Hope: photo and video update

Hope is doing well! Follow the link below to view current photos and video of Hope: http://www.wretch.cc/album/album.php?id=hmla0220&book=60

New video of Oscar

From Rita: Oscar is doing great and we will try to send him to LAX on early August.

Gina is adopted!

Rita's Gina was adopted on Saturday afternoon by Betse and Bob and their Golden boy, Joel, another GRCGLAR alumnus from 2006. After many hardships and a very long journey, Gina's found a fine family and took off to start her new life in the South Bay. Gina sends thanks to Rita and MJ who made her safe and healthy and found her passage to the states, the GRCGLAR Welcome Waggin', who welcomed her to LA, Cheryl C. and family, who brought her home, the west side crew who took care of her this week, and to Kriss H. who facilitated her adoption meeting. She also sends special gratitude to Denise P., who scouted out this great home for her!

Photos from Rose

Mickle having fun at doggy camp!

Mickle got to ride to San Clemente with David and Sonsee. David says that Mickle set his head on his shoulder so the air conditioning vent blew on him. He gave both of them kisses too. It's amazing how they know they are in good hands and how thankful they are. Within 10 minutes of arriving at the pet hotel, Mickle was in the pool having a nice swim.

Gina loves water and tennis balls!

Gina is doing great. She is young and a handful. She will make someone who is committed to her training and exercise needs very happy. She is resting quietly now after a nice walk, having fun with water and tennis balls. Enjoy her pictures, HERE!

Molly makes some new friends

After arriving in the U.S., the first thing Molly did was to retrieve a rope toy! The boys seem to like their new friend. So far, she's fine with other dogs AND cats.

Welcome Gina, Molly & Mickle!

Our latest gang of three from Taiwan arrived this afternoon, all safe and sound. Gina, Molly and Mickle made their trip without a hitch. Even though the plane landed early, we still waited until around 2:30PM before they let the dogs out. From there it went very smoothly, the dogs got a little exercise, did some business and got a little something to drink before they were whisked away to their temporary lodgings.

Mickle, Gina, Molly & friends on their way!

Life is good!

July 7, 2009

Hi everyone:

It’s Kai, formerly known as Maggie’s Champion in my old life. I just wanted to give a shout out to my friends all over the world to let you know what I’m doing these days. As you may know, some wonderful people in Taiwan saved my life when I really needed help and took me to the doctor to fix my broken leg and pelvis.

When I was all better, they put me on an airplane and flew me to Los Angeles where I was met by a really nice lady named Cheryl, her husband and 14-year old son. She said they were going to take me to their house. When we got there, I thought man this is the coolest house I have ever seen. You know, I could live here… Cheryl had lots of friends for me to meet: Jackson, Moses, and China to name a few.

After three weeks of hanging with the Cook family, I got to meet my new forever family… Sonsee, David and their 7-year old golden girl, Lani. We all had a nice time talking and cookies were had by everyone. I liked them and I know they liked me because they kept petting me and then I went home with them.

These days I’ve gained a few pounds; spend time practicing my English; walking the neighborhood saying hi to Justa, Chip and Roxy, and taking nice walks at the beach with another friend, Denise, and her 3 golden boys, Moseby, Fletcher and Cooper. All of the sights and smells are just amazing especially since I had never seen a beach before.

Here at my house I have 3 different beds to sleep on and so many toys to play with. Sometimes, I just have to play with them all! My favorite activities are riding in the car, going for walks, and did I mention cookies? I love to eat but even though I have a ways to go I have to be careful to keep my waistline looking good. My Mom says I have this annoying habit of trying to steal food. It’s hard for me to understand that I don’t have to do that anymore but I will eventually learn that there will always be food here.

In two days, I will start my physical therapy and walk on an underwater treadmill, whatever that is…I hope they have cookies!

My Mom and Dad are so grateful for the people at ARTT and the wonderful Barbara, Denise, and Cheryl of GRCGLA Rescue for giving me this awesome new life in San Clemente. Thanks for all that you do. Oh, and to my old friends in Taiwan, I miss hearing your voices and I hope to see some of you again. Don’t worry about me, I’m fine now. LIFE IS GOOD!

