RONI
I’m a 15-year-old puppy who loves nothing more than being the center of attention. I was at a shelter for two years of my young adult life, and my mom fell in love with me the first time she saw me there (she has a soft spot for hound dogs). Good thing I have such a sweet face, though, because my favorite hobby is doing things I know better not to do!
ANNIE
I’m a 15-year-old vocal gal. My mom got suckered into adopting me when I was a patient of hers when she was a veterinary technician at a low-cost spay/neuter clinic. I was supposed to be returned to the shelter the next day, but she couldn’t imagine my gentle face back in the shelter. Thank goodness, because I had already been there over 2 years! I repay her kindness with my vocal barks at any object that startles me, such as a leaf blowing in the wind.
ELROY
Hi! Hi! Hi! I’m a 14-year-old rowdy boy. My mom adopted me from a shelter when I was 12 weeks old, after driving 8 hours to get me when hearing about my sad start. All I remember is protecting my brother on the side of the road after he was killed by a car. I was carefully guarding him, and when the person tried to pick up my brother, I bit the person. Then I was labeled as vicious! Could you imagine that label at just 12 weeks old? My mom knew better and took me home. I’m the only one of us that she’s had from puppy-hood, and that’s why I don’t listen. I pretty much do what I want, because I’m the baby!
DORA
I’m the youngest, at 5-years-old. My mom decided it was time to get a younger dog for my two human sisters to play with, and I’ve been with my new family for almost three years. I am so thankful to have a family that loves me, and I can’t believe I even get to live inside! My siblings may not remember the shelter life, but I do, and I can’t help but always show my gratitude. My family says I’m perfect, but I think THEY are the ones that are perfect. I love them all so much. These other dogs may have forgot the shelter life, but I haven’t just yet. Did I tell you that I love my family?
MUTTLEY
Hi, I’m a 18-year-old old-timer, and I’m the reason this blog was started. My mom began searching for holistic answers when she couldn’t alleviate my anxiety with conventional medicines. Since then, holistic medicine has become her passion! I am finally able to enjoy my senior years thanks to my mommy never giving up on getting me well. Plus, you should see my dinners now! YUM-MY!
ROSIE
Hi, I’m Rosie, a 5-year-old black lab mix. I was adopted as a tribute to Elroy, who was another shelter mutt that had recently crossed over the rainbow bridge. I was rescued from an outdoor shelter that I lived in for over nine months. I slept in a barrel and on the concrete floor of my kennel. One day, I saw this family coming my way, and I gave them the most pitiful face. I then jumped up on my bed barrel, and made eye contact with the entire family, while slowly wagging my tail. I was sure that I was going to be passed by as I always was since I’m a large black dog, but can you believe it – they stopped to pet me! The only test I had to pass was to make sure I got along with the two small humans accompanying my new mommy, and that was an easy test to pass. I love small humans! Before I knew it, I was in their car and headed home. My new mommy told me that I was safe and will have the best life with their family. And you know what, she was right. I hit the jackpot! I sleep inside, get amazing homemade meals, am given raw bones and healthy treats, go on regular walks, get awesome toys, and I am loved more than I ever thought possible. I am HOME and I am SAFE.
ROCKY
Hi everyone, I’m Rocky! My family decided to rescue me to honor Roni, their 13-year-young shelter girl who recently joined Elroy in the meadows at the Rainbow Bridge. My parents say that as soon as they saw my face, they saw Roni looking back at them. I was a 3-year-old pup who lived a life of pure neglect and landed in a dog shelter (though the shelter was way better than what I was used to). I had no idea what was coming next when my new parents took me home. I now know how it feels to be unconditionally loved, and it feels AMAZING. I thank my parents every day by giving them the most genuine “I love you” face every chance I get. I can’t believe this is what I’ve been missing!
WOODY
Hi, hey, hello! Meet me, Woody! My new family was so heartbroken when Muttley joined his siblings in the meadows at the Rainbow Bridge, that my mom had to find another bundle of joy to rescue. Yep, I know…I know…I’m just the cutest. I hear it ALL the time, especially since I live with a bunch of older ladies. These other pups have all these depressing stories they like to tell me, and they say I act entitled, which I think is a compliment. I was a shelter puppy, so I know the hard knock life too, right? In any case, I hope that every single dog has the life I have, because it’s pretty barking great!
Dr. Julia Roach 