March 26, 2014

Rita's Lime adopted!

Congratulations to Izzy and Jamie who welcome Rita's Lime as a permanent member of the family.

Rita's Lime, now Tugbert, crossed the ocean and landed for a short stay at Culver Palms Animal Hospital until he was taken in by Izzy and Jamie who were first time fosters and requested a bit of an easier first time foster for their home. Well, even though we initially thought that Tugbert would be an easy foster, he provided Izzy and Jamie with some challenges. His house training was not perfected, counter surfing was a daily occurrence, and he did not want to go near the beach because of the waves. Izzy and Jamie powered through and researched and asked lots of questions to get him trained and more at ease.

They taught him basic manners....sit, down, shake, roll over. I was most impressed with them training him to go to his bed when they requested. I know how difficult that task is for a dog to learn and for a trainer to teach. It takes lots of dedication and repetition. After a couple of months, Izzy and Jamie asked if they would be able to make him a member of their family and the Rescue approved.

Tugbert's name is from his love of playing "tug" and "Bert" because Jamie just liked the name.

Thanks to Rita and MJ for saving this boy and getting him over to the US and to our rescue. Thank you to Sandy for providing guidance and direction for Izzy and Jamie and support to Lime.

Update on Otto (formerly Rita's A-fu)

We recently celebrated Otto's Gotcha-day - with dog-friendly treats from 3 Dog Bakery! Otto may be 10 years old, but he's still got the appetite of a puppy. The treat was gone in 3 seconds! (And no, he didn't get all those cookies in one sitting. He may beg but there's a limit!)

Lately, Otto's enjoying his golden years in Dana Point, CA. We recently moved to a much bigger place with rooms and rooms of cool tile floor to lay on. Otto's favorite pastimes continue to be eating, sleeping, and looking cute. He's a love bug and still the best hugger.





March 24, 2014

Maggie's Hero adopted

Congratulations to Maggie's Hero, who found his forever home!

Hero was found in a fishing village with many skin problems and he was quite emaciated, and he also had heartworms The ARTT team asked us if we could take him in and, of course, we said yes. We also discovered that he had hip dysplasia and a possible torn ACL. He didn't seem symptomatic with his hip dysplasia and when we went to repair his ACL the vet decided he didn't need surgery after all. But, with his bad joints, chronic skin and ear problems and hypothyroidism (not to mention he was hit or miss on which dogs he liked and when he found one he liked he wanted to jump right on them to start playing, which most dogs don't appreciate), he was a tough guy to place - most families just don't want to deal with these problems.

Hero spent almost a year with his foster family, but finally along came John, who didn't care about any of these issues. John and his daughter previously had a Golden and they currently have a Sheltie. They were missing the Golden personality and contacted us to help them find a pup. They were very excited to meet Hero, and were even more excited to take him home. He's doing great in his new home and is very happy.

Hero thanks the Animal Rescue Team Taiwan for finding him and sending him to us. He thanks the CP Dog Walkers who regularly gave him walks and love during his time there. He's forever grateful to Deanna and family for fostering him for so long. He thanks Laura for scouting out his new home, and he thanks the placement team and PA Lisamarie for making the match.

Welcome home Hero!

Rita's Captain, Moomin and Hunter on their way

February 14, 2014

Postcard from Lady's (formerly Rita's Ye-Zi) adopter

I'd like to thank you each and everyone in GRCGLA and Rita, MJ and Maggie. Without your efforts, Lady won't be here with us. Because of your dedication, these unfortunate dogs get a second chance to start a new life and be loved. What a wonderful thing you all are doing! My hat off to all of you and I wish one day I will become one of you.

Lady is such a sweet heart that we all love her. She is so full of energy. Ranger, my other Golden, and her have been keeping each other busy. They play, sleep and eat! What a fun life they have!

I will definitely keep you posted about Lady.

Best regards,
Jessica


February 12, 2014

Rita's Ye-Zi adopted!

It is with sheer delight that I announce the adoption of our sweet little Rita’s Ye-Zi by Jessica, David and their 7-year old Golden Retriever, Ranger.  Ye-Zi came to us from Taiwan accompanied by Sarah who was a volunteer of Rita’s, graciously offering to travel with the dogs.  Jessica is Sarah’s aunt and fortuitously picked up her niece at LAX the night of Ye-Zi’s arrival.

Now...I don’t know if Jessica was forewarned as to just how darn cute Ye-Zi was, or if Jessica was even looking to add another family member, but it was love at first sight and Jessica fell head-over-heels for Ye-Zi.  Jessica wanted to adopt Ye-Zi and take her home that night, so I urged her to fill out an adoption application and that was the start to this wonderful match.

Following a delightful visit, a lot of dog conversation, and completion of paperwork, Ye-Zi was off to her new home.  There was a final smooch accompanied by a few tears (of mine) and Jessica provided a warm hug with an assurance that they will love, hug and kiss Ye-Zi as much as I did. The hatch was shut and off they went.  Ye-Zi has since become “Lady” and all reports have been positive.

Lady will be forever grateful to Rita, and M.J., as well as her traveling companion Sarah for starting her off on her epic journey.  Lady would also like to thank Stacey and Duke for doing the home visit, and the placement team and PA, Eva, for making the match.


