KODA
Update:
Hi Duke and Duchess! It's Koda Bear! My new home is amazing. I love it here. I have full run of the house (well...okay just the top floor. I get into too much trouble in the basement). I love the outdoors, and so my family leaves the back door open for me to go in and out as I please. I like to chew the branches on the tree, dig in the mud, and track my paw prints through the kitchen. I am also very fond of chasing mops and vacuums.

My doggy sister, Faith, passed away, and my family was very sad, so I made sure I was quick to cheer them up and keep them company.

Mommy and daddy say that I do very well off leash. When we go camping at our lake lot, I am allowed to run wherever I want, because I come back when they call me! It's great! I learned not to chase the quads, and I have made friends with another dog up the hill named Kelso.

I have gotten taller and bigger. Last time I got weighed at the vet, I was almost 25 pounds! My tail is black now and my whole body has turned dark brown and black. I like my new coat, it's longer, softer, and makes me look very handsome. 

SAWYER
Greetings everyone!! Bet you can hardly recognize me. I'm about four months old now and growing up to be a fine young man. My new name is Cops and life is awesome.

Love Cops

Update:
Hello Duke and Duchess,
 
Just Cops here letting you know how happy I am!! My Mommy and Daddy tell me every day what a good boy I am.  Currently Mommy and I are cuddling on the couch - I help her do her work on the computer.  I saw all the updated photos of my brothers and sisters.  I'm growing big and strong. At 7 months I'm about 70lbs but it's been a little while since I got weighed so maybe I'm even bigger. I am very smart and know lots of words: sit, stay, come, bed, out, house, home and "bring it".  I'm working on learning the word "toy".   I have 2 very good dog friends that live just next door and I get to play with them almost every day.  I like going to the vet too because everyone loves me and tells me I'm handsome.  I do very well in the car and get to go up to Cold Lake to my great-grand parents' house and run around their big farm!  I don't go too far though because I'm scared of the horses.  I included a photo of me and kitty brother Lion sitting on my bed and one of my playing on my deck with a giant bone.  It's hard to believe that I used to be smaller than Lion at one time. 
 
Hope you're doing good!
 
Love Cops


Update:
It's winter now (my first one). My Mom and Dad, Laura and JF, got married a few weeks ago. They adopted me as a puppy. We stopped by to say hello to Duke and Duchess so they could see what a big boy I am.

They had a "kissing can" at their wedding. People who wanted to see them kiss had to make a donation to the Duke and Duchess Animal Rescue Society. Boy did they ever do lot of kissin'.  

I wonder if they got the idea from Becky and Kyle (and their doggie Sarah). There sure was a lot of kissing at their wedding too last September.

****************

Thank you folks for your generous donations for homeless, abandoned and abused animals. You are making a big difference.

Duke and Duchess

*****************
Update:
Hi! Its just Cops wanting to say Hello and Thank you.  
 
Not only have you found me a wonderful forever home but you gave me a brother, Expo, who I love and adore.  I've been teaching him many good things like destroying toys, how to have sad eyes and get tummy rubs, how to give your paw to receive a treat, how to sit and wait for dinner and how to wake mom up without her getting upset.  
 
Expo doesn't have as much energy as me and won't play fetch with the ball but that's okay because I have it all to myself.  He prefers to wait until I bring the ball back and attack me.  Or he lays on the grass and watches me run.  We've had quite a few good puppy naps together.  But I'm a big dog now (over 1) and sleep at the top of the stairs to keep watch of things.
 
I've included some photos of us.  

Love Cops

P.S. Expo says hello too.

Update: December 2011
Expo and I (Cops) wanted to give you an update on how we're doing.   I'm over a year and a half now and Expo is just over a year.  He grew a lot but I'm still bigger.  I'm very happy to have him and we play very nice together.  We are both very good and keep Mom and Dad very busy these days by going on walks and playing soccer in the snow.  Mom has all sorts of of decorations up for Christmas but I love the tree and like to look up close at the decorations.  Expo and I are spoiled with 3 big beds around the house including one in Mom and Dad's room where we sleep every night.  There are lots of changes going on around the house, Mommy's belly is very big and they keep talking about us getting another brother next month.  Last time Dad talked about a brother I got Expo so I'm guessing this will be good too.

We hope you have a great christmas!

Love Cops and Expo

JUSTIN 
My new name is Expo and I now have a big brother Cops (aka Sawyer) who you can see if you scroll down below. I really love my new family.

Love Expo

Update:
Hello Duke and Duchess, 
I just wanted to let you know that I am doing very well!!  Me and my big brother Cops get along good and he is teaching me how to be a good dog just like him.  I play very nice with kids and other dogs.  Everyone tells me that I'm cute and handsome.  I'm good on walks and stay close when off leash (except when I'm cold or tired then I try to run home and sit on the front porch).  Cops is teaching me how to play soccer.  So far I've learned how to ask to go out to the washroom, how to sit, and how to come.  I also know "outside" "upstairs"and
 "downstairs".  Mommy and Daddy say I sleep a lot.  Daddy says I'm lazy but Mommy just calls me calm because I like to sit and lay down a lot more than Cops.  I also love to cuddle and be a lap dog. 
 
Thank you for finding me my forever home and make sure you tell my foster mom thanks for taking good care of me.


Love Expo

LEELU 
I have a wonderful new family. My new dad is an officer in The Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry based here in Edmonton. He's scheduled for another  combat tour in Afghanistan this Spring. My new Boxer brother Seth and I will look after mom and the kids while he's away. Seth and I are going to wear yellow ribbon on our paws.

To my foster parents Shauna and Tom I want you to know that I will never forget you. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Love Leelu

Update:
Hello all - thought I'd share this pic with you! Tristan (my son) has a cold and said yesterday he felt 'yucky' so he had a cartoons and couch day. His puppy "Weehoo" (as he calls Leelu) curled up with him for the afternoon!

She is a big hit at my vet clinic as well - my boss thinks she's just stunning and a 'real find'. She was amazed how short a period of time she had been with us and how adjusted she was, how much she watched me for direction. All of which, I took as a compliment!

She has also channeled the inner snow-dog in my boxer who is happy to buck up in the colder weather for a longer walk with no shivering and crying (even with a coat and booties on!).

Anyways, will send more pics as I can get them - she is ridiculously hard to capture as she moves the instant the camera is out!

Update (December 2011)

Hello! I finally got an awesome head shot of Leelu I thought I'd share!

We are all well - Leelu is finishing her third set of agility classes and she's coming along! Audrey is in love with her puppy - says her name perfectly pronounced at just 18months!! Actually, I think she thinks all dogs are called Leelu as that's what she calls Seth as well which is funny!!

Hope you are staying warm; Leelu loves this weather; she is the only one that wants to go for her usual hour walk. My frozen eyelashes and numb cheeks dictate a shorter path though!

Cheers - Becky 

JACK
My adopted name is Jack but my mom and dad call me Jackie.  I have been in my new home for a month and a half and what a life!  They love doing everything I do.  I have a huge back yard to romp in.  I just love that white powder stuff on the ground.  When my dad takes me for a walk in the afternoon he puts on my new jacket.  When mom takes me for a walk in the evening, we see, can you believe, Jackrabbits!!!!!!!. I would just love to chase one of those guys. 

They keep telling me I’m the best dog in the world, I now wonder why the other family didn’t like me, but as my mom says,  they don’t know what they are missing, giving me up.  In a way I’m glad they did, because my new mom and dad love me to pieces.  Mom says I have very good manners and seems that someone may have taken me to doggie school because I’m so smart too.

I wait for my mom to come home from work every day.  I have my own chair to sit on to look out the window.  When she drives in, I run to the back door and run to the garage to meet her.  When she opens the door I pounce on her and we hug each other.

I am a good sleeper. I snuggle up between the two pillows at night, Mom doesn’t mind, because I am quiet.

I have 4 cousin dogs, and a cousin cat.  The cat smacks me around sometimes, but I don’t mind.  My cousin is a Shitz su, Papillion cross. We play together really well. The Pomeranian/Pekinese cross gets mad when I run to mom. She gets jealous. The big cousins are a lab cross, and shepherd cross.  They are fun too but they are really too big for me.

I also get to visit my Grandma and Grandpa at the Senior Lodge. They can’t wait to see me and pet me.  I’m glad I bring joy to the elderly.  I am sending you a picture of me exploring the backyard.

