Read success stories from people who have adopted pets from us!

Bella

My husband and I lost our beloved beagle, Manhattan, 6 months ago and I struggled so much with his passing I didn't think I could ever get another dog. After his birthday passed, Sept. 11, I decided to start looking and I went to ARF and in all the adoptable pets I saw her picture and I knew she was the one for me. We will never ever be able to replace Manhattan, but I know he would be friends with her, he loved everyone. She has become so precious to me in such a short time and I don't know what I would do with out her now. Thank you for everything you do for these most deserving animals!

Jackson

Hello! I wanted to share with ARF how very excited about the newest addition to my family! Jackson is a Goldendoodle rescued from a puppy mill in Missouri who has found his forever home on October 17. I have spent the last year researching different breeds, trying to find "the one!" I currently have a rescue Golden Retriever that suffered a difficult past that has left her shy, timid and at times very anxious. When I met Jackson, I just knew he was the one I'd been waiting on. It only took a few minutes of watching Jack play, seeing his fun, happy, playful nature to help me make my decision. The rest is history, Abbey and Jack have become the best of buds, and will honestly retrieve squeaker balls as long as my pitching arm holds out! I never could have or would have guessed that this sweet little man could have made such a difference in not only my life but in my sweet Abbey's as well. Thank you again for helping bust up yet another dreadful puppy mill and giving me my Jack!

Diesel

We wanted our dog Monty to have a friend to play with so we took him to the PetSmart on 71st several weekends and had him meet several dogs. We found Diesel and he and Monty hit it off. Diesel was only 4 months old at the time. Today he is going on six years old and still as active as he was when we adopted him. He can be a handful but I love him more than ever. He was a wonderful addition to our family and I don't know what I would do with out his happy little face.

Ely

We are approaching the 1 year anniversary of our adoption. Ely has brought pure joy to our family. There is no doubt in my mind that he was waiting for us. He is everything we hoped for and more!

While teething, he did attempt to eat the couch. He also did his own version of wood carving on a leg of the dining room table. We were already planning on replacing the computer table he decided to chew on. All puppy stuff we expected. He has grown into a well mannered young man.

Ely is currently 120 lbs. and stands 36" to the top of his head. He is truly a gentle giant. Ely is welcomed in many business establishments in the Tulsa area. One of his qualities is that he automatically sits when small children approach him. I spoke with his Foster Mom and she said she did not train him to do this, neither did I. Children are drawn to him and fascinated by how big and gentle he is.

We are forever grateful to ARF for taking such good care of our boy in his early months. Each day brings a new joy with our "puppy".

Champagne

In October 2006, I lost my friend, Baby Dog, of 13 ˝ years. I had him from the time he was 5 weeks old, so it left a big hole inside me. I still had 2 year old Kassie, and Midnight my 6 year old cat. We all went through a grieving time. When I decided to get another dog, I went on the internet and found ARF. It really touched me that this rescue group was a true dog/cat rescue, that does not believe in euthanizing. ARF finds good homes for all of the animals they commit to take.

I looked at the pictures of the adoptable dogs and came across one named Champagne. She really caught my eye. I read her biography and it said she needed another dog and liked cats, so I applied to adopt her.

When I first got Champagne, she was extremely fearful. I took her to the park with Kassie and after a few times she was right at home. I then took her to my groomer and to other places with me. After Champagne realized that she was always coming back home with me and I would always take care of this sweet girl, she lost her fear.

I enjoy her and she loves to sleep in my bed. She and Kassie love to play together now and Midnight will lay by her and play along too.

I am so glad that Champagne, now known as Minnie, came into my life and filled some of the hole that Baby Dog left. Minnie (Champagne) is such a sweet dog. I’m so glad ARF is there for dogs like her!

In March we decided we wanted to expand our family to include a playmate for our rowdy little girl, so we began looking and found ARF on the Internet. We both agreed we wanted to rescue because we knew so many puppies need good homes and Luckie was our first rescue dog and we loved him to death.

We searched through several different organizations and took many trips to look at different events. We found Buddy on the ARF site and Jason just loved him. He had always wanted a chocolate lab. We just so happened to take a trip to Petsmart that day and there he was just hanging out and looking adorable.

Jason immediately began filling out the application and was truly excited. One week later buddy got to join our family. He is a twinkle in his daddy’s eye and we are very lucky to have found him. Now our family is complete. The four of us are so happy. Thank you for completing our home and making my boyfriend's dream come true.

Slevin

We lost a Pekingese due to cancer, last June, 2006, after a failed attempt to removed the cancer tumors. They just came back and the last surgery was too much. It spread even faster and we had to put Macy to sleep. That was the hardest thing we ever had to do. That night before we put her to sleep, I did not even sleep--I just rocked her and told her it was ok to go to Heaven. Ever since then, there was a void that needed to be filled. We had Macy for 16 yrs. My mother and my brother took it really hard. Macy was survived by one puppy--her only one, Honey. That is my dog. Just recently my brother and my mother were talking about getting another puppy, but could never bring themselves to do it.

I started looking for another Pekingese and came across Slevin. Something about his picture drew me in. I went to the Vet where he was being kept, and he ran to my brother and jumped in his lap and the kisses started. Then he leaped in my mother's lap and gave her a kiss and put his head on her shoulders and gave her a hug, as if to say, "it is all right, I will make it better". Then he went back to my brother's lap and gave him a hug and continued to kiss him. I called ARF and applied. I told him that I would be back on Monday to take him home. That was the longest weekend ever! We went to pick him up and he was ready to leave! We had a birthday party that night. We named him Snuggles cause he loves to cuddle and give kisses, lots and lots of kisses. He tries to drown you in kisses. He loves the yard and plays with the other dogs that live around us through the fence. He runs with them. Honey and Snuggles gets along great! They play tug-a-war with each other. He loves to play with balls and loves his treats. We can't imagine our lives with out him.

Thanks!

Alva

My niece, Jennifer, adopted a terrier from ARF recently. Her name was Alva and Jennifer has renamed her Gracie because "she is my saving grace."

Jennifer recently had to put her elderly pug to sleep and was heartbroken and lonely. She had intended to wait a few months before looking for another dog, but her mother (my sister) convinced her that she should go ahead and find a dog -- not a little puppy since Jennifer is attending college to be a registered nurse and also has a part time job.

Nov. 11 was my sister's birthday and we all gathered at my mother's to celebrate. Jennifer brought the new member of the family and we had the best time admiring little Gracie, spoiling her, petting her, and laughing at her antics. Jennifer is thrilled to have this bundle of love in her life and grateful that Gracie is already house-trained, spayed, and vet checked.

