Two years ago, at my 60th birthday party, I took a hard look at my life and got scared. I have been living in Covington, Georgia for the past 7 years, miles away from my friends and co-workers. I knew none of my neighbors. I was working in dead-end job that no longer held any challenge, I was apple-shaped which is a disaster health and fashion-wise. I never went outside when I was at home. I got no exercise, my cholesterol was above 200 and so was my weight and my health was going south (and I don’t mean to Miami). I was lonely, overweight, depressed, and things were not getting better.

Walking held challenges for me since my back and knees would really ache with a few steps. I found a diet that worked with some of my special metabolic circumstances and I lost about 60 lbs. Losing that amount of weight helped the back pain to the point that it disappeared and the diet helped my weight and cholesterol to drop below 200, but, being a veteran of multitudes of diets over the years, I knew the weight would creep back on if I didn’t do something more aggressive. I was still scared.

Also, I was still lonely, depressed, and camping out in my house like a recluse. I started watching a TV show called the Dog Whisperer and suddenly realized that all my past chaotic experiences with dogs were my own fault. I could change the dynamic and have a fulfilling relationship with a dog. My two cats are great, but they won’t walk with me, and I was desperate for a walking buddy that would nag me to get me out of the house.

I have always categorized myself as a “Cat person”, and an “Other Peoples’ Dog” person.   I loved dogs from afar, but watching Cesar Millan, I began to think that a dog would be a great companion, but of course, that would have to wait until I retired.

A blessing came along in unusual trappings. I was laid off from my job. Within two weeks I had a far more rewarding job with some flexibility so that I could spend more days at home. In addition, one of my co-workers and new friend is a volunteer for the Atlanta Dog Squad. This past November, ADS was seeking a home for Samson, an eight year-old Shepherd/chow mix, and Delilah, a seven year-old black lab.

I took the plunge. I now have these two sweet, very well behaved furry friends living at my house. I took the whole dog-walking thing very seriously. We walk about 1.8 miles every day, rain or shine (well, not driving rain). Once we walk they mellow out and are happy to sleep at my feet the rest of the day. They came house broken, knew the word “Sit,” they don’t chew on anything, don’t jump up, and they don’t get into things. I am reaping the benefits of adopting an older dog. There is a barely negotiated peace between them and my cats, but that is improving daily.

I am outside every day enjoying the sunshine and the beautiful rural nature of my neighborhood with my two companions. I have met most of my neighbors (after seven years) and I enjoy talking with them. My spirit has lifted. In addition, my cholesterol dropped to 156 and my doctor is extremely pleased. Without any strenuous dieting, my weight continues to drop, my resting pulse rate is down and my blood pressure has dropped.

They love to ride in the car and see new things and I love the company. They go on errands with me, and we occasionally go different places to walk. This past weekend, we (the dogs and I) got a season pass to Stone Mountain, where we plan to walk at least once a weekend. This winter we will all be going down to St. Augustine to visit my Dad who takes a place near the beach. We are all looking forward to walking by the ocean.

When I see people that haven’t seen me for a while, they are always complimentary about my success in losing weight. I just tell them that I have two personal trainers. My life is full, and I am truly blessed by these beautiful creatures that enrich my life. Thank you ADS for making this possible.

Sincerely,
Barbara M.

January 23, 2007

We wanted to write to let you know that after having Simba for 4 months, life is wonderful. He is a happy boy that gets lots of love and attention from not only us but everybody in our neighborhood. All the kids just love him.

Not too long ago I awoke to Simba barking. It was 3 in the morning and when I opened my eyes, I saw a strange sight through my bedroom window.  My neighbor's yard was on fire and moving rapidy toward their SUV parked in the driveway.  I quickly called 911 while my husband ran over to awaken them. 

As it turned out, several juvenile delinquents had been setting fires around the same time each night for a couple of weeks.  Luckily, they were caught not long after our incident and were charged. 

I, along with my neighbors, could only imagine what would have happened had Simba not started barking that night.  I shiver to think.

So not only did we get a wonderful, loving dog but a hero as well.  My neighbors have showered him with gifts since then and never hesitate to tell everyone that he is their hero.  Thanks for placing such an awesome dog in our care.  We love him dearly and cannot think of life without him.

Thanks again.  Kathy Collins

We are now in week three with Grace and are so happy with our new addition. Grace is adjusting well and staying busy with her walks and trips to the dog park.

We couldn't have asked for a better dog! She is everything we hoped she would be! Thanks again for all your help in making Grace a part of our lives.
 

Kevin Deely
 

We have been working on playing fetch where he enjoys chasing the ball but is still I bit happier turning it into a game of keep-a-way. We have also been working on walking on the leash and he is just plain perfect now, no longer pulling us everywhere he wants to go. I took him to the Vet a few days after we adopted him and he was found to be in perfect health. In addition to his current vaccines we added the kennel cough and Lyme disease. He was so well behaved in the office, everyone loved him.
 

Long story short I want to thank you for bringing him into our lives.
We honestly could not have possibly found a better match or love him anymore.

Paul
 

Wendy

Far left: The Corsettis with Midi and Nugget. Above: Nugget as goalie.