Bye-Bye for now, Merry Christmas

I saw something under the tree for me……….I’ve been good.
JACKIE

Update (Dec 2011)
Its been one year now that I've been adopted.  Oh, what a life!  I'm dads dog through the day and moms dog in the evening.  Dad and I have fun all day going for walks, going for rides and playing outside. I like mom because she loves to cuddle.  Mom had to buy a new jacket for me this year, because I outgrew my old one.  I also have some small holes in my snow boots, so I think Santa will be bringing me new boots.  I would like to mention that I have graduated from sitting under the back seat of the car to sitting on the back seat, or in the passengers seat. Also, riding in the truck no longer scares me.   One thing that still scares me , are thunder storms, or loud fire cracker type noises.  Mom would really like to know what happened to me, to make me so scared.  I have my own travel carrier, that I can run into , if I'm scared, otherwise mom tries to hold me and comfort me.  I meet up with a lot of my friends when I go for a walk.  My big cousin friends don't scare me either.  Mom feeds me Acana dry food, and some caesar beef strips with a little gravy on top as an appetizer. The Vet also mentioned that I have to loose about 3 pounds. I weigh 18 lbs, but I'm otherwise healthy and very very spoiled.  Merry Xmas, and I'll talk to you again.   .............................love Jack, Milton and Lillian Donahue

FINNEGAN
Update:
Hello Maria, David and Val (Finn's foster mom).

We are doing Great! They say 'you don't get the dog you want you get the dog you need'and boy does that ever ring true. Finnegan is right where he was meant to be. We've just graduated beginner training, and boy was he ever a teachers pet, "he's got that Sheppard focus" his trainer mentioned. Now that he's growing up we can see that there's no Rottweiler in his blood, there's so much Sheppard that there's no point even trying to see what else he may be. He's about 6 months now and we can tell he'll be a big guy. All we hear about is how handsome Finn is, even the Vet couldn't believe that he was rescued. The dog park is his most favorite place in the world we get there every week. I don't have too many pictures because my camera's out of commission but I can tell you this, he is the King of Snow Mountain in my backyard. Soon I'll get some good outside pictures and you can see how big and healthy he is.

Thank you for introducing me to my best friend.

Thanks,

KELLIE W

Update:
Hello David & Maria,
Kellie & Finnegan here, it’s coming up on 1 year since he came into my life and I thought I’d update you on his development. From 17 pounds on the first day he came home to the 85 pounds he is today he’s all sweetness. There is not an aggressive bone in his body, he just wants to cuddle and be with the gang at all times. He loves my niece and nephews and is so gentle and willing to be hauled around by the collar where ever they want to go. He’s made his way into the hearts of my neighbors so much so that she took some fence boards down between our yards “so he can have more room to run and play” she said. He’s known around the neighborhood as the “gentle giant” which is ironic because it turns out he’s got a tiny hint of Newfoundlander in his genes. Basically he’s the perfect addition to our family, I never imagined it could be such a good fit. I wish Duke & Duchess all the best in future rescues, my gratitude for everything your organization does for the animal community and my gratitude to those who are open to bringing abandoned pets who need love and guidance into their home.

All our best KW & Finn.

Thanks, 

KELLIE W

I want to thank you and Romana with all my heart for rescuing him from the reserve and having him available at a time when we really needed him to come into our lives.  He definitely has an old soul and I truly believe he is our little guardian angel.  We cherish him with all our heart and I hope and pray for many years of sharing our lives with this wonderful little dog. Thank you.  

Kindest regards from Buddy, Roxi, Jim and Linda

ATHENA

Hi -- I wanted to give you an update on Bella (Athena).

She is an amazing dog - very smart, always wanting to please, lovable, gentle and wonderful with all members of our family.  She adores the kids & our 3 year old granddaughter plays with her constantly - Bella follows her around snooping at everything she does. She is now obsessive compulsive when it comes to balls or sticks which is great for her exercise routines.

She has the funniest way of snuggling - she will sit by you, and sneak up inch by inch and then put her nose about 2 inches from your face & stare at you.  It is a very strange behaviour for a dog considering most don't like to maintain eye contact - not Bella.  Bella will maintain eye contact for as long as you do, including 2 inches from your face.  She loves to snuggle into our neck - such a unique dog & we love her to pieces.

Thank you for allowing her to be part of our lives.  She is truly part of our family.

Terri & Axel

Update:

SADIE
Greetings from Calgary. I got adopted by the family who adopted Athena (that's her picture above). My Dad calls us his bookends because we look so much the same.

Love Sadie

MARCUS

XENIA

JASMINE
I wanted all you caring people who inquired about my welfare to know that I am doing just great in my new forever home. I have not only gained weight but I have gained self confidence. I wag my tail and like to play with my new canine sister. My mom even lets me sleep on her bed. I want to thank my new forever mom and family for taking a chance on me and tell you that I love you so very much.

Love Jasmine

CHICA
Wow! That was quick. I was adopted before I knew it. I am so happy with my new forever family.

BONNIE
My foster mom Karlene loved me so much she just couldn't let me go. Lucky me, I guess I was in my forever all along. Thank you Karlene for nursing me back to health and helping me take such good care of my five precious babies. 

Love Bonnie

P.S. thank you to the many loving people who enquired about my welfare and followed my recovery.

BUBBLE
Update:Bubbles is doing great and she loves being with us. At first she really didn't like going on car rides but after a few really loud whining trips and once getting car sick she has learned that she has to sit or lay down when she is in the car. She plays all the time and is quickly learning her commands. She loves walks and running with mommy. She has grown already twice her size if not larger and defiantly has that bubbly personality she was named after. She has been with us to lots of places and loves all of the attention she gets. She has just started sleeping through the night without having to go out and mommy is very thankful for that. She is such a good girl. I don't know what we did without her. She fills up our free time very well. Thankyou for taking care of her until we had the chance of meeting her.

Bubbles, Jason and Samantha

PORTHOS
Update:
Dear Maria: 

Thought we would pass along an update on Henry (Porthos); he is growing fast and now weighs 40lbs at almost 5 months old.

He has been a very good addition to our family. He is enjoying acreage living and loves camping and swimming in the lake. He is very well mannered and is exactly what we were looking for! The third photo is of Henry and his fellow Duke and Duchess friend, Finnegan, playing together on a sunny afternoon. We’ll be sure to send an updated family photo once the baby arrives.

Thanks,

Mark and Michelle

SQUEEK
Update:
Hi Maria,

In the week since we’ve had Piper (aka Squeek), I’m sure she’s grown 2 more inches – all legs! She’s going to be a big girl.
I get to bring her to work about 3 days each week so her human socializing skills are amazing. She loves everyone and they love her right back. As for her animal socializing, each weekend so far has been complete with friends who bring their dogs out to our acreage so she’s doing very well at that as well. 

What can I say – she’s PERFECT! 

Take care and I’ll keep you updated.

PJ

YANA
Update:
Good afternoon Maria, 
This is Jenn, we adopted Ace(Yana) most recently. We also adopted Egon(Koda) and Venkman(Bear) last year. I just wanted to let you know that they are all doing wonderful and we couldn't be happier! They absolutely love to play and Ace (although the smallest is always up for roughhousing with her big brothers). I have attached a few pictures.
 
Best Regards,
Jenn

ADDISON AND KATIE 
Hi Maria and Dave,

I thought perhaps you'd like some pix for your albums/website and an update. 

MISTER MUNCH
Wow, I was adopted so quickly they didn't have time to post my picture. Here I am in my new forever home. My new name is Dudley. I may be a tiny package but I'm top dog here. My family loves me to bits and my wish is their command. I'm so spoiled now.

Love Dudley

BLUE
Hello there, my new name is Zeus.
I enjoy long walks at the dog park, and love all dogs big and small. But most of all I love to cuddle on the couch with my mom and relax.
I want to thank Maria so much for finding me on that cold winter day!
 
Love oxox, Zeus

ROXY
I am Parker's sister. My new name is  Penelope, Penny for short. Already I sleep between my Mom and Dad as I am the only child. I have them around my little paw. Thank you to my foster mom Kelly for looking after Parker and me. We had tons of fun at your place.

