Happy Tails

Dogs Adopted in 2008
ARLISS
Hi, it’s me, Arliss. Some of you might remember me as Snickers. I have since changed my name and I also have lost more than 30 pounds. I used to not be able to walk the block without panting uncontrollably, but now my new family takes me for walks every day. I get to go to the dog park at least one time a week and I am trying to learn how to swim, but I have not decided if I like the water yet! I go to rugby matches every weekend and meet lots of new friends.

My sister, Lilly Mae, is my new best friend. We love to take naps together and spend lots of time playing. She does not like to share her tennis balls with me, but that is okay, because they do not interest me much. She was not too sure about me in the beginning, but after a few weeks she decided that I was a keeper. She keeps me in line by barking at me and telling Mom when I have done something bad. I do not do too many things bad anymore. I used to like to steal food out of the cupboard and eat it on my dog bed. One time I dragged a bag of pancake mix down the entire hallway. Mom was not too happy with me, but she forgave me when I batted my big brown eyes at her.

I also live with three cats and they have decided that I am not too bad either. We all like to take naps together in the afternoon on Mom and Dad’s bed (that is, since I have graduated from being in my kennel all
day). In a few weeks Mom and Dad say that we are moving to a new house with a bigger back yard. I can not wait to meet all of the neighbor dogs
and run around my new yard. I never knew life could be this good! Woof!

AVA

Dear Nicole. Amy, and Karen, guess who? This is Ava

My new family just left to run some errands. They don’t normally allow me to use the computer, but since they are gone, what they don’t know can’t hurt them. (They might notice my slobber on the keyboard… hopefully not). They usually don’t leave me for very long, so I don’t have much time before they are home again.

I wanted to write to you and let you know how much you have all meant to me and how I can never forget all that you have done in my life. Thank you for all of your love and encouragement in my life. I know I wasn’t an easy case, but I noticed everything you did for me when I was going though a tough time. Your acts of love don’t go unnoticed.

I also want you to know that I really love the family you placed me with. I wasn’t sure at first, but now that I have gotten use to them and my surroundings, it’s really great! I spend my days following whoever is home around, my sisters all love to romp outside in the snow with me. Dad and I take walks together on mild days. Mom spoils me with lots of attention and everyone always likes to talk to me in really funny voices (I don’t always get that).

Christmas was really great this year; I got to meet the relatives. I was a little scared of Grandpa at first, but now he is one of my favorite relatives. AND GUESS WHAT! I GOT PRESENTS! Yup, my family surprised me with some Christmas gifts. I got a bag of delicious treats! I hope you get a chance to try them someday, because seriously, they are REALLY good. I also got a new stuffed toy which I like to carry around the house a lot. Don’t worry Nicole; the stuffed balls that you gave me are still my toys of choice.

With the New Year, I have some resolutions:
* I really am going to try even harder to let my family know when I need to go outside to the bathroom. My family put a bell by the door, but sometimes I forget to ring it. I am slowly learning and I can tell my family has faith in me.
* I am setting a goal to learn the commands better. I understand “come” and “sit” really well, but I need to work on “stay” a lot. Dad taught me how to shake hands and sit up pretty! Everyone is always really impressed when they see me show off.

Mom and Dad tell me that Cognac is going to be joining the family too. I remember meeting him at Karen’s house (gosh that was so much fun)! I am really excited to have an older step brother! I am hoping to learn some things from him and he will be a great friend to run with and hang out at home with when the rest of the family is gone at work or school.

Well, I think I hear the garage door and my family is home, so I better say goodbye! I love you all so much and miss seeing you! WAAGR was the best thing that ever happened to me, because it meant I got to meet all of you! Thank you so much! I will be sure to tell my friends about WAAGR! Lots of kisses, Ava

BELLA

Bella (Karen) was a puppy mill girl that WAAGR helped and she continues to do really well in her forever home. She got her Canine Good Citizen Certificate and last we heard, continues in obedience 2. Her family would like to enter in a therapy dog program with her.

Bella is becoming more dog like, stealing food, romping, fetching, and even occasionally asking for attention! She still has some fear issues, but is getting better all the time. Her family loves her very much.

