Happy new year sue. I just wanted to send you a quick update on sugar ray now my Buddy. Thank you so much for getting him and believing in us. He brings me and my family so much joy and he and abby are best friends. A day doesn’t go by that he doesn’t make us laugh. He is really funny and he is very very happy. He snores and grunts and he is a pure joy to have around. I must send you a picture with him wearing his new boots!  You will laugh your head off. He a an issue with other un neutered male dogs that have visited and we are working on that. Mostly to get their owners to have them fixed!!  I wouldn’t trade him in for the world. Hope you are well and ill get over to see you soon. Again, thank you.

Hi Susan

Jessie is doing great, both girls love her especially Lauren she is really attached to her.  Not sure when I can come up there as we only have one car at the moment and Jack uses it for work and he is working two jobs  and I am working lunch hours at Laurens school.

Jessie has made quite a few friends in the neighbourhood (lots of rescue dogs also) and loves to run and play with them in our hydro field.  She is so great with kids, I walk with her to pick up Lauren after school and all kids come running when they see Jessie.  Jessie loves to chase her tail and can now sit and shake a paw for treats and Jaclyn has taught to give a hug for a treat.

Hello: Just to let you know our Beagle-cross, Hope, is becoming a big part of our little family. She has taken over the cats’ favourite sleeping place on the couch, near the window so she can relax while keeping an eye on passersby. She sleeps like a log in her crate and has had no accidents since coming to our home just two weeks ago.

Every morning she and I go for a 45-minute walk and another half-hour at mid-day, which is helping my fitness level considerably. Last Sunday she went to the dog park for the first time and held her own against a galoot Lab. I think you socialized her very well: she is interested in other dogs, but not afraid at all.

She learns fast and is now familiar with “wait,” “let’s go, Hopey,” and “careful” when she crosses in front of me and gets a foot coming forward in her bottom. An added plus, her beauty. Everywhere we go strangers tell her how cute she is.

Her personality is fabulous. She is kind and gentle and will tolerate all manner of hugging and kissing, wrestling and raspberries blown onto her tummy. Our two old cats are perplexed but in no danger, Hope either ignores them or comes to visit when they are petted. Her energy is contagious and such a joy after the past year of living with a very old dog. She is quick to find things to chew, but caught just as fast. In other words, the honeymoon is continuing.

Thank you for bringing such a lovely dog into our lives.

All the best,

Barb

Hi Sue…

Just want to send you an update and pics for our pair of misfits, Sasha & Ripley.

Sasha’s a wonderfully sweet little girl, who loves everyone and food. She’s great on walks, either on or off-leash, and responds with a wag of the tail whenever she thinks her name is mentioned. She’s good in crowds, as we often have a bunch of people around here, and socializes for a while, eats a bit, and then scoots off to a quiet place to be grumpy for a while. She plays chase with Ripley when they’re off-leash at the park, but toys and balls seem to be beneath her… she’s fit in to our routine, seamlessly.

Ripley has decided he’d like to be a puppy again. We’ve been increasing his walks to build his muscle mass, and he’ll take any pace that we can throw at him. He’s good and very strong on the leash, but careful not to stray too far when off-leash. He loves all toys and he’d play all day if he could, and adjusts his level of intensity if he’s playing with my daughter or wife, but ratchets the energy up for the boys. He hates water, and barks at anybody if they jump into the pool and don’t check in with him that they’re okay. He’s less aggressive with food, since he understands that we feed him on routine and he ignores the cats (even the young cat that wants a piece of him everyday). He’s goofy, and busy, and thinks it’s funny when he jumps on our laps for a cuddle. He loves to wake anybody up by climbing on the bed and sniffing their faces… he’s smart & trainable, and he’s trying his best to fit in.

I’ve attached some pics, for you to share with the shelter in Ohio.

Our thanks to them, but especially to you for allowing us the opportunity to provide these two a home.

Tony & Wendy

Cally adopted all her 3 dogs from us, one at a time tho and she wanted to share their beautiful faces with everyone and how happy and healthy and GORGEOUS these dogs are!

Mya – approximately 3 years old, black and white Border Collie/Lab cross. She is very intelligent!
Lacey – approximately 2 years old, American Dingo (Carolina Dog). She is nicknamed “Licky Lacey” because she chases the dogs around the dog park just to kiss them!
Tripp – approximately 2-3 years old, German Shepherd/Lab cross. He is very clumsy, hence the name. He’s a mama’s boy and knows how to open doors so he won’t be left alone.
All have been adopted from CampLotsaDogs. If I could get 20 more I could…

Dear Su,

On Boxing Day Jim and I decided to be very trendy, so we walked Winston on the Beaches Boardwalk.  Sure enough, a photographer from a local Beaches newspaper spotted Winston and asked if he could photograph him.  I was the one who told Winston to sit and stay, but the photographer was not interested in photographing me.

