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:

Rita's Kelly, Rita's Christine, Rita's Wei Wei and Rita's Becky arriving this week!

Maggie's Sonia and Maggie's Maria are scheduled to arrive next weekend

Meet Rita's Kelly

Rescued from an animal shelter, Kelly is about 3 years old and very friendly. She'll be arriving in the U.S. in early February.

Rita's Dora adopted!

From Sandy (Dora's rep)...
I am happy to announce that one of our newest arrivals from Taiwan, Rita's Dora has found her forever home with Bill, David and Jesse of Yorba Linda.

Dora was found in a shelter in Taiwan, where it was discovered she had Heartworms and Ehrlichia, along with ears that were thickened with scar tissue from chronic ear infections.  Despite all this, Dora has a very spunky spirit and came through her treatment very well, then made the trip to SoCal to start a new life.  Dora stayed at my house for her first week and had a great time getting into stuff (under Ori's influence) and playing with my other pups.  She moved to Debi & Mark's house and enjoyed her time there with their Swissy, Forest.  Debi e-mailed me the first day to tell me she was laughing watching Dora drag a comforter down the hallway.  And after her antics, she would sit in front of you and gaze at you with big, brown eyes to say "how can you get mad at me - I'm sooooo cute!"  Bill and David drove out to meet Dora on Saturday and fell in love, and she is settling in nicely.

Dora is forever grateful to Rita & MJ for getting her healthy and then out to California, to Ira and his Taiwan Welcome Waggin' team who greeted her on arrival and to foster parents Debi & Mark who gave her loving home until she found her permanent one.  She also thanks Sandra D for scouting out this terrific new family for Dora, and Barbara D for coordinating her transfer with Rita & MJ.

Below is a picture of Dora with her new brother (with her "aren't I cute look").

Meet Maggie's Maria

From Maggie...
A local police staton called ART for Maria, who had been abandoned in a community and then turned to the police by the security guard. It was midnight when ART arrived at the spot where Maria was.  She was trembling in the cold wind but was still very passionate to see ART's volunteers. Maria was sent to the animal hospital right away for emergency check-up. She is very very sweet dog with 100% obedience.  A pretty dog with a cute face and shiny hair.  She is no doubt a wonderful dog to keep.She will complete heartworm treatment at the end of January.

Meet Becky, Nicole & Christine

All three ladies were rescued from the animal shelter. Becky and Christine are both around 4 years old, and Nicole is 5-6 years old. They are very friendly and get along with other dogs. Once they have their passports and a volunteer passenger, they will travel to the U.S. in search of permanent homes.

Christine's photo album: click here
Nicole and Becky photos: click here

Meet Wei Wei

This lovely boy's name is Wei-Wei. He is around 2 years old and has a very gentle, calm personality. He was rescued from an animal shelter. Now, he's healthy and happy.

Video update: Dora

Video update: Evan

Rita's Bella: album update

She is brave girl. She beat canine distemper and is getting better. Click here to view Bella's album.

Alice, Dora & Evan leave Taiwan

Dora, Alice and Evan pack their bags

GRCGLARescue is preparing for the arrival of three more Goldens before the weekend. Evan will be traveling in place of Alinna who was diagnosed with a tick-borne disease. Evan is 4-5 years old, friendly and healthy. We'll post more information on him soon! Alinna will travel to the U.S. once she's completed treatment.

Meet Rita's Alinna

Alinna is 2-3 years old, sweet, friendly and gets along with other dogs. She was rescued from an animal shelter.  Her travel plans have been delayed due to her recent diagnosis of Haemobartonellosis (a tick-borne disease). Alinna is currently undergoing treatment and, when cured, will travel to the U.S.

Meet Rita's Alice

Alice was discovered in a shelter with aural hematoma which she has since been treated for. She is 7-8 years old, sweet and friendly and will be arriving in the U.S. this week.

Meet Rita's Dora

Dora is 3-4 years old and was rescued from a shelter. She suffered from aural hematoma, Ehrlichia and Heartworms. Under Rita's care, she was treated for each of her ailments and has recovered. She is well enough to fly to the U.S. and will arrive later this week!

