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

Hi Su!
We had a great session with Jana on Tuesday night and have Ruthie on a
strict regime of controlled crate exits and her staying behind us when
we walk on lead. Jana had shown us most this before, but I will admit
I was not consistent and Ruthie got in a few too many ‘wins’! Anyway,
we are more motivated than ever and are so consistent now. Jana has us
on a schedule to attempt off-lead starting in August at the earliest,
and that teaching her this respect will pay off in the long run for
things like recall and off leash.

We have to completely ignore her for a week, just meeting her basic
needs but no cuddling, no talking to her or eye contact. IT’S SOOOOO
Hard! Anyway, we have notes up everywhere to remind us and so far
we’re sticking to it. So this weekend won’t work for coming to visit
cause we want to keep things really controlled and consistent for the
full week. Would we be able to come on the first weekend of July? We
can’t wait for you to see her…she has put on some weight and her
coat is nice and glossy.

Despite her exuberance and strong need to hunt squirrels (while
yanking our arms off) we love her to bits and are so committed to her
and making her happy and relaxed. She is already way way way better
behaved than most of our friends/family’s dogs, but we know her
potential and want her to be the best and happiest she can be. Our
lives are so much fuller with Ruthie in tow, and we haven’t doubted
our decision for a second.

Again, you are a special person to save these wonderful dogs, and we
will always be grateful to you for saving Ruthie’s life and trusting
her to us.
You’re the best!
Nat and Brett

Hi Sue, thought I’d write you an update on how Harley is doing!

The first week was a little rought (as to be expected). He really tested his boundaries (i.e. seeing if he can jump up and counter surf, jumping on the furniture, etc). He also escaped from his crate the first day. How you ask? Well our crate came in pieces (since its the x-large one) and he is sneaky enough to stick his head through and pry the pieces apart so his body could fir through there. He ate a whole bunch of food off the counter, pee and pooed in the house then jumped through the screen of the basement window. Luckily he didnt go anywhere and a neighbor caught him for us. That night we fixed that problem but getting clips to secure the pieces together. The first week Harley also had bad diarhea so he did have a few accidents. He never chewed anything though but we did find out that he will destroy any toy except kong products.

The first week he also did not get along with Mavrick. He kept trying to bite him and fight really aggressively over the toys. Finally on friday Mav and him learned to play together. Now they play all day on the porch and enjoy each others company! Which we are very happy about.

The second week was much better. He seemed happier and started playing more and more with his toys. He is pretty good on walks except he barks at dogs from across the street. Probably because he wants to sniff them. He is stubborn like you said. On walks he will lie down if he wants something bad enough. We just pull him up and make him keep walking.

Harley really is a sweetheard. He loves to cuddle and follows us around the house. We love having him around. We keep getting comments on how adorable he is. We also keep getting asked if he is a pit bull.

Anyways, there is a quick update on him. I checked out your new blog site. Its great! I am interested to learn more about how the herbs can help emotional problems. Eventually I’d like Harley is be calm enough to be left to roam the apartment. But I think right now, he is anxious being by himself.

Hope things are going well at the shelter. I’ll keep checking your website for updated information.

Take Care,
Arianne, Kyle & Harley

My usual pet store was not opened so I went to Pet Value at Kendalwood Mall and asked if they sold RAW food, they did not but handed me a business card with your business info on it and the rest is history
(I was looking for a change of the regular RAW food I was feeding Dexter and he loves it and he is super healthy)
Also Dexter was purchased from a breeder that feed RAW food only
so he has only ever been on RAW food, never had commercial produced dry kibble
feel free to change any wording but basically that’s how we met you

just wanted to update you so far…..i know its only been a few hours since we left

