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Bear has the forever family of her dreams! (August 2010)
I want to thank Laura Miller for letting us adopt Bear (formerly Ilsa). She has grown into an awesome German Shepherd!!!! She definitely adds excitement to our loves and has filled a giant hole in my heart since the passing of my other shepherd Blue. One of Bear's favorite activities is chasing an popping bubbles. She's silly. Thank you again for everything that all you wonderful people do at CARE.
Amy |
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Lazy Daisy has found her furever home!! (August 2010)
Daisy is a love and pure joy to have in our lives; since coming to live with us she has learned to speak, stay, lay, shake, & fetch/retrieve. Daisy should have been born a Lab because she LOVES the water - there is no hesitation! Daisy loves cats but has a hard time understanding why they don't love her (yet) !! Daisy and her fur brother (Gunny) seem to have known eachother from the start and my kids adore her!! Thank you to everyone at CARE !!! xoxoxo |
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Tika takes herself for a walk! (August 2010)
I just wanted to let you know that Tika is doing fine and we continue to enjoy her good company. I attach a photo of her doing one of her favorite little funny tricks. She got such laughter when she first gathered up her leash and walked herself around the nature center we often visit, that she has been doing it ever since with great enthusiasm. Also a photo of us at a nearby lake.
We took her to a puppy agility and confidence class. She was such a star at all the games! This comes naturally to her and she loved the class. Next we need to improve her "good manners" enough to pass the Canine Good Citizenship test. That is harder, for she is pretty excitable, and loses focus, and we are not consistant enough. But we are all learning and having fun together.
Best,
Annie |
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Otis has his forever family! (July 2010)
Meet the "Big O!" Otis has had a fabulous first month with his new people! After being with us for only four days.. we all headed out on the typical American family vacation, two kids and a dog, mini van and car top carrier. It gave our new little traveler a great opportunity to get to know his new family. Otis spent time in Vermont, NY and Emerald Isle, NC. He loved the sand and playing on the beach. Our children (and their parents) adore their new dog and he is officially ours! Many thanks to CARE (and Ms. Laura) for helping to bring Otis home. |
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CiCi, the stealthy cheese snatcher! (July 2010)
Gotta tell you a funny story.
I thought we saw a mouse run across the kitchen floor morning before last so he put down one of those glue traps baited with cheese. It was in a kind of inaccessible place anyway and I moved the trash can over to further block it from C. I'm sure you know that she moves quickly and quietly so when I heard something in the kitchen when I thought she was with me, I was sure I'd caught the mouse. Well, when I got to the kitchen, there was CiCi with the glue trap barely sticking to her chin whiskers looking guilty as all get out!
It came off easily but that little stinker had moved that trash can to get to HER cheese!
You told me she wouldn't be the same little dog we first met and you were certainly right but she's so much more fun now!
Jan |
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Parker is the best buddy ever! (July 2010)
Parker is a better dog than we could have hoped for. He's travelled quite a bit since we adopted him. He's been to Ohio and camping in the mountains. He especially loves digging in the sand when we're at the beach. Thanks again for all that you do, C.A.R.E. |
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Cody Bear is a friend to all! (July 2010)
We can't thank CARE enough for allowing us to adopt Cody Bear! The posting on the CARE website described him as equal parts sweet and smart. Nothing could be more true. He is so kind to our kitties that he will even allow them to eat out of his bowl. He absolutely loves his grandma and grandpa and best friend (rescue dog Ginger) with whom he spends his days. He is an excellent traveller and has attended several horse shows, where he charmed everyone with his good manners and by offering a paw to new people that he meets. He gets very excited when he sees the "Canine Camper" being loaded into the car, because he knows he is off on another adventure. Many thanks to Deborah for giving him such a great start and for allowing us to have this wonderful dog in our lives. |
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Abbie is a Diva! (July 2010)
Not a person in the world loves a dog as much as we love this little girl. She is exactly where she needs to be. |
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Sammi is super! (July 2010)
It has been a while since my last update. Sammi entered our lives just last October. She was a second dog for us. A very wise decision. Owning a second dog not only fufills our lives even further but gives her sister Emmi, a good friend and best buddy. Sammi is a funloving wimsical dog who is eager to please. She and Emmi are well traveled and have been to the beach and mountains many times. Sammi is so alert that she warns us of nearing wildlife. Both girls love to go out on our boat and swim in the lake. They love to take long walks which encourages my own personal exercise regiment. We can go up to 4 miles daily with my girls at my side. Sammi loves to wear clothing although not a girly girl, it's just about that these things belong to her! (Mine, mine, all mine)
I would strongly encourage others to adopt a rescue, save a life and do so with CARE. They are the best organization that I have encountered. Sammi came to me completely trained by her foster Mom. Now, she is completely spoiled by me! I love my girls!