Love Penny 

Update:
Hi Maria!
First of all, sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you!! We've
been so busy since Pen has joined our family that I keep forgetting to
call you back! So hopefully this little update will do.

Penny is 100% OUR puppy-child. She's a has her crazy puppy moments where she'll run laps around us & the yard, bury herself in the pile of leaves, and roll around with a short break on her back for a belly rub. After all the playing, she'll curl up on our laps for some kisses and cuddles. She is already one overgrown lap dog. :) She is
learning her commands so quickly! She can already sit, lie down, shake a paw, and roll over. We are incredibly impressed with and proud of our sweet Penny. We have taken her to the dog park a few times, and it is without a doubt her favourite place to be. She is far more social than we realized, but she always makes sure that she knows where we are. Pen has done so well with other dogs that we have used her to help socialize another rescue pup! She continues to amaze, and we fall
in love with her more and more everyday.

I really want to thank DDARS for rescuing Penny and giving us the
opportunity to give her a forever home. Our little family truly would not be complete without the work that you all do! Thank you again and again and again!

Love,
Clay, Denise & Penny

KOOTNEY
Bet you can't guess where my new forever home is. I hit the jackpot. My new forever home is on 10 acres with a pond. A Shepherd mix and Rotti mix are my new canine friends. We all went swimming together and I really don't want to boast but I think I am the best swimmer. I have webbed feet you know ; after all I'm a Lab.
My new mom and dad think I'm a wonderful addition to their family.

Love Kootney

JENNY

Update:
This letter is sent with gratitude from Bob, Linda and Scott Christensen.  Please share it with her foster parents Kim and Chris.

We adopted Jenny from the Duke and Duchess Animal Rescue Society one year ago today, September 30th and I just wanted to provide an update for you and her foster family on how she is doing.

First of all, she came into our lives at a time when we needed her. My son Scott was having health problems last fall. Luckily for us, Jenny was there with him during the day to keep him company. The two of them had some great long hikes together and they developed a strong bond.

December came in with a big shock as Bob lost his job due to downsizing. As the new year dawned it saw Scott healthy again and back in school and now Bob was at home stressed trying to find employment.  Again, Jenny saved the day just by being there for comforting company. By the time spring rolled around Bob was back working again.

What can I say about Jenny?  She has a very sweet and gentle disposition.  She is such a happy dog all the time that her tail is constantly wagging and she genuinely looks like she is smiling most of the time.  She takes her “door greeter” job very seriously and always provides a great big welcome home by wagging her tail so hard her body almost folds in half.  She is very easy-going and likes to always be in the same room as us.  She is playful and funny to watch when she tries to get the stuffing out of the various toys we got from the pet store for her.  She loves crab apples, and when she sees one in the backyard she will take it in her mouth, throw it in the air and throw her body on it and roll around.  She is kind to all those who enter our house and only barks occasionally when the doorbell rings.  She loves kids and is great with other dogs.  She does have a mischievous side to her as well and on more than one occasion she has emptied our kitchen trash around the room if we forget to make sure the door is completely latched.  She still loves, loves, loves her tummy to be scratched and we accommodate her request for that service as much as we can.

This summer I took her to agility class. The video clip I’ve attached was her “final exam” of the class; she ended up actually doing 9 out of 10 obstacles on the course much to my delight. Jenny and I also joined a “DOGA” class, which she thoroughly enjoyed as she got to lay down beside me for a full hour and receive a massage part way through the class, which made her very happy.

Jenny has such a kind and gentle spirit that I think she needs to be shared with other people who would benefit from that so I’ve applied to have her volunteer as a pet therapy dog.  She is going to be evaluated on November 2.  To get her ready for this we’ve enrolled her in a dog obedience class that starts next week just to make sure she has the skills necessary to beeemed  “ready for service”.  I’m quite excited about this as I think she would excel at bringing joy and peace to others.

I’m enclosing a few pictures taken down at the dog park last Sunday.  As you can tell, Jenny is a vital part of our family and I can’t let this anniversary pass by without thanking you and her foster family again for rescuing her when you did and for giving her a second chance at life.  We are very grateful and couldn’t imagine our lives without her being a part of them.

Keep on doing what you do, you make a positive difference in the world.

Click Jenny on video

Update:
I just wanted to let you know that Jenny and I are now a certified Pet Therapy team.  She went through the program with flying colors.  She loves the visits that we do, especially all the pats and scratches that she gets from the people that we visit.  Please let her foster family know that she is doing well, and continues to bring smiles to all those who come in contact with her.  She has the most fit tail in the city, as it is constantly wagging!

Linda and Bob Christensen

COLE
Dante here. Yep, that's my new name. I'm almost grown up now and boy am I ever loved in my forever home.  

Love Dante

PARKER
I'm going to have a new big brother called Hudson. You can see him way down below on this page. He`s about two years old now. I am going to have lots of fun with him and my new Mom and Dad. I want to thank my foster mom Kelly. If it weren`t for you taking my sister Penny and me in we shudder to think what would have happenned to us.

Love Parker 

SHERMAN
Update:
My new name is Randy and I am really happy in my forever home. As you can see I've grown up to be one handsome fellow.

Love Randy

I have attached a picture of him-he is so cute and fun loving-he spends the day with his Daddy –he sits-shakes a paw-give me five-speaks and was total house trained by the second week.  He is so intelligent and he has brought such joy to us-he plays all day with his toys and goes for a walk with his Daddy when the weather permits.  Every night when I come home from work he is waiting at the front door for me with his tail waging-it’s the best part of the day. Thanks for everything –keep up the good work.

Best wishes,

Denis and Judy G.

CHICO
Thank you to the many very nice homes who enquired about me. It was really hard  to choose one. I did go the perfect home. My new forever Mom runs a doggie daycare, training and rehabilitation business. We go to work together in the morning and I get to play with whomever I please. What a life I am going to have. My foster mom Donna was very sad to see me go but I want her to know that I will never forget her and that she will always have a special place in my heart.

Love Chico

JOSIE
Update:
My new name is Sophie. Here are a couple of pictures of me growing up. Life is sure wonderful.

Love Sophie

TONKA
I'm one happy boy. I have my own mom and dad and two teenage girls to look after me and to love me to bits. Thank you to my foster mom Karen for taking me in and taking such good care of me in my time of need. I hope Tinker and Mask get their forever home soon.

Love Tonka

Update:
Just thought I’d give you an update on our Tonka. He is adjusting very well in our family. He is most definitely one of the family. He thoroughly enjoys family walks, socializing at the dog park and cuddling with our girls. He has regular “spa” days at Pet Smart to keep him pampered and happy. Attached are a couple of pictures so you can see how much he has changed.

All the best from Tonka's family.

LOLA
I'm a beautiful four month old female Collie mix puppy. My sister Koley and I were ill when we were rescued. Sadly Koley didn't survive but thankfully I pulled through. I am lively and very intelligent. I am going to do everything to make my sister proud of me in life. In fact, I think I already have my foster mom and son wrapped around my paw. 

Update:
Yep, I was right. I told you that I had my foster family wrapped around my paw. They nursed me back to health and they just couldn't let me go. So, I'm here to stay and I couldn't be happier.  
 

IN MEMORY OF DARLING KOLEY
It with great sadness that my sister Koley died of a heart attack due to complications from Parvo shortly after our rescue. She is the black baby in the front of the picture. Koley was loved by her foster mom Val, Tristen, Shane and the Duke and Duchess. She will be forever in our hearts and never be forgotten. Please make sure your loving pets are up to date on their vaccinations. 

Love Lola

*Adopted*
MOLLY
Today is a very exciting day for me because I am going home with my new family. My new sister (ha ha) is actually my daughter Cora (now Kaya). She will also be my BFF. We have a really nice mom and dad.

I want to say a huge thank you to my foster mom Sally and family who took such good care of me and loved me so much. I want to let them know I will never never forget them and will always love them.

Sloppy kisses,

Molly

Update:

CORA
Update:

ENYA

JASPER
Update:
Hi,

As promised here is a picture of Jasper "all grown up". Jasper is a very
kind dog who gets along great with everyone, humans and dogs alike. He is a high energy and always ready to play and have fun. He is definitely spunky. He reminds me of "Tigger" from Winnie the Pooh. He is the "glass is half full" type of dog. We are going to work more on his leash training, and getting him to not jump on us when we get home. Speaking of jumping this dog can move and jump like a gazelle. It is truly beautiful to watch. We feel very fortunate to have him as part of our family.

