Belle and Beau were to orphaned pups that came to our shelter July 24th through ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation). We sometimes help them when they have too many pups and not enough foster homes. They were too young to adopt and we got them into a good foster home for a few weeks. Belle was adopted on August 7th and Beau went to his new home Aug.18. Here are some reports from their new homes.

Beau went to a home that had adopted another dog from us.

Cassie and Beau

We met you folks a little over a year ago (March 09) when we adopted "Bobbie" (renamed Cassie) after our previous dog had passed away of age-related illness. I don't know if you remember, but she was afraid to get in the car and your Jack Russell bounced in as if to encourage her, bless him.

Now Cassie is doing beautifully. We had her spayed in April 09, and she recovered very fast. In the past year she's learned that she doesn't have to be afraid of things--the car takes her to the dog park, the stairs to the basement that used to frighten her lead to the back yard, where she runs laps apparently for the sheer joy of it, and that the thunder will not come in the house to get her. (She still sticks close to me when it's storming, or when the kids on the block are shooting off fireworks, but it's just unease, not panic.) She was even afraid of squeaky toys at first, until she figured out that it was OK to play (I wonder if she even had toys as a puppy...) Her first Christmas was lots of fun, once she realized that it was OK to tear off the wrapping paper.

She's such a good girl, and tries so hard, as if she's still not convinced we adopted her for keeps. I wish I could reassure her that she's doing fine--this is a dog who has not had ANY accidents in the house! She barks when someone comes to the door--and then stops as soon as I get there. She is very excited to see the leash that means a walk, but she comes over and sits quietly while we put the leash on. She's convinced that the cats are after her bones and chew-toys, but she doesn't get growly about it, she just picks her prize up and carries it out of reach. In short... I don't know what we did to deserve this great dog.

We're now thinking of adopting a puppy to keep her company, because she enjoys playing with other dogs but the dog park is still a little overwhelming for her when there are more than a handful of big dogs there. She's got that Aussie shyness, and a dog-training friend says it's just part of her disposition. We're leaning toward a male puppy because she just seems to get along with the boys better than other females her own size, and because with a puppy we can raise him with positive methods and hopefully get a more confident pup that will bolster Cassie's confidence, too.

I was looking on Petfinder and saw that you've got this shepherd-mix puppy, Beau, who's going to be available for adoption in August. Are there any other folks who've got first dibs on this pup, or could we come and take a look when he's old enough? Cassie has been fine with other puppies we've met, but every dog is different and I wouldn't want to bring in a new animal that she didn't get along with.

Hope the past year has been good to you and the fortunate animals who make it to your shelter.

Next letter...

Beau is 27 pounds now, sits very nicely, comes... some of the time, and is pretty well housebroken. If we could just convince him that the cats' litter box is not a buffet, he could stay out at night. As it is, he decided to den up in the bathroom--he likes lying on cool tiles--so we just put his bed in there at night.

Sure, give his sister's folks our email. I'll bet she's just gorgeous. And probably a handful! ....J.

Leila (Belle) is doing great.. she is likely 11 or 12 weeks old now and weighs over 22 pounds. We have had her to the vet a couple of times and she has had all her shots and has a clean bill of health (he even gave her an extra de-worming just to make sure). Next up will be to have her spayed around 6 months. She eats only IAMS dry puppy food and liver treats for training. When she needs more to chew on we give her a pig ear from time to time.

These pics are from today. She is very energetic and friendly. She is 99% house trained (the odd pee accident when she gets too excited). She knows "sit", "shake a paw" and will fetch a ball 75% of the time. We immediately bought her a crate and she loves it. We never have any trouble putting her in it when we need to run out for a bit. We find that she also likes to nap in there on her own. She knows her name and loves to go for walks. She is ok on a leash but needs more experience. The only problem we have is she still nips too often and is a little rough with the cats and our 6 year old, Jordan. We are doing our best with positive reinforcement training and offering distractions... but it seems she gets in a mood sometimes and needs a time out. We understand that she is still young and needs to mature a bit before she settles more.

We were curious.. what ever happened to Beau? Were you able to find a nice home for him?

Anyway, we will be in touch again.....MNG

I met and fell in love with Molly when I first saw her at ACCLOBO in 2006. She’s been the best dog, and my best friend ever since. Keep up the great work Gertie (and staff), the animals need you.... LB

 

Susie is a wonderfully social, affectionate, and obedient little treasure. She has been seen by our vet (twice) has her first shots, waiting for 2nd lot so she can be spayed. Skin irritation has been treated aggressively with MediCal food, special shampoo, antibiotics, and steroids, and she seems to be fine with her hair growing back on the thin spots. She loves to be with people, and is very interested in other animals including dogs and cats, and doesn't seem to be afraid of any of them regardless of size. Thank you for the great work you do and for letting this wonderful little dog become part of our life...JP

Note from Gertie:This little dog was rescued by us close to Muncie. The people who called me told me they had seen someone actually hit this little dog with their car in front of their house. They than witnessed this little fur ball do some somersaults and land in the ditch. They went out to rescue you her and she was at that point just a limp wet rag. They managed to revive her and other than some sensitive areas, she seemed fine. This wonderful man, adopted her on the spot when he first saw her. She has gone from rags to riches and loves it!