Thanks to everyone who works hard to help people like Jennifer find new furry friends to love. Gracie sleeps with Jennifer and I could tell that Jennifer is over the moon for this scruffy puff of mischief. She is so thrilled! She has had a doggie door installed and is now "fortifying" her fence to be sure that there is absolutely no way Gracie can slip out. She takes Gracie out for long walks twice a day and loves to show her off to her neighbors. My sister is also a proud "dog grandma." And, of course, I'm proud to be part of ARF, an organization that saves wonderful dogs like Gracie and pairs them up with people who adore them.

You guys are grrrrreat!

Buster

In September of 2003, we became a foster home for ARF, and Buster was our first foster dog we adopted. Well, I would like to say "we" adopted him, but the truth be told, HE is the one who adopted us from the first moment he set foot in our house. The house, the yard and even the Koi pond became his domain. Anyone could tell from the look in his eye's he considered himself home. Not to say we did not try and find him a family since he was up for adoption. But, every time we would show him at PetsMart, he would simply turn his back on people when they would try to meet him. Considering he is a very outgoing dog and loves people, this was nothing more than a stall tactic on his part. He had already picked out his new forever home. This smart dog had a plan, and he knew how to work the system!

After one month, we realized Buster was not going anywhere. So at the end of October, 2003, we gave Buster what he wanted most in life: a permanent family who loved him. When he received his first collar and I.D. tag with his name on it, his tail began to wag and he took off running through the yard (right into the pond) to show all of the fish he at last had a family. Buster was no longer an unwanted ARF dog. He was home.

Even though we had no intention of adopting another dog after we lost our Shar Pei, Trevor, to cancer in August of 2003, we now can not imagine our family without Buster. He is our protector, our lap puppy and our best buddy. He instinctively took over Trevor's role of house guardian and keeps our family safe from all of the killer squirrels that dare to set foot in his back yard.! Buster taught us that even when you lose something close to you, God has a way of sending you an Angel to let your heart be filled with love once again. And, there are plenty of other Angels like Buster in ARF who are waiting for the chance to make a difference in other families lives.

Mia

Mia & Elliott: A story with many successes...This is the story of not one, but a chain of successful events that led to happy homes for the ARF adoptees! The story begins with Animal Rescue Foundation and the rescue of one very small Jack Russell Terrier Dog...named Veronica. Veronica was about to deliver puppies. She had been residing in a shelter, and was passed over by many rescue groups due to her condition. Her shelter time was up... she was scheduled to be euthanized.

Realizing the urgency of the little momma dog's situation, ARF rescued Veronica and placed her in a loving foster home, where she gave birth to 8 tiny puppies, 7 of which survived. It was unlikely that Veronica had received proper prenatal nourishment and care living on the streets as a stray. When the pups were delivered, Veronica became very sick and close to death. An urgent call went out between ARF volunteers, and the new family was quickly divided and placed in foster homes that were willing to foster, bottle-feed around the clock and "play mom" to the otherwise orphaned babies.

Three of these babies were placed in my care. My family helped me love and care for these puppies around the clock. Over the weeks, they grew and grew. They loved to be snuggled and held close when taking their bottles. I named my babies Rascal, Mia and Elliott. Meanwhile, Mom Veronica was spending time at South Memorial Animal Clinic where she was slowly gaining strength. Just when it looked like Veronica was pulling through her ordeal, my 3 puppies came down with serious upper respiratory infections...little Elliott progressed into full-blown pneumonia, and at one point, it looked doubtful that he would survive. I prepared myself for the worst. Orphaned pups do not have a high survival rate.

The Animal Rescue Foundation did not give up on the momma dog or her 7 puppies. They provided the best of medical care through Dr. James Dominy. And, miraculously, the 7 puppies surived!! Even Elliott grew stronger and stronger. Veronica and 5 of the puppies found wonderful, "forever homes" through the ARF Adoption Program. The other 2, Mia & Elliott, found their "forever home" with me...I applied and adopted them into my own home! What wonderful additions to my family!

Elliott

So many families, (including my own), were touched by the rescue of 1 small dog named Veronica. This story is a testament to the true purpose and commitment of ARF; saving the lives of the ones that cannot speak for themselves; committed and dedicated to following through to find the perfect home. For every life saved, so many hearts are touched.

Chauncey

When I picked Chauncey up from one of the ARF vets to foster, I knew from the first moment I saw him that this adorable little fox was special. Usually, dogs that meet a foster parent for the first time are a little timid and shy. Not Chauncey! This little guy did not WALK up to meet me; instead, he PRANCED with his head held high! There was no lack of self confidence in his petite body, and his actions appeared to say, "Well, let's go. What took you so long to pick me up?"

"Chauncey, who we affectionately call our "Little Prince", is the second foster dog to put his paw prints on our hearts and become a full-fledged member of our family in December of 2003. In a way, he was my Christmas present that year, and he is the best gift I never had to return. Life would never be the same again. Our Christmas ornaments that year, too, would never be the same. Several years ago, we were in Edinburgh, Scotland, and bought some felt ornaments of Henry VIII and his wives. Just as a couple of the real wives lost their heads, so did two of the ornaments. Ironically, they were the exact same wives who lost their heads in real life. We had no idea Chauncey knew anything about English history. Coincidence? We think not! He is probably Henry VIII reincarnated (along with the attitude), and he knew precisely which of the wife ornaments to decapitate.

True to his Chuhuahua nature, he is the Prima Donna of the house, and is the most sensitive dog we have ever seen. It does not take much for him to get offended by something and go pout. His favorite pastime, besides playing with his best friend, Buster, would be to give hundreds, no, thousands of kisses each and every day. When we have people over to the house, we always have to warn them that Chauncey has the fastest tongue in the West. But, inevitably, somebody will squat down to pet him, and...SLURP...they have been French kissed before they realize what just happened. Luckily, we keep an abundant supply of mouthwash on hand.

Describing how Chauncey has changed and enriched our lives in a few short paragraphs is nearly impossible. He makes bad days better. He makes good days perfect. He makes lonely days disappear. He is the essence of God's love encompassed in a 12lb bundle of joy with four legs and fur. He teaches us everyday to experience, and to give, pure love which is unconditional. Having Chauncey in our lives is a blessing we never take for granted!

Kenzy

Hello Everybody. My name is Kenzy, and this is my success story. The fact that I am alive and able to have a success story is in itself a miracle, for after I was rescued by ARF I was diagnosed with Heartworms. There were about 30 dogs crated in the barn where I used to be kept, and the conditions were not very sanitary. If Norita had not picked me to come into the organization, I probably would not have been treated for my infection and I would be either very sick or dead by now. Little did I know that this small act of kindness by her would change my life in a big way.

