We all know that pet over-population is still a problem in our communities, despite continuous and effective spay-neuter campaigns.
The numbers are decreasing, but there are still plenty of homeless dogs and cats in the Bay Area. Most of them pass through the public shelters, where the lucky ones get adopted out or are saved from euthanasia by passionate rescue groups. In honor of the doglovers who do this important work, we present some local success stories. Here are a few deserving dogs who beat the odds in 2007, finding forever families to love and care for them. Hats off to all involved!
Poe
Rocket Dog Rescue
Through the glass door at the shelter, I could just make out a blur of pinky flesh crouched down as close as it could get to the floor, with pleading eyes darting all around, looking for somewhere to hide.
I entered the intro room and saw the saddest animal I have ever beheld: a six-month-old Chow Chow male with a medical shave and bite wounds over 80% of his body. He had been found half dead in the Excelsior District. I named him Poe because of the tragedy of his life and took him home.
We made our way, slowly, toward his recovery. His hair grew. He would occasionally forget his fear and walk with his tail up. He chewed on bully sticks. Eventually he licked my hands. He PLAYED!
Poe found his forever home with a wonderful family in San Francisco. He even has a canine sister who bosses him around, and he loves it! – Jennifer Mieuli Jameson
Goober
The San Francisco SPCA
Goober was an unclaimed stray who arrived at The San Francisco SPCA in August. The sweet eight-year old Beagle was not in good physical shape. He suffered from hip dysplasia and some spinal disk disease, but more serious was a tumor extending from his upper left eyelid onto his cornea. Goober was also very nervous; he had separation anxiety, guarded his food, and pulled on the leash.
Goober’s medical ailments were treated by SF/SPCA veterinarians through the Society’s Cinderella Fund, which provides care and medical treatment for the shelter’s neediest animals. The tumor on his eye was removed and, fortunately, proved to be benign. Then Goober was neutered and given a full dental treatment. His nails were clipped and soon his coat began to show the benefits of a healthy diet.
In September, Goober was chosen to be a project dog for students at The SF/SPCA’s renowned Academy for Dog Trainers. For six weeks he spent a large portion of each day being trained by his student mentor. In October, Goober emerged as a happy, healthy, well-adjusted guy, and was quickly adopted into a loving home where he is now living happily ever after. – Christine Rosenblat
Sandy
Grateful Dogs Rescue
What the shelter saw: Cocker Spaniel, 2 years old. Medical evaluation: chronic otitis in both ears. Behavior evaluation: barking and growling; does not allow handling. Verdict: not adoptable (translation: will be euthanized if not rescued soon).
What Grateful Dogs Rescue saw: A dog surrendered to the shelter through no fault of his own; a dog whose medical problem (an ear infection very common to Cocker Spaniels) could be controlled with regular care; a dog whose behavior in the shelter was in response to the stressful environment rather than deep-seated problems; a loving dog who craved affection.
Sandy loved his foster home roommates, playing with squeaky toys, going for walks, and romping off-leash at Fort Funston. After less than one week with us, he was adopted into his “forever home.” Now named Rex, he regularly goes to work with his new guardian and plays with the Cocker Spaniel puppy next door. Rex is one grateful dog! – Kim Durney
Chico
Hopalong Rescue
Chico is a four-month-old Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua mix that we pulled from the Oakland shelter in early October. He came into rescue with his three brothers. All four of these boys became sick with parvo, and their foster mother administered the daily fluids and antibiotics like a true hero, literally saving their lives.
We were holding our breath to see if the puppies would survive. Sure enough, their Terrier spirit, along with the great TLC they received, pulled them through. They became the sweetest, liveliest puppies – clear of parvo and ready for happy, long lives. In November, we received an application from a family in Walnut Creek who had fallen in love with Chico. He is now “little brother” to the family’s five-year-old Jack Russell Terrier.
