Arriving today!

Update from Ollie (formerly Rita's Boss)

Hi All,

An update and a few pictures of Ollie (Rita's Boss, adopted in December 2009).

We have learned that Ollie is quite a water dog. He loves the snow! We took him on a hike to the Pacific Crest Trail in the Wrightwood area last month. He enjoyed the hike, but especially loved making "puppy angels." He was so curious about all of the things to see and smell in the mountains! Now that it has gotten warm on some afternoons, he likes to jump right in to a small stream that runs along one of our walking paths near home.

He has proven to be a wonderful companion. Very loyal but also interested in other people and dogs as well. He has his routine now. He knows the signs that tell when its time to eat, walk, play, get a treat, get brushed, go to bed. These are his favorite things. When he is excited, he spins in circles. Although he definitely likes water, he still doesn't care for baths! He is not overly fond of car rides, either, but usually finds the activity at the end worth the trip.

We are always grateful to everyone who has helped him get to us!

Susan

Postcard from Rita's Christine, now Mali

We have been very happy with our adoption of Rita's Christine, whom we have renamed "Mali". Mali is a very lovable and interesting dog and has adapted extremely well to our family and now gets along very well with our 14 year old Golden mix. Here are some photos you can pass along, with our thanks, to the adopters of Project Taiwan.

-Linda

Rita's Angelina adopted!

Rita's Angelina went home on Saturday with the Lessers and their dog, Zoey, on Saturday morning! Angelina actually met three different families before selecting the Lessers; apparently the fact that Angelina had been debarked was not attractive to some people! It's just as well, as the Lessers, including Zoey, appreciated Angelina for all her special gifts, and off they went to start their new life on the west side!

Angie owes her life and passage to the States to Rita and MJ, who took her in, nursed her and sent her off to a land of golden opportunities. She's also grateful to the Welcome Waggin' crew, who greeted her at LAX and made sure her entry into the new country was friendly and safe. Angie's also appreciative of Kate J. and family, who gave her a place to stay while she picked over the applications; to Bethany "Marathon Woman" who found her this lovely home; and finally, to Barbara D., for representing Angelina and ensuring her final destination.

Nice teamwork, everybody!

Meet Rita's Pang-Pang

Video postcard from Luna

From Luna's foster, Mariko...
Luna and the boys had a playdate today. Her coat is so full. She is very much loved by her mom, Gayle and her twin kids.

Meet Rita's Jack Boy

Jack is 3-4 years old. He was rescued from a shelter. Jack is friendly and likes to play with other dogs. He is very healthy and ready for a new home once he makes the trip to the U.S.

Postcard from A-Fu, now Otto

Otto's personality is apparent to everybody he meets. He's a charmer - a real mellow fellow. I was absolutely dead on when I nicknamed him the George Clooney of goldens when I first saw his picture. Otto's gorgeous and the people who admire him often find themselves enthralled in his presence. And they always introduce themselves to him first!

Otto's kind, gentle and loving to all animals he meets - people, canines, felines - except squirrels. Those rascals and their wily tails unleash Otto's chasing instincts, so I get a nice resistance workout when we encounter one on our neighborhood walks. I've discovered his favorite activity is fetching (yay!) and he loves carrying around his big Kong tennis ball around everywhere we go.

Otto's best friends are a Dachshund named Dax and an Alaskan Klee Kai named Dexter. They run circles around him and steal his toys, but he loves to give chase (and secretly just lets them win anyway).

Those who tell me how lucky Otto is to be picked up from the streets of Taiwan, cleaned, fed, flown and adopted by a SoCal mom is wrong. They are so wrong! They neglect to realize how my life is absolutely filled with so much love because of this big handsome blond drooler. I love my Otto-bahn. Photo album, HERE.

Update from Rita's Evan, now Buzzy

Evan (Buzzy) is doing great.  He has gained some weight and he seems really happy.  He gets along great with all other dogs – and he has a bunch of friends at the park.  He has met his cousins (Benny, Wally, Toby and Maggie) and they are all great friends.  We have taken him camping to the desert, but he hasn’t been to dog beach yet.  I am sure he is really going to love the beach and I bet he is a really good swimmer because of his enormous paws.  He has even gotten used the kitty and they are friends. 

Thanks
Nancy A.

Rita's Bella adopted!

As of today, Rita's Bella has a new address. Bill and Susan W. came down to see this little oriental beauty this afternoon. When Bella came out to the yard where Bill and Susan were waiting, it was like they were watching a debutant coming down the stairs. They both were charmed by this sweet little girl finally in person (they've been watching her videos online). They threw a tennis ball which Bella promptly fetched and brought back. They both had doggie biscuits hidden in their pockets and gave her when she sat in front of them.