One day, while I was at South Memorial Animal Hospital, a man I had never seen before put his arm into my cage to say "Hello." Instinctively, I gently touched the back of his hand with my paw to say "Hello" back, completely unaware this person was going to be one of my Foster Dad's. He had come to meet me and another homeless dog to see which one of us to take into their home. I later found out that by touching his hand, I had also touched his heart! For the second time in 2 weeks, I was the one who was picked out as "special" and not overlooked. Later that day, he came back and I went to their home...a real home...to be cared for and loved by a real family.

The following day, I had to start my treatment for Heartworms, and the next days were pretty rough. The shots were painful and I felt really bad. But, whenever I would shake from the medicine, my Foster Dad's would hold me close, give me soft kisses on the head and tell me everything would be alright. They also told me things like: "I was beautiful" and "I was such a good girl." All of the love I received during those days would help to heal me as much as the medicine.

After a few weeks, my Dads started to let me play with my Foster Brothers, Buster & Chauncey. What fun!! I was finally able to run and play with other dogs in the yard. Around this time, too, I was starting to go to PetsMart on Saturday's to be shown and see if some family would fall in love with me and adopt me into their home. I did this for almost 2 months. And, even though I was housetrained and my Dad's constantly called me "the perfect foster," I guess I was not special enough to warrant an application. Perhaps my luck had run out. Perhaps I would never find a forever home. Perhaps I would never be loved for being myself.

As things turned out, I WAS already loved more than I realized, and my Dad's had already discussed making me a permanent part of the family. They had recently lost their Shar Pei, Sassy, to old age, and wanted more than anything for me to stay with them and never leave. Besides, they said they needed a girl in the house to be the Queen and to keep Buster & Chauncey in line. Well, the application to adopt me was sent in and ever since that day I have never been unwanted or unloved. So, as you can see, not having anyone apply to adopt me was actually the best thing that ever could have happened to me (although, my Dad's tell me I am one of the best things to happen to them!) And, to think, my happy life all started with just the gently touch of my paw on someone's hand. Thank you ARF for giving me a second chance to live and the thing I wanted most in life...a family to love, and a family to love me back!

PJ & Sissy

What's better than 1 precious Chihuahua puppy to liven up the house? Could it be 2? Well, in our case it certainly has been. PJ & Sissy came to live with us when they were about 9 weeks old in April of 2004. Since that time we have had more love & laughs than we bargained for.

My husband has been retired for almost 6 years and I am a part-time worker. The empty nest syndrome was beginning to feel a little emptier since our boys were grown, and even the grandkids were growing up. Since I had a Chihuahua when I was young, I decided to start a search for us a new pet. A co-worker asked if we had considered ARF. We were not familiar with them, but she took me to their web site and we were soon hooked

As I watched the site and tried not to get in a hurry, because I wanted to get just the right one for us, these 2 little sisters kept popping up on the screen. The detailed information stated that the foster family really wanted them to be adopted together. Two? Well, we made the trip to see them and it was love at first sight. We were very impressed with the foster parents and their concern that each of their animals be placed in just the right home. They especially wanted their young puppies to be in a home with families who had plenty of time to care for them. I can tell you, the decision to adopt both was easy. Because, if we had had to pick one over the other it would have been impossible. Needless to say, we were thrilled when our application was approved and we brought our little girls home.

They are so different and yet so alike. Each has her own personality. PJ "the comic" started out being the shy one. Her antics kept us in stiches all the time. She spends all her outside days finding and digging up all the nuts the neighborhood squirrels have buried in our back yard. Sissy is our "protector" and hugs us by going around and around our necks. They are very smart and have learned a few tricks. They like to get their halters on and go for a walk around the neighborhood. They are very good travelers and go with us whenever we go. They had a great time their "first Christmas" with all the kids at home. They were the center of attention and they love that! This week, they have seen their first snow! That was quite entertaining. They really didn't know what to think. Their favorite games are "lets get mama out of bed" & "let's check out dad's chair for crumbs".

I have since told many of my friends about ARF. Our foster parents were able to introduce us to our babie's mother, give us pictures of mom and dad, as well as some past history and current families. They were careful to explain all the terms of the adoption & have stayed concerned & in-touch with us. Our little girls will be 1 year old on Feb 11, 2005. They have a very special place in our hearts and in our family.

Thank you ARF for the wonderful work that you, your foster parents and the Veterinarians do. We have been extremely encouraged in all areas of our contacts with them. We will continue to recommend ARF to anyone desiring a family pet, and we are certain that our empty nest will be full of life for many years to come.

Andy

Andy became part of our lives in the summer of 2004 after Erin & I were married and moved into a new home. Erin originally saw Andy on the ARF website and fell in love with him. Complicating the situation was the fact that I was out of town and unable to accompany Erin to the interview with Andy's "foster" parents. Even though I was uncomfortable with not being able to meet and greet Andy at the same time as Erin, I could tell that this was an important and life changing decision for the both of us. We adopted Andy during the last week of July, and I was able to meet him about a week later after I returned from being out of town.

Andy now is part of our daily lives and is as much a part of the family as my wife or I. His personality, playfulness and comical attitude keep us laughing and playing for most of the day. We both agree that we're not quite sure what we did before we had him! Owning a pet was something I thought I was ready for-I was wrong. I never expected that having Andy would change our lives as much as it did. The Animal Rescue Foundation made it easy for us to give a home to Andy. As a puppy, Andy was ill, mistreated and didn't have much of a chance to make it. Thanks to their dedicated staff & nursing capabilities, he was a healthy but underweight dog when he was adopted (about 1 pound). Andy is now an active and intelligent 11 pound dog!

As a disclaimer, anyone wanting to adopt an animal should realize that they are going to make mistakes. As a puppy, Andy had plenty of "accidents" on the floor and even chewed up a pillow once. However, the love, devotion and laughter Andy brought to our family far outweights any accidents or mistakes he made while adjusting to our home and lifestyle.

Last summer my family and I adopted 2 loving Springer Spaniels. They were only about 4 or 5 months old. They came with the names Whipper & Snapper, but we changed them to Tucker & Tyler. Their birthday is February 15th! The day after Valentines Day. Oh well, I'm only 12 years old and I have a younger brother who's 9. They live with one other dog, Dezzy, who's 9 and a Siamese cat, Silly, who's 6. They are the best dogs in the world and they're so beautiful! They are liver and white. Tucker is absolutely adorable and so is Tyler. We're currently teaching them new tricks. Tucker is very little compared to Tyler, and we treat Tucker like a baby! Tyler is very funny because he's really goofy! They are both wonderful dogs and Tucker's a great cuddler.

