Tail Waggin - Happy Stories and Makeovers
"Abandoned, Adopted, & Adored"
Chavez Rescued 2010
Chavez before & after
Chavez and his buddy, Willie were rescued on 4/15/10. As you can see from the "before" picture, he was badly neglected. We gave him wash and grooming to free him from all the matting which is very painful. This is an good example of "how dirty dog looks" can be easily transformed by some TLC. Chavez is warming up to us and showing us completely lovable self and ready to find his forever family!
Isabel Adopted 2005 & Reese Adopted 2007
Picture on the right: Isabel as a puppy when rescued. Picture on the left: Reese and I now.
Isabel (AKA Angel) was found crawling on her elbows in the streets. I just happened to be at the shelter when they showed her to me. They had no hope for her and were about to PTS her. But I saw this conditon before, and I knew she could out-grow it with the right foods. So I took her and yup, with vet care and right low protein food, she was fine. :} Then she was fostered and adopted to her forever great home!
- Emily (FFR President)
Shani Adopted 2010
Shani
Shani was rescued from TCAS. He was abandoned, neglected and very dirty/matted to his skin. All About Pets Animal Care groomer had to shave his entire body. With his new make-over, he met his wonderful adoption home. Shani was adopted and lives a pampered life as a furry kid in his forever home. He's a very happy lovable boy who loves to zoom around in full speed and enjoys lounging with his mom.
Rookie Adopted 2008
Rookie
We adopted Rookie from Furry Friends in 2008 and it's been 2 years of fun and adventure ever since! I've grown up with dogs but for my boyfriend, Rookie was his first dog. Rookie has the strangest personality of any dog I've ever met. He continues to surprise us with funny and odd things he does everyday, even after 2 years. He was a very active little chihuahua mix from the beginning. He got me out and about on daily walks, hikes, rollerblading runs and pretty soon I'd lost 20 lbs. and he filled out to look great too!
He started taking dog agility classes 6 months after we rescued him and a year after beginning training, he is now doing great and competing at trials all around the bay area. It's hilarious to watch his little body race through the coarse for his final goal—a really good treat!
He continues to bring us more entertainment, love (only when he feels like it!) and energy into our lives and we can't picture our lives without him!
Ozlik (AKA Donkey) Adopted 2009
Ozlik
We really love Ozlik (Donkey)! He is a very quick learner, and already knows sit, how-do-you-do, and lay down in Russian. He is very friendly, funny, and playful! He has a lot of good doggy friends, such as him! When we come home, we see a sweet little face, big ears, and a wagging tail! He jumps on us, that makes us very happy! He is very curious and wants everyone to be his friend!!!
Masha, 8 years old
KC Adopted 2000
KC
Today (9/23/09) is a special day! Today is KC's birthday—she is the big 0-9 years old!
KC is a bichon-poodle mix who came into our lives as a 3 month old puppy. Our dog-ther at that time was Sierra, an American Eskimo who was not overly dog friendly and firmly believed she was the Queen of Everything (an attitude my husband insists she inherited from her mother!). Little KC came in and unleashed her charm - she was bound and determined to win everyone's hearts! She and our Sierra became totally devoted to each other.
She started off as a foster dog but one look into those big dark eyes and we were hooked! She has brought much joy and happiness to our lives. She loves everyone - greets all (be they furry or human) with a wagging tail and a smile. When Sierra passed on, KC also seemed lost but set about comforting us in her own special way.
She has a puppyish attitude, only signs of aging (she has been known to give her vet dirty looks when he refers to her as "senior") are that there are days when her back and rear legs are hurting, putting limits on her—but that still doesn't stop her from trying to keep her rambunctious sisters in line! On the days she can't join in the play, she will sit on the sidelines and bark at them if she thinks they're getting much too loud! She is very bossy (another trait my husband swears is inherited from her mother).
KC has now become the Queen of the household - while not as outspoken as Sierra was about her reign, to her two doggie sisters and dogs we have fostered, there is no doubt who rules the roost!
- Stella
Snowball (now Chloe) Adopted 2009
Snowball (now Chloe)
Snowball (now Chloe) was surrendered to Furry Friends Rescue by a family who had no time to train or exercise her. She is a 14 month old Maltese and was kept in a garage during the day. We started out as her foster home but quickly fell in love with her.
