Travis Completes Us
After losing our family dog in December 2008, we felt that we needed another pet to complete our family. We knew we wanted to rescue a mature dog, so we quickly started searching the internet for a suitable pet, and that's when we found Travis. He's a loving dog who enjoys playing with tennis balls, stuffed animals and a 4 year old named Katie. Travis is patient and gentle and puts up with a lot of affection (sometimes too much!). We are so grateful to have him as part of our family. The Hansen's
Shep's a Love Bug
I saw Shep (named Tex) on the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter website in early September, meeting him a few days later. He was very fearful in the shelter and had been mistreated in his life. He was covered in scars, especially on his face, and had other medical issues from neglect. When I walked him he walked behind me and was fearful of cars, people and other dogs. But there was something about him…a glimpse of the wonderful dog he could be that encouraged me to give him a chance. I brought my two beagles to meet him, and after seeing them get along, made the decision to bring him home!
Barb and Lynn agreed to adopt him so I could foster him to see how he would adjust to his new home. Within a few days, I could see how fantastic he was and formally adopted him. He was already house trained, would sit and walked beautifully on a leash. He even rang the bell I have on the door when he had to go outside (or wanted to lounge in the sun on the deck). He loves attention, rolling over onto his back for belly rubs and has a deep, commanding bark despite being such a love bug.
After almost 3 months, he has gradually become more comfortable but is still a little skittish. With time and plenty of love, I’m positive he will grow into a confident, happy dog. I feel very lucky to have him with us, and look forward to many years with him! Thank you, Barb and Lynn!
Chloe is the Greatest Gift
Chloe was found abandoned and heartworm positive in June of 2009. After being spayed and treated for heartworm, she was adopted in August. It is assumed by the rescuer and the veterinarian that she was used as a breeder in a puppy mill.
Chloe's adopted mother realized quickly that she had never been an indoor dog. She cocked her head when the TV was on and did not know how to negotiate steps. She was quickly housebroken and now races up and down the stairs, usually chasing her brother.
Chloe has been a joy since day one and is the most loving and appreciative dog one could hope for. She and her brother both go to doggie day care twice a week to socialize with other dogs. The day care staff sometimes report that she is "bossy" and likes to chase other dogs away from her brother. She is never aggressive; just playful. She is also very playful at home and likes to chew on toys and play tug-of-war. She listens very well, is never destructive and loves everyone she meets--even cats!
Please consider adopting a rescue dog like Chloe. It will be the greatest gift you can give yourself and they'll have the time of their lives!
Max is a True Joy
As you can see in the photos, he and my kids get along swimmingly. Max is the epitome of man's best friend. From the first day we got him to the present, Max wants to be loved. He stays close at all times, even nuzzling up to us in bed.
He is a terror to squirrels and other backyard "guests," and it's very entertaining to watch Max gallop across the yard and scare his "friends" out of their wits.
Max is a truly wonderful dog, and we are thrilled to have him. Thanks to you for making this such an easy transition and for helping us find the newest member of our family.
Bryce Bounces Back from Hip Surgery
-Linda
Pepper Fits in Like He's Been Here Forever!
I knew finding a dog that was good with kids, cats, and other dogs would be difficult! With three kids I wouldn't have the time to train a puppy! I needed a dog that was young enough to play with, but old enough to already know the basics. His name was Pepper-I saw his picture on Petfinder and fell in love!!! At first I called just to see if he was available and if he was even close to being compatible. Barb offered to bring him over and if I felt comfortable, to try him out. It was the best choice WE ever made!!! I could tell right away he was the perfect dog for us!! He loved the kids and he and my senior cat Mario have turned out to be the best of friends!He has brought lots of love into our house and we return the favor! He loves trips to the pet store and short rides in the car. As grateful as he is to have a family, we are even more grateful to have a great friend! My oldest was afraid of dogs-now she holds his leash, plays fetch, and fills his water bowl. When he first came, he didn't eat so my two daughters sat on the floor and hand fed him! Now he sleeps at the side of my bed and follows me everywhere! I couldn't imagine why anyone would abandon such a loyal, loving, and obedient animal.
I am grateful for people like Barb who make a noble effort to save dogs like Pepper. There are many like him that get left behind by neglectful owners. I couldn't imagine leaving him. I don't know how anyone could! I've had him for 6 months and he fits in like he's been here forever!! Sure he has a few hang ups--he drinks out of the toilet, gets car sick and snores, but compared to the problems other dogs have I think we did GREAT!!! He's the best dog I've ever owned! I love him like a child! My kids bug him--my toddler lays all over him! There's not an aggressive bone in his body! It took him months just to bark! I love my dog, sometimes I wondered who rescued whom!
-The Lynch Family
Oscar's Second Chance
We adopted Oscar from Canine Lifeline last March. At the time he had been with his Foster; Barb for about 2 months. He had been picked up as a stray by the Youngstown Dog Warden. After contacting Canine Lifeline; we setup a time to meet. Although we knew all along that we wanted to adopt a rescue we had to make sure that Oscar would be a good fit for our family and specifically our 5 year old. Barb was very understanding of our desire to have a trial run with Oscar before committing to a permanent adoption. After a week or two we realized that we had a great match and finalized the adoption.