Lucky & Gordo

It was just after Christmas of '04 when a rescue friend of mine from a breed rescue was at the Tulsa Shelter and came across 2 tiny terrier mix pups: 1 black and white and 1 tri-color. She thought she could help one of them out and give him a chance at life and pulled him from the shelter. She then sent me an e-mail with a picture of this little guy and said that his brother was left at the shelter. And, of course, I could not leave him there. So, after work, I was down at the shelter picking him up.

Now, we both fostered for this breed rescue and these pups were not our breed. And, since she happened to be a past foster for ARF, she asked if they could help us out with placing them. They graciously agreed. I agreed that I would foster the boys so that we did not take up any of their foster's since they were just helping us out. Needless to say, they never left my house and I am now an ARF foster.

Lucky is the tri-color one and Gordo the black and white, and there never is a day that goes by that I don't thank them for having such big hearts to let 2 little terrier pups recieve the help they needed. They are so special and we love them so! They were so tiny when we got them, and needless to say, they did not stay that way. They are now 45 & 49 pounds of energetic, fun big guys that love to be loved. I thank you, ARF, for helping me to save these boys. It was well worth it. They are 2 of the best things that have ever happened to us. They make our family complete. People are always asking, "what kind of breed they are", and I just say "Pound Puppies", and then tell them to go find them a great dog at the pound or rescue!

In May of 2003, "Baby" was 18 months old and was clearly a puppy farm breeder. She'd been handed off to ARF by her "owner" right after giving birth. I had one pug already (Banjo, who was a year old), and I was hopeful that the two of them would get along well, and doubly hopeful that I'd be allowed to adopt Baby.

Baby had only been with ARF for two days when I, along with several other people, applied to adopt her. I remember that a few short days after I applied for her, I got the wonderful phone call that I'd been chosen, and Banjo & I would get to add her to our little pug family. I was so excited that I went out and bought bubble gum "It's a Girl" cigars and passed them. The day I picked her up, she was a beautiful-but very, very timid-little girl. I changed her name to Mandolin (a new name for a new life).

At first, I was so sad to see that little Mandi had no idea what it was like to receive affection, and she didn't seem to even know what grass was because she'd clearly spent her life in a cage. It became quickly obvious that this little girl had lived a very sad little life without any real love or affection. She and Banjo became fast friends the day they met, though, and she was very loving with me right away as well.

In the two years since Mandolin joined our little pug family, she's blossomed into a happy, healthy, playful and friendly little (if slightly pudgy) pug. She's affectionate and friendly, very jolly, loves people and all other animals-cats, dogs, chinchillas, field mice, whatever! She's just a lover girl and every bit of that timid little neglected girl is all gone. I'm hopeful Mandi has forgotten about her first 18 months of life, because she's my little princess now, and she just couldn't be doing better.

Last year, we added another pug to our family (Jewell), who is our "senior" pug (about 8 years old), and she definitely plays the grandmama to the other two. The three girls are all the best of friends. now! I'm just delighted to be able to report that Mandolin (foremerly known as Baby) is still happy, healthy and is doing wonderfully these days, thanks to all of you at ARF. Thanks so much to all of you for your hard work.

All our best,
Melody Bowen and the pug girls Banjo, Mandolin & Jewel



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In November of 2002, my husband and I went to the PetsMart on 41st Street. In one of the cages there was a small brown dog with the name of Valentine (Rosie). She was part Dachshund and I suspect also part Bassett Hound. I looked at her and the tip of her tail started moving. I asked the assistants there if I could see her. They brought her out for me and I sat on a chair. I asked why she had two names, and they said someone called her Rosie because she had a skin condition where her hair came out and all you could see was her pink, rosey skin. My pointer, Andy, came and sniffed at her. She licked his nose. He gave a little growl and she scrambled back on my lap. He seemed satisfied with that and gave her a quick sniff and a lick. I looked at my husband, Tim, and he said: "Go ahead and fill out the paperwork". So I did!

A few days later, I recieved a call that Rosie was now mine. We picked her up and she became a part of our family. However, I found out that she had hidden her true nature when I saw her at PetsMart. Instead of the meek little dog I thought I had, I found out I had a dominant, hard-headed, bossy little girl. The first time Andy, our pointer, tried to sniff her food, she charged him, growling! He looked at us with a very confused look on his face. I just know he was wondering what little demon we had brought into the house. She became fast friends with the cat, and they would terrorize one another and Andy.

Now, we have moved out of state and into a bigger house. She believes the spare bedroom is her own room. One night, my husband and I had to use the spare room. My husband went to bed early. When I came to bed, she was on my side. I asked her to move. She ignored my as usual. I pushed her over. She growled at me. I told her quite firmly to move, and she just looked at me and growled again. Finally, I just got into the bed and pushed her with my body. She wasn't happy about that either. She finally moved to the end of the bed, but she was growling the whole way.

So, even though she lied to us, my husband and I agree that she is one of the best things to happen to us. We would not change her for the world. Andy might, but we wouldn't!

Scooter

Scooter has been in his home for 10 months. Scooter walked on his elbows, but with walking more, and massaging his front legs and paws, Scooter now is walking like a rabbit. He is able to jump in and out of the car. Scooter really enjoys car rides. Scooter will put his front paws on the passenger side indicating he wants to go for a car ride. He now runs up and down the stairs, is very sociable and loving and brings joy and happiness to all that know him.

Scooter is also a Therapy Dog and provides this service 3 days a week in the Tulsa area. Scooter is currently visiting 9 individuals in the community and 10 individuals at the Gatesway Foundation. Scooter passed the Canine Good Citizen Test on April 30, 2005. He has brought me great joy and happiness in my retirement!

Charmer

Charmer was adopted from ARF 8 years ago and from the moment Craig saw him, he knew this little one-eyed man had to be a part of his life. Craig had visited several of the ARF vets who were boarding animals up for adoption, and he had just about given up that he would find the perfect companion when, as a last thought, one of the vet techs pulled Charmer from the back room; there was no more looking around. Charmer was the one!!

Never one to exhert energy playing with dog toys or chasing squirrels like "common dogs", Charmer had one goal and desire in his life: to be by his special person's side. Napping next to him while Craig watched T.V. was the BEST activity in the whole wide world. Oh, occasionally Charmer would get up and let you know he wanted to be fed. This would entail him standing under the kitchen table and letting out a short bark as if to say, "I am awake. Take care of me, NOW"! And, more times than not, this would take place right during a crucial point of the television show or movie we were watching. The world was on "Charmer Time" and he expected it to stop when he was wanting your attention. And, of course, the world did stop revolving for a few minutes while his needs were attended to.