Please see the newspaper link below.
(see Winston in bottom left photo)
http://www.snapbeaches.com/index.php?option=com_sngevents&id%5B%5D=235177

Hello Susan,

It’s been a couple of months since Ginger and I adopted Snuffles ( she goes by “Sadie” now) The transition was a good one. Although she isn’t too fond of the cat, they have come to a mutual understanding. We weren’t able to stop by during dec – being christmas and all, but we would like to stop in soon for a visit. Also the collar that I bought for Ginger works wonderfully, now my parents and brother want one for their dogs. It’s very short notice but could we (gin, sadie and I) stop by tomorrow afternoon?

Thank you,
Amanda

Hi Su:

Wanted to update you on Jackson. He is an absolute dream!! Honestly, I never knew I would love this big stranger in our house the way I do. Feels like he’s been here forever. He is so sweet and affectionate, very attentive, and he even sits now…most of the time! 

We’ve been working with Monica per your recommendation, and that has made a huge difference. Jackson knows his boundaries and has good manners, making for very happy owners and a very happy dog. He’s made many new friends at the dog park, loves everyone he meets, and is a genuine pleasure to have around.

Thanks for all the tremendous work you are doing at Camp Lotsadogs. There are many happy people and happy dogs because of you and Dave.

Have a good evening,
Shannon

Hey Su,

Just thought you would like an update on Bennett – he is now 60 pounds and is adjusting very well to his new home – He is a little spoiled but not too spoiled.

Thanks
Darlene and Dan

Hey Su!

Just want to wish you all the best for a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

I hope you are able to sit and relax for at least a short time over the holidays.

Petey & Rylee’s own personal stockings are hanging on the fireplace and since they’ve been more nice than naughty this year,  I’m sure Santa will be good to them!

You’ve been a pleasure to know all these years Su and I know your reward for all the hard work you do is to find that perfect “forever home” for all your furry friends.  I, for one, will be forever grateful.

Kathy

Susan
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for matching me with Charlie, I just love him. As you can see he has made himself right at home here, although he doesn’t seem to sure about Santa. We have a lovely new off leash dog park here in Keswick and Charlie has made many friends. He loves to go there and sniff to his hearts content, there is only one tree so the only things to bump into are other dogs and people. He even has the confidence to get almost up to a full run when he is there. His favorite thing is going for walks.

I had him tested in Oct. and he is totally blind and there is nothing they can do, its something genetic. But he makes out just fine and most people can’t tell.

I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season.
Merry Christmas
Tracy & Charlie

Phoebe is fitting in really well here.  She eagerly awaits Jax’s and Ted’s arrival back home at the end of the day, she runs to greet them at the door!  She has finally decided she likes snowballs, especially if we roll them.  The funniest thing was to see her claim her spot on top of our picnic table in the backyard, just as she had at  your place.

We have attached some photos of Phoebe, as promised.

Thanks for your help and advice,

Debra, Ted, Jax  and of course Phoebe!

Hi Susan,

Well, its been over a year now that we’ve had our sweet Hailey. We had a one year party for her on the 27th of November, got her lots of presents and gave her tons of love! She was in heaven.

I started having issues walking with her on leash and meeting other dogs after a german shepard charged us on a walk and I got nervous, after that, Hailey thought she needed to protect me and started lunging and barking at all dogs she met on leash. I was devastated, because I knew it was my fault. I decided I had to do something before it got any worse so I signed her up for obediance (she’s so smart and amazing in the house but I wanted a dog that I could take anywhere). We graduated beginner level 1 last night with flying colours and I learned why she was lunging and how to tell her I’d be the one doing the protecting. She no longer has any issues with dogs, and when she does, I can stop her within seconds. We walked in our towns Santa Claus Parade last weekend with over 20 other dogs and there was absolutely no issue. I signed her up for level 2 and will be continueing with the courses because ultimatley I want to do agility with Hailey, she’s really got a knack for it! Hailey is the best dog in the world! Terry and I have told everyone we talk to, that you are the place to get the best dogs! Our friends and family just love her to bits (as do we).

We consider ourselves so lucky to have gotten the worlds cutest dog, and not only that but she is the worlds sweetest dog too. The trainer’s at the kennel club said we graduated best in class and cutest too! I really can’t get over how smart she is. She figured out in the class that I would give her a cookie to do everything, so she started getting stubborn and wouldn’t even sit without the promise of a cookie, so I had to show her she had to do what I say.. I really am packleader now!