January 9, 2014

Postcard from Barley (formerly Rita's Michael)

Barley (Rita's Michael) is loving life in So Cal! He came to life after his hip replacement surgery last year...he plays like a puppy again! He has many fans, including kids and other dogs, in our neighborhood. His favorite pastimes are multiple walks a day, shredding stuffed toys, napping on the porch, and massages! We love him dearly.

Leslie & Chris

January 7, 2014

Rita's Honey adopted!

Congratulations to Rita's Honey, who found her forever home with failed-fosters Judy and Chip, along with Freedom and Tilden.

Honey is one our most recent arrivals from Taiwan. She's an older girl with a heart of gold and a very sweet personality. Judy was part of the Welcome Waggin' and had offered to keep a pup overnight. That's all it took for her to fall in love with this sweet girl. Once she was vetted Judy picked her back up and she's been hanging out with the gang and charming everyone she meets. I don't think Judy was looking to add a third dog to her crew, but Honey had other plans. She knew, as soon as she got in Judy's car, that she was going home for good. She gets along great with Freedom and Tilden and is an absolute doll.

Honey is so grateful to Rita and MJ, who found her, got her healthy, and sent her to us. She was so very happy to meet the Welcome Waggin', and then felt she hit the jackpot when Judy took her home. Judy says she's the one who hit the Jackpot and that Honey is here lucky charm - she brought Honey into her vet's office and they offered her a job! Judy also says: " We now call her Mia Honey because everytime I would say Honey, all would come running including my husband." Judy says she's send a family photo in as soon as possible.

Welcome home Honey!

November 10, 2013

Rita's Momo '13 adopted!

Congratulations to Rita's Momo, who found her forever home with the Kessler family!

Momo '13 came in several months ago from Taiwan, a short, chubby girl with a big personality. She went to stay with Tom and his pack and quickly made herself at home. She enjoyed playing with foster brother Maestro, and Kazoo and Maestro taught her to swim. The Kesslers and their Border Collie mix, Roxy, decided they'd like to have some additional puppy love and came to us looking for a younger dog who could keep up with Roxy. With someone around most of the time and an active family, they looked like a good match for Momo. It took a little coordination with camp and travel schedules, but when the meeting was finally made they all adored Momo, who returned the love and decided she wanted to go home with them.

Momo thanks Rita and MJ for finding her and sending her to us. She was so happy to meet the Welcome Waggin' and kept looking at Tom to say "pick me, pick me" to take home to foster - she got her wish and has had a very wonderful stay at Chez Walas. She sends thanks to Joan and Ed and Lulu for making sure her new home was up to her standards, and she thanks the placement team and PA Lisamarie for finding her this wonderful family.

Welcome home Momo!

Rita's Connor adopted!

Congratulations to Rita's Connor, who found his forever home with the Morgan family and their Golden, Cha-Cha.

Connor is another expat from Taiwan who was looking for better opportunities and asked Rita and MJ if he could come to the US. Regular Wecome Waggineer Gary came out to meet Connor at the LAX when he arrived, and hosted him while Connor waited to find his forever family. This sweet boy had great manners and a charming personality, and really just wanted someone to love him.

The Morgans lost a Golden to cancer a year ago and they and Cha-Cha were missing having a second Golden in the family. Their trainer  recommended they contact us, and with doggy day care dates and someone around most of the time they looked like a great opportunity for Connor. They were excited when he came up as a match and quickly made arrangements for everyone to meet. The meeting went great and Cha-Cha and Connor immediately became great buds. His new name is Gaucho and the Morgans report that he is "an absolute Golden treasure!" He and Cha-Cha share a love for food and he gets her going on walks to stay in shape.

Connor thanks Rita and MJ for rescuing him and sending him to sunny CA. He thanks Gary for meeting him at the airport and giving him a great place to hang out while waiting for his forever home (and Marvin for being a gracious host as well). He's grateful to Joan and Ed for approving his new home, and the placement team and PA Eva for making a terrific match.

Welcome home Connor!
 
 

October 31, 2013

Update from Spencer (formerly Rita's Shadow)

Here are pictures of our Spencer. One of the things he loves are his baths...but the best thing of all is the blow dryer after. I could do it for hours if it were up to him! He is the love of our lives!

The Hildens



October 10, 2013

Rita's Cody adopted!

Congratulations to Rita's Cody, who has converted another foster home to failed status, choosing to stay with Rory and his sister, Corinne.

Cody was found in a shelter in Taiwan several months ago, and Rita and MJ helped to get him healthy and arranged his travel to the US. As a new volunteer, Rory was excited to be a part of our Welcome Waggin' and offered to let Cody hang out with him until we found his forever home. Cody had other plans! He immediately became BFF's with foster sister Sandals and brought out every cute trick he knew. It didn't take much since Rory and Corinne are true Golden people and pretty much all Cody had to do was wag his tail to make them fall in love with him. Cody called and begged to stay (those pups from Taiwan certainly have that art down as so many never leave their foster homes!)

Cody will be forever grateful to Rita and MJ for finding him, getting him healthy and sending him to CA. He thanks Rory for coming out to meet him at the airport, taking him home to foster, and then falling in love with him. He thanks Cecily for getting Rory's home visit done quickly so he could be there for Cody, and he thanks GRCGLAR for bringing him together with his wonderful new family.

Welcome home Cody!