Love,

Kai, formerly Champion

Video update from Gina & Mickle

Oscar: video update

Shelter rescues, Gina & Mickle

Gina and Mickle were rescued from an animal shelter in April, are doing well and hope to arrive at LAX with Molly in mid-July.

Postcard from Leo

Hi Barbara!

Things are going great with Leo! He is such an wonderful boy! He is so full of love and we feel so lucky to share in that! He really enjoys going for walks in the neighborhood or to the park and he loves riding in the car. He is so happy and full of energy and enthusiasm! He loves retrieving the tennis ball, but rather than bringing it back to me to toss again, he takes it back to his bed where he can watch over it. He's very protective of his toys - lol. He's always receptive to new experiences and to meeting other dogs and people. He is so good-natured that everyone who meets him falls in love with him.

I have attached some pictures.

Please thank Rita and all his rescuers and foster family in Taiwan for rescuing him and taking such wonderful care of him! And many thanks to you and everyone at GRCGLA Rescue!

Take care,
Carolyn

Lily is adopted!

Rita's Lily, not being one to dilly-dally, was adopted this afternoon by the Julie and Terry and their daughter. Having landed in LA less than a week ago, Lily quickly made up her mind to set up permanent roots here, picked a great family and off she went.

Julie and her daughter were in their front yard as Tom was bringing Lily out of the car. They instantly loved her and Lily showed off by rolling over on her back and soon was playing with a ball they had for her. Terry came home early from work and they all went into the house where Lily did a tour of her new home by carefully exploring every room. Her bed was set up in the living room and she seemed to know was hers. Before long she was settled in and found a spot under the table where they were sitting. She seemed to know that she found a home.

Lily will be ever grateful to Rita and MJ who found her and nursed her for months through her illnesses, found her a foster family that had the courage to bring her to the airport and say goodbye and located a passenger to take her here. Lily's also grateful to Mariko and Julie, who fetched her up at the airport, to Mariko and family who hosted her for her first nights in the states. Finally thanks to Tom, who made the intros and did the deal, and Ellen, who found Lily this lovely home. Thank you to GRCGLARescue for making all these little miracles possible.

Postcard from Arthur

Oscar looking much better!

Lily's first day in the U.S.

Rita's Lily and the boys playing in the backyard. Lily arrived in the US last night thanks to the help of a volunteer passenger, Jason. The one with a pink bandanna is Lily. The boys are Christopher (Golden) and Derrik (Poodle). More photos HERE.

Lily leaves Taiwan

Lily's foster family says a tear-filled good-bye




Lily with her travel passenger, Jason. Jason is a dog-lover and recently adopted a Golden girl of his own.

Hope: left in the street without food

This Golden girl was abandoned to the street by her owner. Rita and MJ took her in and, once at the vet's, found out she has erlichiosis. They are committed to her care and, once she's well, they'll raise funds to send her to the U.S.

Molly: Photo Update

Lilly's coming!

Rita was able to secure a spot for Lilly on a flight this Wednesday.

Oscar: hit by car, left on the freeway

Oscar was found abadoned on an expressway 3 months ago. He's just come into Rita's care where he'll receive much-needed food and care and a ticket to the U.S. Additional photos and video available here: http://www.wretch.cc/album/album.php?id=abce12366&book=5

Updated Molly

A new photo of Molly, the breeder. Lily, the dog recovered from erlichiosis will be accompanying her and a new dog, a young male, on a flight to LAX in the coming weeks.

Champion is adopted!

Champion found a fabulous new home with David and Sonsee of San Clemente! As you know, Champ made his way to us last month from faraway Taiwan, where Maggie and his other angels at ART found him injured by the side of the road. Once they had his injuries repaired and his wounds healed, ART bought him a ticket to CA where he became part of Cheryl C's family. They taught him about southern CA living, worked on his physical rehab and generally helped him figure things out! Sonsee is a retired nurse, so is looking forward to applying her expertise to helping Champ continue his physical therapy. Champ sends his love to Maggie and her wonderful team at ART for saving his life and helping him to the states, to Cheryl and family (menagerie!) who helped Champ make the adjustment and prepare for his new life, and to Denise and Moseby who found him this great new home!

