Chiquita's Forever Home

A note from Fiona, formerly Chiquita's adopters:

"I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how wonderful Chiquita is doing. Before I go on I should tell you that I have re-named her Fiona. She is so smart and already recognizes her new name. After you left last Sunday Fiona whined for a few minutes but she was quickly distracted by her feeding time as you suggested she might be. To help slow her down when she eats I bought a weighted metal ball that I place in her food dish. It seems to work pretty well. It causes her to have to eat around the ball and because it is weighted at the bottom it will roll back towards her if she pushes it aside. At first it scared her if the metal ball hit the side of the metal bowl but she got use to it after two feedings. I also feed her in 3 or 4 small increments to slow her down even more. She has a very healthy appetite as you know.

We have been going on daily walks and she has been really good on the leash, She doesn't pull except for occasionally when she suddenly wants to sniff a tree or a passing dog/person. Most of the time she walks right by people and dogs and just gives them a passing glance. Everyone comments on how beautiful she is and cant believe how smart she is. We practice her basic commands several times a day and she is very consistent as long as there aren't to many distractions. She willing goes in to her crate every morning when I get dressed for work and is so happy to see me when i let her out after a long day at work. Being away from her is hard for me as I have grown very attached to her. We have also been working on her greeting skills and she is showing improvement there as well. My goal is to train with her and get her certified as a Canine Good Citizen and maybe a therapy dog someday. 

After a few days of living here she really started coming out of her shell. She really enjoys playing fetch now and throwing her plush toys in to the air. We've been playing catch as well and shes getting better and better every time. Jodie discovered that Fiona loves to cuddle under a blanket with you if your sitting on the floor. she crawls between your legs under the blanket and curls up in her tiny little ball. every now and then she will poke her head out from under the covers to see whats going on and then go back under. its very cute to watch. I feel like she has really bonded with us.

On thanksgiving Jodie and I made Fiona a Turkey meatloaf type dish that Jodie found the recipe for online. it has ground turkey, white rice, carrots, peas, garlic and egg in it. Fiona loved it and we enjoyed making it for her. Having her here with us really made this holiday special. she was so well behaved while we ate too. I cant get her to watch the Patriots game but she allows me to watch it so I can't complain.

I can't thank you both enough for being such good foster parents and working with her to get her ready for her forever home. She has won a place in our hearts and in our lives forever. I Hope you have the same success with your next dog. I am enclosing a couple pictures including the one Jodie took of you saying good bye to her the day you gave her to me. "

A Note From Hannah's New Family

The Story of Hannah starts with the loss of my cat of over ten years. I always like the Shepherd look and started looking for the right one. Did not want a puppy, and the breeder that I worked with said that I needed something 5 years or older -- the hunt was on.  After about three months, Hannah was found. Much of her history before this is only known to her.

The paperwork was filled out on a Saturday morning. The first call was later that afternoon. The first visit was made for Sunday to meet Hannah and her Foster parents. Then Wednesday came the word that all was a go and when would I like to pick her up.  The following Saturday she was home.

I was told by a breeder (who I am now friends with) that Shepherds are smart.  Knowing that, I still was not ready for how smart. Within two days she had learned to open both front and back doors to let her self out. The door knobs were changed out. Within two weeks she opened up and settled in. Since then she has been with me (minus work) and we both are learning from each other.  For an older dog there was still a lot of puppy in her.

The only thing I recommend in looking for the right one - listen to what is being told to you by those who know, and let your heart tell you which one is the Right One.  There were many great shepherds before I found Hannah, but was told by their foster parents that the fit would not be right. As hard as it was to hear, I am sure a bad fit would be harder to take. When the right one comes, and it will happen, you will forget all the ones that got away. After all, how can you say no to that face?

An Update From Elsa's New Family

Elsa joined our family this Spring and brings our two Bernese Mountain dogs and all of us infinite JOY every day. Our dogs loved this adorable Pit Bull immediately as she was fun, played, and has the sweetest disposition even though she had been abused. There is not a day that goes by that the kisses aren't flowing between all the dogs.

