Meet Rita's Paula

Left at the animal shelter by her owner. Paula's album: click here

Rita's Melissa: photo update

Where's Stanley?

Maggie's Stanley before he was rescued by ART...

Rita's Alice adopted!

I am so very, very happy to announce that Rita's Alice has decided to stay with her foster dad and mom, Dave and Chevy.  Alice came in from Taiwan in January, along with Evan and Dora.  When she came to us she had been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, which is a serious heart condition that leads to a reduced life expectancy.  Chevy and I took Alice to the heart specialist, and the cardiologist couldn't find anything wrong with her heart.  She did, however, find an enlarged spleen. We've done many tests to see if we can find out why, but so far everything has come back normal.

Alice would like to thank Rita and MJ for rescuing her in Taiwan and helping her find her way to the US.  She thanks the Taiwan Welcome Waggin' led by Ira for greeting her upon her entry into the country.  She thanks Cheryl C. for doing Chevy and Dave's home visit awhile back as well as recruiting them as volunteers/fosters (they adopted Braveheart, now Buddy, from us just over a year ago).  Finally, Alice is so very grateful to her wonderful foster family who have become her permanent family.  It's not everyone who is willing to take a partially house-trained dog with unknown medical issues into their heart and home as Dave and Chevy have done.  They are truly Golden Angels!

From Chevy & Dave:

We are beyond thrilled to have Alice as a permanent member of our family. We are aware that we may never know what the future holds for our large-spleened beauty, but we know that we are so lucky to have her with us. We will be keeping "Alice" as her forever name, because it's the name that her mom in Taiwan gave her (and it fits her perfectly!).
 
She has come such a long way since she first arrived at LAX. She always wanted to be outside for the first few days, and now she is completely an inside dog. She has mastered the doggy door (and even remembers to go potty on the OUTSIDE of it, most of the time!). Her ear infections have cleared up, and most importantly, we are so appreciative that her heart issues don't seem to be anything that has to affect her life. I am glad to be Alice's own private duty nurse, and to make sure that she has the best care possible!
 
We are so grateful to Rita & M.J. for rescuing this gentle soul. We appreciate that Kriss graciously let us have our pick of the pups that came in that day, and you, Sandy, for helping us to get so much medical information on Alice. We may not have all of the answers, but we have a lot more information than we started with.
Thank you for allowing us to renew our membership in the "failed foster" club (it's been just over a year since we "fostered" our Buddy Braveheart). Our family is now complete.

Sincerely,
 Chevy & Dave

Rita's Alinna adopted!

Today Alinna  impressed the Ringland family with her beautiful brown eyes and little girl smile - the pink bows certainly helped, too.  It was love at first sight for the Ringlands and for Alinna.  Alinna sat at their feet enjoying belly rubs while an audience at Culver Palms watched love in the making.  It was a beautiful sight!

Updated photos of Gino

View complete album HERE.

Meet Rita's Gino

This lovely boy had been abandoned in the mountains. When found 2 months ago, his rescuer discovered that his eye was hurt badly so she took him to an animal hospital where he underwent an eyeball enucleation surgery. Gino also tested positive for heartworm and is receiving treatment. Gino is around 4 years old and friendly with people and other dogs.

Rita's Alinna arrives safely

Alinna is on her way!

Postcard from Kelly

I just wanted to let you know how happy we are to have been able to adopt Kelly (although we have renamed her “Molly” in honor of my favorite golden who was owned by our breeder in the late 80’s and who was one of the three goldens who starred in the movie “Homeward Bound” – our Molly has the same sweet and gentle temperament as the original Molly).  From our perspective, Molly is a perfect fit for us.  We knew that from the moment we drove into the Vet’s parking lot and saw Kriss walking her.  She has adjusted to our family like she has been with us from the start and she and Guinness became the best of friends immediately.  In short, we could not be happier with her.  Many, many thanks for all of your help.  Also, I would greatly appreciate it if you could let Rita know how happy we are to have found Molly.  Without her great efforts in Taiwan, we would have never had the opportunity to meet her.

Also, Kriss was terrific.  We really enjoyed meeting her and she made a wonderful experience even better.  We wish you the very best in your continuing adoption efforts and don’t be surprised if you hear from us again in 6 months or so.  We still think that three is the magic number for us.

