Ripley's Gotcha Day Anniversary!

[Pam]

Today marks five years that *The Ripster* has been with us. The vet estimated his age at the time of his adoption to be about 3 so today we are celebrating what might be his 8th birthday.

For those who may not know the story, I was in the early stages of thinking about getting a playmate for Bella and a second dog for me since I have always had two dogs at a time. I had thought of getting a shelter dog but very rarely saw any poodles (my heart dogs) on Petfinder. One day I was asked by my daughter if I wanted to ride up to the shelter where she got Dandy, her kitty. She had to turn in "proof of spaying" and, in turn, the State of NJ would give her some money back. This particular shelter does not spay/neuter prior to re-homing (at least it didn't back then). I agreed to ride along, and so off we went. While there we decided to just walk through the kennel and see who was there. Well, my little boy was there! He had just been brought in the night before as a stray. He was sitting in a corner so matted that he was twice his size and looking very sad. He even had prickly little balls (that fall out of trees) stuck to his tummy fur. I asked the woman if I might be allowed in his cage and she let me go in. I then sat on the floor to see what he would do. To my delight he walked right over, with his tail attempting to wag, but in the down position, and plopped himself right in my lap. I told him right then and there that if no one claimed him he had just found his new home.

I had to wait for nine days so, in the meantime, I took Bella up to meet him. They pretty much ignored each other after a few initial sniffs. The shelter gals had, since our first visit, shaved him to the skin in order to get his mats off. He didn't look like a poodle at all but was so much more comfortable. We brought him home on January 16, 2003 and has brightened all of our lives ever since. He makes me laugh every day with his silly little personality. He and Bella are best buds and life is good.

Pictures to follow....

[Pam]

Here is the shelter photo that was on Petfinder while I was waiting for the nine days to be up.


Here he is a few days after coming home. He wore a sweater for quite some time until his fur came in.


Having a tug with Bella. She was so sweet. She let him pull her all around to make him feel big and strong.


More in next post...

[Pam]

Playing with his squeaky chicken that he received in the mail, along with a bunch of *Welcome to your new Home* stuff, from his Auntie Rachel.
*Thank you Auntie Rachel!*



Telling Andy to stop laughing at him while he is being groomed.


And one from several months ago, just relaxing on Mommy's bed and looking oh so cute.


He is my constant shadow and is never more than an inch from my side and is always making me laugh. Ripley we love you and hope you will be around for years and years to come.

[Rachel]

Oh, like a kid, I could hear this story over and over again. It is by far one of my favorites. And thankfully this happy ending wasn't a fairy tail and it continues to this day. Oh happy day!!!

Ripley you are a gorgeous little boy, but the best part is that you are a good, loving little brother to all your siblings, canine and feline, and a little Mommy's Boy, just like my Tucker. Maybe if I quit now, I can be the first one to wish you a Happy Birthday/Gotcha Day.

Oh, and it is good to know I am not the only one who does my grooming on the kitchen table.

[Anita Cholaine]

Aww, happy gotcha day Ripley!

I didn't know your adoption story, it definitely sounds like you and your mom were made for each other

[Ginger's Mom]

Happy Birthday/Gotcha Day, handsome Ripley. I think you are one of the luckiest little boys who ever went through our shelter. You certainly hit the jackpot in finding a great home. Both your Mom and your Auntie Robin are wonderful ladies for giving shelter animals a second chance. Big hugs and smooches to you Ripley from both Ginger and I.

[RobiLee]

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY, RIPLEY!!!

I love hearing how Ripley came into your life, Pam. I'm so happy that you both found each other and that you share him with us here at Pet Talk. He is such a handsome little man and I am always happy when I get to see pictures of him and his sister. Please give that cutie pie a big hug and kiss from me on his very special day.

I JUST LOVE THE RIPSTER!

[pitc9]

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY BIG GUY!!

How lucky you and your mommy are that she went to the shelter that day.

She was put there that day to find you and save you!

[Freedom]

Hooray, Ripley, FIVE years! And you have made the most of each and every day. Got yourself into a great home and made sure you stayed. Enjoy, Ripley!


I lveod reading thestory, I was not aware of it before. Aren't shelter dogs great? Like my Lacey,who has become my velcro girl and won't leave my side, lol.

[Cinder & Smoke]

I told him right then and there that if no one claimed him he had just found his new home.

He and Bella are best buds and life is good.

Wishin ya a
*RIPPIN* Good
Gotcha Day,
**Ripley**!!

[Christiansmommy]

Happy Gotcha Day Ripley!! I remember the day we first met. You must have known that mom was going to be at the shelter that day, must have had a sense about it...so you escaped from your former place, just to find your way to the shelter to meet mom! That is how strong your bond is to her!! I know you are cared for with the utmost love, and I know that is why you cling to mom's side like velcro...b/c you are so very thankful for her taking you in, and taking such good care of you. You are a sweet boy, and I can't imagine Mom and Dad's house without a Ripley in it!!

Happy Gotcha Day Rip!!!! We love you!! (even Harlee )

[4 Dog Mother]

I, too, love that story even though I have heard it before. Some things were meant to be told over and over and over..... Ripley is so darn cute - I can see how you would fall in love with him. It is so great that you could recognize that in the little ball of fur mess that he was.

Happy Gotcha Day, Ripley!!!

[AdoreMyDogs]

Happy Gotcha day, Ripley! I remember when your mom got you and posted the news for us PT'ers to read. What a happy day that was You're such a special boy and you've got the very greatest home with the very sweetest mom. You deserve it, little Ripley

[cassiesmom]

Ripley, cutie! What a great story! Could you please have your mom give you lots of petting for me today (Some to Bella, too)? Happy Gotcha Day, sweety!

[kimlovescats]

Oh Ripley, what a fantastic story of your adoption! I never knew how you came to be a part of your family and our PT! What a cute little mess of fur you were and what a handsome boy you are today! I certainly am glad that you and Mommy found eachother! What would AnnaBelle do without her Rip?

AnnaBelle has a thread today for her birthday too! Unfortunately mommy forgot on the correct day (6th) but she still loves her just the same! It worked out nicely though because both of you can share a special day!

Love and Puppy Kisses to you, Ripley!

Kim and AnnaBelle