In a letter from Hoover (now Cooper's) family:

Hoover/Cooper has blossomed with the Spring. It’s been almost a year since he adopted us and he has come such a long way in that time.

He is no longer the timid cowering dog you remember. He loves his walks, struts with tail held high, marking everything. He is no longer afraid of the joggers or bicycle riders; he stops and waits for them to pet him. Since I’m not working at home anymore, I have a dog-walker, we call her his “Nanny” and he absolutely loves her.

We did have some sadness, Cooper’s best-friend-sibling from day one, one of our cats, 15-year old Scarlet passed away a few months ago of kidney failure. They slept together and groomed each other, he, like the rest of the house, was very upset, but is better now. The other cats don’t really “love” him, I think they find him a bit irritating when he tries to play with them, but that does not stop him, he thinks hissing means “let’s play”. He also thinks the word “no” translates to “ignore Mom”. Although our other dog is older and smaller, he was smart enough to figure out a way to play with her. He lies down, which make them the same height and they play. He seldom has his “fear attacks” anymore and when he does, he gets over them very quickly.

He is still full of puppy energy and is totally a spoiled brat. When I got home last night, with PetSmart bags, he was bold enough to actually bust into the bag and steal a toy. Of course, it was for him anyway, but it was pretty sneaky of him not to wait for me unpack. I guess he is in his “teenage” years, I even caught him rolling his eyes at me the other day

In every way, he is a happy and healthy dog and I’m so grateful to have this wonderful creature in my life, so once again, thank you for rescuing him and all the others too.

Hillary

A letter from Charlie's new family:

Hello,

I’m writing to give you an update on our sweet Charlie. He seems to be adjusting well to us and our 7 cats. He is a very sweet boy and does not get on the furniture, though it would be OK if he climbed on the couch if he wanted to. He totally ignores the cats. They are gradually warming up to him. 6 of the 7 are comfortable enough to eat their meals in the kitchen. One, Baloo, our little old lady, is still reluctant to be in the same room with him and she has been spending more time upstairs. In time, she’ll warm up to him.

He did have peeing accidents on Thursday and Friday while we were at work. But luckily, he picked the very best place in the house to do it…in our bathroom on the tiled floor. It was an easy clean-up. I know he can hold it up to at least 12 hours, though, because he does that every night. So maybe it is just a matter of adjusting himself to the new schedule. I feel sure we will be able to get this worked out in time.

This morning I took him to the Bark Park not too far from our house and he had a ball chasing his ball. After 20 minutes, I think he was pooped and instead of bringing the ball back to me, he carried it to the park’s exit gate. I think it was his way of saying it was time to go home. We will try taking him to the lake in Heron Bay to let him get his feet wet this weekend or the next. He walks beautifully on a leash, without pulling, and he stays close to us.

Charlie is an angel. I am so glad someone in your organization found him before he was put down at the shelter. He is such a sweet boy. Thank you for allowing him to be with us.

Barbara

In a letter from Chopper's new dad:

Hi Team!!!

If there is one piece of advice that I can give any prospective adoptee, it's to remember that the dog really does choose you. When I met Andre, it was when I was discouraged and downtrodden at an adoption event. I had met the three dogs that I thought would be a great fit for me, and none of them worked out--none was a "bad dog," but none of them felt right.

Then I saw Andre, trying his best to hide behind one of the thin tent-poles in front of PetCo. I talked to his foster mom, found out he was a little younger than I (thought I) wanted, but decided to introduce myself anyway. All it took was a walk. He didn't sit on the first try--but he looked like he really wanted to--and then did on the second try. I was a goner from then on.

The moral of the story is--look online, and have a realistic idea of the lifestyle you can afford your prospective pet. But, don't let that blind you to the fact that the right dog might just find you.

We've just passed Andre's (once Chopper) seven month at home and life couldn't be better! He's a really well-behaved gentleman that is a hit with guests and really popular with the neighbors.

Andre has managed to keep his beautiful coat, and dad gives all the credit to Andre on that one--he just got lucky! He's still a fan of chasing squirrels, and I'm pretty sure he has permanently disturbed what was once a peaceful sanctuary for rodent-kind in the back yard.

Andre still has some separation issues, but does great at Doggie Day Care, even when he needs to stay overnight. He's a quiet, calm boy, who only barks when he's at the dog park and wants another dog to play with him. As long as he gets a medium to long walk every day, he's content as can be.

We're working on our training, but dad's been having too much fun just enjoying Andre's company.

I can hear the jingle of his dog tags now, which means his head will soon be nosing its way into my lap as I sit in my desk chair, reminding me that we haven't had our walk. So, obviously, I must end.

Thanks so much to the people of ADS for bringing Chopper--now Andre--into my life!

In a letter from Everett's new dad:

Everett and I have been inseparable since the day we adopted him. He is such a sweet and well behaved dog.

When we first got him, he was very aggressive towards other dogs, but we believe we have socialized him. A couple of months ago he stayed with my father-in-law and his two retrievers for a week, while my wife and I were out of town, and he did great!! He has shown us through his behavior that he is very content.

He has learned many tricks and I believe has been a great ambassador for rescues, since all our house guests go home wanting one.

Anyway, thank you for all the work that you folks do and for connecting us with our best friend, Everett.

George

In a letter from Ellie's new family...

Hi ADS friends,

Well, our first week as a bigger family has gone splendidly!! :) We are so enjoying our new addition, and I think Ellie has adapted to us as well.. She was pretty subdued the first few days (from the stress, I'm sure), but she seems to be enjoying life now!

She has met almost our entire family + all their dogs and has made some new friends. She and my in-law's dog Sally could spend hours just licking each other. :) And....we've only had one accident in the house! I'm attaching some photos. Don't worry, I'll send more! Please feel free to check in on her anytime! We just adore her and feel so grateful to have her in our life.

And thank you for all the pictures....they are fabulous!

~Chelsea and Jason