Bella will be spoiled rotten. Both Bill and Susan assured me of that. They brought a brand new red collar (which was a little too big for Bella - she'll get a smaller one), a matching leash, and brand new toys one of which she carried in her mouth when they drove off. Susan said there are tons of toys at home waiting for Princess Bella.

Bella would like to send her heartfelt thanks to Rita and MJ for saving her life (from the shelter AND the illness) and sending her off to the U.S. to find her forever home. She also appreciates the wonderful Welcome Waggin' committee who welcomed her and her buddies in their arms when they touched down early April. Also a special paw touch and nose lick from Bella to Eva I. and Hayley for finding her new Mom and Dad. And thank you to Mariko and the boys for being such a devoted foster family! Finally, Bella sends her appreciation to Barbara D. for overseeing the whole process.

Rita's Kim adopted!

Rita's Kim went home this morning with the Piibe family! The Piibes were charmed by Kim's antics, and she's off to grace the South Bay with her puppy-like charms!  Kim will always be grateful to Rita and MJ for saving her life and finding her safe passage to the states. She's also most appreciative of the Welcome Waggin' crew who made her arrival such a joyful one, and to Kate J. for allowing her to stay overnight on her first night. Thanks also to Kate for making introductions this morning, and a special shout-out to Colleen and Gabriel who scouted out this lovely home for her. Congratulations, Kim!

Rita's Melissa: video update

Coming Soon: Rita's Fiona

Fiona is a very sweet girl, about 4 years old, rescued from an animal shelter and suffering from erlichiosis and Babesia canis. She has been treated, thanks to Rita and friends, and has fully recovered.

Coming Soon: Rita's Michael

Michael is a 4-yr old male found as a stray.

Rita's Angelina & Rita's Kim have arrived!

Angelina and Kim are both around 2 years old and are available for adoption.

Angelina is a happy sweet girl who just touched down in the U.S. from Taiwan. So far we know she likes to play fetch and even drops the ball for you like a pro to throw again. She's fine with other dogs and seems to have a good understanding of the basics in obedience. Angelina is looking for a home where she can enjoy the companionship of another golden, possibly, but more importantly to be made a family member with and endless supply of tennis balls! 

Kim is a young, sweet girl who is one of our newest arrivals from Taiwan. She's affectionate and more on the mellow side. She enjoys lots of petting and human attention and could be considered a total "lap dog". She's quite the lady as she eats one kibble nugget at a time from her bowl ... very adorable to watch. She gets along well with other dogs and is looking for a home where she can enjoy life in Southern California as a 'starlet' in her new family.

For consideration, please fill out an adoption application, here. 

Update from Maggie's David, now Gilligan

Today is the 6 monthiversary of the day I got Gilligan. He did pretty well in the beginning but lately he has just been a little dream dog.  He's so well behaved and so happy.  I couldn't ask for a better dog and knowing his past, it makes me even happier to see him having so much fun. Gilligan's best friend is a lab/shepherd mix named Ernie. Ernie was rescued from a pound last year after being found emaciated and abused on the streets
of LA.  Together, their motto is, "its never too late to have a happy childhood."

-Peter

Update from Rita's Nicole, now Nikki

Nikki is doing great and we LOVE her! She enjoyed our camping trip to Oceanside one week after we got her. Nikki loves the attention we give her, as well as the interaction with other dogs and our grandkids. A perfect fit for our family!

Sherry & Rick

Postcard from Rita's Paula, now called Minnie

Your Paula and now my Minnie is a really great dog!  Until yesterday, she had done nothing wrong since I adopted her. (Yesterday she stole her friends food)  She certainly has been well trained by someone and I am reaping the benefits!  She certainly is not the alpha dog and wishes all the dogs could play with her and all the people could pet her for a while!  She is such a love. Everyone is so amazed when I tell them she came from Taiwan.

I have attached a couple pictures made a few days after I got her.  Also, a week ago I took her to a fund raiser for the Wellness Community in Redondo Beach.  We joined my daughter and her husband and their adopted golden/chow.  Minnie (Paula) was very excited to find so many new friends and was exhausted when we got home!  My daughter brings her dog to my house a couple days a week, although her dog is 9 so is not too interested in playing.  I certainly am glad I took the chance & adopted her.

Thanks for the work you do.
Eileen

Photo update from Rita's Lucas, now known as AJ

Kim & Angelina are arriving next week!

Meet Rita's Kim

Kim's owner was abandoned her in the street. Kim is friendly, adorable and gets along with other dogs. She is about 1-2 years old and healthy.

Rita's Lucas adopted!