Take care,
KD

BEAR
Update:
Hi to everyone at Duke and Duchess.

I am sending you some new pictures of Bear.  Hopefully they are not to dark.  He is doing so well in our home.  His new little brother "Buddy" just loves having a playmate and the two together keep us very entertained.  They are never very far apart and seem to really enjoy each other. He loves going for his walks and meeting all the other dogs in our neighborhood.  He really is a very good boy and just loves cuddling on the couch.  I think he only gets frustrated deciding if he wants cuddles from me or my daughter (He definitely does not lack in cuddles). He is very happy the weather has improved so he doesn't have to wear his sweater and booties outside but boy was he cute all dressed up.  He jumped around in the snow with his booties on until he would have us holding our bellies laughing.  

He has met our groomer who made him more handsome than he already was and she could not believe what a good boy he is.  He talked to her through most of the appointment and had her laughing as well.  Our only concern with Bear is that everyone who meets him wants to take him home so we have to keep a close eye on him to make sure no one sneaks him out.

He really has been the perfect addition to our home and we thank you so much for giving us the gift of Bear.

Thank you so much!

Angie and Melissa

BOOTS

NALA

ELLY 
Hello,
Elly's new family here!! We just wanted to tell you than in less than 24 hours Elly is doing AWESOME!! Her flesh brother and sister are just in love with her! Also her furry sister is doing great taking on the big sister role! She is a very smart puppy, we are already doing great with house breaking and learning how to sit! I have attached a picture of her with her big sister for you guys to see and I will update you guys as she grows! Thank you very much, Elly has completed our family!

Matt, Lisa, Jon, Alexis, Ramy and Elly!

SARAH
Mitchell and I would like to thank you guys for bringing us to Ailyn. She is a wonderful addition to our family. 

BAXTER

TINKER

MASK

RICKY
Yippee! I went to my new forever home today. I have a mom, dad, boy and girl twins and a 12 year old older brother to dote on me. They fell in love with my friendly playful nature and think I'm the perfect additon to their family. I'm just a little puzzled about a furry creature that welcomed me there too. I think they called her a cat. 

Love Ricky

P.S. That's my new mom holding me. I'm just one happy guy.

FERLIN 

MARLEY
Update:

PRECIOUS
Update:
Hello every one. My name is Lucy now and I am so happy in my forever home. I love my family and they love me too. hey call me "Princess of the House".

Love Lucy

BRADY
Update:
Hi Duke and Duchess,
I know I haven't replied with an update on Ace (aka Brady) in along time. Ace is doing really well...he is a very passive animal...but likes to reek havoc from time to time. But we couldn't ask for a better dog:) 

Michelle S.

JULIO 

ADORA
My new name is Bella and really love my new family. I'm so happy my friend Julio found a wonderful forever home too. I will send more pictures in the spring when all this snow is gone and it's warmer outside.

Love Bella 

LULU
Update:
Hi there. Things are great with Sweetie. We tried Lulu and Cola but those names didn't stick. We started calling her Sweetie until we found a name and Sweetie just fits. I will send close ups soon. Going for a walk now!  

JUNIPER
Update:
Juniper's new name is Harley. He has grown to be quite a big boy. He loves the farm. He plays with the horses, jumps up on the hay bales and chases the tractor! He loves amusing himself playing with his soccer ball in the snow!!! After a busy day of playing and running Harley likes to relax and fall asleep on his back legs in the air! He has grown to be such a special part of our family!

KUNA
Sadly, little Kuna passed away from a brain tumour which the vet thought may have been caused by abuse from her prior life. She was adopted by a very loving family who treated her like a princess. She even slept in their bed. Although she only got to live with her new family for six months it was the happiest time of her life. Kuna will always be remembered by her foster mom Mary, Duke and Duchess and her family especially Patty S.

CHIEF
Update:
Hi Maria and David,
Well its almost a year since we adopted Chief. He is an amazing dog!
We love his friendly disposition and his never ending joy of life. He is always a big hit every where he goes. His unusual coloring and good looks gets him a lot of attention. He is still scared of male dogs but will play for hours with female dogs. He gets bored very easily so my coworker brings her labrador to our office three days a week and the they play all day. We tried agility but it wasn't really his passion.
My husband thinks he is too smart to just be a family pet so we may try
him in obedience classes next spring. His obedience is amazing. He
learned to come, sit, down, stay so fast that we wondered if he already
had some training. He is very good
about staying on the acreage and has never wandered. Our older dog has
taught him to bark at vehicles coming down the driveway ( a good security alarm) but other than that he rarely barks. My daughter takes Chief to her riding lessons at an indoor arena and he will lie in the centre of the arena and watch the lesson. He fell in love with a small white fluffy dog at the barn and we wonder if she reminds him of the poodle that he was rescued with. He also goes for long trail rides with the horses in the summer and loves camping.

Thank you for all the hard work you do.

Linda and Bruce

SHADOW
My new name is Brodie. Life is sure great and I really love my family. I thought I would send along an updated picture of me. As you can see I've trimmed down and look fabulous. Just ask me.

Love  Brodie

LUNA

ALLY

BELLA

BEAUX
Update:
Hi Maria and David,
Just a note to let you know how things are here with Beaux. She is so happy now and is really starting to 'come out of her shell'. We go for 2 long walks a day out in the fields and bush and she absolutely loves it. She likes to tease and chase the cows and she swims in the small pond we have. Her appetite has also improved dramatically and she has made friends with the cat. We enjoy her so much and am very grateful to you for bringing us together.

Laura & Geoff

SHYLOH
Update:
Hello, here are some pic’s of Shyloh and her new brother Hank.  

We had a bit of a time with finding the right food for her at first but we did eventually succeed, and she is doing awesome. 

As you can see in the photos, they are pretty much inseparable and they love lounging on the bed in their down time.  Shyloh has fit right in and is having a great time – she is an extremely busy girl, she  is very inquisitive and wants to know everything that goes on in the house - she’s also a very good watchdog (the meter reader can vouch for that).   She goes  to doggy daycare with Hank once a week and when they come home they are so tuckered out that they are done for the day.  Shyloh loves to talk, she comes home and tells us all about her day – it is so funny. 

I can’t thank you enough for rescuing her and letting her come to live with us (we love her, and she is so good for Hank)  –  there is never a dull moment with the two of them running around. 

I will check on the website for when you will be at Petsmart and bring her and Hank down to see you. 

Thanks again, 

Colette & Gord O. 

DESI

Update:
Hi Guys,  

Just want to give you guys a little update on Toshi (Desi).

All is well and he’s going for his third shot this weekend. He’s about 30lbs now at roughly 3 months old we suspect that he is going to be a big boy. He’s been a smart boy and has been fairly easy to train. A couple of accidents here and there but all are expected.

Best regards,
Daniel

BENJI

VANNA

BASKET OF PUPPIES
If we aren't just the cutest things ever! Although we all look different we do have the same mama. We are only about 4 weeks old in this pre-adoption picture. I'm Bear on the far left; beside me is Desi, then Mocha and Lucy.

BEAR
I went to my new home yesterday. Koda (below) and I get to be brothers now. Thank you Julie and John for looking after me. I know you thought I was special.

Love Bear  

KODA
I'm in my new home and I'm so well behaved that my parents are getting Bear for me as a brother. Whoppee!! Thank you Tristen for looking after me. I knew you wanted to keep me. You will always have a place in my heart.

Love Koda

Update:

LUCY

MOCHA
My mom and dad were so excited when they picked me up. My life is really going to be good. Thank you Julie and John for looking after me so well. I will miss you.
 
Love Mocha

SHEENA
When my new parents came to see me today they fell in love. So I'm now off to my new home. I want to tell my foster mom Colleen thank you for taking such good care of me and teaching how to be such a good girl. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Love Sheena

Update:
Hi.
So I figured it was time to get you some photos of Sheena and to give you an update.
Sheena is doing great. She and Daisy play all day and do not leave each other's sight. This makes taking photos tough because they do not like to sit still for very long!! They are definitely two peas in a pod. She listens very well and is the first one to come when called (she's a little faster than Daisy :)). She and Daisy love it when people or other puppies come over to play. I love her to bits.
 