For the last year and half, Charmer battled kidney failure and, sadly, after a long and couragious battle, his little body finally gave out and we lost our little man on June 13, 2005. Three to four times each month, Charmer would visit his vet, Dr. Katy Graves at Forest Trails Animal Hospital, for his weekly kidney flush. Dr. Graves and the staff treated Charmer like a member of their family and their expert and compassionate care was a major factor in him setting the record at their clinic for living the longest with renal failure. Well, that and he was just too stubborn and grumpy to let this disease deprive him of being with Craig!! Whenever we walked into the office, we were always greeted with a big "Charmer is here". Everyone knew his name. Everyone loved him as their own.

Although Charmer is now with our Shar Pei's, Trevor and Sassy, who preceeded him to the Rainbow Bridge, and our lives have a little hole in them, he is still present in the house and in our hearts. In addition, he was a perfect example of what ARF dogs are all about: even though some of them may be "flawed" by having only one eye, by not being able to hear, or by having personality quirks, they still will give you their loyalty and unconditional love if you let them. The love you receive from an ARF dog is not dictated by them being a pedigree, a certain color or a certain sex. The paw prints these rescued angels leave on your heart comes from them having the ability to change your life for the better and make you realize there are more important things in this crazy world than having the right job, making a lot of money or driving the perfect car. The IMPORTANT things in life are given away free by all ARF animals. And, for eight wonderful years, we had the privelage and joy to accept all of the important things Charmer brought to our lives. Goodbye, little man, we will miss you!!!

Buddy

My new home came with regular bowls of dog crunchies, a big water bowl for drinking and wading, chewies and lots of stuff for me to kill (remember, I AM a terrier)! Mom had to buy tennis balls for me: no one else played tennis. My family includes a sister, Talk, a greyhound, 2 legged brother Lance and Mom. Dad is away in the Army but has gotten to come home for a few weekends.

The back door is where we go out with no leash on and run to see if the rabbits can get to the fence before we can. We look for squirrels in the trees and rats under the building. My yard has a doggie wading pool for swimming and a big soccer ball. I can run the ball from one fence to the other-just TRY to kick it to your goal!

Lance, my brother, shares his crate with me at night. He takes me for rides with him and chases me when I run off-yes, I like to dart out the door and see who will come get me while I sniff in the neighborhood. I play fetch with everyone, but would rather not let you get the ball from me without a tug-of-war. Lance has a great arm for throwing and does not get too upset when I pinch his fingers trying to keep the ball.

Mom gets me up in the morning to get the rabbits out of the yard before breakfast, which includes "something" about potty outside? I have a bit of a problem with attention deficit. She has ALMOST figured out when I like to potty!!

Mom is a Greyhounds Foster Mother, so we have foster friends that come and stay. Galveston was the one that was here when I came, and wow, could he play. He found his family and moved. Now, Miss True is with us. She is calm like Talk. I like having 2 girlfriends. Grandpa hands out treats and takes us out for a walk when we visit. Grandma cooks and makes sure we get a taste and she lets me sit in her lap.

Thanks ARF for picking me to join your group and for posting my picture with the Fox Terrier rescue group so mom could find me. She says I am the comedian of the family and I make sure everyone laughs. We still visit PetsMart, Petco and Southern Ag so I can remain an advocate for ARF rescue!!

Bailey

Last September when we lost our 14 year old Brittany, we decided to return to normalacy(for us) by having only 3 dogs. Then, shortly before Christmas, my husband, Butch, came home on Saturday from running errands and told me about this adorable little puppy he had seen at PetsMart. I reminded him of our decision to stay with just 3 dogs, only to find out he had already filled out the adoption papers on her. I agreed to go back to PetsMart with him to see her, but I spent the entire trip there building my arguments of why this would not work! Nowhere in the planning did I consider that I would fall in love with Bailey at first sight. She was about 4 months old and had the most beautiful furry face. A couple of days later we received a call from one of her foster dads wanting to set up a time for us to come to their home and meet them and see Bailey again. We had a wonderful visit and Bailey just continued to convince me she was supposed to come with us. I felt good about the visit when I left, but was anxious to hear if she was truly ours. I only knew that our family had a hole that she was suppose to fill. But, what if we weren't the right forever home for her? The fear melted when I got the call that she would become a member of our family and they told me that when I had left her foster home, Bailey sat by the door-waiting for me to return!!

It didn't take long for her to fit in with our other 3 dogs (all males) and to quickly earn the nickname of "Princess". It has been an adventure every day with her. She has learned things very quickly and has been a joy to train. She loves tennis balls (especially tearing off the yellow fuzz), games of tug and playing Frisbee. She puts her whole heart into everything she does.

August has been a big month for Bailey. She successfully completed Advanced Beginners Obedience Class at Companion Dog School of Tulsa; as well, she earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen award. We also celebrated her first birthday. She is already training to play Flyball with our Dogs Gone Wild Flyball Club and should be ready for tournaments by next spring or summer. My dream is that she will be the first ARF dog in the Tulsa area (if not Oklahoma) to earn a NAFA (North American Flyball Association) title.

I truly can't imagine being without her! I am often told she is a Momma's girl-which makes me happy. Us girls gotta stick together! Sometimes when I walk through the house, I feel something at my leg and she is walking right beside me every step I take. I am thankful to ARF and especially Craig and Bob for bringing her into our lives. And, to Craig and Bob, thank you for staying in touch with us and your continued interest in her life and adventures.

Thatcher

About one year ago, my husband & I decided to adopt a dog from ARF, and we have been grateful for that decision every since. As soon as I saw "Marley" on the ARF website, I knew he was made for us. I was so excited when we found out we were accepted. My husband had a few reservations (he had never had a dog in the family), but now neither of us can imagine life without Thatcher (we tried calling him Marley to no avail, so we christened him Thatcher).

Sandy

We were so lucky the day our new baby joined our family. As near as we can tell, she is mostly wire-haired dachshund, but she is definitely all sweet-heart. Without a doubt, she is the sweetest dog we've ever had the pleasure to meet! Her foster parents, Bob & Craig, obviously did a fantastic job getting her ready for adoption. While her ARF name was Topsey, Craig & Bob called her Sandy, and the name has stuck. A little shy at first, her sparkling personality (as evidenced by her picture) has come through. Bubbly, friendly and loving don't even come close to describing what a great dog she is! Thank you ARF for giving us the chance to adopt such a wonderful pet!

