CoCo

Coco's original owners were living in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit. I'm guessing they were in the process of leaving after the hurricane hit and realized they couldn't take her with them because they drove up to an animal rescue vehicle and handed her off. The gentleman who took Coco brought her back to Atlanta with several other dogs. Coco had a large fatty tumor (lipoma) on her side, so he took her to the vet -- had the tumor removed, got her shots and anything else she needed.

After Coco's surgery and recovery, she went to live with a wonderful foster family. The owner of Pets To Be, Inc., agreed to place Coco with their rescue group and add her to their Web site so she could find a forever home. Coco was adopted, but unfortunately, it didn't work out and she was returned to her foster family.

She was with her foster family again for a while until I saw her beautiful photo on Petfinder.com. Since Coco was dealing with some shy/fear issues, her foster family wanted to be VERY sure her next adoption would be forever. So, they required I visit Coco a few times. It usually took her some time to warm up to people, but we hit if off right away. We even had some trial time together in my own home. I knew even before the trial that the adoption was going to happen, but because of her history, we had to be sure. I just happened to be submitting this "Happy Tail" on the second anniversary--or annifursary--of Coco's adoption -- or was it my adoption? I truly believe she adopted me. What a wonderful and blessed two years it has been.

Carla, Lawrenceville, GA

Frosty

Good evening,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you how much our new little dog has added to our lives. First, she is no longer called 'Frosty' but her name is now 'Stella.' She is just a joy to the entire family. I had no idea that she could bring us all so much love. She eats very well and is quite active. She sits on my lap and snuggles on my shoulder when we watch tv. The best news is that she has become an active playmate for my 90 pound Golden. They run and chase each other throughout the day and night, then they share a bed and cuddle together for sleep. Everyone who comes to my house falls madly in love with her.

Thank you so much for helping to add such a fullness to our lives over here in Roswell. Life is good with Stella around.

Judy Ritter

Nacho

Hey Marlys and crew,

Hunter has fit in well since the first night. This first month has seemed more like a few months but in good ways. Great watchdog and roomie, a loveable guy who just wants a lap to lay in. I always know when the delivery man is near, and today he alerted me to the cableman before he got out of the car :) My friends find him cute and funny for countless reasons. Acts like hopping from floor to seat, ottoman to lap or playing with your hand instead of the toy keep him at the center of attention. I find him easy to work with, but its hard to keep my friends from spoiling him!

Hunter has mastered the most important commands, sit, stay, recalling, leave it, and drop it(unless its a ball :) . Every recall seems like happiest moment in his life. Tall wagging and full throttle ahead. I get a lil' teary eyed watching him run at me so excited. He hasn't been given a treat reward for recalling in weeks but his excitement hasn't waned a bit. Fortunately the recall has saved me a few times outdoors when I dropped the lease or when he breached the doorway unexpectedly. He hates to be more than a few feet away from me, so im sure the stay is FAR more challanging to him. We are working on the auxillery commands, slowly.

Hunter has also improved much in his walking manners. I found out pretty quick that he was willing to choke himself darting at squirells or other people/objects of interest. We switched to a harness and made great strides over the first month. Just recently we updated to using the Gentle Leader, easy walk harness which has perfected the package.

His biggest soft spot at this time is his dog agression. It is our only remaining challange on walks, and it prevents him from enjoying the company other dogs when we visit friends. We are taking steps in this area, and I try to expose him to other dogs in different scenarios a few times a week. We will have to work on this for some time, but I can't complain.

Rocky

Hi, Ladies!

Rocky and I are sitting here together completing tax returns. He supervises me while I work diligently! It’s a good thing — I might sneak out otherwise. We’ll do that anyway since we both love this chilly weather on our nightly (ONE MILE!) walk. He loves to take me for a walk. There’s a HUGE black dog here in the neighborhood that loves to run at us with teeth bared, but we’ve learned to keep him under control using Cesar Millan’s techniques. We watch the show together every chance we get and make notes on tips/techniques (for other dogs, not Rocky, he’s perfect).

Hugs to both of you,

Beth & Rocky