Happy Holidays from Barley (formerly Rita's Michael)

We continue to feel so lucky to have Barley (formerly Rita's Michael) in our lives. He continues to go to work with us each and every day and seems disappointed on Sundays when we all stay home! He has a loyal following and has become the ambasodor for our veterinary hospital. We have some clients and children who stop by on a regular basis just to say hello to Barley and give him a few belly rubs. He laps up all the attention without ever once demanding it. He has, on more than one instance, quieted the nerves of a hospitalized patient by laying outside their cage, and even offered comfort to several who have had to say goodbye to their furry friends. The most touching instance was with a fellow Golden that was terminally ill. Barley walked into the exam room and layed down in front of the dog extending his paw so it was touching the other dog's paw. And while we may be projecting a little human emotion, it truly seemed as though he was there to hold the other dog's hand in a difficult time. We are so grateful to have him in our lives and can't imagine life without him. We have attached a few pictures of him "at work".

Sincerely,
Chris and Leslie

Happy Holidays from Rita's Lulu

Lulu has been with us for two and half years and is the sweetest little girl. She arrived in LA on 2/27/09 along with Ben and Rosie and were the first group to come over from Taiwan. We took Lulu home that night from the airport and she has never left. Lulu has an older brother Sherman and a little sister, Maddy, who joined us this year. Lulu is attached at the hip with her dad and sleeps with us every night. All of our kids join us on vacations each year to Big Bear and Palm Springs. She is a happy, mellow girl and goes with us on all of our home visits. She is such a wonderful ambassador for our rescue as she loves everyone. She is very spoiled as all goldens should be. We are so thankful to Rita and MJ for rescuing her and bringing her into our lives. I have attached two recent photos. One of Lulu and one of Sherman and Lulu.

Joan and Ed

Maggie's Camila adopted!

Congratulations to Maggie's Camila, who has found her forever home with Kathy and Larry along with 13-year-old pup, Champ.

Camila came to us recently from Taiwan. It was very apparent this girl has been a mom multiple times (she was turned down by two families because of this!) and I'm sure she was ready to come to the US and relax! She's a fantastic pup with a great, mellow personality who loves everyone she meets, enjoys other dogs and gets along with cats. Kathy and Larry recently lost their Golden, Humphrey, who was adopted from us - they don't feel their home is complete without two Goldens, so were anxious to provide a great home to another one of our pups. They seemed to be just what Camila was looking for (and vice versa!)

This has got to be one of the fastest placements we've done. Camila was presented to them by the PA and they said they wanted to meet her, I called them about a half hour later to talk more about her and then put the foster mom in touch with them. Less than two hours later I received an email from the foster mom that Camila was on her way home! Kathy and Larry report that Camila is doing great and they are so happy to have her in their lives and home. She's getting along great with Champ, although is having fun chasing the cats. The adoption picture was done on Larry's camera and he promises to send a copy to me soon.

Camila owes her life to Maggie and ARTT, for finding her, getting her well and sending her to CA. She's grateful to the Welcome Waggin' for greeting her at LAX and quickly getting her out of her crate. She thanks foster mom Mary Jane for taking care of her during her stay with us, and Eva for checking out her new home. And, she thanks the Placement Team and PA Jo Anne for making this terrific match.

Welcome home Camila!

Happy Holidays from Steven (formerly Rita's Orson)!

Update from Maggie's Candy

Hi Sandy! I just wanted to send you a few photos that we've taken over the past week of Bailey (aka Candy). Everything is still going GREAT and we love her more and more everyday. We have been taking her on walks everyday with Paisley and we are going further each day and she LOVES it! She loves smelling everything and just checking out her new neighborhood. Hope you enjoy her pics from the past week.

-Courtney

Maggie's Candy adopted!

Congratulations to Maggie's Candy, who found her forever home with Courtney and Marcus and their dog Paisley.

Candy recently arrived from Taiwan and is a friendly and engaging petite girl with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. She was found on the streets intact, heartworm positive and erlichia positive, and spent a couple of months getting healthy and then spayed. She loves people, other dogs and is also good with cats. Courtney and Marcus are a young couple who were lookng a second dog as another family for them and a companion for Paisley, who is a bit shy but playful, and their kitten. When everybody met, Candy didn't take long to charm Courtney and Marcus - she's really good at gazing lovingly at you and batting her eyelashes, which she did to Marcus. It probably took about 2 minutes to have him under her thumb, er, paw. She and Paisley got along well and before long, everyone was loaded into the car for the drive home. She's doing great and Courtney sent the following email:

She is doing wonderful. The ride home was so easy she slept the whole way home and played as soon as she got here. Paisley is really enjoing her company and the 2 of them have been having a blast and without any problems. We are so glad she is a part of our family and it seems that with each day she is becoming more comfortable. She is also getting along with the kitty. You were right about her being a lover. She sits right by us and just loves when we pet her and talk to her. Thank you so much for suggesting her. We absolutely love her and her sweet personality.

Candy would like to thank Maggie and ARTT for finding her, getting her healthy and sending her to us. She thanks the Welcome Waggin' for meeting her at LAX and especially Marty for taking her home overnight. She's grateful to the CP Walking Team for getting her regular exercise and love during her stay there. And she's indebted to Laura P. for doing the home visit that led to her finding this wonderful family. Finally, she thanks the Placement Team and PA Lisamarie for making the match. Attached is a picture of the new family.

Welcome home Candy!

Lucky dog

Lucky (formerly Rita's Seven) was over at our house to help us celebrate Lani's 10th birthday. We had Chinese food and a birthday cake from Three Dog Bakery. Afterward Lucky climbed up on the couch for a belly rub.

Happy Thanksgiving from Maddy (formerly Rita's Mimi)

This is Nicole, Bari and Joel’s Daughter. We had a great Thanksgiving holiday together and took some great new photos of our special dog that we’re so thankful for, Maddy!

Mom and Dad had not sent you any recent photos since Maddy got here earlier this year, so we wanted to send some new ones for your website. Maddy is so funny and absolutely loves her life in Palm Springs . The whole community loves to see her everyday when she goes walking with Mom – and everyone stops to pet her. She loves to roll around and run in the grass and has brought so much joy to our family and others around here.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all & congratulations on all you do. You guys are truly remarkable!!!

Best,
Nicole

Maggie’s Camila, Candy, Peter and Edward are here!

Coming soon...Rita's Kobe, Rudy, Shadow & Toby

How I spent my summer vacation by Kai

My mom and dad took me and my Golden sister Lani to this wonderful place called Loews Coronado Bay Resort for their birthdays. I really like this place because we get to sleep in this nice room and lay on our own private balcony and guard it from those big white birds that like to try and steal our food. My sister and I caught one on our balcony, but dad yelled at us and he escaped. Dad wasn’t too happy with us that day. The people here are so nice to me and my sister. Every day someone brings this big wagon to our room and it has all of this food on it.




























Dad says we have to dress for dinner, and to remember our manners. I know I’m not supposed to help myself, but it smells so good. Roast beef, green beans, rice, and scrambled eggs in my own fancy silver bowl. They really know how to spoil us here!

We get to go to this beautiful beach and run and play with all of the other dogs that live there. I even followed my sister Lani out into the water one day. It was hot and it felt so good that I just laid down in the water. I got all wet and sandy and dad wasn’t very happy about that. I had to get another bath, and I just had one the day before!

I have made some really nice friends here; Daryl is the director of Safety and Security (not sure what that means), but he is a really nice man and he has a really cool golf cart. (I wish he would take me for a ride.) Aana is a really nice lady that we see at the front desk, and my newest friend is Reuben who took me for a ride on his bellman’s cart. I really liked that!




I can’t wait to go back there again. I want to send a high paw out to everyone at GRCGLA Rescue, my foster Mom Cheryl, and to my very special friends Maggie and Joseph- thank you for saving my life. Don’t worry about me, I’m living the good life!























Love,
Kai

Postcard from Riley (Rita's Schnappi)

Everything's going great here! We have renamed him Riley.. He's getting used to his new name and responds to it most of the time. Our family Labs are enjoying his company and are often sitting outside our glass doors waiting for him to come out to play. It's fun watching him romp around the yard with the other dogs. He appears happy and is eating and sleeping well and walks with me down to our village where he gets lots of attention. When we walk, my daughter brings one of her goldens along and they do well together. He's getting acquainted with our family and all the pets.We've had no trouble with him in or out of the house. He's a delight and good company. Thanks for saving him for us!

Mary and Paul

Rita's Ally, Momo, Polo and Yellow Arrive in the U.S.

Coming soon...Maggie's Camila, Candy, Edward, Peter

Rita's Polo, Yellow, Momo and Ally leave for the U.S.

Update from Schnappi

Everything's going great here! We have renamed him Riley because most of the family, including us, didn't care for Schnappi. He's getting used to his new name and responds to it most of the time. Our family Labs are enjoying his company and are often sitting outside our glass doors waiting for him to come out to play. It's fun watching him romp around the yard with the other dogs. He appears happy and is eating and sleeping well and walks with me down to our village where he gets lots of attention. When we walk, my daughter brings one of her goldens along and they do well together. He's getting acquainted with our family and all the pets.We've had no trouble with him in or out of the house. He's a delight and good company. Thanks for saving him for us!

Mary and Paul

Rita's Schnappi adopted!

Schnappi arrived a couple of months ago from Taiwan, with Tim, Ella and Summer. When Rita contacted us about him and I sent out his picture to the group, I can't tell you how many emails I got from people wanting this dog. Schnappi is an easy going, mellow boy who was happy to hang out with foster dad Tom waiting for just the right family. He attracted quite a bit of attention when Tom walked him, Fisher and Kazoo together - the dark red of Kazoo, the classic gold of Fisher and Schnappi's white coat made quite a picture!

Paul and Mary haven't had a dog for almost 10 years, and decided it was time to have a furry companion. They live in a house on their son's property - their son and his family have two labs, but Paul and Mary wanted their own pup. This very nice couple was so excited when we suggested Schnappi as a match for them. And when they met him, there was no question - Schnappi had a new family! He's settling in very well and they couldn't be happier. His new name is Riley.

Schnappi would like to thank Rita and MJ for finding him and sending him to us to find his forever home. He thanks the Welcome Waggin' for greeting him when he arrived, and Lisamarie for taking him home overnight. He thanks Tom and his crew for giving him such a great place to hang out while waiting for the perfect home. He's grateful to Carole S. for scouting out his new family, and the Placement Team and PA Eva for making this match. Attached is a picture of Paul and Mary, along with their daughter-in-law and one of their Labs.

Welcome home Schnappi!

Rita's Tim adopted!

Congratulations to Rita's Tim, who found his forever home with Jason, Brandy and their two other dogs and two cats.

Tim came to us from Taiwan back in September. He had been found by a friend of Rita's about a year ago, and was very underweight. Under the excellent care of Rita, MJ and their vets, Tim gained weight and got healthy so he could travel to the US. This very active boy has been looking for a forever home where he would get a lot of love, attention and exercise, and he found that family this weekend in Jason and Brandy. They had contacted us earlier this year looking for an older golden as a companion to them and their senior Golden and Pekingese, but ended up adopting a young Saint Bernard. A few weeks later their senior golden passed away, so after the St Bernard had time to settle in they came back to us - because as we all know, no home is complete without a Golden! We suggested Tim as a good fit to them, and after watching his video they were anxiuos to meet him. Everyone got along great and off Tim went to start the rest of his wonderful life with Brandy and Jason.

Tim would like to thank Rita and MJ (and their friend) for getting him into rescue, healthy and ready to come to the US. He thanks the Welcome Waggin' for greeting him when he arrived, and the Tom's Bed & Breakfast for giving him a place to stay his first night. He's grateful to the CP Dog Walking Team for walking and spending time with him during his stay at CP. He thanks Barbara D. for checking out his new home, and Kriss for making the introductions and sending him on his way. Finally, he offers his squeaky toy to the Placement Team and PA Eva for finding such a great match for him.

Welcome Home Tim!

Coming soon, Rita's Momo

Coming soon, Rita's Ally

Coming soon, Rita's Polo

Update from Rita's Alice

I can't believe that it's been almost 3 years since we "fostered" our handsome boy Buddy (formerly known as Braveheart), and 2 years for our beautiful Alice (Rita's Alice). They are everything that we hoped for, and more. Adopting these seniors brought a loving, calm energy to an otherwise crazy house. They are officially called the coolest dogs ever by my 18 year old son and his friends! We struck "gold" when we got them.

Chevy

JURUPA VALLEY: Pang Pang changes a senior community | Local News Riverside | PE.com - The Press-Enterprise

JURUPA VALLEY: Pang Pang changes a senior community | Local News Riverside | PE.com - The Press-Enterprise

Update from Rita's Casey

Casey is certainly a joy. Now if we can just get her to stop piddling on the carpet...

Not to worry, we'll get it sorted out. She's already worked her way into our hearts. I think we've discovered a favorite toy. I had her outside for a potty break in the rain and came back inside and went to dry her off with a towel. Well, one swipe and she was after it, wrestling and tug of war. Now every time we go downstairs "Mr. Towel" gets involved in one way or another.

She's a very sweet girl and we really love having her around. I'll try and keep you posted with whatever photos or video. Here she is on day one after her first walk, a little tired but none the worse for the wear.

Thank you for all your efforts,
Mark, Bonnie, Alex, and Casey

Rita's Casey adopted!

Congratulations to Rita's Casey, who found her forever home with Bonnie, Mark and Alex!

Casey is a beautiful, active girl who never stops smiling and loves everyone she meets. She waited patiently for the perfect family, and they showed up this weekend to take her home. Bonnie, Mark, Alex and grandma came out to meet Casey. They even brought grandma's 10 year old Sheltie mix, Jake, to make sure that everyone approved (they did). Casey was brilliant, sitting like such a sweet girl (I think that she only jumped up on the son twice). After a wonderful visit, the family unanimously agreed that she was their dog. Papers were signed, and in she jumped into the back of the minivan. Tails were wagging, and off they wen.

Casey is forever grateful to Rita and MJ for finding her and sending her to the US, and to Barbara D. for approving her trip. She thanks the Welcome Waggin' team for being there to meet her when she arrived in CA, and Nestor and Bobby for taking her home overnight after her long trip. She also thanks the CP Walking team for helping get her her regular exercise. She is indebted to Corinna for doing the home visit on her new family, and the Placement Team and Eva for making the perfect match for her. She's also thankful that Chevy was able to make the introductions and help her off on her newest adventure. Mark reports that she's doing great and they are all in love with her.

Welcome home Casey!

Pang Pang looking forward to Dogtoberfest

Hi Everyone,

Pang Pang and I are looking so forward to Dogtoberfest this year! Petey is going too - probably the only boxer in a field of gold! He is a friendly boy, who loves everyone so I know he will have a good time too.

Pang Pang had a busy summer at work – mostly getting more attention than ever. Two of our residents painted her portrait, one attached for you to view. I am amazed at their talent and so thrilled they love her enough to paint her and write about her. She continues to be “Princess Pang Pang,” who lavishes her kisses and attention on her adoring seniors. She represented our community at several events, including a 911 Memorial, which landed her a photo in the local newspaper – not the first one. She seems to be welcome everywhere and when she is not with me I am asked “Why?” constantly.

At home our girl is Petey’s big sister and he has no idea that she is a princess. They square off (attached photo) and play until they drop. I learned long ago to buy them both the exact same toy because no matter what one has – the other wants! Although they compete for attention, they love each other, usually curling up together to sleep. When I take him to work she seems to coach him, as he does not have her maturity and self-esteem. We are working on that, knowing that she is very good for him. They are so different, which makes them all the more fun together.

Hope to see you Saturday. We are very excited to finally be participating in a GRCGLAR event!

Sharron

Tim & Schnappi's arrival in the US

Rita's Schnappi, Ella, Tim, Summer and Owen leaving Taiwan

Update from Maggie's Willy

I am sending you some pictures of Willy that I took last week while we were up at our home in Lake Tahoe. Willy has gone up there three times with us since we adopted him, and he is most definitely a "Tahoe Dog" now. He LOVES to swim in the lake and has a wonderful time swimming out to retrieve the tennis balls I throw for him. Willy did try to chase the ducks on the lake the first time we were up; but after having them take off and fly away after he was "This Close!" to them, he now ignores them.

Thank You so much for all you do on the behalf of these wonderful dogs.

Best Regards,

Lisa

Rita's Orson adopted!

Orson came to us in June. He was quite thin when he arrived but put on so much weight at the boarding kennel in Ontario (not too much though), that I didn't recognize him. Like all of the dogs from Taiwan, he had his share of challenges. (Here's the link to his introduction video: http://projecttaiwan.blogspot.com/2011/05/meet-ritas-orsoncoming-soon.html) Orson was lucky to find Rita and MJ, and we were lucky to get Orson.

The Servin family was looking to adopt their first dog and they had their hearts set on a Golden. This very close family includes a father and mother, adult daughter and a 7 year old grandson. The father told me that they were a family unit and that they take care of each other. Orson is now a part of this family unit and is being cared for and enjoyed by everyone.

Orson thanks Rita and MJ for rescuing him, nursing him back to health, and for sending him to us to find a loving home. Thanks, also, to the Welcome Waggin' for making him feel loved and secure upon his arrival. Thanks to Jo-Bea Kennels for noticing that he needed a few extra pounds and making sure he got them. Thank you to Barbara D. for coordinating his arrival and assisting in his placement. And thank you to Eva and the Placement Team for making this successful match.

Update from Veena (formerly Rita's Nina)

We love Veena so much! We are so happy to have her, she is a real joy! She is so energetic and full of life, and a total character. Every time we go for a walk people stop to tell us how beautiful she is! She loves going to the beach and swimming in the ocean as well as hiking or anything else that we are doing. As long as we are there she is a happy girl! We are planning to come to the dogtober party and are very excited to meet everyone.

Sarah and Troy

Update from Molley (formerly Rita's Olla)

Molley and Theo love the local beach. And when eveyone goes work (I work nights) it's our time to chase the waves or just hang around and watch the surf. Then its time for a long and well deserved rest. The Michaelis Family just love they're Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts of 2009. That's when they came into our lives.

Rita's Summer coming soon!

Update from Leia (formerly Rita's Tina)

Here is a picture of the whole family, minus the cats. They haven't embraced Leia (Rita's Tina) yet like we have. She really enjoys being with us where ever we are and is even learning to catch a frisbee now! She loves our big backyard and will even enjoy snacking on one of the apples from our tree. She loves taking walks with us and then having a nice nap pretty much anywhere in the house. We love her very much and everyone is enjoying her as part of the family. Thank you to all who came to her rescue which brought her to us!

The Koran Family

Rita's Ella & Tim arriving soon!

Rita's Schnappi, coming soon!

Update from Rita's Brian

From Brian's adopter, Sandy...

I am so happy this wonderful pup made his way to the US and thank Rita & MJ from the bottom of my heart. I immediately liked him when he arrived from Taiwan....well, I like them all but there was something special about him, but it just worked out I took a different dog home that night. We discovered that both his hips were in pretty bad shape - so we did an FHO on the worst side. He's also got some issues with his knees and hocks and all of this scared off potential adopters. After his surgery he went to stay with foster home Nanette and when she moved to Colorado a few months ago he came to stay with me. He also stayed for a short time with foster Jane J. when the Nanette went on vacation.

Brian is a goofy guy with a big fluffy coat and a stubborn streak. He's pretty quiet except when he plays tug with Woody - then he'll bark and growl with the toy in his mouth while getting dragged across the floor by Woody (links to his videos are below). Even though he can't jump, he is an expert countersurfer who is particularly fond of bread. He's learned to stretch his neck, sometimes propping himself up on the kitchen drawer pull and he'll grab the bag of whatever is on the counter, pull it down and inhale it. He once got ahold of a 5 lb tray of hamburger that was thawing on the counter - he got full after about 2-1/2 lbs. He hates going outside (except to go on walks) and you have to go out with him, tell him to do his business and wait for him to finish. As soon as he's done he runs right back inside and straight to the spot where the treats are kept - his second favorite spot in the house. (I like to think his favorite spot is laying next to me when I'm on the computer.) He and Woody are the best of friends and play all the time. He tries to play with Ori, but she's a bit of a princess. She does like to push him out of the way when he's getting attention - its all about her! But Brian doesn't mind - he'll just run over to see if he can get a treat instead. I'm so lucky to have found this sweet goofball!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBhqxVV00MM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QjgZelY6cs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyar5vjm4ww&feature=related

Rita's Ju-Zi adopted!

Congratulations to Rita's Ju-Zi, who found her forever home with the Maatta faily.

Ju-Zi was found by a friend of Rita's last year, and when she had difficulty finding a home for Ju-Zi, she asked Rita & MJ if they could help. Here is her video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY7jQPpnYUk&feature=related They contacted us and she arrived last month with Casey & Tina. She's a small girl, at about 45 lbs, and a bit shy, but has been doing great since she got to the US.

The Maatta family has a Daschund and lost a Golden Retriever last year. They decided it was time to add another Golden to their family and contacted us a few months ago. We've been looking for the right pup for them, and initially called them about Casey. Lilly thought Ju-Zi might be a better fit since she was a few years older, and we quickly set up a meeting. The family came out to Culver Palms, along with a friend and their doxie Cooper. The family all liked Ju-Zi right away and she felt the same way and happily jumped in the car when it was time to go home. She's doing great in her new home, learning to play with Cooper. Her new name is Sunny, which fits her bright personality.

Ju-Zi thanks Rita & MJ for taking her in and getting her to us here in CA, and Barbara D. for approving her move. She was so happy to see the Welcome Waggin' after being in her crate for a longer than planned time due to a busy airport. She stayed overnight with me and then has been at CP where she's been able to get out with the walkers, who she thanks. She's grateful to Elaine & John M. for doing the home visit on her new family, and to the placement team and Eva for helping to match her up with this wonderful family.

Welcome home Ju-Zi!

Rita's Tina adopted!

Congratulations to Rita's Tina, who has found her forever home with the Koran family.

Tina is one of our recent transplants from Taiwan. Rita and MJ found her in a shelter where she was suffering from a skin condition. Under their expert care she quickly improved and was ready to make a new life for herself in California. Here's a video of Tina before she came to us:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuAw7Q1irw0 . She came in with Ju-Zi and Casey last month and has been hanging out with new foster mom Mary Jane and learning dog-cat manners. Tina introduced Mary Jane to the concept of counter surfing in return.

This is the first dog for the Koran family. In their search for the right pup they realized a dog a bit older would be the best way to learn how it is to be owned by a dog, and they also wanted a pup who wouldn't overly annoy their cats. Tina seemed like she'd be a great fit and the family went out meet her. Since it was such a big decision and they knew it would be a big change in their lives, they thought about it overnight and the family all decided Tina was the dog for them. They came back to make it official and take this very sweet girl home. She's going great and they are having fun learning all about her, say she is wonderfully behaved and the all love her (well, except for the cats who are on strike and in hiding for now.)

Tina thanks Rita & MJ for finding her in the shelter, getting her well and sending her to the US. She thanks Barbara D. for approving her trip to CA, and the Welcome Waggin for meeting her at the aiport. It was a particularly busy night when she and the other girls came in and there was a long delay going through customs and immigration. Tina and her pals were soooooo very happy to get out of their kennels at last! Tina thanks Mary Jane for fostering her, and she thanks Joan and Ed for checking out this terrific home. Finally, she thanks the Placement Team and PA Eva for finding her a wonderful match. In the excitement of bringing her home they forgot to get their picture taken, but promise to send a family photo soon.

Welcome home Tina!

Rita's Brian adopted!

Rita's Brian has decided to live out his days with his foster mom, Sandy and her family! Brian's fit right into that family unit, and his favorite activity is wrestling with his younger brother, Woody. Having arrived in this country from Taiwan back in January, Brian's spent most of his life in the states with this crew, and we just can't see that changing!

Brian (who will remain Brian!) is most grateful to his rescuers, Rita and MJ, who found him and made him safe, getting him well and shipping him to the states so he could start his new life here. Thanks go out to the Welcome Waggin' for making his entry into the states a joyful one, and to first foster Krista DelColliano for making him feel right at home. Brian appreciates the help of the team at Culver Palms and the WLA dog walkers who keep things busy and happy for the boarders there. And thanks to the Placement Team for their efforts, although finding a better home for him than this one would have been a very tall order indeed!

Coming soon...Rita's Yellow

From Rita in Taiwan...
Yellow is an energetic, enthusiastic and playful lady. She gets along very well with people and rides nicely in the car. Yellow is a ball chaser. She knows basic commands like sit, down, and shake hands but still needs basic training to have better manners.

The 1st anniversary of 'Lucky' (formerly Rita's Seven)

It is hard to believe that it was one year ago... August 1, 2010 that Rita's Seven came 'home', and became Lucky. He was a tall, handsome, very skinny boy. He was terrified on the ride home from Fullerton to San Clemente and he kept trying to climb into the front seat and get into my lap. Honestly, it is amazing we got home unscathed. We spent that first full day with him mostly pacing around and looking at stuff in the house (like couch, TV, frig, bed, etc) like he had never seen anything like them before. He was so thin that his head looked almost disproportionately large for his body, and his coat was kinda short and straight, but nice... and he had the LONGEST tail I had ever seen on a Golden. I had no idea if he was house trained or not, so in almost a paranoia, every hour, I slapped on his leash and out we went for a short walk to give him opportunities to do his business and to see where he lived. He must have thought I was crazy. In those early days, clearly he had no idea what dog toys were for, how to enjoy a tummy rub, or what to do with a Milk Bone.

As those first weeks passed into months, the daily routine has become as comfortable as his cherished spot on the couch. We play with vigor with our fleece stuffed toys and things that squeak. He enjoys his daily brushings, and he tolerates like a trooper his probably all-too-frequent baths. Then after about 6 months together, one day I looked at him when we were out for one of our walks (we walk together between 6 and 8 miles every day) and said to myself, "Where did those curls come from... and those tummy feathers that are about 8 inches long?" And his REALLY long tail... all of a sudden there were feathers on his tail that were about a foot long! I guess that good nutrition has had a very positive impact on his coat, which if I do say so my self, is to die for.

But mainly, it is just the love and the level of comfort... we both know that we are there for each other. No matter what, there is always a cold wet nose and a kiss for me, and no matter what I have a huge fluffy hug I can inflict on him. Lucky has doggie friends and people friends and aunties and uncles (like David and Sonsee and Denise) and cousins (like Lani, and Kai and Fletcher and Cooper and Max), He has regular meals, regular grooming... but mostly he has a home where he knows he is loved and appreciated. I guess if you ask him, he would tell you that the past year has been a good one. So would I.

Welcome Rita's Casey, Tina and Ju-zi!

The pups arrived on Friday evening from Taiwan, they all look great and are ready to begin their brand new lives in the US. Click here  for photos.

Coming soon...Rita's Casey & Tina!

Pang Pang's party pics!

Hi everyone,

As promised, a couple of photos of our princess on the anniversary of her “Gotcha Day.” She had a great time with her special doggie cake and did not want to share it with her four-legged pals who came to her party. The cupcake cake was appreciated by her people guests and there were several! Our residents brought her cards and gifts and many wishes. I am so amazed at how much everyone loves her and at the attention she receives. She is such a special girl!

Sharron

Maggie's Alexander (now Hunter) family photo

Update from Rita's Mia

We are having an absolutely remarkable time with Rita's Mia (who we now named Golda). Our kids are absolutely in LOVE WITH HER; as are we. My youngest was afraid of her when we adopted her; and now we cant keep him away from her; I don't know who kisses who more!

We are very impressed with your organization and feel that your team made the perfect match for us. Tom, Golda's foster "father--if you will" was such a kind person to us and clearly took great care of Golda.

We certainly will keep you and Tom well apprised of Golda's achievements. Tom was right, she is quite the swimmer. You are such great people to volunteer for such a wonderful organization.

My very best regards,
Debbie

Otto (formerly Rita's A-Fu)!

Not-so-subtle hint...