Postcard from Maggie's Dan

Hi All:

I am afraid I have not been very good at keeping everyone posted on how Cabo (formally Maggie's Dan) is doing and I do apologize. We absolutely love him!! He is everything that we wanted in a dog and more. He is adapting to his new home well. When we first brought him home he was having difficulty keeping up with our 11-year old "Summer Girl" on our daily walks. He now does the 30 minute walk every day with no problem and then I throw the ball for him for another 10 minutes. He is very healthy and very strong. He walks well on a leash and will sit and lie down on command (so his English is getting better). We right away had an issue with the two dogs fighting over soft toys so we have simply removed all soft toys from the house. In an attempt to reintroduce the soft toys at Christmas, they fought again so it looks like the two of them will just have to do without them. Not a problem because they do not fight over balls, food or attention so all is peaceful. We have had him to the groomers a couple of times and they just love him. He is always well-behaved and he enjoys all of the attention he gets. I have added some photos here which include a trip to our beach condo (he did very well in an elevator, my guess is that he had been in one before), a romp in the autumn leaves and hanging out with the family. Enjoy and thank you to you all for allowing us to adopt such a great dog.

Happy New Year!
Linda

Photos from Elvis!

Postcard from Rita's Boss

Hi!

I want to send you some pictures of my first Christmas. I got some new toys. My favorite toy, though, is a plush lion that I got when I first came here. I got to pick out my own bed at Kahoots. Its a cool store where they like to give treats to dogs. I have been on my best behavior since I came here. I've never had any accidents, and my family thinks I am very smart because I learn so fast. Kristin talks to me in Chinese but I'm trying to learn English fast. I am learning lie down, stay, and when its time to go in my bed. My family also thinks I am so friendly because I love everybody to pet me. I was such a gentleman last night at Christmas Eve dinner that I was able to stay and visit. I never jumped up or got into anything I shouldn't. I heard them talking about how lucky they are to have me and they still can't believe I'm here. I'm resting right now because later today I was invited to go with my family to my Aunt's house. She visits me, too, and thinks I am a very good dog.

Merry Christmas,
Boss

P.S. They call me Ollie now. I think I like my new name. I always come when they call me.

Rita's Elvis has left the building...

Rita's Elvis was introduced to Terry & Julie B. yesterday, and all agreed this was a wonderful match! Elvis joins a dog-loving household of past adopters, and will be taking up residence with Rita's Lily, a lovely young lady who joined us from Taiwan earlier this year; maybe they can swap stories about the "old country". The match was a bittersweet one for foster mom, Kriss H., who had been totally charmed by this handsome lad and found him to be the perfect dog.

Elvis owes his undying gratitude to Rita and MJ, who saved his life and helped him find his way to the states, to our Welcome Waggin' team for making his entry into the States safe and happy, and to foster mom Kriss, who made him at home until he found a permanent one.

Rita's Willie: then and now! Adopter writes, "Best Christmas present ever!"

Rita's Olla Gets Her Holiday Wish

Rita's Olla was enthusiastically welcomed into her new home yesterday with Kathy and Creig of San Pedro.   Creig said he was watching from the front window as Olla jumped out of the car foster mom's car and was simply breathless by her beauty.  Kathy couldn't get over that this was the same neglected, dirty and tattered golden rescued by Rita in Taiwan.   Both of their sons commented on how happy she looked and welcomed her with open arms to her new home.  Olla (who will be called Molly) also has a visiting playmate in Cody, a 2 year old golden doodle owned by Kathy and Creig's son.  Olla expressed her joy and pranced around her new home and yard with total glee...kind of like a kid on Christmas morning!!

