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aly
03-21-2001, 01:59 AM
I'm sure you guys have talked a lot about how you got your dogs so I just thought I'd share my babies' stories.

In April 2000, my precious labrador died. I miss her so much. In about August of 2000, I felt I was ready to get a new doggy. I researched breeds and looked at shelters for 3 months. I needed a small dog since I live in an apartment. I wanted the perfect one. I came close to adopting a few but the rescue group kept falling through on their appointments and not returning my calls. I was on my way to school one day listening to the morning radio show. Someone from the shelter went on the radio to talk about some of their dogs they have for adoption. They talked about a wirehaired fox terrier, "Paddy", who's time was up 4 days ago but they really wanted to place him in a home. I turned the car around and found myself driving to the shelter instead of school. I didn't even think about it, just did it. I ran in there and had to run up and down rows and rows of cages trying to find the one he was in. It was the city shelter which is not a great place to visit. I cry the whole time every time I go there. Through my tears, I saw a mangy little dog sitting in his cage quietly, just waiting. All the other dogs were yelping and barking and going crazy, but this one just sat. He looked so sad and depressed. I immediately filled out an application and they approved me on the spot. He had no other apps on him. I took him home 20 minutes later. What a sad dog, all he did was curl up in a ball and stare into space. He also had kennel cough. I figured he had been neglected and abused because whenever I would move my hand, he'd hit the floor like I was going to hit him. I bought him toys but when I threw them to him, they'd just hit him in the head. He had no idea how to play. I'm happy to report that today he is the most dominant, bold, happy little guy with tons of attitude. He's a handful and a half but I love him to pieces. Paddy is now named Harley.

I work and volunteer at the humane society. I fall in love with dogs constantly but I am usually able to control myself from bringing them all home. I got sick in January with bronchitis and had to miss a week of going to the humane society. During this time, a badly matted and neglected poodle in need of grooming came. They got him groomed so he was adopted before I ever got to see him. The small dogs tend to go really fast. A month and a half later, the little poodle shows back up because his owners were being evicted. I walked into the kennels that day and he was the first dog I saw. Since I didn't know him, I went over to meet him. Something happened that I just can't explain. Something made me take him into a visitation room and hold him and talk to him for hours. I felt like our souls connected and I was meant to have him. I convinced myself he would get a good home soon so I didn't need to worry. Well two days later, I came back and he was still there with no applications. I thought this had to be a sign because a cute little guy such as him usually doesn't last a day. I filled out an app and told them not to hold him for me since I had to talk to my lanlord. It was Friday night and I said if he was still there Monday morning, I would take him. Well they put a hold on him for me anyway because they wanted me to have him. I'm sooooo glad! I love this guy. He's so beautiful and he gets along with my cat and dog wonderfully. He's my baby doll. I named him Reece.

Ok, I made this longer than I thought it would be. Sorry for going on so much but you know how it is once you get started http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

tatsxxx11
03-21-2001, 05:58 AM
Oh, dear Aly. I just had to read your post before going to work, and now I'm in tears, with red and swollen eyes. First, a big, big, welcome to you. What a wonderful member addition you are to Pet Talk. There is so much I want to say to you. We have so much in common that I hope to write you about later. Suffice it to say, for now, that I think you are one incredible, loving human being and I can't wait to get to know you and your wonderful doggie family. Thank you so much for your beautiful 1st post and big hugs and kisses to Harley and Reece. Much love, Sandra

Gio
03-21-2001, 06:24 AM
First of all welcome Aly,

I dream about being able to adopt a dog but unfortunately I cannot keep one for the time being.

I experienced the same immediate bonding with two of my cats so I know how it feels. And as you said, I cannot think of those shelters without getting weepy. Needless to say all my babies are rescues.

Gio

Angels3
03-21-2001, 07:21 AM
Aly, my tears started flowing, too, when I read your story. But they were tears of happiness that Harly & Reece found you, as well as tears of relief that there are people like you in this world. I'm looking forward so much to hearing lots more from you. I think you're wonderful & that your 2 dogs are just gorgeous & sweet & so fortunate to have you.

KYS
03-21-2001, 08:12 AM
Aly,

Thank you so much for sharing your heart
warming story. I truely believe is fate.

KYS
03-21-2001, 08:12 AM
Aly,

Thank you so much for sharing your heart
warming story. I truely believe in fate.

KYS
03-21-2001, 08:14 AM
Sorry for double posting, I tried to
correct my spelling error. ;(

margaret
03-21-2001, 09:07 AM
Aly, thank you SO much for sharing your sad but wonderful stories of how you adopted your dogs. I LOVE these kinds of stories, and it makes me so happy to hear about dogs and other animals who are rescued from nasty shelters. Like KYS, I also believe in fate and that you and your animals were all meant to be together to love each other. I hope you will all be a very happy family forever! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

AdoreMyDogs
03-21-2001, 09:37 AM
Aly, Thank you so much for sharing the very touching story about how your lucky dogs entered your life. Rescuing is truly rewarding. Both of my dogs are rescues too, and they sure do know it. It was amazing fate that brought me together with my kids, too. I can relate to that wonderful feeling of being paired with a "soulmate" of a dog, and I always love hearing stories of other happy rescue successes.

karen israel
03-21-2001, 10:36 AM
Thank you SO much, Aly, for sharing your beautiful touching story! You never have to worry about going on and on with this group! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif Welcome to Pet Talk and I can tell you'll fit in just fine!!! You are our kind of people!! A lifetime of happiness for you and your sweeties! Love, Karen

Sudilar
03-21-2001, 11:07 AM
Welcome.
I just LOVE rescue stories. I have two of my own. Whenever I hear of a rescue, it fills my heart with joy!! Saving lives is what it's all about!
Sue

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***Save a life, ADOPT***

wolflady
03-21-2001, 11:18 AM
Aly, what a wonderful rescue story! We always love hearing about everybody else's babies. Harley and Reece were certainly lucky to find you! I really do think rescue animals have a little more appreciation when it comes to mommies and daddies that rescue. It's such a wonderful feeling. I can imagine how hard it would be to work in a shelter and not take all of the fur babies home!! Many hugs and kisses (and purrs from my boys) to you and your fur family http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif
Karen

Genia
03-21-2001, 06:49 PM
Aly, You sound like a wonderful person with a heart of gold. Reece and Harley are lucky fellows. Thank you for sharing your story and once again proving that some of our best friends are waiting in a shelter.

aly
03-22-2001, 01:02 AM
Thanks everyone for the welcome and kind thoughts http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

I hate to say that I've been having some problems with my babies though. I'm going to post what's going on in Dog Behavior. Please give me your opinions.