Bella update Jan. 2010: Bella was one of a multitude of dogs in Karen's backyard in September 2008. We had been told of the horrible conditions of Puppy Haven, and that she had been used as a breeder. We were not sure what to expect. We met a scared and tentative, but beautiful and hopeful dog, and we instantly fell in love. Learning to give her space and let her come into her own was probably the hardest part of our early days with her. We are happy to report that in January 2010, Bella and Liz passed their evaluation to be a therapy team through the Delta Society Pet Partners Program. Now we will be able to share her story with all sorts of people who need a little inspiration and lots of love. Bella is a happy example of what WAAGR is all about.

BENNET

It's me Bennet (aka Skittles) and I really wanted to say hello and tell you about my forever home and what I enjoy!

First I have to say I love to look out my big living room windows and watch my deer & birdie friends while I sit in my cozy chair with my rope that I get to chew on-SO FUN! I like to chew! Sometimes I still chew on my family's hands, but I am working on that. My mom tells me what a sweetheart I am early in the morning and when she tucks me in my crate bed and scratches my legs, I like that!!

I just love to go for my daily walks to sniff and see other dog friends. I get so excited I start leaping like a "kangaroo!" I have a silly nickname my mom has called me ever since I moved in: Bennie Boopers! I don't mind though since she loves me so. I LOVE to tease my big sister Shaker! She is smaller than me and I am getting good at leaping over her.

But back to my walks - my mom and dad think I am part cow, because as I walk I really enjoy taking a bite of grass, finding a stick or a tree pod (those are cool!) I want to say thank you for finding a family that has children I can play with and grow up with. I have completed my family and am learning and loving. My great-grandpa always says what a smart pup I am. That makes me feel good, as I will be turning 1 year old this August. I feel grateful for my luck with my family-maybe they will have a birthday party for me!

Keep up the good work on saving wonderful dogs who need to be understood and loved!!!!

BINGO
Hi, my name is Bingo and I am one happy camper at my new home! Lots of toys, the tennis ball is my favorite, treats, running around, me and Bethany have lots of playtime together. We have so much fun that sometimes mom has to tell us to quiet down! I really like to tease Punch the cat, but I would never hurt her. I think I like her more than she likes me! Oh well, she'll learn to love me like my family does eventually, because I sure do have a

lot of charm and personality.

P.S. My mom wants to write something...

I want to thank WAAGR for bringing us Bingo. He is truly the most wonderful dog and a blessing to our household. Of course we have a few challenges but his temperament, loving and gentle disposition makes a perfect balance for a family dog. He is protective of us, but not aggressive towards people or other dogs. I was worried about his larger size living in the city where there isn't too much space. But we've found some nice walking spots and moved some furniture around to accommodate him!

Thank you for Bingo and your dedication to finding forever homes for our canine buddies. We love him so much and couldn't ask for a better pet!

CRUIZER
Hello to WAAGR and friends! My name is Cruizer and I was actually adopted just over one year ago, so I thought it was about time that I check in! My Mom and Dad were told that the family I used to live with did not want to claim me anymore, as I continually escaped. Apparently they said enough was enough and no longer wanted to deal with me. In my defense, I was not fixed, and well, I went cruising for the ladies! However, I don't think about that part of my life anymore, not since I found my forever home.

When I first met Mom and Dad while living with my Foster Mom, they woke me up out of a sound sleep on the couch, and I was crabby. Plus, I thought I needed to protect Sue, my Foster Mom, so I stayed by her side, and kept an eye on these two unknown people. She stated this situation seemed unusual, while describing my daily behavior as, "mostly good."

But the following weekend, Sue took me over to their house to spend some time with them. They took me for a long walk at the park one block away. Afterwards, I made myself right at home, and they decided they wanted me!

In the beginning, we all liked each other just fine. As time passed, I relaxed more, and let my true personality out. I can't lie, there were a few rough patches. Yet, my new Mom and Dad accepted me for who I was, just as I am. And when people and dogs do that for each other, an amazing thing happens: Everyone falls in love with each other.