She is sweet, affectionate and very intelligent! She is currently taking classes in basic training and learning her manners. Chloe is a very happy little doggie, never seems to have met a stranger. She bounces around the house and loves to hop out of the doggie door and explore the backyard. She loves it out there - though she's been over every inch of the yard hundreds of times, there always seems to be something new and exciting out there that she's just got to discover! She will hop up on one of the lounge chairs to sun herself. She loves to play with her two new doggie sisters - her best bud is a dog twice her size - they rough and tumble, chase each other, and sleep snuggled against each other.
Chloe lets you know when she wants something by making little grunting noises - sounds very human! When she wants to be picked up, she'll run to her person of choice and wrap her front legs around their leg, grunt and look up at you with those big dark eyes - tail wagging away. Once you pick her up, she covers you with kisses, snuggles into you and sighs!
For such a little dog, she has a very big heart! We feel very fortunate that we passed muster and she decided to adopt us!
Gracie
Gracie & Laurel
We adopted Gracie when she was four years old from Furry Friends Rescue. She had been surrendered (abandoned) by her family at a humane society due to "hardship". We had a history that she had been raised with children and with cats. While at the humane society she was so depressed she would not eat or leave her cage. The staff really liked her so they called Furry Friends who found her a foster family and got her out of doggie prison and ultimately on her way to her new life with us.
We live in an area where there is a high concentration of kids of all ages and not many of the kids live with any type of animal due to busy schedules, cultural biases etc. Gracie has become the dog ambassador of the neighborhood and over the past five years she has befriended numerous children as well as their parents and has taught everyone what a wonderful gift loving a dog can bring into one's life. Children come to our door and ask if Gracie can come out and play. Gracie has introduced me to not only the kids but also their parents and families. She breaks down all cultural differences / barriers (our neighborhood is multi-ethnic - Asian, northern and eastern European as well as American) and reminds us all that we have more commonalities than differences.
Gracie weighs 105 lbs so you would think she would be somewhat intimidating just by her size (Bernese Mountain dog, Aussie or Border Collie combo), but she is always smiling and such a love that everyone is just drawn to her. She is the love of our lives!)
Thurston, Adopted 2009
Thurston was rescued on 8/17/09 from a over-crowded shelter and out of time. He was abandoned in bad condition with matted, fleas and dirty coat. We saw his inner beauty and charm. The groomer at All About Pets Animal Care, gave him a bath and complete make-over, and now he's a cutie!
He can see now and very cuddly. He was home fostered and now adopted to his perfect forever home with a dog buddy to play with.
Thurston, Adopted 2009
Gimli, Adopted 2009
Gimli, Adopted 2009
Gimli, our snugly little scrapper
Eight-year-old Gena was bored and whiny until three-year-old Gimli came into her life. He's the annoying little brother she can't help but love. The little dog is all over her; he's fearless, egging her on with playful nips at the neck, and even scampering under her tummy during playtime, then standing up and lifting Gena off of a paw or two (sending the humans nearby into fits of laughter). She seems to love his antics. They run laps together in the yard, and she grooms him regularly.
When Gimli's not playing, he's the epitome of a lap dog.
Where did we come up with the name Gimli, you ask? Maybe you recognize it from Lord of the Rings. My husband thought a dwarven name was perfect for our little rescued dog: a short, bearded little man who'll eat anything.
Oliver, Rescued 2009
Oliver was rescued on 8/17/09 from a crowded animal shelter. He was very neglected and left matted/dirty. He was abandoned in a field. Despite how much he has suffered, he is very friendly and happy.
Since he was so matted, we had to shave him down and gave him a schnauzer facial cut. But when his hair was long, he looked more like a furry Cockapoo / Poodle Mix with curly coat. This is another example of what can be done with a little TLC... Oliver is a whole new dog!
Oliver, Rescued 2009
Yani, Adopted 2009
Our Happy Story:
Saltie and Yani: my office support staff!
Thank you to Furry Friends Rescue, Teresa, Diane, and Emily for rescuing Yani and making his adoption such a heartwarming process. Yani is a sweetheart. He settled in right away, and he and Saltie are best buddies. Yani has claimed his own toys from the toy basket already. They love to go for their daily walks and they keep me company in my office every day. Yani loves to cuddle and is always eager for a bellyrub.
Yani, Adopted 2009
We are so fortunate to have him in our family.
Thank you,
- Lynette
Barney, Rescued 2009
Barney, Rescued 2009
Barney was rescued from Hayward Animal Shelter 1/7/05. He was there since 12/6/04. He was adopted but returned back to FFR on June 22, 2009 because his family had twin toddlers and now don't have time to care for him and watch him with their active kids. Barney (Pepito) was fully vet checked and groomed so now he feels much better and relaxing at his loving sanctuary foster home.