I really can’t say enough good things about Hailey, she’s my world. She never lets me be in a bad mood because as soon as I get home she snuggles up to me and rests her head in my lap and looks up at me with those big brown eyes, we decided she invented the puppy dog face!

She is completely off leash now at home, never leaves our sight for more than 5 minutes. She never mooches and knows so many tricks and commands now that I am always showing off with her ever chance I get.

We have been discussing getting a second dog, we still aren’t ready yet but the ball is rolling and when we are ready, you’ll hear from us cause we’ll be back. And not only for our second dog but for every dog we ever get!

Thanks again Susan, I can’t imagine my life without her and am so thankful for you and for what you do!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Leah, Terry and Hailey Bailey!

Hi Su,

Just to let you know, Chandler’s doing great.  What a loving guy he is!  We took him to the vet yesterday and he got a clean bill of health.  Our vet feeds her own dogs a raw diet so was impressed to hear about your approach and set up there for dogs.  His stool sample came back just fine too. She thinks he may be closer to 4 or 5 based on his teeth; doesn’t matter to us though.

Chandler loves romping around in the backyard, greets everyone with lots of affection and sleeps no problem in his crate at night.  In fact sometimes when we are home with him, he’ll just go to his crate to have a rest.   His only issue is the cat.  He wants to chase her and she is terrified. We had to move her stuff upstairs and for now keep him downstairs unless we are with him and have his collar/leash on.  We are going to try your strategy with the cat in the cage.  This week her trust of us has gone down so she’s been hiding a lot and running from us. She’s starting to be more like her old self this weekend.

Everyone who meets Chandler can’t believe how calm he is and what a big suck.

We will keep you posted,

Carol

I will make sure to include in the write up the nightly habit Chloe has picked up – her standing behind me and Brian every night without fail, in Lance’s room, we both kiss Lance and than she goes and lands a sloppy one on him. (we never coached her, she just started doing it on her own) I will get a picture of that too.

Xena has learned that Chloe is not leaving and has come around to playing with her. Chloe has learned to leave Xena alone when she is being a crusty toad. Thor is pretty good at keeping up with Chloe and if he is tired, Lance goes for hours with Chloe and her balls. Many many balls.

Hi Susan

Well we had a good journey home.  Angie (her new name which we all feel is easier and nicer and which she responds – sort of) wined a bit for 1/2 an hour or so then she settled right down and didn’t move until we stopped.  Of course when we got home she was over excited and so cute!!!

She is still looking for something, but is bonding beautifully.  Food of course is a big thrill.  She sure can jump up quickly on the furniture and wants constant attention.  She slept well in her cage so all is well there.  What a beautiful dog, but a bundle of energy, which is good for me!

best regards
Jean!

Hi Su,

Things are going great with Winnie! She figured out the dog door on the first day and is getting used to her new surroundings! We LOVE her and so do Daisy and Spirit – Max (the cat) is still on the fence…
Thanks for all your help!

I guess I am just a big softie

Christine and Stefan

Ginger Snap was adopted and moved to HOLLAND with her new mom! She is now a Dutch Beagle and is learning to behave like a lady in restaurants and Cafes and malls where dogs are allowed!

Hi Susan,

Just thought I’d send a little update on Ginger.

She’s doing really well – she’s now doing a pretty decent “down” and learning to sit automatically when I sit – very handy in cafes!

She’s getting much better on the leash (without the plastic collar), and has graduated to having the whole hall to herself – I don’t trust her not to sleep on my bed, so she doesn’t have access to the bedroom, and the dog-cat relations aren’t quite at a level where I’m comfortable giving her unrestricted access to the living room / kitchen – but the hall’s a lot better than being stuck in her crate! Though she still sleeps in it all the time (I’ve taken the door off and she doesn’t sleep any where else!).

She’s also just started running along beside my bike – brilliantly! Even dogs aren’t much of a distraction… garbage is more tempting but we get past that ok too!

She’s still a bit skinny but getting better.

The only strange thing is that she’s really scared of awnings or other overhanging things (even leaves in a gusty wind can send her tail between her legs!). We’re working on it.

Hope you’re doing well – Ginger says hi and sends her love to all the other doggies!

Cheers,
Ashleigh
PS. And yes, she speaks basic Dutch!

Hey Su,

Just wanted to send you a picture of Tango, who now sleeps with Jarrett our 8 year old. They are best buds and Tango is truly a part of the family.