Sandy |
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Super-fabulous Sadie! (July 2010)
I adopted Sadie in early July, and now can't imagine my home without her! She's settling in wonderfully, and is enjoying lots of belly rubs and a well-stocked toy basket. Often she'll bring out several different toys and arrange them around her on the living room rug - just in case she changes her mind about her choice mid-chew. She's started to make friends with other dogs in the neighborhood and recently visited Jordan Lake with one of her doggy pals, where we discovered that she loves meandering around in the shallows. Everyone she meets comments on what a sweet (if a little shy, at first) temperament she has, and on her uniquely expressive - and adorably asymmetrical - ears. She is truly a joy, so affectionate and devoted, and I'm so grateful to Laura and to CARE for making this adoption possible and for all the great work they do.
Abigail |
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Ruby and Sasha, BFF's for life! (July 2010)
We are sending this belated THANK YOU to C.A.R.E. for our April 2009 adoption of two 3-month-old sister puppies, Ruby (formerly Rosalee) and Sasha (formerly Alice). We can't imagine life without these two bundles of joy anymore. My husband, who has had dogs his whole life says that Ruby is "the dog love of his life." Our daughter has that same special bond with Sasha, and it is priceless to watch.
Though it wasn't easy to train two dogs at the same time, we appreciate and respect C.A.R.E. for letting us adopt both dogs at the same time. Not only do both dogs know all of their basic commands, they also can also jump, stand, and get the newspaper for us in the morning (the best one of all when you're sleepy)! One of the best parts of having sisters Ruby and Sasha is their interaction together. The LOVE each other and are best buddies. There is never any fighting for alpha dog as we are alpha, so they are free to play, which they do endlessly. They have a bond being sisters that is so fun to watch and we feel privileged being able to see it day to day. We've enclosed a photo that captures just how close Ruby and Sasha are (we didn't pose it, this is just how they are; and, check out the tail wag). Though they've grown a bit since the photo, they are still best buddies and will be forever thanks to C.A.R.E.
Kathleen, Steve, and Tesia |
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Two kittens are tons of fun, two are better than one! (July 2010)
After Maxwelhouse my Maine Coon male cat of 14 years passed due to kidney disease I was so lonesome I could hardly stand it. Never in my lfe had I gone that long without kitties in my home and now my best friend and conversationalist was gone.It was just way too quiet and empty. That lasted for 2 months hefore I met Fluffer and Skeeter (not their original names)who were CARE kittens waiting patiently for their forever home. Fluffer came right up to me and with his very special cute face similar to Maxwelhouse's meowed at me. He looked like he was asking me to pick him up. So, I did just that and gave him lots of kisses and hugs. He picked me out and I think we both knew right away that he would be my special kitty friend. Fluffer is a brown patched mackeral tabby Maine Coon mix and I know he understands every word I say to him.
That same day I had met Skeeter at Pet Smart during one of CARE's adoption events. He was about 4 weeks younger than Fluffer and tiny with geay and white soft fur that looked to be medium length. He had a skinny little tail which became fluffed out several months later. In fact, ALL of his fur fluffed out and now he is double coated with fur. Both of these boys hit it off immediately at their first meeting. They are bonded together as if they were true brothers. They sleep together, play together and eat together. Yet, each is his own little man with his own special qualities and sweetnesses. These are fabulous loving and funny kitties that make every day worth getting up just to kiss and hug. Maxwelhouse would have loved them too. |
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Sophie, this shy gal is coming around! (July 2010)
Attached are a few of my favorite photos of Sophie. She continues to enjoy her new home and continues to show progress. She has begun to come up to me on an occasion and let me reach down and pet her. We have added Bueller to our pack and I think that has helped. He is a very outgoing and loving Chihuahua mix. He loves affection and I think Sophie is now seeing that it is indeed a good thing.