Rita’s Lucas was adopted this morning by Adam, Joyce, their three children, Jordon, Jenna and Julia, and their dog Maia.  After an introduction to the family, and then to Maia, everyone went on a short walk to see how Maia and Lucas did together.  They came back happy campers.  After a family conference, the decision to make Lucas part of their family received a unanimous “thumbs up”.  It’s a good thing because by this time Lucas had really fallen for the family; especially the girls.  Lucas will be known as “AJ” – the “A” for Adam, and the “J” for the females in the family whose names all start with “J”.

Lucas thanks Rita and MJ for helping him when he so desperately needed it and for making sure he made it safely to the States and the Welcome Waggin’ for making him feel safe and wanted after his very long airplane ride, and Jennifer G. for taking care of his medical needs.  He also thanks Eva I.er and Elaine M. for doing the home visit, and of course, Barbara D. for orchestrating his intake and ultimate adoption.

Postcard from Giselle (formerly Rita's Hebe)

From Lori...
She is thriving, has gained about 6 pounds, her coat is coming in full and beautifully soft.  She still eats like it is her last meal, but we're hoping that will change in time. Giselle is crazy to get a squirrel, but rather ignores other dogs on a walk. I'm wondering if it's because there were so many dogs where she came from?  She is sweet natured and cannot get enough love/attention.

Rita's Nicole adopted!

Rita’s Nicole (now called “Nikki”) found her nest with the Reed Family, including their Jack Russell Terrier (Jack) of El Segundo.  The Reeds arrived within two hours of the phone call, jumped out of the car and sprinted to meet Nikki who was lunging towards them in excitement.  It was love at first sight for everybody.  Nikki and Jack made fast friends sealing the deal. 

Nikki thanks Rita & MJ for rescuing her and providing her safe passage to us; to the Welcome Waggin' team for making her arrival a happy and safe event; to Kriss H and Brodie for making sure that her new nest was suitable.  She also thanks Jennifer G. for rushing to get her vetting completed, Pat J for facilitating the meeting and adoption, and, of course, Barbara D. for coordinating everything.

Rita's Christine adopted!

Christine went home on Saturday with the Kohn family. Christine has been with us for a little while, since finding an active family with some training experience and looking forward to adopting a dog who needs the level of ongoing mental stimulation Christine does wasn't exactly an easy task, but the right family for everyone eventually does come along. The Kohns and their dog Brandy took their time meeting with Christine, and in the end decided Christine would be a fine addition to their family.

Christine is eternally grateful to Rita & MJ for rescuing her and helping her find her way to the states, to the Welcome Waggin' team for making her entry into the states a safe and joyful one, and to Emily Graves for scouting out this fine home. Christine is particularly appreciative to foster mom Mariko for all her dedication and work helping Christine get ready for her new life in the states!

Photos from Rita's Dora

Photos from Maggie's Tony (now called Torii)

Postcard from Wei Wei Riley Boone

 


















From Wei Wei's family...

I hope this finds you well ... I've been itching to send photos of Rita's Wei Wei, now Riley (well, Wei Wei Riley Boone!), and finally had a great photo opp this past Friday.  We visited the Poppy Reserve in Antelope Valley and had so much fun romping in the colorful open fields with Riley and our poodle Piper.  They are the best of friends, of course.

As much as Riley wants to love a car ride, he is still adjusting to the movement.  He threw up a few times on the way to the poppies, but as soon as we arrived, he was good to go and romped and let it all hang out.  We had lots of water and he replenished and was off and running.  After all the exercise, he got back in the car with a big smile, and slept comfortably for the whole ride home.

Riley's ear has recovered beautifully, and as you can see his fur is well along its way in growing back.  This boy personifies joy, and we all love him beyond what words can say.  We are already a very close family, but having Riley in our lives has brought us even closer.  When a beautiful golden bundle of joy wants to spread the love, nobody can resist!  He loves his family, and all people, loves dogs and is amazingly gentle with our cats.  While they seem to think they "ought" to be afraid of him, he just lies there when they pass, and often actually will move out of the way for them.  This dog is quite the gentleman.  He loves every walk as if it is his first, and at home his favorite place to be is anywhere we are.  We simply couldn't ask for a more wonderful companion.

We are so happy Riley is in our lives.

See all photos HERE.

Easter photos from Maria (formerly Rita's Maggie)

I thought I’d share with you some pictures that I took of (Maggie’s) Maria’s first Easter with us.  She did really well and didn’t even try to eat the Easter Bunny. Hope you had a great holiday.

Regards,
Jennifer

Bella, Nicole, Hugo, and Lucas arrive in Los Angeles!

Bella, Nicole, Hugo, Lucas at airport in Taiwan

Photos from Rita's Beauty (now Chia)