Champion with little Moses

Arthur goes home!

Rita's Arthur was adopted today by Deb W. Deb felt a real connection to Arthur's bio and his face exuding 'Mr. Personality' from the photos...as she shared with me upon initial inquiry. She loved his big smiling face and felt she could offer Arthur a life of play, happiness and lots of smiles. Arthur thanks the following folks for getting him to his forever home...

MJ and Rita for rescuing Arthur from the streets of Taiwan.

The Welcome Waggin' who helped get Arthur get settled upon arrival at LAX with water and treats! You guys get big props!

Linda T. for transporting Arthur from LAX to our vet in Huntington Beach upon his arrival and walking him during his stay there!

Anne C. for also being there for Arthur to give him walks and hugs!

Eva I. for scouting out Deb's home!

And, Anna G., Arthur's foster mom, for her commitment and devotion over the past couple of weeks.

Leo finds a home!

Rita’s Leo went home today with past GRCGLAR adopter, Carolyn L. and family. Carolyn rehabilitated Abby from a scared and neglected soul until she was a happy and outgoing girl. Sadly Carolyn lost Abby awhile back and didn’t feel like she wanted to look again until she saw Leo’s smile pop up on our web site!

Leo is grateful to Rita and MJ for getting him safe, taking such good care of him and his injuries and making it possible for him to travel to the states. Leo is also grateful to foster mom Kriss and family for taking such good care of him, helping to ease his transition to the states and taking him on all sorts of exciting adventures (like that press conference!). Leo also sends thanks to Leslie, who scouted out this lovely new home for him!

Leo gets acquainted with Carolyn and daughter.

Could the Golden fad be waning in Taiwan?

Rita writes, "We went to foster home to see Molly last week and took some photos of her. You can see Molly is getting better and happy again. Before if you want to have a Golden Retriever is very expensive, but now Golden Retriever puppy is not expensive in Taiwan."

Rescued!

Rita and MJ discovered Molly in a shelter a month ago; she is estimated to be 3 years old. The vet says she’s already been bred many time. 'Before' photos appear below and an 'after' photo appears above. She will likely fly to the U.S. with Lily in June.

Friends...

Champion gets a reassuring pat from foster host, Jackson. Champion is doing great and walking a little further each day.

Beauty adopted!

Beauty was adopted today by Chris S. of Apple Valley. When Chris first met Beauty, she greeted him like a long-lost friend. She would not leave his side for a second and kept staring into his eyes - it was truly love at first sight. When they're not hanging out at Chris' 2-acre ranch, they'll be hiking and camping in the high Sierras.

Champion's arrival and foster home

Volunteer, Cheryl C. and family, welcomed Champion at the airport and into their home. Cheryl has been taking lots of photos and sends this update...

When I first read Champ's story and saw his video, it broke my heart so I e-mailed Barbara immediately and offered to foster him when he got here. Well, he is here now and doing great. He is such a sweetheart with that Golden personality in spite of all that he has been through...abandoned on the street, hit by a van, surgery on hips, long plane ride, etc. Every day he's getting a little stronger. By the weekend, I'm hoping that we can get him into the pool for more therapy on his hips but it's encouraging to see a little progress each and every day.

It is such a pleasure to provide him with love and comfort while he heals and rehabilitates. It's so heartwarming to see the look of gratitude in his eyes. We can only imagine the horrors he has seen. I know it will be very difficult to let him go but the joy of seeing him happy in a forever home will make it all worthwhile...and then I can go on to help another. Thanks for this privilege.

Champion is on his way!

Champion has been checked in at the airport in Taipei and is making his way to LAX with six travelling companions headed for another rescue. Below, ART volunteers get together for a photo with 4 of the travelers.