The pictures show her doing what she loves best….gigging for frogs in our small pond. She occasionally takes a dip by accident but climbs out and is back at it without missing a beat. She has also discovered turtles and thinks they are a delicacy.
Sophie completed her Basic Obedience Class. She did real well. She came to want to have her leash put on at the gate so she could go out and explore beyond the fence. She also tolerates riding in the car now. She knows the basic commands but generally only cooperates when on a leash or waiting for treats. By the end of class she had stopped having her tail tucked between her legs but had it relaxed by her back legs. Hopefully with the next class she will raise her tail and enjoy it even more.
Michael and I took the 3 small dogs to Yorktown on Sunday afternoon. They all 3 walked well on their leashes and Sophie stayed close to my side but she willingly let my husband Michael pet her when we stopped to rest in the shade on the grass. |
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Gertie is living the good life! (July 2010)
I thought you might like an update on how Gertie is doing. She is spending the summer with me on Lake Michigan and loves the beach and even is learning to swim! (with a doggy life jacket, of course.) She is so happy and is a joy have as a companion. She runs with me every morning. Jim and I swear she can laugh. I have sent along a picture taken last weekend. Hope all is well with you.
Becky |
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Aidan has found his playful palace! (July 2010)
Aidan (formerly Mickey) is such a sweet and cuddly little thing! We are so honored to have him be a part of our family and love that he loves to follow us around the house wherever we go! Even though he is as gentle as he can be, he can definitely play with his toys like no other! See a picture attached of Aidan after he has had a long play session and found a cluster of pillows to fall asleep in! |
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Sweet Dreams Eli! (July 2010)
Boy! Have I got it made!! I came to my "forever home" after being found all skinny and starved. Now I run the house. I'm "top dog" (or at least I think I am). Look at me...........I'm fat and lazy sleeping on the couch at the beach house. |
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Ozzy & Miley, a CARE pair! :) (July 2010)
All is well here! OzMan and Miley are HOT HOT HOT but are getting along fine in the heat. We shaved OzMan about a month ago and will do it again soon. He is so much cooler that way. He loves to go in the back yard and jump in his little pool. Miley avoids it at all costs... silly girl. She should learn a lesson from OzMan on staying cool. OzMan remains calm and has gotten very very good about being around people. We had a Fourth of July party and he let my friend hold him most of the evening. He was very happy. He is usually not content when anyone outside the family tries to hold him, but he did well. He's more easy going every day that he's here. We are the luckiest family on earth to have such wonderful doggies :) |
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Dog missing 7 months reunites with family (July 2010)
Some say it’s a miracle. Others label it a great stroke of good fortune. Whatever else the curious case of Katie may be, Chatham Animal Rescue and Education (CARE) in Chatham County said the little dog’s return to its owners after a long absence is unprecedented in the agency’s 20-year history.
Katie, a Chihuahua/Feist mix, was reunited with her family after disappearing almost seven months ago. The fiancé of the family’s son was looking to adopt a dog and was conducting a search on Petfinder.com when she ran across a picture of Katie posted by CARE under the name of Sasha. She had her fiance take a look at the picture and called his mom to share his suspicions that this could be long-lost Katie. Mom, Pam Ard, immediately contacted CARE.
Katie disappeared from the Ard family home on Christmas night 2009. The family searched for Katie around the many acres of farm and forest around their home to no avail. Due to Katie’s age they thought maybe she had wandered off to die. But the family was haunted by thoughts of what could have happened to Katie.