Pasha

We originally had adopted Kasey (Kesha), whom we absolutely adored, from you a few years ago. She was a black labradoodle and she was the perfect family dog. However, this summer she was diagnosed with Addisons (too late) and we had to put her to sleep. Jaynie called us that day with a friend for Kasey, and when we told her our sad story, she had a new baby for us-Pasha (Trix)-we came out to see her and fell in love with her. Our son desperately wanted a new friend and convinced us that a new dog was the remedy for our sadness. Pasha has fit in with our family beautifully and we just love her to pieces. She is also a doodle-totally different personality than Kasey-and she is just a doll!

Sahara

This is the story of Sahara... I am an apartment manager and was looking through the ARF pictures for a dog for one of my residents (a recovering cancer survivor). I saw a picture of Sahara, fell totally in love, and moved on. I thought about his jaunty posture and his beautiful face all night and all the next day. I just could not seem to get him out of my mind. Little did I know that he was already in my heart.

I am owned by a black and white Shih Tzu named Boo: he was born on Halloween. Boo and I had been thru a lot in the last year. He had to nurse me thru the loss of my mother, my beloved dog Mikey and then tragically, my beautiful 34 year old daughter died after an unsuccessful kidney/pancreas transplant. Just to make things really challenging...I also lost my job! Boo really had his work cut out for him, but with lots of snuggles and kisses he pulled me thru and helped me find another job.

After we sold our condo and moved to the apartments where I work, I noticed that Boo seemed lonely. He came to work with me everyday, but I just did not seem to be able to give him the romping and "free-for-all" fun he wanted. His first birthday was coming up and I had considered getting him a puppy for his birthday. I had a possible mate for him and hoped to have a puppy of his linage for him; unfortunately, the ladydog was unable to come to Tulsa and our hopes for a puppy faded.

What perfect timing!! Sahara was in my mind and in my heart already. I printed and filled out the papers the next day! I thought he would be a perfect brother for Boo. Boo and I were turned down for Sahara's adoption because Boo had not been neutered. We made the vet appointment for the end of the week and reapplied. The people at ARF required that all animals in the adopting family be neutered, and since I had made the appointment, they reconsidered me. I know they checked my references thoroughly. They called my Vet and friends I had listed. I received the call that I was approved!! As soon as Boo and Sahara had recovered from their respective neutering surgies they could become brothers.

I will never forget seeing his face for the first time. He looked just like the picture and had lots of attitude. His foster parents were wonderful in guiding Boo and me thru our interview and in giving me guidance on how to introduce Sahara into our home and lives. Sahara is the smartest dog in the world and it has been a challenge for him to train Boo and me. He has lots of chewing energy and I need to keep lots of rawhides and toys for him: he also eats leashes.

Boo hasn't minded sharing his toys because he adores his puppy! It is so much fun to watch them romp and play. Boo is happy and my heart if full once again. I feel that in some way I have known Sahara forever: we just seemed to make that connection. He has completed our little family and we are so thankful to ARF for saving his life so he could do the same for us!

Brando

Brando is simply a sweetheart. He is a large, handsome and a very stoic standard poodle with a sweet and endearing personality. Don't get me wrong... he does have a little devilish and destructive side, but we are overcoming those traits as he learns how good life is with love.

Brando was a boy that I couldn't resist on petfinder.com. The more I spoke to his foster mom, the more I realized he belonged with me and my other two standard poodles, Bogart and Bacall. The trip to pick him up was an adventure-from Denver to Tulsa-and back again in 25 hours. No rest for the weary and no extra room was left in the PT Cruiser.

Brando was one of the rescues from a puppymill situation, who came to ARF in sad shape, underweight, scared and unsocialized. Since coming home to Denver in late November 2005, Brando has gained considerable weight of 16 pounds, has grown his hair out and overcome some other minor issues while learning to love, trust and calm down. He truly is his own success!

The most amazing aspects of his recovery are the mental ones: he didn't know how to hold a bone or play with toys when he came home. And now, he can't leave them alones! He also has discovered how fun it is to shred blankets and toys or knock the cookie jars off the counter onto the tile floor....ouch. He loves being groomed, having his teeth brushed and being treated like a royal poodle. He is beginning to trust others and realizes that it is OK to not always be right at my side.

The summer of 2006 holds lots of opportunities for Brando as he will discover the Colorado mountains, play on the Plains, begin basic agility training and get in shape to better maintain his his new weight....Yes, I love this boy and so do his poodle pals. He is my lap dog who will always be faithful. I can tell by his eyes that he is happy, grateful and knows he is loved. What more can a dog or his owner ask for?

Shine

My old schnauzer, Max, had passed away and our rescue dog, Allie, was looking very sad and lonely. I wanted another "love puppy" and kept going back to the ARF website. I found a precious little retired Mama dog named Shine and after several very tense days of trying to be first on the list to ask for her, we got the word that she was ours. I picked her up and brought her home on my lap: she was so frightened and insecure. When we arrived home she immediately bonded with my husband and has been doing that little Shih Tzu prancing dance for him every day. She is a joy and so sweet and quiet. Thank you ARF for your diligence and care in placing these unwanted and "used up" mama dogs. She is a sweetie and we love her!

Mystery

In January 2001, I decided it was time to get a new dog; it had been one year since losing my shih tzu. I decided I wanted a bigger dog this time, something in the 25-30 lbs range. I was surfing the ARF website and saw Mr. Snuggums, looking scruffy and adorable and scared and all of about 9 lbs. I immediately contacted ARF, who put me in touch with his foster mom. We arranged a visit, and he spent the entire time sprawled in my lap. I filled out the paperwork and in a few days was able to bring him home.

I couldn't handle the name "Mr. Snuggums," so I changed his name to Mystery, and he learned his new name the first day. Mystery was skittish and scared and had to be hand fed for the first few weeks. After that, I had to stand "guard" so it was safe to eat for several months. He also spent the first three months hiding his treats so he had secret stashes of food. Security and regular meals were still something new.

Mystery quickly became known as the "velcro dog" as he almost never left my side and he'd snarl and snap at anyone who came near. Clearly, he had staked a claim. It took a year or so, but he soon became at ease with friends and family who visit. He is still a velcro dog, but now he always makes the rounds at parties to allow everyone a chance to fuss over him.

It's been wonderful to watch him transform from a shy, skittery dog to a confident, pedal to the metal, terror to all the bunny, bird and squirrel kind that frequent our yard. We both lucked out.