Making this success story even happier, Chico’s three brothers all eventually got adopted, too! – Christina Alvarez
Riley
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA
San Jose residents Robert and Andrea wanted to get their first dog and were considering the breeder route. They had their hearts set on a Yorkshire Terrier, but soon learned how in demand they are, and that the trendy “designer” breeds have designer price tags. So they began looking at shelter websites.
We had a litter of four 9-week-old Chihuahua/Terrier pups that had been dumped in our after-hours kennels without so much as a note. By the time the couple inquired, all four were adopted, but days later one was returned. His first adopter’s resident dog didn’t fancy a younger brother!
Robert and Andrea rushed to the shelter and adopted him. While it’s always special for shelters when young families adopt their first dogs, this couple’s comments – just days after the adoption – were especially welcome: “We’ll love this $70 little guy as much as one we might have paid $700 for.” – Scott Delucchi
Diamond
Marin Humane Society
Diamond, a young Boxer mix who gleefully submerged herself in water at every opportunity, waited patiently at Marin Humane Society for six months to be discovered by just the right person. With a constitution as indestructible as the mineral for which she is named, Diamond made a multitude of friends during that time. When Melissa Brandon of Richmond met and fell for this long-term resident, everyone who knew Diamond was thrilled.
Now that Diamond has traded in her kennel for a couch in her very own home, both she and Melissa couldn’t be happier. Melissa reports that Diamond is always by her side… it seems that Diamond really is a girl’s best friend! – Gillian Hersh
Edith
Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society
Edith, a Chihuahua female “of a certain age,” was picked up by Antioch Animal Control (AAC) after being hit by a car. She had facial and shoulder lacerations, which the agency’s veterinarian repaired. ACC’s shelter was full and we were called in to take in some dogs. When Edith came to us, she had a heart murmur, dental disease, and some facial tumors, but her sweet nature shone through. Our vet spayed Edith and performed a full dental treatment, and I became her foster mom during recovery. She was a joy to live with, friendly with people, dogs, and even cats.
After two months, Edith’s angel walked through the door. Crae saw her photo posted in our lobby and said “that’s the girl for me.”
He is HIV positive and had recently been released from the hospital. His doctor suggested a dog for company. Edith and Crae bonded immediately. Now Edith spends her days going on long walks around her new Berkeley neighborhood and napping on the couch with her loving companion. – Mary Giuffrida
Mochi
The Milo Foundation
Mochi is “so happy to be alive he knocks himself over with exuberance” said his young fosterer, Sofie. This despite his early traumas – being hit by a car, abandoned at a vet hospital, and having his hind leg amputated, all before three months of age!
With Mochi’s life at stake, Dr. Evans at Animal Care Clinic asked if The Milo Foundation would step in with financial assistance, TLC, and finding a new home. Milo said yes! Now Mochi lives the good life as a hiker, homework helper, office supervisor, and people greeter. He lives with his human family and four-legged Emme Louise, who all fell in love with Mochi at a Milo adoption event.
“Mochi has easily fallen into our routines and Emme has become so much more animated with him around, even letting Mochi into her crate and bed – which is pretty amazing,” exclaims his mom, Susan. “We are looking forward to a wonderful new year with our little treasure. Thank you, Milo Foundation!” – Lynne Tingle
Prancer (pictured)
Wonder Dog Rescue
(Fancy Pants) Prancer was born in April, 2006. Within months, his Fresno family realized they were in trouble. Prancer was experiencing recurring seizures. Although Phenobarbital helped, he began to suffer constant tremors in the lower part of his body. The pup could not stand still, and walking was difficult. He was surrendered to a Fresno group who asked us if we’d take him in. Without hesitation, we agreed.
Today Prancer lives in Santa Rosa. His mom, Michele, is a groomer at Aunti Barbara’s Dog Daycare. Her home is particularly well suited to Prancer because this very active lad gets to play with dozens of dogs daily. He particularly enjoys bully sticks, running, squeaky toys, and wrestling with his baby Boston sister. Sadly, no doctor has provided a definitive diagnosis or prognosis, but I know that this amazing little dog has a wonderful life – and hopefully a very long one! – Linda Beenau
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