 

We adopted Angus about 3 years ago from your shelter. He is such a great boy.....gently, loving, playful and the centre of our family. We now Foster dogs for the Animal Rescue Foundation. Angus is a huge part of our success as a foster family....he helps us with all our fosters and is a great role model for all of them:)

Thank you soo for our wonderful boy!!! ...MR

Just a note to thank you for helping me find a good home!
I was adopted by my forever family three weeks ago, and I am
gradually getting them trained. I have full run of the house,
and I'm really enjoying the Christmas tree, as you can see by
my picture. My new name is "Reese", because my new "sisters"
Jessica, Jodi, and Julie all said my color reminded them of
Reese's peanut butter cups.
I hope all my friends at the centre find good homes too!
Happy Holidays! ... Reese

Sorry it's taken so long to email you about Frankie/Shadow, but life has been just a little hectic around our home since we adopted Frankie / Shadow on May 9/2009.

Shadow's been very active in our home and after having a few other visitors he's been exposed to a few new animals too. Our other 5 year old feline "Cuddles" and a Bird that we babysit, Taylor.

On July 29th Shadow went in for his declawing of his front two paws and came home a few days later weight 3.7kg. He's grown so much since we got him home. Hope you enjoy the photos and I'll be sending more as time goes by! ...P. Family

Hello we adopted Dixi (Buttercup) from your shelter June 15, 2008. My niece volunteered with you and told us of her. We rushed over and it was clear that we were taking the little girl home.
Dixi is our little baby and she sure knows it! We are so happy that we found her and that we were the ones to give her, her new forever home...JT

Dakota

Dakota has settled in to our home like he's always been part of the family! He's met the neighbourhood dogs (behaved like a true gentleman), has chased a few squirrels and had fun in the leaves. We adore him! He learned to sit for a cookie in about 5 minutes...very smart, too.

Thanks for allowing us to bring this sweet boy to his "forever home"....NT

"Brianne" cried the whole trip back to Strathroy. I continued to talk to her, and she eventually, settled down. When I brought her in the house and I opened the carrier, she came out immidiately and snooped around on the main floor. I talked to her the whole time. She kept letting out little squeeks and looked me in the eyes. She finally went upstairs to the bedrooms and found a place to hide. I let her alone for 30 minutes, then found her hiding under my bed. I coaxed her out with food and a loving praising voice and she warmed right up to me.......even to the point of climbing on me to kiss my nose! Because she feels more comfortable upstairs, I have moved her food & water dish up there, and enclosed litter box up there for now. I am so surprised that within 3 hours of being here, she has eaten, she has even come downstairs to see me. I am in love with her already, and her name is now Tabitha ..........Tabby is the nickname! I would like to help your organization out with a larger donation.....LR

I contacted your shelter on Saturday evening after seeing Rocky's picture on your web site. Because we were so interested in Rocky & would be travelling a great distance to meet him, you said you'd put a reserve on him. Monday we drove for two hours to see Rocky. We were met by a friendly staff member who took us straight through to see Rocky. We played with Rocky in the yard & could tell he was a playful pup (we'd have our hands full). The staff were friendly & courteous & made it so simple for us to adopt Rocky. We were also given an adoption pack.

Rocky slept most of the way home. He was so calm. Rocky met the rest of the family; our two rescue kittens Zoe & Ben (who are now a year old). Rocky was an instant hit with Ben. They played & slept together after only 3 days. Zoe took two months

We were in the middle of construction on our farm house so at bed time we put Rocky in a pen in our spare bedroom. It took Rocky 4 days to learn how to climb. From that day on he sleeps at the foot of our bed with Ben & Zoe. Rocky is an intelligent pup; Quick to learn; He also knows how to open Christmas presents.

We are, & I think Rocky is, extremely happy. We've given a homeless pup a warm friendly home & he's given us the love, affection & pleasure that only a dog can give...AD

Do you miss me? The pink lipstick has worn off my face now. Boy do I have a great spot! I can sleep wherever I want at this place ... and when I feel a bit mischievous I camp out on the top step and block the Bailey dog from her food. She's pretty old and can't hear that well anymore or see that well, but I still don't trust a dog. I let her walk by me now and don't hiss at her. I get in trouble when I hiss at Bailey. Bailey was adopted from Lobo as well and has had 15 1/2 years with these humans.

I just wanted to say thanks for rescuing me and helping me find my forever home.

Feel free to visit any time, just wipe off your lipstick before you kiss me ... I mean I am a male cat who is already wearing eyeliner!

My new owners have attached some photos of me ... aren't I so handsome?...Iggy

Need someone to look after your cats or house while your dogs are being boarded at Acclobo?

www.catandhousesitting.ca

If you adopted your pet from our shelter and would like to tell the world about him or her, please send us a picture and a few words about your pet to mypet@acclobo.com.

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