Elsa’s foster mom gave excellent advice when she said to let Elsa come to us and not approach her at first because she was understandably nervous after going through so much. I went to a brilliant trainer a couple of times who gave me a couple of tips on how to handle her. Eventually, I took her out with me a lot and exposed her to new situations and saw her follow my lead beautifully each time.

Being an analytical person, I did a lot of homework on the breed before adopting. It never rang true to me that any dog was born viscious and I found many interesting facts on these Pit Bull Terriers:

1. Pit Bulls have been on the cover of Life Magazine 3 x which is more than any other breed.
2. Petey in Spanky and our Gang was a Pit Bull.
3. They are known as smart, loyal, fun, athletic, well behaved, team players and most importantly, a TOP family dog.
4. Helen Keller's dog and best friend was Sir Thomas. In one photo her adoring Pit Bull is seem draped sleeping in her loving lap.
5. Pit Bulls are the only breed of dog to receive a WAR MEDAL.
6. A government report states that any breed of dog who is abused can be viscious.
7. The facts are that this breed has been vilified by the media at times when the dog in question was not a pit bull because they feed into the drama to get ratings.
8. So many of these joys are horrifically abused and it must stop because they are beautiful spirits and fabulous companions who simply want a person they can trust and adore, just like every dog.
9. This breed has fallen into line after Dobermans, German Shepherds, Rottweilers when they were REVERED a handful of decades ago.
10. I called my Vet to ask her opinion and she said "Oh, I have a Pit Bull and my two year old and infant adore him."
11. Many many famous people and many not like us have and ADORE their Pit Bulls.

Watching Elsa learn that some people are nice, watching her scent, be confident, seeing her figure out that she no longer has to have her guard up, watching her run free and play beautifully with all dogs, and just BE able to be a DOG is beyond heart-warming. I wish I could care for every abused and neglected dog and the Pit Bulls in particular b/c Elsa is one of the finest dogs I have ever had the honor to know. And it sickens me that they are so maligned. We all thank Elsa’s foster mom from the bottom of our hearts for having the character, guts and depth of love to save, rehabilitate and share these dogs.  We were not living as fully without Elsa and could not enjoy or love her more.

Angelina Honored as Canine Good Citizen

We are proud to announce that our Angelina just passed her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. 

The American Kennel Club(AKC) Canine Good Citizen Program is designed to recognize dogs who have good manners at home and in the community.  Dogs must pass a 10 step test to receive the CGC certificate.  Angel passed with high praises from the evaluator.

To read more about Angelina please visit her Petfinder page.

Charley Adopted

Congratulations to Charley, the one year old Lab mix who just found his forever home.  He was unfortunately diagnosed with both Hip Dysplasia and Luxating Patellas.  Both conditions are surprisingly common and most dogs live long and comfortable lives with minimal maintenance.  His new family is dedicated to monitoring his condition and providing him with many years of companionship.  Congratulations, to the sweet and playful Charley!

Noble Adopted

Meet Noble, a senior black lab mix who needed surgery for a condition known as Laryngeal Paralysis.  He was found as a stray in Fitchburg, MA.  His condition was terrible-  he was both emaciated and gasping for breath.  All Dog Rescue stepped up and took this older dog and brought him to our friends at Framingham Animal Hospital, who promptly diagnosed his condition (previously thought to be chronic bronchitis).  After several months, several procedures, and a lot of support, Noble was finally able to breathe, able to go for a walk, and best of all - finally able to find his forever home.

It didn't take long for this lovable old man to melt the hearts of a family on Cape Cod.  A retired couple, the Berbricks of Brewster, MA took him into their idyllic homestead on Mill Pond.  Noble now has the run of many acres of beautiful landscape, all the attention (which he loves) that he can handle, and finally a place to call home after his arduous ordeal. 

Congratulations, Noble!