Astrid

MADDOX
Hey Fergie, I'm adopted too! (Rolling drums please) I can get out the balloons and cake as well. I have a seven year old boy and a nine year old girl and a small doggie to play with in my new family. This is really great. I even sleep in the master bedroom. A huge thank you to my foster family especially Irene who all loved me very much and would have kept me too if the right family didn't come along. Please don't forget me me as I will never forget you.

Love Maddie

MOTLEY

PAISLEY
I'm glad you're happy Cheeko and I know you will  happy for me too. My new forever family loves me very much. Can you believe we went from living outside to our now warm loving forever homes. I want to thank our foster mom Mary as well for being there when we needed you. You will always be in my heart.

Love Paisley (now Chiclet)

Thanks again for bringing her to us.

All the best,

Allan and Marian

LUCKY LADY
Update:
Hello to all of the staff at DDARS - 
We just wanted drop you a line and thank you so much for our beautiful little Lucy!  She is such a sweet and charming little dog and has become such a wonderful member of our family, we couldn't love her more!

KONA
My new name is Tasha. Imagine just a few weeks ago I was just skin and bones fending for myself in the wilds. My new forever mom and dad took this video of me. Look at me now!!!

Tail wags and kisses to my foster parents Chris and Kim. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Love Tasha




Update:

Hi Maria,

We want to give you a quick update on Tasha. She is a real sweetheart. Everyone falls in love with her. She has such a loving personality! She and Jed get along just great.

Here is a video we shot over the past couple of days showing Tasha and Jed living the life!!

Best regards,

Kim and Sandy




Update:
Here's a shot of Tasha. She LOVES being out in the snow!!! Everyone who meets her falls in love with her - she has such a gentle disposition!
Kim and Sandy

BELLE

Update:
We just wanted to let you know that Belle has settled nicely in our home.  She is such a gentle, good-natured, well-mannered little dog and so easy to fall in love with.  We are so lucky to have found her and just wanted to thank you, once again. 

She loves going for walks, each one is an adventure as she sees new things and meets new people and doggies (and the occasional bunny and kitty as well).  She likes sitting in her new backyard watching the birdies (and the squirrel that lives in the big tree).  She likes eating carrots as a treat; and is getting much better about going for car rides with her new pack members. 

She has a good life – lots of walkies, lots of long doggie naps on the sofa, and lots of kisses, cuddles and hugs which she laps up. 

I have included some photos. 

Again, thank you so much for finding Belle and bringing her into our lives.

Laurie

DAISY

Hi Guys,
I just wanted to let you know that I'm really excited about my new home! My new name is Nyx. I have a big brother named Oz. He is a lot of fun, and follows me around everywhere I go! There are also 2 cats in the house that I like to chase, but mum says that's not a good idea. Mum and dad also say I need to learn to be gentle with my teeth, but they know I'm just playing. Right now it's time for me to have a nap, playing with my big brother is a lot of work!

Love,
Nyx (Daisy)

Update:
Hi Maria,
I was just dropping a note to let you know that all is well with Nyx (Daisy), and that we'll be taking her to obedience classes in September. She already knows sit and down and I'm teaching her to sit up. She's learning to walk well on the leash... mostly, :) and her recall at the offleash park is getting better.

Pam and Nate

SPARKY

DUKE 

FERGIE 
Party time!! Get the balloons!! Get the cake!! Because it's big news ---- I'm adopted. I knew if I made friends with that silly cat I would get my foster parents around my paw. It worked. They love me and I'm here to stay.

Love Fergie

FINN 

Update:

Hey there Jenn (Finn's foster mom),

Just wanted to give you an update on Finn.  He's doing a pheonominal job with training!  We have taught him to shake a paw, high five, and roll over.  He sleeps very well in his kennel.  As a matter of fact, the first night he was with us, we hadn't even shown him the kennel and I was watching tv as he was laying by my feet, then i realised he wasn't there anymore.  I looked over to his kennel and he had gone inside of it and fell asleep.  All on his own.  We took him to the vet for his shot and he did an amazing job.  Didn't even flinch.  I asked the vet about those bumps and scabbies on him and he recommended changing his food as it may have been an allergic reaction.  So we did.  We slowly switched him from Acana to Iams and all his little marks and bumps are clearing up beautifully.  He is getting so big! When we first brought him home, he was a little chunky in the hips, but now he's tall and lanky.  He's very gorgeous and outgoing and has developed a very strong and unique relationship with each of us.  We're lucky to have him apart of our family:)

Love
Finn's Mom

RAVEN

DRAKE

KIARA
I have a wonderful new mom who absolutely loves me and wants to help me through my separation anxiety. She sees what a sweet gentle girl I am. To my foster mom Mary thank you for teaching me my doggie manners and how to walk on the leash. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Love Kiara

Update:
Hi Maria and David,

Just sending along a short update about Ellie (Kiara). She is the most fantastic dog I could have asked for!

She quickly adjusted to her new life and became an important member of the family. Although she was initially quiet and timid, she has turned into a highly energetic (and sometimes insane!) dog. Ellie has become the best running partner I have, with our runs ranging anywhere from 5 to 15 k.

It did take a fair bit of work to get her to where she is now, but it was well worth it. She was just a dog who needed some time and some effort, and I'm so fortunate that I got to be the one to help her along.

I've attached a few pictures of her. One of the pictures is of Ellie, myself, my brother's family, and their Rotweiler Dakota.

Thanks again for sending such a great dog my way!

Juliana

COPPER
I have some really good news to share. I'm just spinning in circles, wagging my tail and barking because I have been adopted by the same mom and dad who adopted my sister Chloe. We are so excited to be reunited. Chloe and I have so much fun playing together. My new name is Oliver but my friends call me Ollie.

Love Oliver

Update:
Hello Everyone!!!

I'd really like to tell the world how very happy I am in my new home that I know FOR SURE will be my forever home.

I'm so lucky to live with my real sister Chloe and my newparents!  They love me so much & have made me feel so safe and secure.  I trust them anfd my sister Chloe and know that we will all have such a great life together in all of our adventures.

My sister Chloe has so much energy!!!  She wears me out sometimes!  I'm definitely getting my exercise with her everyday!  The most fun I have is when Chloe and I play tug-o-war with our toys :-)

My Mom & Dad say that I am the best listener EVER (they told me that I'm a better listener than my sister Chloe...ha ha).  I'm also a really good walker!

As you can tell by my pictures I smile ALL the time too :).  At first, Chloe didn't like to share her toys with me but now, Chloe understands about sharing and we have no issues at all!  Sometimes, we even chew on the same bone together at the same time :)

My Mom & Dad think that's precious......

That's about it from me for now......I have to go and play with my sister now!!

Lots of Love,
Oliver (or Oli if you're my really good friend ;-))

(& my Mom & Dad ~ Dana & Gerard) 

Update:
Hi David and Maria,
Just wanted to give a "cute" update on Chloe and Oliver.....they are doing great (1 year & 8 months now) and are "official" swimmers :)  They both love it and have had a great time this summer retrieving in the ponds and lakes :)

(oh, and my Mom & Dad ~ Dana & Gerard)

MAXWELL
My foster mom loved me so much she just couldn't let me go. So here I was at my forever home all along. Ha ha I even get to sleep with my Mom. I have her around my little paw but she has my heart.

Love Max

Update:
Hi D&D
For the website!
Max is much loved in this house. He's a cuddly, affectionate little guy, and protects us instinctively. His coat is soft now thanks to flax oil in his food a few times a week. He loves company and is always ready to go visiting.

Linda

POPPY
First off, we changed Poppy’s name to Izzie. Izzie is growing very big and loves her walks. She is a great addition to the family and has a very friendly disposition. Here are some pictures. She is now 14 weeks old.

Sincerely,

Michelle and Kim

COSTELLO
Unlike my brother I prefer to take it easy. But when I'm in the mood to play I love to run to my foster mom and jump into her lap. I'm a laid back kind of guy.

LAVENDER 

PIPEN

SASHA
My new mom and dad adopted Molly a year ago. They decided they wanted to foster me but then realized they couldn't give me up. So now I'm Molly's sister. We're all going camping this summer.
 