Meanwhile, in early January, CARE volunteer Melissa Taylor, a foster caregiver, was called by Chatham County Animal Shelter’s personnel. It was the last day the shelter could hold an older Chihuahua mix that had been turned into them as a stray. They knew Taylor had a soft spot for fostering older dogs. Taylor picked up Katie from the shelter and has fostered her in her home ever since.
Katie was examined by a veterinarian and estimated to be about 9 years old. Additionally, she had an irregular heartbeat. Potential adopters were interested in Katie, but ultimately the people didn’t want to take on the commitment of adopting a dog with health issues. Taylor and her family were prepared to keep Katie in the event she was never adopted.
After getting home from work and receiving Pam Ard’s message, Taylor arranged to meet with the Ard family first thing the next morning. It was the moment of truth. Was Sasha indeed Katie?
Katie didn’t offer a lot of emotion at the reunion, so there were a few minutes of comparing pictures the Ards brought, and scars and bumps on Katie. The family also had Katie’s littermate, Missy, with them. It didn’t take long to determine that Sasha was indeed Katie. And the biggest shocker, Katie is 20 years old. The reunion was emotional to say the least — everyone was in tears. Pam Ard called her son to let him know Katie was found.
The family is thrilled to have Katie back and is extremely appreciative for all CARE — and especially Taylor — did for her. “Melissa was truly Katie’s guardian angel,” Pam Ard said. “I have no doubt that divine intervention brought Katie back home to us. Katie isn’t our pet; she and Missy are our family. A lot of love and joy has been received from those two little four-legged blessings during their twenty years!”
Once they were back home, Katie immediately visited each of her favorite places to lie down and then she and Missy snuggled up in the dog bed together and sniffed and licked each other. They were a little slow to recognize each other when first reunited, but it was all coming back now.
CARE had Katie micro-chipped, as is routine with fosters. The Ard family plans to have all of their pets micro-chipped and will no longer allow the dogs to go outside unattended.
Karen Sirls of Chatham Animal Rescue Education contributed to this story.
By Valerie Broadway |
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Topper is tons of fun! (July 2010)
I thought I'd send you a quick email to let you know how Topper isadjusting. He is doing really great, and just a bundle of energy! He issuch a sweet little guy, and is constantly happy. He absolutely lovesDottie and Odie. There has been a little adjusting with them having to getused to him being here and staying, but they all are adjusting quite well.Yesterday morning it took them a little bit to warm up to each other.Topper was ready to play immediately, but Dottie and Odie weren't quitesure, but it didn't take long for them to go right back to play mode. Theypretty much play non-stop, except for the occasional rest break. Thismorning, they were all excited to get out of bed and started playing withoutany hesitation. We've taken him on a few walks and trying to build up his energy/stamina,and he does great. He is right up front with Dottie and Odie and ready toexplore the new area and take it all in. As you can see from the pictures,he quickly found the toy basket with all the dog toys and loves to toss themaround, squeak them and play tug of war with Odie. He definitely holds hisown as he has won the tug of war match a few times! We absolutely love him and so glad to have he's home with us and a part ofour family. We have an appointment with our vet this Friday for him just to get them tomeet him and update their records with his info, and get him on a schedulefor all his puppy needs. We've been able to bandage his front paw, and he'sbeen doing great with keeping it on so we hope it'll heal soon. Thank you so much for all you did for him and we know you took such goodcare of him. We'll send you more updates later, but wanted to let you knowthat he is doing wonderfully and adjusting very well. ~Amy
The volunteers at CARE and the foster parent of Topper (formerly Blocker), would like to send a special thanks to Dr. Tysor, of Tysor Vet, in Siler City, who amputated Topper's leg. Dr. Tysor did a wonderful job, we can't thank her enough! |
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Cooper is a camper! (July 2010)
Our family is so grateful to CARE for connecting us with our sweet puppy, Cooper. He is a wonderful companion and enjoys being a part of everything we do. The attached picture is from our spring camping trip, and of course, Cooper came along with us. He was happy to go on hikes with us, relax with us by the campfire, and sleep in the tent with us! He is a fast learner, eager to please, and always happy to see us. It is a wonderful thing to be greeted so enthusiastically by him when you return home. Everyone loves him and we can't picture life without him now! |
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