Harry Potter, Adopted 2009
Harry Potter was depressed at the shelter and badly neglected. Furry Friends Rescue rescued him and our vet office groomers gave him a amazing make over! Now he's a gorgeous and very happy Bichon/poodle Mix. He's now adopted to a wonderful family!
Harry Potter, Adopted 2009
Olivia & Dashiell, Adopted 2009
Olivia & Dashiell, Adopted 2009
We just wanted to give you an update—especially on Artemis/Dashiell's developing personality. He just jumped into Hayley's bath water for a swim in the tub, he gives kitten kisses to all of us whenever possible (a few licks on the cheeks or neck), and he is just as active as Olivia. They are such a joy to watch play together, and we are so glad to have them both. Both love to be picked up and cuddled. Olivia really seems to think she is the alpha of the dog pack, and is absolutely fearless. At the same time, she is small and SO sweet—loves to cuddle and purrs whenever close to any other living being, even in her sleep. She also LOVES socks.
Thank you for making them so social!
- Patti
Murphy (a.k.a. Smurphy), Adopted 2009
Murphy (a.k.a. Smurphy), Adopted 2009
There is nothing so heart warming as to open the front door and be greeted by Murphy who is ALWAYS happy to see you.
Training Murphy has been so easy! He knows sit, down, up, off, roll-over, jump, sit-up, circle, twirl, bang (plays dead), inside, outside, heel, stay, shake hands, come, don't touch, "get your toy" and "time for bed". He continues to amaze us all with how quickly he learns and much he understands!
My favorite time of the day is after work, when my husband and I go out in the backyard to sit and relax, while Murphy brings us his tennis ball to play fetch. No matter how stressful the day at work may have been, all that goes away while watching Murphy chase and leap into the air to catch the ball and bring it back, wagging his tail the whole way.
Murphy brings joy to not only me and my family, but I also take Murphy to my Dad's nursing home and he brings smiles to everyone there.
- Jeanne :-)
Sammy, Adopted 2009
Sammy, Adopted 2009
I am so happy with My Furry Friend Rescue dog named Sammy. He has become such a Companion. He was a good boy from the 1st day he came to stay with me.
I work from home, He lets me know when it is time to take a break but it is hard to stop cuddling him and start working again. We go on walks at night, he gets excited before and after. When we get home he plays with his stuffed toys throwing them around. Bed time is the best, he sleeps right by me and a lot of the time I get up before him in the morning. He'll look at me with the expression "Do we really have to get up"? Sammy is like having a live stuffed dog, it is hard to stop petting his soft fur, it very addictive!! He loves everyone and is a curious soul, has to check out the whole neighborhood. Sammy loves to go for rides in the car, he has his own special blanket. Belly rubs are his favorite. When he is really happy he runs around the perimeter of the yard like a mad dog, no matter how many time a week he does this I giggle every time! It had been several years since I had a dog, I've had them most of my life. I am so happy with my Boy and Furry Friends Rescue for bringing Sammy & Me together.
Thanks,
- Michele
Sally, Adopted 2009
Sally, Adopted 2009
During my visits thru Hayward Shelter, I would visit Sally who was always very happy to see me. Poor Sally was there for over 9 months due to a case. She was so dog friendly that often we took her out to help us dog test other dogs. Finally, she was available for us to rescue and we took her in. I fostered her and fell in love with her, quirks and all. It was mutual. Sally bonded to me from the beginning, and I didn't want to let her down with another change after she has suffered for 5 years of her life already.
Sally and my other dog, Orlando (who is very selective), get along great and play everyday. They have the same activity level and love their daily long walks/runs and playing with water from the hose afterwards.
Sally is my adorable tom-girl panda bear who follows me everywhere and loves to snooze on the sofa when I watch a movie. We are lucky we found each other.
Daisy and Tulip, Adopted 2009
Daisy and Tulip, Adopted 2009
Daisy and Tulip are doing fantastically and are adored by everyone who comes to visit. They are darlings. Sidney would play with them 24 hours each day if she could.
Every morning when I let them into the bedroom from the living room, they run up the stairs and jump into my bed (or up Sidney's loft ladder and into her bed) and play and purr and cuddle for about 10 minutes. Then they are off to the races. I'm so glad we have both of them as they are best pals. We love them so much.
Tulip, who is the more active and thinner of the two, loves to lie in my lap. Daisy is stouter and likes to lie on her back and get her tummy rubbed. I've never had a cat who likes to lie on her back and purr!
- Noel