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:

Benjy has settled in as if he was born here. Perfectly behaved, totally charming. Our friends love him as much as we do.

Thanks again.
Ted and Mary

Hi Sue

Just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how Casper is doing – which is great!

He is such a sweet boy, filled with energy and spunk but also knows how to be a couch potato too.  He is very smart and has learned sit, down, stay and free very well.  His leash manners are greatly improved and he hardly pulls at all now (unless of course he sees a squirrel!).

We love him very much and he is such a nice addition to our family – we can’t imagine not having him!  Here are some pictures.

Thanks again,
Kate and Darrell

We couldn’t have asked for a better dog than Morgan. You were bang on when you steered us toward him.  He is loving, affectionate, calm and just an overall wonderful dog.

He was completely house trained, his recall is excellent and he doesn’t jump on people or beg.  After six weeks we are still amazed and how good he is.

He sleeps all night and doesn’t mind his crate during the day. He loves his walks and heels most of the time. He also loves to run so we try to get him out off leash as much as possible.

We wish he was a little more playful (for his own happiness) and hope that will come with time.  If not, we’re okay with his totally relaxed attitude. He has bonded with Rielly (our 12 year old) and they spend lots of time together.

Morgan is an absolute joy and we are so pleased that he has joined our family. I can’t imagine life without him.

Thanks so much for all that you do for these dogs AND for your great advice.
Best regards,
Linda, Patrick, Rielly and Morgan

Ripley is doing so well. My parents would like to thank everyone who has contribute to his rescue.  He is absolutely exquisite! So smart and gentle. The whole neighborhood came over bearing gifts to see him. Apparently he is an amazing running partner. He is certainly one of a kind. Thank you Su

Hello,

Things are going well here at my new home. Everybody keeps saying how lucky they are that I’m so well behaved! My walks are going really well, I listen to my mom and dad and I don’t pull or jump around. The little boy is upset that he and I don’t get to walk together yet – mom and dad say in a couple of weeks we’ll all walk together as a family and the boy can hold my leash (with help).

I’m a good boy in the kennel at night but not as much during the day. Mom and the boy went to the grocery store the other day and they left me behind in that “box”! I let them know that I was frustrated and mom said we’re going to have to work hard on being quiet in the kennel during the day.

I like my food but I did throw up on the floor yesterday around noon time. Nobody is sure why, most of the breakfast I had eaten about 4 hours before came up. I definitely love meat versus vegetables – mom tried to give me some carrots and cucumbers as a treat but I was like “where’s the good stuff?”. She says we’ll try again with the vegetables on another day.

I bounce straight up and down when I get super excited! I also chase balls and stop them but I don’t bring them back (yet). Hey, I’m a sheltie – I’m supposed to chase sheep and stop them but I don’t pick them up and bring them back!

I nap on the floor for now, I tried to climb up on the couch but mom told me to get down. She says we have to talk about the couch and if I’m going to be allowed up with the humans, something about my fur getting all over the place. I’m sure she will give in soon and let me up so the whole family can snuggle together in the evenings. I just have to keep giving her that her look that says “I’m so cute, please love me and pet me”.

We put the boy to bed last night and I thought I was ready to go to bed too and climbed in with the boy. The boy and I were OK with it, but mom and dad say not yet. I’m going to have to sleep in my kennel for a bit longer.

I met the neighbours as soon as I got home. Their names are Echo and Triton and they are Portuguese water dogs. We were all very polite and calm and got along very well. I also got to meet some of William’s friends when they came over for a play date – they were two boys (ages 5 and 2) and they came over with their mom. She was very impressed with what a good dog I am. I liked the little boy the best, the older boy was more interested in playing with the LEGO which seems to be all over the floor every day. Me and mom clear a spot over by the couch and we hang out there while the boy and mom make stuff.

I don’t go to the front door so much anymore but I do think that I am going out for a walk every time a human goes out. I get a bit excited but I calm down right away after anybody goes out the door.