Jersey

I just adopted a puppy from ARF 2 days ago and I just had to submit my story. I had never adopted a pet before so I was a little hesitant. I am glad that I did. Jersey is the most loving puppy that I have ever had. He is also the smartest. I am encouraging everyone that asks, to ADOPT a pet that needs a forever home....

Fritz & Cody

Back in the early 1990's, Elaine from Animal Rescue Foundation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, introduced me to two of my very best friends. Thank you, Elaine, I'll never forget them or you.

This note is about Cody, the oldest. We met in 1991. Early in 1991 I had been trying to find a Yorkie puppy for the daughter of a neighbor, who lived across the street. Elaine introduced me to Cody, a Maltese Terrier, six months old. At the time he was in need of a good bath and grooming. But under that mess of hair on his head, covering his eyes, I saw bright eyes and a ready, toothy smile. Elaine explained that his previous owner had taken him to the Humane Society requesting they put him to sleep. It seems he did not get along with his owner's cats. Elaine picked him up that day in hopes I would adopt him. I helped him out of her travel kennel and took a good look at him, sitting down in the entry way to my home. It was hard to believe anyone would ask for such a cute little guy to be put to sleep. I thanked Elaine and decided to adopt him for the little girl across the street. That day, Cody and I visited the groomer and I had the opportunity to see who was under all that matted hair. Since his hair was such a mess, the groomer had to cut it short. Not at all like a typical, long, Maltese cut, Cody got a Yorkie cut, instead. As it turned out, I preferred that look because it made him look like a scruffy little guy and much more comfortable.

Over the next few months, it became obvious to me that the little girl's mother was not fond of Cody. Although he was a great playmate for the little girl, Cody was sometimes jealous of time she spent with her friends, and displayed it. When the little girl and her mother moved to an apartment, I knew his life would take a turn for the worse so I took Cody back. I'd never had a little dog before and this was a new experience for me. As it turned out, little 6-pound Cody packed more personality than any larger dog I'd ever owned previously. Our lives together were quickly filled with new understanding of each other.

Cody was fond of riding in the Jeep. He would stand on my leg and could just barely get his head out of the window, his front paws on the sill. His big grin, with the wind wildly blowing his hair around, was a joy to see. If not looking out the window, and yapping at things that caught his eye, Cody was snugged up beside me in the driver's seat.

At home, Cody liked to play fetch with a little bell ball. He was also fond of running like a little maniac in wide circles in the house... living room to dining room to kitchen back to living room. He would make a big loop at full speed, tail and hair flying behind him, and stop abruptly in front of me. Then he would grin the biggest grin I ever saw, sometimes yap once, and run the loop again. This would go on for 5-10 minutes. Everytime he stopped, I would laugh and laugh, and he would go again. What a joy that big grin brought everyone who saw it!

That was in 1991. Cody and I spent 10 years together, alone, and when I married in 2001, Cody spent 5 years with our new family. He had nicknames, too. I think everyone this fond of their canine friend will come up with endearing nicknames. His size earned the name "Pip" and "Code". Sometimes I would sing "Code-Code-Codaroo!" to him and be rewarded with his big, big grin. Our youngest daughter loved that nickname. He was particularly fond of the ladies and preferred their company to mine. My early distress at his abandonment, in favor of my wife's lap, earned him the nickname of "Benedict Pip".

Unfortunately, Cody's size interferred with his desire to tag along with us as we walked around the house. He was often underfoot and suffered a few knocks along the way. But he learned quickly and skittered to and fro, avoiding feet and shoes, most of the time. He preferred to curl up in a chair, on the couch or in a cubby hole beside the end table. That way he was still with us, but comfortable and safe. His kennel, his food and water were beside the bed in the master bedroom. He had his favorite blanket in the kennel and sometimes, during the day or night, he would drag it out and wrestle with it. Until a few years ago, he would jump up on his kennel, then jump up to on bed to sleep. We would find him curled up on my wife's pillow very often during the day. He loved to go on walks in the park and, like most dogs, would stop and investigate everything along the way. He was good on a leash, but never really had any serious leash training. Even a little yank on the leash, to get his attention or to direct him as I walked, would send the little guy flying. I quickly learned, rather, to keep the leash shorter if I didn't want him wandering to the limit.

When our 4-year-old was very young, Cody looked like a live stuffed toy to her. Toddlers do not treat their stuffed toys the way Cody wanted to be treated. Cody learned to steer clear of her early on. Although he would frequently curl up with her on the couch, when she became active, he would jump down and scurry to his cubby hole by the end table. Our daughter couldn't get to him and he could still be a part of the family environment. He was almost always a constant companion for my wife. In the basement, living room or den, Cody looked for, found and fastened himself to her. He seemed to be the most comfortable and happy with her. My wife adored Cody, spoke to him in love and gave him the comfortable, lady-like, attention he craved. She managed most of his baths, brushings and trimmings. But she would leave the nail trimming to me; Cody wouldn't tolerate anyone else; he barely tolerated me trimming his nails. Cody was as much a recognized and loved member of our family and lives as any other.

As the years moved along, Cody became a little more reclusive. Over the last two years he lost his sight and hearing. After he tumbled down the stairs to the living room a couple of times, we put a gate across the bedroom door to keep him safer. His world became smaller but he didn't seem to mind. He could find his way around the room easily, but the rest of the house confused and frightened him. He was frightened when we took him outside. By now he slept most of the time. Last night he yelped a couple of times and my wife and I woke and attended him. He was in his last hours of life and we spent them with him, taking turns holding, chatting with him and petting him. We knew the end was coming and we wanted him comfortably knowing we were there with him. He left us without any obvious pain, curled up in his kennel, among familiar smells and people.

It's hard to say just how an animal can draw itself into a person's heart like a dog can. Cody's big, big grin could pull a smile to the most unhappy moments in our lives. His presence, his unfailing desire to be with us and to bring us joy endeared him to us in ways most people fail to do in our lives. Now that he's gone, his little piece of our hearts went with him... but just until we see him again.

Cody's in Heaven now, with my other good friend, Fritz. Although they had their disagreements in life, I'm sure they are the best of best friends now. Both eagerly awaiting us at our Mansion over the hilltop. Cody, you've been such a good little Pip. Thanks. I can't wait to see you again.

Friends, since you know me well, I'm sure you know my good friend, Fritz.