How to say "sit", "shake", "down" and "stand" in Chinese

GRCGLARescue networks with ART

Champion, our latest Taiwan rescue, is scheduled to arrive this weekend! Although Champion is our 8th arrival from Taiwan, his homecoming marks a new milestone in our international rescue efforts. Previously, all our Taiwan dogs have come to us from Rita and MJ; Champion comes to us from Animal Rescue Team Taiwan, one of the largest (if not the largest) canine rescues in Taiwan. Maggie Chen of ART has been providing assistance in arranging transportation for our other dogs, and has asked us to help their organization as well. We’ve helped them network with other US rescues to find safe havens for dogs of other breeds, as well.

Press conference details...

Debbie Jih is the volunteer passenger who escorted our last group of Taiwan dogs to the states, and delivered them to us safely Saturday night. Debbie's father is a cinematographer who recorded scenes from the departure and arrival of these dogs and edited together a 10-minute documentary that helps chronicle the participation of a volunteer escort. The video illustrates how little the passenger needs to do and how rewarding it is to be part of such a worthy undertaking. The objective is to attract interest in the program and get passengers to sign up.

With his influence, a press conference was called this morning featuring Debbie and her dad, and Jenny Hsieh, a local friend of Rita and MJ who has participated in both arrivals of our Taiwan dogs. The conference was also attended by six Chinese media agencies, Fox 11 News, and GRCGLARescue!

Beauty and Leo were the stars of the show. Attending GRCGLARescue volunteers included Barbara Davis, Joan Jessop, Sandy Diamond, Denise Buczek, Kriss Harrigian, and Mike and Julie Vallante. Coverage is expected to run on local Chinese language TV stations, as well as in the press in Taiwan.

The press conference will air tonight at the following TV outlets: ETTV (Eastern Television) at 7PM and Fox News at 10PM. Please check local listings to find the correct channel in your area.

Champion's story

Last month, Animal Rescue Team Taiwan rescued this lovely soul, they now call Champion. Champion’s story, told by Maggie Chen of ART, is posted below. If all goes well, he’ll be joining us here in the US next month.

ART rescued a golden retriver in a village on 3/6/09. We named him Champion. According to the villager, Champion was pushed out from a van on the early cold morning in February. Since then the dog had been seen straying around seeking food although he didn't have much to eat. Champion is a very friendly dog. Whenever there were vehicles approaching, he would get close to them with passion and expectations. It is obvious that he was expecting his owner. Day by day, he was losing weight and becoming listless until he was unfortunately hit by a hit-and-run driver in late Feb. A speeding van hit the dog without even stopping to take a look at what was happening to the dog. One of the vendors nearby dragged Champion to the sidewalk. All he could do was give the dog water and leftover. Poor Champion had been left alone there for a week before later before he was reported to ART by a passerby, who called ART for help.

We rushed the dog to the vet's on 3/6. The vet gave Champion an x-ray and judged that the dog's hipbone was fractured and there was a dislocation of the head in acetabulum. Champion was performed a surgery right away and it was very successful. Currently champion can walk in the park and he really likes it. Although he can't walk very fast, the vet said that time will cure and all the dog needs now is rehabilitation. Champion needs a place to walk around to help him go back to the normal state.

Here is a video made by ART's volunteer in which you can see how Champion walk.

Champion is three years old, 66 lbs, a male dog, neutered, all the tests are NEGATIVE. Can you help this dog?

They're here!

Volunteer passenger, Debbie, with travelmates...

Our friends in Taiwan...

Rita & MJ, wishing Hannah ‘bon voyage’ in the airport in Taipei.

Arriving this week!

Rita sent this group photo of the foursome that's headed our way...

Lily's trip postponed

This is the one who had erlichiosis. She's been diagnosed with Haemobartonellosis, which is more generally known here as hemotropic mycoplasmosis. It's a blood borne bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. She's undergoing treatment in Taiwan and will not travel until she's healthy.