Oscar has truly become the fourth member of our family. Which is fitting because besides a ban from the human furniture, (he has his own) he is treated as one. He goes with us everywhere. He watches our son's soccer games and plays teddy bear to the teammates younger siblings on the sideline. He runs along side of us as we go biking through the woods and swims right along with us during the hot summer on the lake. He gives our son courage and escorts him upstairs past the things that go bump in the night. He really is a special dog.
We truly appreciate Canine Lifeline's work in giving Oscar a second chance. And in the spirit of the organization; we often recount to his admirers how somebody saw such great possibility in an old stray dog.
Thanks again;
Randall, Ann, and Miles
Big Mac Attack!!!!!
I lost a beloved dog in March. My 2 cats adored him! I waited for months before looking for another dog. I had to be picky. Due to my work schedule, I needed a dog that was house-broken. Also, obviously, I needed a dog who was cat-friendly. I was prepared for an "older" dog at this point. Barb introduced me to a pooch who was at that time named Toby. When she brought him over, I knew he was no longer Toby, as I already have a very close friend with a Toby!!!! My new boy was Mac!!! The moment he leapt out of her car, l I knew my search was over!!!!! He is kind to all he meets!! The cats knew right off the bat that this guy was OK!!!!!!!!!!! Mac came as advertised.. houseboken, cat-friendly, and gorgeous!!! Mac is 3 and a half years old. My guy Mac is more than I could have asked for... I thank Barb for her gift to me.. he is a perfect dog.. Barb.......thank you... !!!!!!! BobbyRocky's a Keeper!
I know it hasn't been 2 weeks yet, but there's no doubt I'm keeping Dorsey!!! I couldn't ever part with him, I was attached the moment I saw him. I knew he was meant to be with us!
We changed his name to Rocky, he seems to respond to it. Every time you say "Rocky", he wags his tail! He's such a sweetheart! He's been adjusting well and is comfortable in his new home. Sadie really likes being around him, and tries to get him to play. They've only played once, but they seem to enjoy each other's company. I love him so much!!
If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have him... thank you! thank you! thank you!
Words can't express the appreciation I have for you... thank you!
Abby- Everything You Could Want in a Dog
When we decided to go for it and get a dog, we knew it would be a rescue dog. We wanted a medium sized dog that got along with cats since we had two of them. We found Abby and were able to have her for a week to see if it would work out before making our final decision. We were told she was scheduled to be put down but was sent to a foster home to give her more time to be adopted. She was only there a week when we inquired about her. By the second day we knew we would keep her! She is everything you could want in a dog--friendly, well-behaved, does not chase the cats, enthusiastic and loves walking, which is perfect for us. She loves riding in the car and going places with us. We are so happy to have her in our family now. She has joined the blogsphere at http://karen.pnn.com (the Abby--Woof! Woof! tab). She fit right in to our family very quickly. It would have been a real tragedy if this wonderful dog had been euthanized. Bowser's Our Best Friend
We adopted Bowser (also called Petey) in August of this year and he really has become an essential part of our family. He is just like a little puppy and loves to play ball, run after a frizbee, or take a long walk. He moved in with our family of 4 and mixed in perfectly with our 2 cats; Mario and Zelda.I was amazed that he was alreay potty trained! This saved us so much work and so many messes. He also was already neutered and new tricks like sit, stay, stand, and roll over. My wife is currently teaching him to dance while standing up and I have taught him to fetch the newspaper and tear it to shreads. You can see a video of the newpaper getting destroyed on www.ohio.com.
We would love to thank Lynn who made the adoption process so easy on us and even supplied us with some beginner dog items to get us started. I could not imagine ever having a better dog and friend. My kids just smile every time they walk in the house now. Thank you Lynn and God Bless you for all your work. - The Rogers Family
Rescued Dog to the Rescue!
At the beginning of October, I began looking for another canine to add to my family. I wanted a young German Shepherd but not a puppy. So, I began perusing the web in hopes of finding that special one. After some ups and down I discovered Nitro. Wow! I was excited and my hopes were high that he was still available. So, I contacted his foster mom. Boy, did she make my day! I made arrangements to meet him and introduce him to my other two dogs, Cadeau a yellow lab that is a certified Search and Rescue dog and Romeo, a Bishon Frize that thinks he is as big as Nitro and Cadeau. That perfectly wonderful Sunday got even better because Nitro was joining our family. He is very smart and learns quickly. He loves to be loved and constantly is by my side and very quickly adjusted to our family routine. He is in an obedience class and that is one of the stepping stones leading to Search and Rescue. That is what I am hoping to achieve with Nitro, a certified Search and Rescue Dog.
-Dawn
Barley is a Heartworm Survivor!
Barley has adjusted totally to being part of our household. She has met each of our kids and spent a recent weekend with our two-year-old granddaughter. She was super with the baby -- playing ball, tug of war and letting Avery climb all over her. Avery enjoyed giving her commands and watching Barley actually do what she was told! It was a hoot to watch. My son, who is not a strong dog person, wanted to know if they could keep Barley and I could go find another dog. Fat chance!
- Brian & Joan