Thanks for everything,

Jen

Hello Susan–
Just thought I would send you a pic of Archie (we kept his name) at Cobourg Harbour tonight.  We walk there every evening–rain or shine, and he loves it; there are about 2000 spots of dog pee to sniff (I know you wouldn’t approve of this).  We are still using his collar as he is mighty strong; Lisa uses it to jog with him and it really works.
He is the most perfect dog for our family; snuggly, friendly, loves all kinds of noise–the radio, the vacuum, tv, cooking noises, etc.  He is a little impolite around the counter and mealtimes (our food) so we will have to stay on that.
I am going to sew him a bandanna from some vintage fabric in the next few weeks; he looks very dapper in a bandanna, and Brian purposely lost the first one we got from the groomer as he doesn’t like the look of him in one. We bought him a coat for the rain as he is a bit of a wimp when the weather is nasty.  I couldn’t imagine life without him, and am so glad I looked at at least 150 dogs (not kidding) before we chose him.
He is everything we hoped for and more in a dog, and I take him whenever I go run an errand–he loves any vehicle.  Thank you for bringing Archie to Ontario & hooking us up with such a great dog.

Kind regards,
Janet
P.S.  I love to knit dog coats (made a couple for my sister’s dogs, and I am very tempted to knit him one), I can see you groaning as you read this…

Hi Su,
It’s been just over 6 months since we adopted her, and so wanted to drop you a quick note to say that we are so happy Georgia joined our family. She has become one of us and gives us so much love every day. The kids (and everyone else who gets to know her) give her lots of love back too.

I wanted a dog who would fit into our world and she does, happily accompanying us weekly to the hockey arena, the soccer pitch and the horse barn. She has friends (fans, really) at all of them.  She has favourite dog friends in the neighbourhood and is excited to meet new friends every time we go to the off-leash dog park.  When we have to go somewhere without her she waits patiently, without chewing or barking, for us to come back home.

When she’s in our backyard, she calmly but assertively ensures no squirrel step foot on the grass and routinely patrols the hedges and fenceline, keeping an eye out for what could be a bunny or chipmunk.  One of the best (and slightly gross) unexpected perks is she will eat any bugs or spiders that find their way into our house! A friend describes her as the perfect property manager.

She’s come such a long way, from pulling us a lot on our walks, to being really relaxed and keeping whatever pace we set. She’s happy to run beside me on my jogs, or amble slowly along with my father. She listens and obeys so well we can now walk with her off leash in the woods without worry. She knows we’re part of her pack and doesn’t ever stray far from us.  I would never have imagined we’d have come this far in just a few months.

It’s hard to believe for a period of time she wasn’t part of someone’s family. We’re so glad her circumstances brought her to us.

I know you would agree that she’s the best and prettiest dog you ever had at your shelter, but because you can’t play favourites I won’t ask you to admit it.

All the best,
Catherine, Julia and Samuel

No wonder the dogs at your place are always so happy, you’re like doggy god!  I did what you said with Bentley a couple times over the weekend and left him out of his crate today while I went to work, and he behaved himself I think even more than I expected… I don’t think either one of them even got on the couch because the blanket I put on it wasn’t moved at all!  I’m very impressed  
Thanks for the help Sue!

Fran, Buddy & Bentley
NOTE: told Fran to use the Good Dog Collar and a 6′ leash and tie Bentley to her so he has to follow her around when he started eating the couch cuz she stopped letting them on the couch cuz she was buying a new couch (as an aside – A NEW COUCH!! I CAN’T IMAGINE HAVING ONE OF THOSE!) )

Hello Sue,

Happy New Year and I hope you had a great Christmas. I have attached a  pictures of Ruby at Christmas. Hope you enjoy.

Steph

p.s. thank you for giving her to us. She is our baby girl .

Hi Sue,

Su,

As promised a million times, here are some photos of our new family members!

Again, thanks to all the incredible hard work you do on a daily basis, Petey & Rylee
have a forever home with a family that will love them forever.

We will never be able to thank you enough for making our home a happy one again.

Kathy

OUR SPECIAL STORY.

In the summer we lost our precious dog Mandy of Cancer and we were very depressed as was our 15 year old Cockapoo, Sara.

Sara had gained weight to about 27 lbs, had no energy,was sleeping all the time and really had aged.

After searching Pet Finder we adopted a dog through Susan Steiner at Camp Lots of Dogs in Myrtle, Ontario.

Susan met Sara when we went to pickup Molly our adopted beagle and she said that Sara would have to lose weight and raw diet was the way to go, as Sara was originally taking Eukenebia dog food.