Love Sasha

SPENCER
I have a new forever home with my mom and dad and big teen age brother. I'm really happy. Love and kisses to my foster mom Heather for taking such good care of me.
 
Love Spencer

CARMEN
I got along with my foster mom's other dog Cinnimen so well that she adopted me. We go on walks together every day.

Love Carmen  

RHEA

AMMIE
My foster home loved me so much they adopted me. I have a big canine brother that I get along with really well. My mom, dad, furry brother and I belong to a walking club where everyone brings their furry companions. My life is so happy.

Love Ammie

BRUNO
Hi guys,
Just an update on Bruno, who is now "Jimmy". Jimmy is blossoming - he loves the cats and wants to play with  them - they are okay with him and will condescend to let him sniff their butts, but are not really interested in playing with the big galoot the way he wants to play.  His puppy-ness  has really come out - he is bouncing around the yard with his butt in the air.  He has made friends with the neighbor dog and they rip around the yard chasing each other is circles.  He is discovering what is our property and we go on walks at least a couple of times a day.  He really wants to be a good dog and is so eager to know what we want - his gentleness is so appealing to everybody and all our family and friends just love him.  He has only barked once, and that was at his own reflection in the window!  He slept in his crate the first few nights, but now sleeps in our bedroom and is so pleased to be there.  I can see his caution sometimes when he meets new people, especially men, but he is so willing to trust you can see it shining out of his face.  He is just a big sweet puppy!  He is eating Horizon Legacy, and is doing very well with sitting until I tell him it is okay to eat.  He sures loves his food!!  Again, thanks so much for bringing him into our lives.  We have him enrolled for obedience and we are both going to go - it will be fun for us all!  Have you sent us his papers?  I need them to get his license from the county.
I have attached a picture of him on our deck - he likes to lounge around out there but wants to be sure that we are close.  He hangs out in my office and has come with me to work a few times this week.  He has made friends everywhere he goes and I can't say enough wonderful about him.  He is not Hobbies, of course, but he is already our very loved Jimmy.  He wants to send a very special message to Jenn, his  first mom, to thank her for all the work she did so that he could begin to know how to trust people.  He will always have a big love in his heart for her and her family.  Thanks from us too Jenn!   We'll send more pictures soon.
xoxo
Gilles and Dorothy

Update:
We have had Jimmy now for almost a year and he is just the best dog ever.  He is so attentive, so smart, awesome with our cats, little kids and just everyone.  We live out in the country and after a few months of having to confine him when we left, he now totally gets what is our property and stays home.  He has a couple of friends who come to visit, he goes for daily walks in our woods, is great at following us on our bikes, and is just all around a great dog.  He LOVES to sleep in front of the fire, and is truly a gentle giant. If I could just teach him to wipe his own feet, he would be a candidate for saint hood.  Hope that all is going well for you and your society.  Thanks again for all the awesome work that you do!
Gilles and Dorothy

ROGUE

Alycia Pawluk

TEAGAN 

Hello Maria and David,
 
Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how our girls are doing. It's been about 3 weeks since Cola (AKA Teagan) came home to live with us, and things are going GREAT!! She is so calm and gentle and intelligent...we just LOVE her!! And Heidi does too! It was a bit iffy for the first 3-4 days, but then they came to an understanding and have been the best of friends ever since!! Heidi has taken on the disciplinary role (not allowing Cola to chase "her" cats). We take the girls to the offleash park at least 3 times a week and they absolutely love it! They also both enjoy sleeping in our bed with us...luckily...we have a KINGsized bed!! 
I want you both to know how lucky we feel to have these dogs in our lives...and how important your role (and Jen's!!) was in helping us find them. Paul and I had researched so many different breeds trying to find the perfect fit for our family....turns out the perfect breed was a rescued designer mix. It's worked for us twice!
Keep up the fantastic work you do. We will bring them to visit you every chance we get. Here are a couple of pics from the latest trip to the dogpark.
Love,
Melanie, Paul, Emily, Morgan, Heidi and Cola

ARIEL
Update:

HOLLY
My new family thinks I'm so smart. I was potty trained in a couple days and I fit in perfectly with everybody. There's no shortage of love in this house.

Love Holly









Update:

Dear Maria and David,

Here are some photos of our beautiful Holly.

She has the most wonderful personality and is as sharp as a whip. She fits into our family so well and gives us such joy and love. We are very lucky to have her!

Thanks very much for letting us adopt her.

Take care,

Anna 

PEPPER

Hello! 

It’s been a little over a month since we brought Pepper home (now named Kabela).  She is an absolute delight to have around, and makes us laugh every day.  We have been working on training at home and all three of us will start puppy school in a couple of weeks.  She is constantly surprising us with how smart she is, even at such a young age!  

Kabela loves to play outside and loves to play fetch.  She has become best friends with a stuffed duck that flies nicely through the air and which she enjoys chasing and tossing around.  This sweet girl is full of love, and is quite the cuddler at the end of a busy day.  

We are absolutely thrilled to have Kabela in our family, and look forward to many happy years filled with love and laughter.   

Thank you so much to Leanne, her foster mom, and so much for DDARS for allowing Kabela to come into our lives. 

With love,

Steve, Melissa and Kabela

 LILAC

LADY LOVE
I just wanted to tell everybody that I'm doing very well in my new home. I get to go on lots of walks with my Mom's and Dad's grandchildren when they visit us. I love following my family around everywhere. They love me very much.
I hear that all my puppies, Leah, Raffi, Jade and Ruby, all got good homes too and that makes me happy. I'd like to say thanks and give licks and hugs to my foster dad Ed and his family for taking such good care of me and teaching me all the things I had to know to get a loving forever home.

Love Lady

 LEAH

RAFFI
Greetings from Kimberly BC. I'm becoming a very handsome boy. My Mom and Dad say I'm very well behaved. I sure love going for walks in such a beautiful place as this and have met a lot of doggie friends along the way.

Love Raffi

Update:
Hi everyone! My new name is Oscar. Here's a picture of me grown up and enjoying life in Kimberly. Ladies, eat your heart out.

Love Oscar (Raffi)

 RUBY

JADE
I am so happy in my new home. My human brother and I really have good time together. Everyone thinks I'm a fast learner. I'm so happy.
 
Love Jade

P.S. thank you Heather for your generous donation to help our other dogs' medical bills.

Duke and Duchess   

DODGER 

Hello Maria and David,

I would like to update you on the Shepherd mix we adopted, Dodger.  He has been in his forever home for two weeks now, and doing very well.  He is becoming more comfortable in his surroundings and loves to play outside in the snow.  We are quickly learning how intelligent of a dog he is, and will be starting puppy school in a couple of weeks (I don't know who is more excited - me or Dodger!)

Dodger is very playful and enjoys the company of people and meeting new doggie friends.  He enjoys playing and snoozing on his dog bed, and will drop any toy he has to come and play with you.  His foster mums’ were right - he loves to steal socks (especially out of piles of laundry), and definitely has a powerful sense of smell.    

We want to send out a heartfelt “Thank You” to your organization.  Dodger’s life was saved because of you and your team of rescuers and foster families.  We are told that Dodger is lucky to have such a wonderful home, but we are truly the lucky ones.  He is a wonderful companion and cannot wait to enjoy the years to come. 

We will continue to update you on his growth and progress.

Best Regards,

Ashley, Trevor & Dodger

Update
Hello Maria, David, and the DDAR rescue volunteers, 

I hope you are doing well!  I continue to check your website to see all the wonderful work you do and all the wonderful dogs that are adopted to loving homes. I wanted to update you on Dodger - he is 16 weeks now and a whopping 30 pounds!  When we took him for his 2nd set of shots he received a clean bill of health.  He is growing into a wonderful spirited dog - as you know we have been going to Puppy training and found it helpful with dog socialization.  He is naturally a very well mannered dog!  I recently took some photos of him that I thought you and the group would enjoy. I will keep updated with the upcoming Petsmart adoption days - I would love to bring Dodger to say hi.  

Continue with the wonderful work that you do! 

Best Regards,
Dodger, Ashley & Trevor

BELLA 
My foster family loved me too much to let me go so they decided to adopt me. I'm one lucky girl. I even have a Yorkie playmate. Life is sure wonderful.

Love Bella

AURORA 

Hi Maria!