Robert

Postcard from Maria

Here are a few pictures that I took… I like the one of Logan pretending to eat a bone next to her.  They’re buddies!  Thanks again for making Maria a part of our family.  She had a good time driving carpool today and walking around the lake with me after we dropped Logan off at preschool.  Logan wanted to bring her for show and tell but settled for bringing in a picture of her instead.

Take care,
Jennifer

Meet Maggie's A-Bau

Happy Valentine's Day, Maggie's Maria!

Maggie's Maria found her forever home on Valentine's Day with Jennifer and her children Rachael, Justin and Logan.  Jennifer rounded up her "monkeys" and made her way to my house to meet Maria on Sunday.  Maria and Rachael became fast friends while Maria sat her backside down on Rachael's lap for cuddles and pats.  Logan kept presenting Maria with toys, and Maria dutifully took each one.  Justin kept whispering in mom's ear how perfect she was and that they should take her home. After a brief family meeting, it was agreed that they should sign the paperwork and go get the leash out of the car.  Jennifer told Maria that she already had a homecoming basket full of toys and treats but may need to go add another toy after seeing how Maria loved the hedgehog at my house.

Thanks to our friends at Animal Rescue Taiwan for getting Maria off the streets in Taiwan and over to the United States safe and healthy.  Thanks to Mariko and Pam for helping with the welcome at the airport and of course, thanks again to Barbara D. for coordinating our amazing Project Taiwan.

Postcard from Rita's Becky

Becky's foster mom received the an update from Becky's adopters...

Lilly,
  
Just wanted to let you know how much we are loving Becky!  She is such a good dog and such a sweetie.  We took her on a walk around our neighborhood when we got home yesterday and she did great!  She also took a little nap on the couch in my lap...such a little cuddler!  We tried bouncing a ball for her and she was all over it and was chasing it down our hall repeatedly and bringing it back to us!  We notice she likes chasing the ball out on our patio too, but won't retrieve it from the grass--what a little princess.  We took her to a coffee shop down by the beach today and she was so good while we sat and had coffee and then we went for a long walk at the beach. We love her and couldn't be happier!  Thank you for fostering her and doing what you do! 

~Karen & Ben

Happy Valentine's Day, Rita's Kelly!

Rita's Kelly went home Friday with Robert and Linda.  After losing two Golden companions within the last year, Robert and Linda decided it was too quiet around the homestead and wanted to hear more tap, tap, tap throughout the house.  Kelly will now be called Molly to go along with her new canine brother, Guinness, who has been a bit sad without the Golden fur accumulating around his feet.  Linda said that it may not seem like Guinness was very excited but she could tell that he was extremely happy to see this Golden beauty with his calm nature and wagging of the tail.  He thanked us all for his wonderful Valentine's gift.

Rita's Becky finds a home...

with the Beiswenger family! Becky's arduous travels from her distant homeland were rewarded when she met her happy new parents this afternoon! Becky is most grateful to Rita and MJ, who saved her and paid her passage to the States, the Welcome Waggin' team who met her and her friends at the airport and the wonderful walkers at Culver Palms. Becky sends her best regards to foster mom Lily W. and her family, who helped us learn more about her and kept her safe, and to Nancy A., who found her this lovely new family!

Postcard from Rita's Mars

Hi All:

I have been in the states almost three months now (since 11/25) and I can't tell you how happy I am...and I have really gotten good with the English language!  I guess you can say that I am now bilingual!  Click here to watch me:

Mars knows his commands in English:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW9rJ5_ACtg

My life has really improved since Rita and MJ saved me.  I have a little Yorkie girlfriend, Rosie, many feline brothers and sisters and a never ending list of foster dogs and cats.  It is animal heaven here.  I love sleeping in bed with my mom and dad... if they stay up too late, I usually beat them to bed.  LOL  My mom, Cheryl, was looking for me one night and there I was in bed knocked out.  I also love hanging out in her office, lounging on the couch or resting at her feet.  Our outings are a blast too and I love walking in this quiet neighborhood.

