruelty Investigators from a breeder of fighting pit bulls. Pupsqueak was to be a bait dog – a dog thrown into a pack of deliberately agitated pit bulls so the bred-to-fight pits can acquire their first taste of blood. She was one of only three living dogs among 40 carcasses.
Pupsqueak was at Satchel's Last Resort for over a year where she was given lots of love and where Beth, our trainer at the time, encouraged Pupsqueak's ball retrieving abilities. Beth went on to train Pupsqueak to fetch lots of things, like keys and phones, and taught her to open certain kinds of door latches.
Pupsqueak is now living with a woman afflicted with polio, working as an assist dog to help her with daily life.


STAR
Star's owner was in tears as he turned her over to us. Star is deaf and blind in one eye; and he just could not give her the attention and care she needed. Even with the poor hand she's been dealt in life, Star is a sweet and courageous dog.

Once Star settled into life here, Beth (our trainer at the time) started taking her on daily outings: to the beach, to different dog training classes she teaches - anything to get Star out of the shelter environment. Star passed Good Citizenship Dog Training and Therapy Dog Training and soon she was going to Beth's kids' school to spend time with some of the shyer students. After having been here about a year, Beth took Star to Chicago to live with a woman suffering with depression. Star is this woman's best buddy and the woman now has a reason to get up in the morning.


PEPSI
Pepsi is a pit bull who now answers to the name Macy. She lives with a wonderful couple who takes her and her pit-mix brother everywhere they go. She has a big fenced-in back yard and her family takes her to the doggie park at least a couple times a week where she gets to play with lots of other dogs.

Pepsi's original owner truly cared for her, but the owner's husband disliked Pepsi and the feeling was quite mutual. Pepsi didn't care much for her owner's brother either. As a result, Pepsi spent most of her time outside on a chain or closed up in a bedroom. She became unsocial and her owner feared she might bite someone or fight with other dogs in the neighborhood.

We weren't sure we would ever be able to adopt out Pepsi. For a long time, she was very fearful and while she never snapped at any of us, her body language kept us wary. Her turning point came the day she fell in love with a crippled puppy who came to stay with us. She played with the puppy and then began to play with us. Pepsi, though now much happier, didn't seem to be thriving in our kennel environment; so one of our volunteers told some friends about Pepsi. They'd been thinking about getting a friend for their dog – and that friend became Pepsi/Macy.


TANK
Here is an e-mail we received from Tank's new family:
We just wanted to give you an update on Tank. He has really become one of the family members. I feel like I have gained a son rather than a dog. He is such a good boy. The kids really enjoy him. He plays ball with the boys and Kyler has started playing frisbee with him.

I am sending you some photos of Tank. One is when he jumped in the shower with the boys. This now happens almost every night. He thinks that if they get to play in the water, he should also be able to. He gives us as much attention as we give him, except outside where he likes to explore. When I say lets go night-night, he jumps right in bed and has to give kisses before he makes it to the foot of the bed (he has decided that that is his spot and I don't mind).

Thanks again, you made us very happy with our new dog, Tank, or should I say my new son.