She's made lots of new friends including Rocky who I think you've met and Coco my friends maltese-mix. She loves going to the dog park and running. There, we usually meet Rocky and sometimes another buddy. They are quite the explorers. Mischa also loves jogging with my room mate, playing tug-a-war and a good belly rub. 

Thanks for bringing Mischa into my life.

Kristin

ARCHIE
Hi Maria and David,

So sorry this email has taken me so long to get to you.  Just thought I would send you an update on Bandit (aka Archie).  He has grown into quite the boy all 90 pounds of him!  Yup 90 pounds (give or take)!   He is quite the character and couldn't imagine him not being part of our family.  We have had some mishaps with him as a puppy but as he matures (slowly) :)  we grow to love him more everyday!  For the most part he listens very well and is almost perfect at the off leash park.  Ever so often when he decides that he has to go and bark at someone riding by on their bike it's a 2 minute time out on the leash, which to him is like a life time of being tied up.  Ours walls have taken a beating too, he decided that drywall was for chewing and Daddy calls the wall going up to the bedrooms our wall of Beirut!  He hasn't chewed now for a few months so hopefully this phase is done and we can repair the walls in the spring.  What do ya do, walls can be repaired but the joy he brings to our lives and Sadie's veto's the holes in the wall any day.  But we're glad it's over(hopefully) nonetheless.  He is a really good boy and a real cuddle bug to boot!

We can't thank you enough for making it possible for us to have him in our lives.  What you do for not only our boy but for all that you have already helped and for those that you are continuing to help and bring love, warmth and safety too we are truly amazed by your passion and generosity towards our 4 legged friends.

I have attached a few pictures for you. 

Thank you!

Helen, Tony, Bandit and Sadie

BENNY
Greetings from Mississippi to everyone. I hope you're all enjoying the Edmonton winter. Ha! Ha! I'm sweatin' down here. Life is really fun with my mom and dad.
Thank you Chris and Kim for looking after me. Say hi to Brooke and Duchess for me.

Love you all,

Benny (now Farley)








UPDATE:

Hi Maria,
 
Sorry for taking a while to write back, but I wanted to get a couple good pictures of Farley for you!  Brooke is adorable, and I can definitely see the resemblance.
 
Anyway, we are all doing well. Farley weighs 80 lbs. now.  I think spring is coming here in Mississippi so we're looking forward to that!  Did I tell you that we got Farley a "brother"?  We got him in November from a rescue group near here.  He's a shepherd cross about the same age as Farley, and we actually think he looks a lot like Leo.  He's a great dog and they LOVE each other!
 
We're glad to hear that your rescue group is still going strong!  Those puppies you had on there recently were adorable.  I've attached a couple pictures of Farley and his brother, so feel free to pass them along to Brooke's family.  Hope to hear from you soon!
 
Deb

DIRK
Howdy! WOW, what a week it has been! I was so excited to finally get picked up by my new people parents!!! They brought me to my new home which I have spent countless hours exploring.  I love checking out all the new things inside and outside, especially as the snow melts exposing all sorts of new treasures to chew on.  I guess my people parents don't know that my name is Dirk because they keep calling me Wyatt. I like the sounds of that, so I am starting to pay attention when they say it.  At first I missed my brothers and sisters, but now I can sleep right through
the night without calling out for them. I have had lots of visitors; everyone just seems so excited to meet me...I don't know what the big deal is, but I love the attention I get!!! I also have a lot of fun new toys... even a big stuffed cow!!  I enjoy tackling the cow from across the room with a flying leap! I am enjoying going on walks, exploring everything in my new 'hood, although it took me a few tries to get used to that leash thing.
I have had a couple of playdates with my cousin Chinook (a chocolate lab). She chases a ball and I chase her, it is so fun to run around with her! I hope we hang out more soon!  
My people parents are funny. They get so happy every time I sit...they even give me treats sometimes, which is silly for doing something so simple. I think I am training them well.
I am looking forward to all the adventures I am going to have in the future...my people parents said something about an upcoming "Vet Appointment"... interesting!  Anyway, I better go, my stuffed polar bear toy is looking at me funny, so I better go chew on him some more! Thank you for raising me until my people parents could find me!!!
 
Love Wyatt...the puppy formerly known as Dirk. Yeehaw!


UPDATE: 
Hello Maria and David,
 
We just thought we would send you a picture  from Dirk's (now Wyatt) first birthday!!! He was extremely spoiled at Christmas so we tried to limit the number of presents on his January 3rd birthday. He is doing well, enjoys running around the snow and watching the rabbits from the front window of our house!
 
We see that Duke and Duchess have some cute new puppies available soon... tempting but I think we need to stick to just Wyatt for now. We are always checking your site for new puppies and updates!   
 
Anyway, thanks again! Wyatt says hi!  
 
Gavin and Leigh

 WILLOW

ASH 

BUTTERNUT

WINTERBERRY

MAX
Here's a picture of me in my new home.
I guess you might say that I've
settled in quite nicely.

Love Max

JEWEL

Hi D&D,
Here are a couple pics of Jewel (now Jenna). She is posing with her new sister Patches who is a rescue dog like herself. 

SHEBA
Update:
After very little time (and some reluctance on her part with the name) we have decided on a drastic move - a name change (SORRY!!!). She looks and seems so much like a little bear cub that her final name will be BODHI. She responded to it right away. She is VERY intelligent (she can retrieve, sit on hand signals and is pretty much house trained) and has made a home in all our hearts. Thanks again for rescuing this little girl for us!!!
Best wishes
The Dimmer Family

IVORY
Hi,
We are having lots of fun with Ivy (ex-Ivory) who we are pretty sure is actually a Maremma, an Italian sheep guard dog, related to the Pyrenees. Her puppy personality comes out more and more as she gains confidence and learns to play. She is very outgoing and friendly with all humans. She likes to race up to us and cover us with licks and she is very good at nosing a laptop out of the way so she can have her pats. She is slowly allowing other dogs to sniff around her and play a bit. We are teaching her to come so she can take advantage of the off leash areas (liver treats are her incentive). She likes riding in the car and just hanging out whatever we are doing and she is really enjoying the extra attention since our daughter is home from university. She had a good Christmas and was very patient with the changes in routine, extra decorations around and even let me put the Santa hat on her (see picture).
Thought we would show you her Calgary park.

All the best to you for 2010,
Barb, Rob & Robyn

CHEEKO
I'm so happy I have a forever mom all  to myself. She works out of our house so I have company all day. Sometimes her grandchildren come over and play with me. She has taught me how to walk on the treadmill so that I can keep my physique in tip top shape. Thank you Mary for fostering me until was adopted. I will never forget you.

Love Cheeko (now Buddy)

CASHA
Yip yip yap yap woof woof wag wag! I finally found my loving forever home. My dad is so excited that I am a high energy girl. We are going to walk, jog and run together. I will even get to go to work with him at his carpentry operation since he's the "top dog". He loves playing frisbee so guess who is going to play with him? My foster mom told him that I am so smart that I could be in competition for fly-ball and agility. My foster mom is an animal trainer and made me the girl I am today. I want to send hugs and kisses to my foster mom Rebecca and foster dad Julien who always had faith in me. You both will be in my heart forever.

Love,
Your little Casha

Update. Whoopee! Apparently I'm so clever my dad and I are going to Search and  Rescue class.

Vivee sleeps on the bed with my mother every night, has a favorite resting place on top of the sofa chair where she looks out of the window and has the occasional nap, and she also enjoys playing with her stuffed toys. She even has a favorite toy -- a  fluffy striped monkey. Vivee will go to the front door and sit with her nose to the door if she wants to go for a walk, and she wants to go for a walk a lot!  Mom takes her for lots of short walks, and other family members take her for long walks. Vivee also likes running and exploring in the back yard, and Mom is impressed by how she sits at the door when she comes in and waits for the OK to enter the rest of the house. When my brother David stops by with his dog Dora, Vivee gets excited and follows Dora wherever she goes even though Dora is much older and bigger. Mom thinks Vivee would enjoy a playmate so very soon she's going to be introduced to Turbo, my brother Ken and his wife's bichon/poodle cross. Mom and my sister-in-law think Turbo and Vivee will like each other and play well together.

I hope you and your husband have a wonderful Christmas.

Crystal

MISTY
I'm sure a lucky little girl. My new name is Tiara. I have a mom, dad and canine sibling. I'm the princess of the household and have a wardrobe to die for.