In spite of the fact that Mom and Dad still describe my daily behavior as, "mostly good," they say I am their silly dude. I try my best! Sometimes I act tough and macho to the outside world, yet I truly am a big 'ol teddy bear who greatly enjoys snuggling.

Now none of us can imagine a life and a home where we are not together. We truly are a forever family.

DAISY
Hello WAAGR!!! It's me Daisy. I was adopted by my family in November 2008. I wanted to let you know that I am doing well and love my new home. I experienced the snow for the first time and now I just can't get enough of it! Every time I go outside, my parents have to drag me back in. I would live outside if they would let me.

I have soooooo many toys that I love to play with. My favorite toy is my stuffed tiger. I also love my big bone that Santa brought me for Christmas. I run around the house all day long.

I am very loyal. I do not leave mom or dad's side. When they leave the room, I am right there beside them. They even let me sleep on the bed once in a while!!

I also LOVE to chase my tail. I would do it for hours if I didn't get so dizzy. Sometimes I don't realize it is attached to my body and I go head over heels trying to get it off of me.

My dad takes me to friends' houses so I can play with the other dogs. We get along and play for hours. One night when dad brought me home, I was so muddy I had to get a bath before I went to bed (sorry Dad). I usually play so hard that the next day I sleep all day long!

We'll I'm off to find more adventures. I heard this summer I get to go camping and meet lots of other camping dogs. I may also get to go swimming in the lake - I hope I like the water! I can't wait until we go. Thanks WAAGR for giving me such a loving home, I finally feel like I have a family that loves me! Love, Daisy

JERSEY
Jersey was my first WAAGR rescue dog. I picked up Jersey on Dec. 20, 2008. His name was Otis at the time. We drove down to Illinois to pick him up at his foster home and I remember the drive: It was so nerve wrecking because of all the tolls, traffic and it was snowing. I was so excited to meet this little puppies that I could not contain myself. I felt like I was 5 years old at Christmas. When we walked in the door he was sleeping under the kitchen table with his sister. They were so cute together; I wanted to take them both home, but I was not able to at that time. I always told myself I will get him a friend later in life. To this day, Jersey still sleeps under the kitchen table. Well he tries at least when the chairs are not pushed in. He can fit under there, otherwise he lays on the side with his head under one of the chairs.

Over the next year Jersey created some good stores for me to tell my friends and family. No one could get over the size and the coloring of him. He is a beautiful dog; Jersey is now 1 year and 9 months old. He has the coloring and feathering of a Golden Retriever. He weighs 80 pounds, and is a very tall boy when he stands on his hind legs. The first year was great - I could not have asked for a better dog. Outside of him chewing on my carpet, and cushions at home I would not have asked for a better dog! I thought to myself he need a friend to play with when I was not home, or he just need someone to talk to instead of Scott and I. I could not make up my mind if I wanted an older dog or if I wanted a puppy again. Then I found out about Brooklyn.

I saw a picture of Caramel (now Brooklyn) and I just fell in love with her. To read the story about Brooklyn go to adoption year 2009. Jersey and Brooklyn play all the time. They run all over my house, knocking things over and running into people! They play this game with each other where they chase each other though the whole house. They run upstairs onto my bed, then downstairs and around the kitchen table till they knock over a chair or two. Then they move into the living room. They will do this all day long if we let them. Same thing with outside: They run and run and run. Being that it is summer, I take both of them swimming to so that they can cool down. They chase each other in the water and race each other to the dummy in the water to see who can get it first. Then if Jersey gets to it before Brooklyn, Jersey will bring it to Brooklyn and let her bring it to me. They are so great together! I could not have asked for two other dogs. I don't know how many times I can say that, but these two dogs were meant to be together!

