Sanctuary...
There are plenty of people willing to take in a cute, adoptable puppy or kitten, but there are plenty of animals who have fallen through the cracks due to unlucky circumstances. Some of these pets have suffered abuse and abandonment. Others struggle with advanced age, failing health or difficulties in households with more than one pet. They are "special needs" animals who have hearts of gold. All they need is the right home in which to flourish.
These are the stories of some who have found sanctuary in the homes of Furry Friends Rescue foster home volunteers, and how they have changed the lives of those who have come to know them. They all have new happy beginnings where they are loved and cherished for who they are: family members to the end.
To those angel volunteers who have opened their homes and hearts to these animals: a big hug and a heartfelt thank you!
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Ambassador and Therapy Dog
  FFR's first sanctuary dog, Rags, spent her long life as an ambassador and companion dog. This gentle Catahoula mix worked as a facility dog in the San Mateo Convalescent Hospital until she herself became too old to stand or manage stairs. She was taken into a foster home where she stayed until she reached the point where she required constant medical care. She then took up the position of facility dog at the All About Pets Veterinary Hospital until she passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 18. |
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A Home with the Angels
 Sundae, a Doberman mix, found life to be an almost constant struggle. The five-week-old was rescued off the street shortly after someone had tried to gouge her eyes out, and she received surgery just in time to save her sight. The family who had found her took her home, but found they couldn't keep her after she grew too large for the household. Instead, she returned to the All About Pets Veterinary Hospital. When she was six months old, Geoff and Kathy Louie took her into their home, where she blossomed, but was faced with many challenges. Life in a kennel made housebreaking an issue, but the family solved this problem by installing a patio dog door that she quickly learned to use. Sundae also suffered from severe
epileptic seizures which sometimes caused her to become disoriented. She required regular doses of medicine twice a day. Kathy fought hard to keep the seizures under control, and her careful documentation led her to realize that Sundae's seizures occurred at certain phases of the month. For a while, they were able to counter the seizures with additional medication during those periods.
During her eight and a half month stay, Sundae was happy to be loved by a family who took the time to care for her. She not only had four children to play with; Buddy, their dog, played with her every day. Sadly, one of Sundae's seizures ultimately took her life. Afterward, Kathy's daughter mentioned to her friends and family that "Sundae has finally found a home: she had been adopted by the angels." |
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Stormy Beginnings
 He may be smiling now, but in the beginning, this male shepherd had the cards stacked against him. After Stormy was rescued from the animal shelter, a veterinarian assessed his medical problems and a tendency to nip those who tried to pet his ears, and recommended he be put down. Dorothy Catelli, a foster "mom" experienced with shepherds, took him home instead. Under her care, Stormy transformed into a vivacious dog who loves being petted--ears and all.
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The Tales These Eyes Could Tell...
 This expressive face belongs to Cinnamon, who had been found discarded and covered in oil close to the Fremont Auto Mall. Her advanced age, warped hind leg, tumors and intolerance of other dogs made her a difficult animal to place for adoption, but she found a loving home with Lynn Ragghianti. Once she realized she had a permanent home, her personality changed drastically; she became much more energetic and demanding of attention. And very insistent at walk time.
Cinnamon is great with kids, and is popular with all the neighborhood children. On her daily walks, she heads for the bus stop and waits for them to arrive so she can bask in their petting and praise. She considers herself the grand matriarch of the household and has a definite stubborn streak.
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Alpha Female
 Nala, an 18-month-old female, posed a unique problem for her sanctuary parents, Cindy and Bob Young. Insecure and a determined "alpha dog," Nala would repeatedly attack the other dogs in the household until consultation with an experienced trainer and careful social management restored the peace. Nala is great with family.
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Our Lucky Dice
 Dice was adopted from FFR in 2002. He was returned in 2007 due to an unfortunate and unforeseen situation with his family who loved him dearly. Dice is now a FFRescue Sanctuary Dog who will live out his life with his loving foster family. Any donations towards his care is always appreciated.
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Furry Friends Rescue is Seeking More Sanctuary Homes
Would you be willing to open your heart and your home as a sanctuary for special needs pets that otherwise might not find a home? Please contact Furry Friends rescue at info@furryfriendsrescue.org for more information.
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