Crate auction to benefit Taiwan rescuers

Our Project Taiwan: Bring Them Home! continues as Rita and MJ search for volunteer passengers to bring Lily, Hannah, Beauty and Leo to us. Maggie Chen of Animal Rescue Team Taiwan is also looking for passengers, and has a lovely male to send us when they have the funds available. None of the Taiwan rescuers has ever asked us for a penny of support, and have been doing this all their own. I know our Welcome Waggin’ volunteers were very impressed by the care Rita and MJ took to make sure our dogs traveled comfortably on their trip (sturdy crates, water bottles, traction flooring and absorbent material to keep them dry, just in case). These ladies have done an amazing job and have much more work to do.In an effort to help Rita and MJ offset future costs so we can guarantee all the Taiwan Goldens who need help can get it, we’re offering the crates previously ridden in by Ben and Lulu, two of our first three imports, for auction on Ebay this week. The auction has already begun, with the goods going to the highest bidder (for local delivery only). These crates are excellent quality, and only used once! More importantly, they represent the loving hearts of Golden rescuers who joined hands across the ocean to help these beautiful creatures find a life in the US. All the proceeds of the Taiwan Dog Crates auction will be forwarded back to Rita and MJ, to assist them in financing future rescues and getting them safely back to us.If you’d like to check out and/or bid on the auctions, click here!

Crate dimensions: 24"w x 26"h x 34"l

If you’d care to make a small contribution directly to Rita and MJ to help them pave the way for Hannah, Lily, Beauty, Leo and others to come here, Rita has set up a Paypal account with her email: abce12366@hotmail.com. Although not tax-deductible, a couple of dollars here and there will help speed the Taiwan dogs to the US.

Meet Arthur...

Arthur finds himself in need of a new home. Once a volunteer passenger is found he will join the others on their intercontinental trip.

Abandoned...

This gorgeous middle-aged male was hit by a car and then abandoned by his owner at the side of the road.

Ben adopted!

Rita's Ben went home for good today with past adopters, the Gonzalez family. After all his travels, Ben has found a lovely home with his own boy, and a lovely golden girl to keep him company! Ben sends his love and thanks to Rita & MJ, who saved him and found him passage to the U.S. He is also grateful to the LA Welcome Waggin' who met him at LAX, Mr. Teng Wei Wei, who made it possible for him to come to the states, and foster mom Krista, who kept him safe and happy until he found the right home.

Lily: wandering sick and alone

This is Lily, a 2-year-old female found wandering the streets in Taiwan. Her vet exam found that she was suffering from erlichiosis, a tick-borne disease common in the US. she has been treated successfully, and is looking forward to making a new life in southern California. LIly will join Leo, Beauty and Hannah on the April flight. Read more about Lily, HERE.

Leo: hit by car, abandoned, heartworm positive

Leo was hit by a car and abandoned; he lost a front leg. He's healing from his amputation and has completed treatment for heartworm. Once recovered, he'll be looking for a permanent home in the U.S.

Beauty: botched de-barking victim

Beauty was found wandering the streets in February 2009. She was emaciated and is slowly regaining her weight. She is quite healthy, but is the unfortunate victim of a ‘de-barking’ procedure, which, while intended to reduce the volume of her barking, has made her breathing raspy-sounding. Beauty is expected to arrive in April.

Rose adopted!

Rita's Rose was adopted by former adopter, the Elliott Family. This is truly a special adoption. Li Elliott felt a connection to Rose having immigrated to America as a child from Taiwan and struggling to make a life in the U.S. with her family. Li felt this was truly meant to be. So did Rose.

Lulu adopted!

Rita's Lulu with her new family.

Along comes Hannah...

A few months ago, one of Rita's rescue associates was standing on the side of the road, waiting for her ride to work. A person with two Golden Retrievers ran towards her and handed her the leashes, stating he'd be back for the dogs. But he never returned. The rescuer soon realized it was yet another case of abandonment. Hannah was one of the dogs. The vet has found Hannah to be in good health, and she’s thought to be about 4 years old and has a typical lovely golden personality. With our help, Hannah will find a great new home in California. She's scheduled to arrive in April. View Hannah's online album HERE. Video: CLICK HERE.

Ben, Lulu and Rose Arrive!

The three dogs and the volunteer arrive safely in the U.S. and are met by GRCGLAR's Welcome Waggin'! After the pups are walked and watered, they're transported to their foster homes. Once they've settled in a bit, we begin the process of finding Ben, Lulu and Rose permanent homes.

Ben, Lulu & Rose at LAX