the journey was good. she was quiet and from what i could she she slept. but when i opened the passenger window and the wind blew in, she perked up! she sat, wind blowing in her face, eyes blinking and tongue wagging! if i didnt know better i say she was smiling.
ray loves her! he asked lots of questions and some about how quiet she is. i had to remind him of her turbulent life up until last week and her need for some quiet healing. and maybe she is missing her pups??? the cats are curious..one in particular got too close and not seeing what exactly happened but Abby yelped. Sibling rivalry begins. Think the cats are trying to ‘mark their turf’
she had a good look around the house. she seems very cautious around stairs. she goes verrrrryyy slowly up and down them. maybe the surgery is the cause too? she had the recommended amount of food…with her bach remedies…and some treats too. and i just got back from a wee walk around the block. We live near the train tracks and i discovered she is not fond of the sound of the cars going over the tracks and really didnt like going through the under pass under the tracks. too many stairs.
i used happy encouraging voices. so i dont think it was too bad for her.

her crate is in the living room and right now she is on the couch beside me. she was snoozing until the train went by. she lifted her head and then put it back down.

she hasnt had a pee or pooh yet though……the clinician in me would be happy to see that. i’ll let her out in the back yard again in a couple hours.

thank you very much for connecting me with Abby. I hope that her pups aren’t missing her too much. Thank you also, for all the work you do to rescue all the animals you do.

will take a picture of her tomorrow and email it to you. feel free to call or email me for updates. i hope that its ok isend you updates. We would for you to visit someday and see where she is now living.

thanks and be well
natalie, ray and Abby and the cats too (Lily, Sky and Jude)

Hey Sue,

Bentley and Buddy are getting along better and better everyday…  Last Wednesday I came home from work to find both pooches waiting for me at the window, but when I left that morning Bentley was in his crate!  Hhhmmmm… escape artist!  Then I got in the house to find that he ate my couch!  Hhhhhmmmm, hungry little bastard!  Funny thing is he ate the couch from inside the crate, and was fine after the great escape!  So I phoned Cindy right away to ask her if she could come earlier than Monday, because Bentley may not survive the weekend!  Fortunately she was able to come on Friday, and I tell you they are like two totally different dogs now!  I love it!  I can’t wait for you to see them in a couple weeks!  Bentley is my shadow, he was definitely the right dog for us!  Talk to ya soon!

Fran,

Buddy & Bentley

Hi Susan,

Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know Keller is doing super!!!!    He fits right in with us and has become one of the family.

He’s done a few goofy things that a kid or pup might do but he has been a lot of fun.  He does like to get up on a bed and look out the window when Dave is in the shower but we are working on that issue.!!!

Walking is still sometimes difficult(more for me than Dave)when ever there is a squirrel,dog or cat close by.  We are both working hard on this issue to stop Keller from being an idiot when he sees one!!!! He even had a fit over a DOG STATUE!!!!!

I’m getting lots of exercise too walking Keller 2x a day, sometimes 3.

Its sort of like having a big goofy kid here again,lots of work but well worth it.

Take care

Lorna & Dave & Keller

Dear Sue

I am writing you because of the fact that I wanted to thank you for the beautiful dog we got when you adopted us Honey.  She is adjusting beautifully and we are loving having her so much.

Yesterday we walked the kids to school and then went for a big run in the green space she just loved it.  By the time we picked up the twins from school and came home she was tired. It was amazing to see her playing outside with my kids and she is so gentle that when she has had enough she just lets me know and she comes in and knows to go to her crate or the couch.

Last night she did the same thing again she checked on the kids and then she settled down for the night – today we have just enjoyed eachothers company and played outside and we went for a big walk.  She will stand at the door and cry a little if she needs to go out and other then the one accidnet there has been no others.  She is wonderful I don’t know what anyone was thinking to get rid of such a beautiful animal but I am so glad that she is mine and she has told me both by the look in her eyes and her excitment when I say her name that she is already loving her new home.  She has brought so much joy in just a few days that I can hardly believe it and could not imagine not having taken her home, I am so glad that we did.

Thanks again I will keep you updated and send you a pic or two soon – we will see you in a month

Take care
Love from
Alexis,  Malcolm,  Mahalah and Honey