Fritz died of old age this morning. He was 12 years, 10 months old. That equates to about 90 dog years. For a 110 lb German Shepherd-Labrador Retriever mix, that's a ripe old age. The German Shepherd in him gave him beautiful black-and-tan markings and made him a very good watch dog for our home and family. No single, audible noise in the vicinity of the house went unnoticed. And he routinely brought our attention to each and every, single, audible noise in the vicinity of the house. The Labrador Retriever in him gave him a large frame, straight back and folded his tall ears over about halfway. The quizzical look he would give, with his ears flopped over halfway and his head cocked sideways, in addition to the silly or clumsy things he would do, earned Fritz the nickname of "Bumble". Together, the two dog breeds gave my family a fine and good friend; faithful, fun and eager to please.

Fritz was a family dog and a house dog. He only spent a couple of nights under the stars his whole life. His height and bulk gave him a presence in the house which could not be ignored. Frequently underfoot in the kitchen during meal preparation, he was an avid fan of anything the kitchen had to offer. He occasionally earned scraps of this or that but ate a balanced diet of lamb and rice for 11 of his 12 years. He had been wonderfully healthy and never spent a night at a veterinary hospital.

He was a good dog. For 6 years in Tulsa and 6 years in Colorado Springs, Fritz never failed to acknowledge, trust, appreciate and desire me in his company. When I was lonely or sad or just plain miserable, Fritz would put his head on my knee and look up at me with his big brown eyes, as if to say, I'm here for you. If I were angry or displeased with some aspect of my life, Fritz would keep his distance, although remaining nearby and attentive. When I was happy or in a silly mood, Fritz would dance and hop around me in circles, barking and smiling, each of us a part of the other's good time. We occasionally sang together, too, howling in harmony to the annoyance of my wife and children. When I was at home, Fritz always knew exactly where I was and made his place there, too. If he lost track of me, he diligently searched the house and yard until he found me. To his frustration, once in a while I took pleasure in wickedly playing hide-and-seek with him, praising him enormously when he eventually discovered my hiding place. When the family and I were out of town, evidence of abundant dog fur on the loveseat by the front window proved he waited patiently, watching through the window for our return.

Fritz had been having a hard time getting up and around this Summer. His hips were causing some discomfort and he was losing weight, little by little. He was not as agile or strong as he had been. The last week or two we noticed he had a very hard time getting to his four feet or climbing stairs. When he stood, his hind legs almost always shook unsteadily. But, regardless of his strength and ability, Fritz was very frequently "smiling". Did you know that dogs smile? As surely as they display aggression or shame, dogs also show their pleasure and smile. A few moments of acknowledgement or attention is all it took for Fritz to put on that "Bumble" smile I loved the first time I saw it. I longed to see it on his face almost daily and did, every time I gave him my time. But like most people, I was often too pre-occupied with work or chores or family life to give Fritz all the attention he craved. Fritz never complained. He simply waited until the time was right and we both enjoyed each other properly.

Fritz layed down in the den all day yesterday and moaned a couple of times when he changed position of his hind legs. He did not want to pull himself up on all fours; he may not have been able. He had not eaten a full, normal-sized meal in 4-5 days. I had an appointment to take him to the veterinary at 09:00 this morning. I knew things were not right with him and even had a feeling he might not come home from that appointment. Last night, when I got home from work, I spent the evening with Fritz. My wife and I made it a point for my 3-year-old daughter to spend time with him, too. The older children gave him attention, talked to him or patted his head, as was their habit. He was all smiles for everyone. But he did not budge from his sitting or laying position. We went to bed about 11:00 and I slept in the den with Fritz. He on his blanket rug, me in my sleeping bag. His breathing was so labored, as if it required real effort for him to take each and every breath. He was exhausted. He could not move himself to his rug so I picked him up and layed him down, positioning his legs as comfortably as I could. As we lay next to each other on the floor, looking each other in the eyes, I stroked and scratched him, telling him it was all okay, to take it easy, he had been a good boy and a good dog. I told him it was okay to let go. I think the soothing words and nearness may have been a comfort to him last night. It was the right thing to do. I woke up at about 04:00 in the morning; I had fallen asleep. While I dozed, Fritz had pulled himself about 6 feet away and turned and layed down facing me. I called to him and he did not respond. His breathing had stopped but he was still warm. I had just missed his passing by a few minutes. He died peacefully, without a sound, in his own home, with all the familiar smells, with the family at peace and with his best friend in sight. I am thankful his last hours were spent this way.

An unknown author must have known a dog like Fritz when he wrote... "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

It's true. Fritz was all that. I hope I was worthy of this friend. Our 3-year-old wanted to know where Fritz was this morning. I sat her on my knee and told her, between my own sobs and tears. I explained that his legs hurt very badly and he had gotten too old to get better. I told her that Jesus came last night told Fritz it was time to go to Heaven. Fritz said, okay, Jesus. So Jesus took Fritz to live in our mansion over the hilltop and to wait for us. She cried that she didn't want Fritz to go to Heaven yet. Then, rather suddenly, she looked me in the eye and asked if his legs would stop hurting now. I said, yes, he was all better now and would never hurt again. That settled things for her; her tears stopped and her whole face shined in a smile. I don't want his legs to hurt anymore, she said as she jumped down from my knee. That's a really good way to look at it, I think....I believe everything I told my daughter.

When it's my turn to go to Heaven, I believe God will bless me once more with my good friend, Fritz. Unfettered by earthly cares and pre-occupations, I think Fritz and I will have a really nice time. Thanks for everything, Fritz. I mean it. I'll be seeing you!

Asia

This is a very happy adoption story. We adopted a miniature pinscher, Max, in February of this year from PAWS. Our two old dogs passed away last year, and we were ready for a pet. Max, like most mini pins, was fun-loving, active and brought alot of happiness to us. We noticed that he seemed lonely, so we decided to adopt a companion for him. We thought maybe a female would not be as rowdy. We looked at a couple but both were male, and Max did not take to them very well. Then Asia showed up on the ARF website. I immediately submitted my application, before I ever visited her. She was at one of the vets, so I went to see her after our application was approved and her spay surgery was complete. She was so scared and small, but snuggled right up and I knew she belonged to us.

When we took her home, we knew she had not had a very good life. She did not know what toys or treats were, and would not venture away from your lap. Loud voices scared her and sent her scrambling to her kennel. Max was misified that this creature did not want to play. It turned out she had an intestinal infection, and as soon as she was treated, she became a new dog!

She now plays tug of war with Max, guards our fence from intruders, and loves us very much. When I come home from work she wildly jumps on my lap and gives me hugs. I am so happy to see this little dog have a happy life with us, and see how she is changing from a scared little girl to the "big, brave, minipin" that she thinks she is now!

Thank you ARF for rescuing these animals so those of us who appreciate them can give them a home. The love they give to us is priceless.