We put Molly and Sara on a raw diet and also Sara had bad Arthritis so we got Dr Clarke’s Healthy Hips from Susan, as she had very shaky back legs from the Arthritis.

In about 4 weeks Sara went from 27 lbs down to just over 20 lbs, her shaking was reduced about 90% and she has so much energy she runs is more alert and happy and gained about 5 years on her life.

Molly our adopted dog remains at her current weight (20 lbs)  and is so happy to have found a home and we love her so much.

We strongly recommend adopting a pet through Susan Steiner and the raw food that she makes herself. She is very knowledgable on all types of ailments for dogs and is very loving and caring about her dogs and their placement and there is no where else we would go for advise or adoption in the future or for nutrition advise.  We continue to buy our dog  food through Susan Steiner.

Thank you Sue  for all your help and support,   we are so happy with both our dogs.

Donna and Allen Kozlov

Whitby, Ontario.

Hi Sue,

Just wanted to give you an update about our little Beagle Mickey. He has really become the most amazing dog we could have asked for. He has learned lots of new tricks and listens very well. He spends his days playing at the dog park and with ourdaughter. I cant believe I can off leash my Beagle!!!!! even on walks. He always heals, even if he sees a rabbit!!!

Hi Susan!

We’re so sorry we haven’t come to visit yet, but I just wanted to let you know how awesome Shamus (AJ/Bourbon) is!
He’s about 60-65 lbs and the vet was very pleased and excited to see what great shape he’s in, exclaiming “THIS is what a dog is supposed to look like! We’re so used to seeing overweight dogs, that some may think he’s underweight, but he looks GREAT!”
He hardly ever barks when someone comes to the door now.  He’s appropriately gentle with little dogs and children, and seems to have a particular fondness for elderly women.  We’ve taken him up to Muskoka a couple times, where he sticks close by without a need for a leash, and has learned to swim!  The first time he saw the lake he didn’t want to get his toenails wet, but with patience and persistence over the following day, and he was fetching a ball in water over his head!
Here’s a video of one of the first time he did this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzmJugTiWAQ&feature=channel_page

He’s perfected the art of attracting affection when we take him out with us to a patio for a coffee or a pint.  He lowers his head, pins his ears back, wags his tail, and gives boo-boo eyes to everyone that passes. The number of people that have been unable to resist petting him when he does this is phenomenal.

Although when I began tying him up outside of stores, he was a little upset, he now waits patiently and eagerly for my return.

We’ve had several parties at our house, where he has mingled calmly with over 30 people, new born infants, toddlers, and food everywhere.  I am particularly impressed at his instinct to give a friend’s 1 year old and 3 year old a large personal space, effectively ignoring them, even when they poke him or are very excited.

He has made being a dog owners so easy.  Although Jeremy likes to think that we simply have excellent dog whispering abilities, I am more apt to say that Shamus came to us perfectly balanced, and all we had to do was make sure he stayed that way, and built upon what you established.  Although Shamus is obviously a very loving and intelligent fellow, you and people like you in Ohio are the ones responsible for giving him the skills and second chance needed.

I think you would really enjoy seeing him again, and I will continue to try to get all three of us up to you soon!

Here’s another picture of him
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk131/better_red_than_dead/misc/skillz_card_small.jpg

Sarah (and Jeremy) Finney

Hi Sue just to drop you a quick email (I tried to call but you may have been busy) to tell you how much our friends and neighbours and kids love Miss Molly.

She is such a joy, sleeps through the night and is getting there on training to go to bathroom outdoors.

 She gets along with our neighbours dogs very well and loves long walks.

My spirits are so high now, I never felt so good and I owe that to you for helping me in decide if Molly was right for Donna and I and she is such a joy and loves to be loved.

We have long naps together and we love her with all our hearts and are getting a lot of love in return.

I have told my neighbours just how special your camp is and how much knowledge you have. There is no feeling in the world like giving a dog a new lease on life and that is what we have done for Miss Molly and what she has done for us.

Here are some new pictures of Molly with Sara and Fenix my 18 year old son’s Pomeranian.

 Take care and best regards.

Love Donna and Allen

I Rescued A Human Today
Author:Janine Allen CPDT

I rescued a human today.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.

I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Written by Janine Allen CPDT, Rescue Me Dog’s professional dog trainer. Janine’s passion is working with people and their dogs. She provides demonstrations for those who have adopted shelter dogs, lends email support to adopted dog owners that need information beyond our Training Support Pages, and aids shelter staff and volunteers in understanding dog behavior to increase their adoptability. Copyright 2009 Rescue Me Dog; www.rescuemedog.org