I should go for now – I’ll see you during the week when mom comes out to pick up the paperwork she forgot.

Chow for now,
Bart

Kirby after a nice long day at work.

Best regards,
Travis.

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

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,

Oh my god he has settled in so quick!! I just wanted you to know, because I saw you getting misty eyed….  his tail hasn’t stopped wagging even when he got a good swipe from the kitty (they arent too happy, but they will get over it)
 
Do you have a rabies tag for him, or do I just take the papers in when I take him for a bath?  and don’t you dare tell me to do it myself, you have seen the size of him and I will not take him in the shower with me!!  I don’t think there would be enough room  LOL
 
Thank you for coming into my life and bringing Wyatt!
Barb

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.

plus the ones still here! http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/ON258.html

This is Honey

For those who don’t know, Honey is one of our great rescue dogs and she had a bowel obstruction and needed $4000 worth of hospitalization, IV’s & surgery. We have been having a drive to help pay that bill at Guildwood Animal Hospital.

Honey came home yesterday looking like a skeleton with a foot long, stapled incision and has to eat expensive vet food 6 times per day and be on leash restriction too.

She is an amazing dog who was here for weeks nameed Vicki with no applications until i changed her name to Honey – then she had 5 apps in 24 hours and was in surgery in 48!! Don’t know now if Honey is a jinx name or a good one!!

There are a number of ways to donate – Paypal on the rescue site – see Honey’s bio and pics too http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/ON258.html call the vet directly to make a visa orM/C  pmt 416-265-5000 please leave your NAME, credit card number and expiry date on the machine as they are a business and may not alwasy be able to answer the phone), call or visit us to process a visa. M/C or if here, debit card pmt too.

We really appreciate all the help we have gotten so far and know people will step up to help us. WE ARE GETTING CHARITY STATUS SOON!!

Puggles, the little pug mix has been here since June 25th. Except for a few weeks she spent in foster in July (the Foster Mom moved away), she has been here in a big, big crate with a bed and peepee paper and food and water and room to walk around in there.

She is about 10 yrs old and has lots more life in her! She weems to have been in a little crate all her life, having puppies in a puppy mill. She could barely walk, couldn’t bend her knees even, was incontinent but willing to try to be housebroken. She is blind in one eye. That’s all the bad stuff. THE GOOD STUFF is she is no longer incontinent, pees on her paper, walks for hours in the yard on nice days and shorter times on not so nice days but wants to go out and experience the day always. She wears her little coat and just chugs around that yard in ever bigger circles humming to herself and thinking big thoughts…

She has NEVER BEEN SICK HERE. Other dogs have had kennel koff, diahreah, some problem or another but even exposed, Puggles thankfully doesn’t get sick.

She has such a will to live and i am POSITIVE someone out there wants to adopt her. A retired man, woman, couple, who hs time for leasurely walks each day and a dog who loves to snuggle, is fiercely independant, costs nothing to feed and MAYBE cost $20 every 6 months to keep her from being incontinent and a few bucks a month on pee pads….

You or someone you know, or work with or live beside knows someone who will love Puggles. Everyone who meets her falls for her but she needs more time and attention (and deserves it) than someone who still works can give her. Of yes!! she has this one tooth that sticks out and it is too CUTE for words!! If it helps, Puggles’s adoption fee is not fixed in stone.

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

She is a 6 yr old Cane Corso Matiff who was surrendered a couple months ago. She has the PINKEST, BIGGEST SMILE in the WORLD and we FELL FOR IT!

She joins brothers Hank, Gizmo, Nikos, ‘Stafa, Coal, sister Gracie and the cats Lily, Cleo, Zoey

Check out the dogs everyone!! My goodness what a great group of dogs! Gorgeous, all need some play time to calm down but i like them all very much. There are short hairs, long hairs. tall, small – hounds, labs, shep, beagles, coonhounds … GREAT DOGS!\

Still here – HOSS (renamed Cooper on the site), Hubert, Sophie, TRU!! and many more! these guys SO NEED A HOME PLEASE – some have been here a month – some more!!