I am so excited about tomorrow because I'm going to meet my cousin, Maggie's Champion, and his mom and dad (David and Sonsee) and his canine sister, Lani.  We're meeting at Park Bench Cafe (a dog friendly restaurant) in Huntington Beach.  I hear they have great burgers!  Yummmmmmy!

Life could not be better and I have Rita and MJ in Taiwan and Barbara Davis and GRCGLAR in USA to thank.  Here's a video of my story for those who have not seen it.  My transformation is truly a miracle!

Story About Mars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff4GaenewqU

I wish people would stop saying that rescue dogs have "issues."  While some may (and you will know who those are), most are happy, loving and excited about starting a new life.  If anything, we just need time to adjust to a new environment which is so normal.  That could be one day or many.  I needed none. 

With love, Mars Cook, Los Angeles

Click here to view my photo album.

Christine in training

Update from Wei Wei's family

Hi Barbara,

We are home safe and I think Wei Wei knows he's home.  We are all just over the moon with him. (Wei, WEI over the moon ;-)

Many thanks to you and the lovely Kriss for your efforts and support in setting up this wonderful union. 

My words usually flow with ease, but right now I am speechless.

Thank you so much!
Debbie, Stuart, Emily, Rohan, Piper and Wei Wei xo

Everyone is Wei Wei Happy!

Wei Wei went home today with the Boone family! Even with one shaved ear and a big cone around his head (hematoma surgery), he charmed the entire family.  Wei Wei is very thankful to Rita and MJ for rescuing him and sending him to us; to Barbara Davis and the entire Welcome Wagg'n team who handled 5 Goldens the night Wei Wei arrived; to Eva for scouting out this wonderful home and family; to the Culver Palms dog-walking team; and to Kriss who facilitated the happy adoption.

Maggie's Maria is here!

Rita's Christine in foster home

Rita's Evan adopted!

Rita's Evan scored a touchdown today with his new family, Nancy and Eric of Carlsbad.  My daughter, Nikki, and I drove to Carlsbad to meet his new parents and canine brother, Parker.  After a quick introduction to Parker, who delivered a few kisses right away to Evan, a few sniffs around the house and a potty break out in the back, Nikki and I knew that this was the right place for Evan.

Evan thanks Rita and MJ for rescuing him and sending him to CA; Barbara D. for coordinating his intake; the Welcome Waggin' Team led by Ira L who met Evan at the airport and Kriss H. and her family for fostering him.  He is also grateful to Barbara R. for scouting out this wonderful family.

Sad news about Sonia

We were hoping Maggie's Sonia would be arriving on Monday, along with Maria, but she'll not be coming to us after all.

Sonia found her way into rescue in late November, and was diagnosed with ehrlichia, a tick-borne disease. While this is generally treatable with antibiotics. Sonia's blood work continued to show strange results, with a low platelet count and bizarre fluctuations in other areas as well. We had hoped that we could track down whatever was ailing her once she arrived in the states.

But after seeking second opinions from other vets, it's been determined that Sonia has a disease that's similar to leukemia, in that her body doesn't manufacture blood products properly. This could be related to the ehrlichia, or a concurrent condition. Sonia's condition has deteriorated, despite transfusions and other heroic treatments, and I'm afraid she won't be with us much longer. Of course, Maggie and her team are devastated that Sonia will never have a chance to find a happy new life here with us.

Sonia will stay with her ART angels who will take care of her and keep her comfortable for the time she has left. Please remember to send good thoughts to Sonia to keep her comfortable and happy for the rest of her days.

Photos from Rita's Leo

Welcome Waggin' for Becky, Kelly Wei Wei & Christine

Becky, Christine, Wei Wei & Kelly are on their way!

Meet Maggie's Stanley

Here's Stanley, male, neutered, tested heartworm positive. He is 3 years old, 60 lbs, very friendly and undergoing heartworm treatment. Stanley was living with a homeless rover, who had been into prison for illegal cases a few months ago. Poor Stanley had been sticking to the place where his owner used to stay. A kind-hearted lady knew about the story and reported Stanley to ART. Isn't he a handsome dog?

Meet Maggie's Stella

Stella was rescued from the street. She is 2 years old, 62 lbs, spayed, all the tests are negative.

Slideshow of Stella's rescue:



Stella today: