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!
August 11, 2011
August 8, 2011
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.
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.
August 2, 2011
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.
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.
July 25, 2011
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.
July 22, 2011
July 17, 2011
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
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
July 4, 2011
June 29, 2011
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
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
June 26, 2011
June 24, 2011
From Sampson (formerly Rita's Jumbo)
He IS gorgeous, and makes me laugh several times a day. I wouldn’t want to go on record saying that Sampson is a tiny bit spoiled….but ah, here’s a pic of him sleeping on my bed. Makes me wonder what he dreams of, so comfy and cozy, holding his tennis ball.
June 21, 2011
June 20, 2011
Maggie's Alexander adopted!
Congratulations to Maggie's Alexander, who found his forever home with the Andre family.
Alexander came to us from Maggie & ARTT. We don't know his history, but this handsome, goofy boy has a great present and future and isn't spending any time looking back! He came to CA in April and has been spending time with Debbie & Paul G. while waiting for his forever home. He got along great with their dogs and his terrific personality charmed them enough for them to overlook some of his mischieviousness. When he ate part of Debbie's War & Peace book she just said it was a really long book and she didn't have time to read it, so no big deal. The Andre family was looking for a new addition to their family and a companion for their dog Penny. The Placement Team thought they would provide a wonderful home for Alexander and after talking to them they agreed he sounded like a fit. The family drove out to meet Alexander on Saturday and it didn't take long for them to know he was the one. I got a note that he is settling in just fine and he and Penny are having blast playing.
Alexander thanks Maggie and ARRT for finding him and sending him to CA, and Barbara D. for approving his trip to us. He was ecstatic to meet the Welcome Waggin' team and thanks Nestor and Bobby for taking him home overnight. He's so happy to have been able to spend the last couple of months with Debbie and Paul and will be forever grateful to them for helping him along with his training. He thanks Laura M. for scouting out his new family. And, he gives a big Paw Up to the Placement Team and PA Dona for finding him such a great match. We weren't able to get a picture, but the Andres promise to send one in soon.
Welcome home Alexander!
Alexander came to us from Maggie & ARTT. We don't know his history, but this handsome, goofy boy has a great present and future and isn't spending any time looking back! He came to CA in April and has been spending time with Debbie & Paul G. while waiting for his forever home. He got along great with their dogs and his terrific personality charmed them enough for them to overlook some of his mischieviousness. When he ate part of Debbie's War & Peace book she just said it was a really long book and she didn't have time to read it, so no big deal. The Andre family was looking for a new addition to their family and a companion for their dog Penny. The Placement Team thought they would provide a wonderful home for Alexander and after talking to them they agreed he sounded like a fit. The family drove out to meet Alexander on Saturday and it didn't take long for them to know he was the one. I got a note that he is settling in just fine and he and Penny are having blast playing.
Alexander thanks Maggie and ARRT for finding him and sending him to CA, and Barbara D. for approving his trip to us. He was ecstatic to meet the Welcome Waggin' team and thanks Nestor and Bobby for taking him home overnight. He's so happy to have been able to spend the last couple of months with Debbie and Paul and will be forever grateful to them for helping him along with his training. He thanks Laura M. for scouting out his new family. And, he gives a big Paw Up to the Placement Team and PA Dona for finding him such a great match. We weren't able to get a picture, but the Andres promise to send one in soon.
Welcome home Alexander!
Rita's Mia adopted!
Congratulations to Rita's Mia, who found her forever home with the Meppen family.
Mia was rescued from a shelter by Rita and MJ last year. They got her healthy and ready to come to the US, and she arrived here in March, along with Nina. She has been staying with foster dad Tom W. One of the first things she did when she got to his house was dive in the pool - she loves to swim, play with balls and play with her foster brother and sisters. The Meppen family lost their last dog about two years ago, and decided to wait for their kids to get a bit older before bringing in a new dog. They recently decided now was the time. In reviewing their application and home visit, the Placement Team felt they would be a great home for Mia. She looked so solemn in her pictures, that she wasn't one of the dogs they were looking at, but after talking to us and to Tom they realized she sounded perfect. And when they met her in person, they found out that she was indeed perfect for them. She is already settling in and the Meppens adore her.
Mia thanks Rita & MJ for getting her out of the shelter and into rescue in Taiwan, and Barbara D. for approving her trip to the US. She was so happy to have the Welcome Waggin' waiting for her and gives doggy kisses. She thanks Tom W. for giving her such a great temporary home. She's grateful to Eva for doing the home visit that identified this terrific family. And she thanks the Placement Team and PA Dona for making the perfect match. Attached is a picture of Mia with her new family.
Welcome home Mia! 
Mia was rescued from a shelter by Rita and MJ last year. They got her healthy and ready to come to the US, and she arrived here in March, along with Nina. She has been staying with foster dad Tom W. One of the first things she did when she got to his house was dive in the pool - she loves to swim, play with balls and play with her foster brother and sisters. The Meppen family lost their last dog about two years ago, and decided to wait for their kids to get a bit older before bringing in a new dog. They recently decided now was the time. In reviewing their application and home visit, the Placement Team felt they would be a great home for Mia. She looked so solemn in her pictures, that she wasn't one of the dogs they were looking at, but after talking to us and to Tom they realized she sounded perfect. And when they met her in person, they found out that she was indeed perfect for them. She is already settling in and the Meppens adore her.
Mia thanks Rita & MJ for getting her out of the shelter and into rescue in Taiwan, and Barbara D. for approving her trip to the US. She was so happy to have the Welcome Waggin' waiting for her and gives doggy kisses. She thanks Tom W. for giving her such a great temporary home. She's grateful to Eva for doing the home visit that identified this terrific family. And she thanks the Placement Team and PA Dona for making the perfect match. Attached is a picture of Mia with her new family.
Welcome home Mia!
The Underground Fantastic - for Pang Pang
Hi All,
It was last Father’s Day when I picked up Pang Pang! We are having a big party for her tomorrow – will send you all some photos. One of the staff members is actually baking her a healthy cake with a recipe we found on-line. Regardless, our girl is still on a diet so she won’t get much.
One of our residents wrote the attached poem. He is a senior who loves rap and when he recites this, he does so in a rap style. It is just wonderful. I keep telling you all how much everyone loves Pang Pang. They even write about her!
Look for some fun photos soon!
Sharron
The Underground Fantastic
It all began that wonderful Friday morning around ten. As I walked into the Country Village Leasing Office, that’s when I first met my enchanting new friend. She was golden as sun beams streaming from the sky. Almost human-like with intelligent eyes; freshly groomed with a scent of honey suckle rose, sitting in a nearby corner, with an eye catching pose. I approached her with a slight apprehension. She raised her paw, as I extended my hand; we slapped five and then ten. I said, “Hey, Golden Lady, what’s your name?” She barked, wagged her tail and softly whispered, “Pang Pang”. A multi million dollars ran through my mind, gee whiz, this dog is one of a kind. Now we all remember Old Yeller, Rin Tin Tin, Deputy Dog and Big Ben. They’ve come and gone, done their thing, but none can compare to Pang Pang. She began to tell me about her history; joyful moments and times of misty colored memories. Her eyes began to shine like a cat in the dark that hypnotizes me with an affixation of her words. I stood frozen, like a man on ice, as she welcomed me into her world. A far off place, a distant shore, this was surly no fairy tale.
“I like to eat,” she said to me, “I have a voracious appetite. I’ll eat yours, I’ll eat mine, I could eat all night. After I eat I like to take a little nap. My owners got rid of me, when I ate the food for the cat. That was it, they had enough. They put me in the street, they said, “You’re big enough to stand on your feet.” My nights were lonely, my days were blue, my sun didn’t shine the way it use to do and so when I lay me down at night, my blanket was the sky and slowly I began to lose the twinkle in my eyes. For forty days and forty nights I was so all alone. I had no warmth or comfort, no home to call my own. I walked all day and slept all night; searching garbage cans for just a little bite. I soon would discover I was not alone; there were hundreds just like me, searching for a home. There was Poppy, Marengo, Jetty, Jet, Lucy, Lila and a cat named Tibet! We banded together like a group of thieves, hitting every garbage can, we could smell or see. Some of the town’s people became weary of our tactics, while supporters began to call us the Underground Fantastic. The will to live is what they saw in us and we were in no hurry to return to the dust. We were young and we were cool. We had no degrees from the Ivy League schools; Cambridge, Harvard or Canton. Finding a job was out of the question, we did what we must, one hundred strong and tough.” A slight tear began to fall from her check. She choked up for a moment but continued to speak. “Then came the day of the Big Truck Round Up. They called on the terminator to bust and move. When the job was finished he had holes in his shoes. They sent us to a place they called “rest” but I called it “R.I.P.” It was good for them but not for us or me!
My beautiful friends and the family within were destroyed over and over again. The clock was ticking, my heart was racing. Would I ever escape this place? I dreamed I’d be rescued by someone really nice, someone who loved me, someone to treat me right. As morning arrived a strange shadow fell on the wall. The clock had run out it was time to fall. They took me to the gallows and I took my last gulp, as my heart began to sink. This time Super Man would not arrive. I stared into the abyss; it was my time to die. Tears filled my eyes and my body did shake. I prayed to the Lord for my soul to take. I thought about my mother, my father, my sister and brothers. I was ready to meet them and all the others, Poppy, Marengo, Jetty, Jet, Lucy, Lila and a cat named Tibet. Suddenly I heard a shout from the gallows below and someone said, “Let Pang Pang go!” I didn’t know her name and I had never seen her face, but she said to me, “I’m getting you out of this place.” The door flew open and I took a deep breath. The next thing I knew I was on a jet; U.S.A, red, white and blue - Country Village for me, Country Village for you!”
Pang Pang, thank you for your story. You bring cool where there’s hot and warmth where there is not.
Your friend,
Sylvester/AKA Sly
It was last Father’s Day when I picked up Pang Pang! We are having a big party for her tomorrow – will send you all some photos. One of the staff members is actually baking her a healthy cake with a recipe we found on-line. Regardless, our girl is still on a diet so she won’t get much.
One of our residents wrote the attached poem. He is a senior who loves rap and when he recites this, he does so in a rap style. It is just wonderful. I keep telling you all how much everyone loves Pang Pang. They even write about her!
Look for some fun photos soon!
Sharron
The Underground Fantastic
It all began that wonderful Friday morning around ten. As I walked into the Country Village Leasing Office, that’s when I first met my enchanting new friend. She was golden as sun beams streaming from the sky. Almost human-like with intelligent eyes; freshly groomed with a scent of honey suckle rose, sitting in a nearby corner, with an eye catching pose. I approached her with a slight apprehension. She raised her paw, as I extended my hand; we slapped five and then ten. I said, “Hey, Golden Lady, what’s your name?” She barked, wagged her tail and softly whispered, “Pang Pang”. A multi million dollars ran through my mind, gee whiz, this dog is one of a kind. Now we all remember Old Yeller, Rin Tin Tin, Deputy Dog and Big Ben. They’ve come and gone, done their thing, but none can compare to Pang Pang. She began to tell me about her history; joyful moments and times of misty colored memories. Her eyes began to shine like a cat in the dark that hypnotizes me with an affixation of her words. I stood frozen, like a man on ice, as she welcomed me into her world. A far off place, a distant shore, this was surly no fairy tale.
“I like to eat,” she said to me, “I have a voracious appetite. I’ll eat yours, I’ll eat mine, I could eat all night. After I eat I like to take a little nap. My owners got rid of me, when I ate the food for the cat. That was it, they had enough. They put me in the street, they said, “You’re big enough to stand on your feet.” My nights were lonely, my days were blue, my sun didn’t shine the way it use to do and so when I lay me down at night, my blanket was the sky and slowly I began to lose the twinkle in my eyes. For forty days and forty nights I was so all alone. I had no warmth or comfort, no home to call my own. I walked all day and slept all night; searching garbage cans for just a little bite. I soon would discover I was not alone; there were hundreds just like me, searching for a home. There was Poppy, Marengo, Jetty, Jet, Lucy, Lila and a cat named Tibet! We banded together like a group of thieves, hitting every garbage can, we could smell or see. Some of the town’s people became weary of our tactics, while supporters began to call us the Underground Fantastic. The will to live is what they saw in us and we were in no hurry to return to the dust. We were young and we were cool. We had no degrees from the Ivy League schools; Cambridge, Harvard or Canton. Finding a job was out of the question, we did what we must, one hundred strong and tough.” A slight tear began to fall from her check. She choked up for a moment but continued to speak. “Then came the day of the Big Truck Round Up. They called on the terminator to bust and move. When the job was finished he had holes in his shoes. They sent us to a place they called “rest” but I called it “R.I.P.” It was good for them but not for us or me!
My beautiful friends and the family within were destroyed over and over again. The clock was ticking, my heart was racing. Would I ever escape this place? I dreamed I’d be rescued by someone really nice, someone who loved me, someone to treat me right. As morning arrived a strange shadow fell on the wall. The clock had run out it was time to fall. They took me to the gallows and I took my last gulp, as my heart began to sink. This time Super Man would not arrive. I stared into the abyss; it was my time to die. Tears filled my eyes and my body did shake. I prayed to the Lord for my soul to take. I thought about my mother, my father, my sister and brothers. I was ready to meet them and all the others, Poppy, Marengo, Jetty, Jet, Lucy, Lila and a cat named Tibet. Suddenly I heard a shout from the gallows below and someone said, “Let Pang Pang go!” I didn’t know her name and I had never seen her face, but she said to me, “I’m getting you out of this place.” The door flew open and I took a deep breath. The next thing I knew I was on a jet; U.S.A, red, white and blue - Country Village for me, Country Village for you!”
Pang Pang, thank you for your story. You bring cool where there’s hot and warmth where there is not.
Your friend,
Sylvester/AKA Sly
June 18, 2011
Just wanted to update you on Macy. She is doing amazingly well. She is so sweet, gentle, well behaved and adorable. Everyone who has met her adores her. As you know, Morgan, who passed away in March, was a therapy dog. She was certified with Delta and visited at the Childrens Hospital of Orange County. Macy has all the right personality traits to be an amazing therapy dog. She loves all people, is very gentle and well behaved and nothing much (loud noises etc) phases her. Unfortunatey with my business commitments - I do not have time to do therapy work with Macy. However, a friend of mine who I met doing therapy work - her dog passed away recently and she adores Macy and is now working with her to be a therapy dog. She hopes to take the test with her in October. In preparation for the test - Macy is going lots of places with Dalene - on Friday night she went to the Irvine Spectrum and had dinner there. Literally - Macy gets out more than I do. Dalene also teaches piano - so Macy is going once a week to “piano lessons” - so she can meet the kids and learn to sit quietly while they have their piano lessons. I am so delighted - since I think she gets bored sitting all day long in my home office - even so I do take her for two walks a day and out to play at lunch time, she does enjoy meeting new people a lot and I think she and Dalene will be a great therapy team. Perhaps in the next few years my schedule will lighten up and I can take her as well.
I attached a picture of Macy “in full flight” She has the most comical run - kind of “bounces along” - it cracks everyone up!!! Probably because she walked on three legs for the first part of her life. As you can see in the one picture she is running on two legs on the same side of her body. She just looks “full of joy” when she runs - as demonstrated in the pictures. Also a more “serious” picture of her with her newest “prized possession!”
I will keep you posted on her therapy dog training.
Denise
I attached a picture of Macy “in full flight” She has the most comical run - kind of “bounces along” - it cracks everyone up!!! Probably because she walked on three legs for the first part of her life. As you can see in the one picture she is running on two legs on the same side of her body. She just looks “full of joy” when she runs - as demonstrated in the pictures. Also a more “serious” picture of her with her newest “prized possession!”
I will keep you posted on her therapy dog training.
Denise
June 7, 2011
June 6, 2011
June 3, 2011
Update from Rita's Lucia, now Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is doing great! She is such an amazing dog and is loving her new life in Venice. Here are some pictures of the little lady!
Libby
Libby
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