Dogs here are all from the top down to Remy and then start again 2nd page after Peyton. Remy to end arrive on TUES!!

Today Smitty, Emma (who was ehre all of 5 minutes it seemed), and Hannah left for new Forever Homes! Tomorrow will have Elliot and Justin leaving with their new people!!

We need help tho finding some of the others a home – they may be older like POLLY PUGGLES (12yrs) or maybe not so pretty like BELLE (7yrs) but with a soul that is gentle and kind if only someone would meet her. We have MOLSYN (6 yrs)who is also technically old for a Cane Corso mastiff but is so beautiful in spirit and such a hold on life it’ll knock your socks off. My HUBERT (hubie) is still here – since June 25th at least!! might be longer – a happier, more loving dog you’ll have a hard time finding! HOSS – renamed COOPER in hopes a name change will bring a better kharma – how stoopid is that?? He is the nicest dog here but he’s big and black and he is starting to disconnect from us and people who come by – like he isn’t trying anymore. My Lovely SOPHIE -  she is an easy, fun dog – she needs someone strong tho she she doesn’t need to be afraid. She has been a client of mine for 4 yrs b4 being one of my rescues and she is a GOOD dog.

Can anyone who reads this please send this link http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/ON258.html to people you know – retired people who want a low maintenance dog, singles or couples who may have lost an older dog rescently – anyone and everyone you know – PLEASE?

Occasionally i get requests from people over 60 to have a dog. Most of those people have been refused dogs by other rescues for being ‘too old’.

When they come to me, I DO direct them away from puppies and younger dogs, my fear being not so much that they can’t handle them – there are some ‘old’ people waaaay fitter than ME! – but that they will die before the dog.

I have been directing older people to dogs over 5 yrs old (depending on breed/longevity) who need homes as badly, if not more cuz people want puppies, but are awesome dogs who have a long life to love someone .

I was thinking that ALL OF YOU have older relatives and friends who you didn’t know were looking for a dog and may have been refused and never told you OR want a dog but know a puppy is more than they need or want and don’t know about PETFINDER or that there are rescue organizations ther than pounds OR that they don’t have to go into a shelter and feel horrible seeing the dogs there but can go on the internet too. Maybe they don’t know that there ARE OLDER DOGS WHO NEED THEM. Middle ages or LAZY people like me should apply for these guys TOO!

Dogs i have here needing older people to love them if other people don’t want them is:

COCOA, an 8-9 yr old female chocoolate lab, med size – she can live another 5-7 yrs, BELLE, a7-8 yr old female blk lab mix, large, can go another 5-7 yrs, OCTAVIA, 9-11 yr old chihua/terrier mix, female, 10lbs who is the NICEST small dog i’ve ever seen!! never bites or even lifts a lip, not a barker, good on her legs and loving!! she can go another 8 or so years!  POLLY PUGGLES 10 -12yr old pug mix, female, one back leg is gimpy but getting stronger now that she’s using it – seems she may have been crated her whole life (she & Octavia likely puppy mill breeding dogs) and she really chugqs along outside!! She SINGS like a kitten when she needs attention and ok, she is UGLY but E.T. was cute after two hours so she;’ll grow on you! she can go another 5-8 yrs. RAY - still here – 9-10 yr old blk lab, male, blind from cataracts not cancer or diabetes. Awesome dog who gets around darn good for his ‘disability’. He can go 4-6 more years too!

We will help anyone adopting these dogs with health and food advice to make them last as long as they should too!

Other ‘older’ dogs who need people – Joey, Hoss, Claudia - they’re all apprx 4-5 yrs old and have a good 10 yrs left (13 or so for the beagle) and they are calmer and loving and easier to have around – don’t need exceptional amts of exercise either!!

THis is all just thoughts but i’d really like to know what you think and if there is a market for older dogs and people and where the best place it to let seniors know we’re here with great dogs.

HAPPY CANADA DAY EVERYONE!