SADIE (left, pictured with brother Kodi Bear)
Hello to all of my friends at WAAGR! I wanted to send a quick note to let you all know how happy I am. I wasn't sure at first. There was this HUGE dog at my new home and he sure was intimidating. Well, I sure put him in his place! We still both argue sometimes about who will be alpha, but for the most part, I win! He really is a good brother, he shares his toys and treats with me. I let him be friends with one of the cats we share our house with, but I get to have the new kitten all to myself. I like playing with her, I even let her chew on my paws. It's funny to watch her chase my tail. I love to give hugs to everyone. My mom and dad like to take me up north to their camper. I spent a lot of time up there this past summer. It's nice because I don't have to share them with my new brother...He's way to hairy to go in the car! I already knew how to sit and come, but my mom and dad would sure like it if I would lay and stay. That's my new year's resolution! My new family wants to thank all of the nice people at WAAGR for bringing us together! with lots of love, Sadie

SADIE
Sadie (known to WAAGR as Autumn) was adopted in October 2008. Here's the report we got from her foster family. Her new name is Sadie Autumn Mae - and we love her to pieces. She has come a very long way and is our constant companion. She especially loves to take walks - which we have been doing a lot since the weather is getting better. The most amazing thing about her is her coat and tail. When we first got her we thought she was a short-haired golden with a skinny tail. Her tail now looks like a regular golden tail - thick and lots of hair - and her coat is shiny, soft and long. Sadie and I are starting a training class next week - probably more for me than for her - so I can learn how to teach her to respond to commands. Thanks for rescuing her from a puppy mill in Missouri. We are blessed to have her in our life!

SHADOW
Hi I'm Shadow (known to WAAGR as Ellen). I am a small, black, mixed girl dog and I love my new home! One day a family with two kids came to visit. They petted me and played with me. A couple weeks later, I went to their house. They had a big backyard and I loved it! Soon I lived with them and they took care of me. Now, my girls (the kids) feed me and love me the most!

From Shadow's mom: That's what I think my dog Shadow would really say (if she could talk) to the nice people at WAAGR! Thank you!

TOBY (formerly known as Roscoe)
Hi all of my friends at WAAGR !! This is Toby (aka: Roscoe). I just wanted all to know that I am SO VERY HAPPY at my new forever home. I have settled in pretty well....taken over the couch that I was told at first was off limits! What a joke that was! No one can resist my charm and wonderful loving personality! My forever Mom and Dad are really good to me. I go for walks every morning and afternoon...even in the bad snow storms....I love it! I try to bite the big snow flakes....but I suppose all doggies do that, right?

I went to the vet two days after I came to live here. I liked everyone there and made a real spectacle of myself when I backed out of the leash my Dad was holding and raised a big stink with all the other dogs! That was fun! I got my first Lymes vaccine then and just went the other day for the second one. In a week I have to go get my teeth cleaned. My forever Mom and Dad have some great food here and the doggie snacks are yummy!

So as you can all see I am very happy here and I want to thank all the WAAGR people for taking such good care of me and finding me such a good home. I couldn't be happier. I want to especially thank Amy Behrendt for doing the home visit required for my adoption and most of all I want to thank Sue Shaw for being my foster Mom for a few weeks and taking great care of me while I was at her house. I won't ever forget her! Thank you all very very much!

TUCKER

Hi, it's me Tucker! Thanks John & Lori for fostering me and finding me this great home! I now run free, eat well and get LOTS of love. They even let me lay all over the furniture and I get to wear

neat bandanas! I also have a big sister (Mattie) who is getting old, but she doesn't mind if I take her toys!

My new mom brushes me every day and takes me for truck rides every weekend! The girl in the house plays ball and chase with me and even lets me into her club house, but mom makes me come in when I get too full of snow. I will also have a new family when Mom gets married, including another kid to play with and a new dad who likes it when I crawl in bed and snuggle when he sleeps in (he calls me "Buddy Boy").

Snow is totally cool! My whiskers have grown back and my coat is filling in, so I'm looking pretty dapper now! Oh, and the cookie jar is NEVER empty, yummy! I hope all dogs end up in a home like mine. I am truly a fortunate boy! Lucky dog! A golden thanks to all of the great people at WAAGR. Please keep up the great work and fulfilling a dogs dream of finding forever homes like mine! WOOF!

Dogs adopted in 2009
Dogs Adopted in 2007

Dogs Adopted in 2006

Dogs Adopted in 2005

	*Providing Bright New Beginnings To Displaced Golden Retrievers*