Love Tiara

Update:
Here's a picture of me with my new (big) sister Chachi.

LITTLE LADY

NETTIE
Hey Niko (aka Oliver) I'm so excited because I got adopted too. I have a mom, dad and two kids to play with and I know they all love me already.

Thank you to the nice people who rescued Niko and I so would have the chance for a good life.

Love Nettie (aka Charlie)

NIKO
Back at you Nettie. So happy to hear you have a great home too. My new family is spoiling me rotten and I'm sure yours will too. You will always be in my heart sis'.

Love Niko (aka Oliver)

BROOKE
Benny and Suki are my siblings. It seems I just turned on enough charm that my foster parents couldn't stand to see me go so I get to stay with them forever. And I have a canine sister Duchess who is my new BFF (best friend forever). I'm one lucky girl.

Love Brooke

Update:
I'm all grown up now and quite the lady.

SUKI
Hello there!
Here are some photos of Shiloh (used to be Suki). She has so far made a fabulous addition to our home and I think she really likes being here. Our small cat has adopted her too, they play all the time! Thanks again:)

NAPOLEON
I've really settled into my forever home and my life is in perfect order. My potty issues all have been resolved and I'm not nervous any more. It's just amazing what love, patience and attention can accomplish. I get to go for lots of walks and I enjoy all the many cuddles and hugs too. I'm one happy boy!

Love Napoleon

MEADOW
Yippie! I have my very own forever home now and my new name is Keely Meadow. I slept in my mom's bed last night; sure no shortage of love in this house.

Love Keely Meadow

KENAI

LUCY
 

MAGGIE

BO

BELLE

BERNIE

PEGGY

TUCKER
Hi everyone. I'm settling in my new home now and everyone loves me. Thank you to all the people who applied to adopt me. You were all good homes. Maybe you would consider one of the others who do not have their forever home yet.
I want to say a special thank you to my foster mom Jenn who rescued me and took such wonderful care of me. I so appreciated you being a my side during my ordeal. I love you as much as I know you love me. You will always have a  place in my heart.
 
Love Tucker

 
Woof! Woof! Woof! Thank you to the following people for your kind generosity in helping pay for my surgery:
* Paul and Melanie Fisher (Heidi's family)
* Judy Phillips
* Kristina Barber (Vixen's family)
* and my new family Rachel Notley and Lou Arab

BRODY

HUDSON
Hi there Maria,
Just wanted to touch base with you on Hudson. He is fitting in just fine. When we got home he spotted Spike's food dish and the water and just started chowing down. Spike and Hudson played outside chasing each other. There were a few times Hudson wanted a time out from Spike so Hudson would either lay on my lap or under my chair. Then they were back at it again. Hudson is doing really well with going to the bathroom outside. Sleep time went well. They both slept in the spare bedroom for most of the night then came into our bedroom. I can't tell you how happy I am to have Hudson as part of the family. He likes to curl up with me and watch TV. Well it's more like I watch TV and Hudson has a nap. I have a picture of Hudson on my computer. Everyone thinks he is so adorable. 
Thanks so much for letting Hudson be a part of our family. We will take very good care of him. He will always be loved. Have a super day.

SHELBY

MOLLY
Update:
It has been awhile since we adpoted Molly. She is doing great and is fitting in just great with the family. She loves her walks and plays a lot with the kids. She is now trained and I couldn't imagine the family without her. So glad that we decided to adpot her and just want to say thank you for taking care of Molly while she was waiting for her new home for life.

Jason

MARTY

MORGAN

TAZ

TEDDY
Hi Maria,
We wanted to let you know Teddy is doing great. We really love him he loves to be outside and sticks more with me so I usually bring him to work. He loves the other dogs and is great with our girls. Thank you for everything you did for Ted.

Amber

JONAH
Hi there folks... just thought I'd drop you a line with some pictures and let you know that my new name is Baxter. My mom and dad say I'm growing like a weed. They just couldn't wait to take me home when they got back from their Las Vegas vacation. Ha ha they'll probably need another one by the time I finish my puppyhood.

Love Baxter

VENUS
Hi Maria,
We just wanted to update you on Morgan, formally known as Venus. She is doing so well and has fit right into our family wonderfully. She has brought us so much happiness that we cannot remember what life was like before her. Morgan gives us the greatest gifts everyday just by being happy to see us when we come home, company when either of us is gone, and energy that we need to have to keep up with her. Morgan loves going out to the cabin for weekends where she chases ducks and geese and enjoys smelling all the different smells the lake has to offer. Morgan is so loved among all of our family and friends and has spent many hours playing with her cousin, a Shiatsu Pomeranian. 
Morgan has just completed 6 weeks of puppy school which has been such a benefit to not only her but us as well. She was able to make many lifelong friends at school including a Rottweiler and a Boxer. Morgan has done so well in puppy classes and has so much energy that we are thinking about putting her into agility classes and have already signed her up for the next level of school scheduled to start again this week. 
We wanted to thank-you for the wonderful work you both do. We are so blessed to have her in our lives and would not have been able to experience this joy if you did not rescue her from the pound.
 
Thank you,
 
Alina, Ryan, and Morgan.

LILLY

LUNA
Eat your heart out...I just got a wonderful forever mom. It was love at first sight. She thinks she picked me but the truth is I picked her. I know we are going to have a wonderful new life together.

Thank you to Irene, my fantastic foster mom. You and your resident dogs were so patient with me when I first arrived. You all knew what I needed most and that was love. I am going to miss all of you and I will never forget you.

Love Luna   

DINO
I'm in my new home with my mom and teenage boy. Do I ever have an active life. I go to work with mom sometimes and go to day care as well. Running is a real ball for me and it's funny to see my mom try to catch me. She may need new running shoes soon. At home I lay on top of the chesterfield with my paws on my teenager brother's shoulders and we play video games together. If this isn't enough I heard that the three of us are going to Toronto this summer for a vacation. Whoopee, life is a good.

Love Dino

P.S. thank you Mary for taking care of me until I got adopted.

HEIDI
I'm starting to get my girlish figure back after weaning my nine babies below. My yellow Labrador beauty is really starting to shine again. My picture was taken on  February 21st while I was waiting for my new forever family to pick me up.

To my babies -- it's time for me to say good bye and go to my forever home. I have taught you everything you need to know to be good little puppies. You have wonderful lives ahead of you. You will always be in my heart.

Love Mommy

ABBY
Yippie! Harley and I left on March 1st to be with our mom and dad and great kids who love playing with us.

Love Abby

BART
Hi! If you want to know where I am, I'm at my new home with my new mom and dad and 4-legged sister. We have been bouncing through the snow and having tons of fun together.

Love Bart

BECKY
My forever mom says I'm a natural at playing fetch. I'm only 10 weeks old and bring the ball back and drop it at her feet. I'm fitting in really well and she thinks I'm the smartest dog ever.

Love Becky

HARLEY
Whoopee! Abby and I were really lucky to go together to the same wonderful forever home.
 
Love Harley

JESSIE
My new mom says I'm really laid back, cuddly and a perfect companion. Wow, does she ever love me. She gets a kick out of me watching TV with her.

Love Jessie  

LUKE
Hi everybody. Here's a picture of me doing a little male bonding with my forever dad while mom does the chores. I think I'd better enjoy this while I can.  

Love Luke

ISIS
I' ve been in my new home for awhile and must say I'm really loved here. You might say I'm queen of the household. It seems like I've lived here all my life. Thank you to my foster mom Mary for looking after me while I was waiting to be adopted.

Love Isis

WINSTON
 I was talking to Rocky's (Winston's) foster mom and she mentioned that I should forward you some photos and give an update.  I can't tell you how much we love this little guy!  He is absolutely charming and so affectionate.  He and our golden retriever Baxter love playing in the snow and we've taken them to the dog park at Laurier many times.  Rocky is a favorite with everyone there and we can't walk very far without someone stopping to give him pets and to ask how old he is and what kind of mix he is.  Rocky just sits there and looks up with his puppy eyes and eats up the attention and slumps over to have his belly rubbed.  He has gone for his second set of vaccinations and will be neutered on April 3.  My husband and I decided to upgrade to a king size bed seeing as we already have one dog who sleeps with us, and 3 cats.