Big thanks to Rita from Taiwan for rescuing this sweet golden girl and helping her to become the beautiful dog she was destined to be; Barbara D. and our Welcome Waggin crew for helping Olla settle into the US from her first touchdown at LAX; Camp Nakanashi lead by Mariko for fostering Olla and helping her overcome a queazy stomach from traveling so far (thanks Mariko for giving Olla the opportunity to relax and get ready for her forever home); and Diane D. for scouting out this lovely home and assisting in the adoption with Mariko yesterday.

Rita's Willie adopted!

Rita's Willie left the Cook's last evening and became a permanent part of Stephanie O's family! Stephanie, Buster and Kiara (a GRCGLAR alum) made their way from Hawthorne to Cheryl's place last evening, and everyone got along so well they decided to make it permanent!

Cheryl's made 3 placements this week! This one comes along with an assist from the rest of the Welcome Waggin' team, who made sure Willie's arrival was safe and happy, as well as Karen G., who found Willie this lovely home. Special thanks to foster mom Cheryl for her tender loving care, and to Rita and MJ who made a safe new life possible for this lovely guy!

Willie will heretofore be known as "Tai".

Congratulations to everyone!

Rita's Boss adopted!

Rita's Boss went home last Saturday with the Allinghams of Chino Hills! The adopters came out and actually met both Boss and Hebe, but ultimately, Boss was the guy of their dreams. Rumor has it that Boss already had gifts under their tree!

Boss will always be grateful to Rita and MJ who gave him a second chance at life, to the Welcome Waggin' team who made sure his arrival into the states was safe and uneventful, and to foster mom, Cheryl C., for keeping him safe and making him feel right at home!. Special thanks to Pat J., who found Boss this lovely home for the holidays!
 

Rita's Hebe adopted!

Rita's Hebe ("Heeebeee") went home today with the Bleckman family of Pasadena. She now has her own parents, a teenage boy, her own Shih Tzu, and a home of her own. Hebe's sends her love and thanks to Rita and MJ, who made her a great new life, to the Welcome Waggin' team, who gave her such a wonderful greeting, to the west side team who kept her busy this past week, and particularly to Aunt Cheryl, who made the introductions. Special thanks to Julie V. for finding Hebe her special new home!

Willie & Elvis are here!

Willie & Elvis at the airport in Taiwan

Rita's Mars adopted!

It is with great joy that I'm able to announce that Rita's Mars has decided to stay with the Cook family, where's he's been enjoying the royal treatment as a foster dog these past two weeks! Cheryl had her eye on Mars since his original story was posted by Rita and MJ from Taiwan, and she's been keeping the home fires burning for him ever since. Having lost their beloved Jackson recently, the Cooks were looking for a gentle, sweet cat- and little-dog-friendly golden to fill out their clan, and Mars filled the bill on all accounts.

I can't imagine a more fitting and loving home for this beautiful boy, and a more deserving family to adopt the likes of him.

Mars sends his fondest gratitude to Rita and MJ for saving him, getting him well and sending him along to us, as well as to the Welcome Waggin' who made sure his entry into the states was smooth and happy! A lovely "home for the holidays" to get things rolling this season!

Willie & Elvis have their bags packed

Video update: Hebe's rescue

Video update: Willie is ready

Meet Sonia

From Maggie Chen:

We saved a pretty girl named Sonia this early morning. She is currently boarding at the vet's. She is around 2 year sold, 51 lbs, female, Ehrlichia platys/canis tested positive; the other tests are negative. She will be spayed and starts to be under medication of Ehrlichia. By the way, she is very sweet, can take commands and has good manners. We had her chip-scanned but found no information.

Update from Gilligan (formerly Maggie's David)

From Gilligan's adopter...

Gilligan is doing very well. He's being schooled a little by his new lab friends Woogie and Ernie. He plays a little too aggressively but they correct him and it seems to be working. The biting is getting better but not gone yet. He seems REALLY happy and just loves meeting people. I have been leaving him alone in the house for up to an hour uncrated and he just sits on the bed - no destruction. I've enclosed some pictures. He is allowed in the pool now but doesn't swim yet. He loves to sit on the first step and cool off and splash. Ill keep you updated. I really love this guy!

Thanks,
Pete