Billy

Just four days before our beloved 16-year-old basset, Kirby, (“King Kirby”, to you) went to the bridge, I pulled Billy from the Stockton shelter. A “mystery man”, Billy’s microchip record, rabies shot record and shelter record all listed him as being different ages, anywhere from 4 years old to 10 years old. We intended to keep Billy only long enough to vet him and then hand him over to a foster home that was waiting for him. However, Billy melded seamlessly into our lives, and his happy disposition and abundant personality brought joy and humor to counteract our grief over losing our awesome Kirby. We quickly realized that Billy belonged with us. In fact, we like to think that he was pre-approved and sent to us by Kirby and Gus. Billy came along at exactly the right time to rescue Mark and me. Billy is clever, agile, playful, noisy, full of personality, and is definitely a handful. We think he was probably raised with cats, because he licks his paw and washes his face like a cat, and he loves to perch up high—on the kitchen or dining room table, if not prevented from doing so! Whatever Billy’s age, he is way younger and more active than we are accustomed to, and very full of mischief! There’s never a dull moment with Billy around! He’s happy all the time. He keeps us on our toes and makes us laugh. --Fran and Mark Madden, Jackie and Billy

Casanova

I wanted to share our rescue success with Casanova, now going by the name of Mater. Mater was one of the rescue dogs from the Red Bluff kennel. Our daughter Lindsay took Mater in to foster back in December of 2009. During that foster time it was apparent that my 4 year old grandson was too stimulating for Mater. He was frightened of the noise and activity a 4 year old makes. Several attempts were made with others to adopt Mater. But again his fear was hard for adoption to be successful. Around last Easter my husband, Steve and I told Lindsay we would help with Mater until he was adopted as we had “dog sat” for her a few times. We had two doxies at the time and they welcomed Mater in. Mater never appeared frightened of other dogs it was people, noise, doors, kids, food, the list goes on. In a short time we could see Mater starting to calm and join our family. We offered to adopt and have never been happier with our addition. Mater now runs up to greet us, sits on our lap, eats with people around him and shares a bed with Peggy Sue (one of our doxies). We lost our older doxie Lucy this summer and Mater stepped right in to help Peggy Sue as Lucy was her mom. Mater has allowed family members to pet him and he wags his tail almost all the time. Still doesn’t like direct eye contact, won’t kiss you if you paid him and does not like doors or doorways. We love our Mater and appreciate all the hard work your organization does to help these dogs in need; as you help them find a house they can call home for good! Attached are a few pictures of Mater. Sincerely, Stephanie and Steve Sicke Chico, CA

Ricky

We are so happy Ricky came into our lives in June. My Son has Autism and he just Loves Ricky to death. Ricky Loves to play with his toy stuffless racoon and many other toys. He also loves to go for walks and when it is Bedtime he and my husband go to bed and when I come in later for bed I don't have a spot me! It is so cute! I can't imagine life without him. Thank You! Andrea D Busath P.S. In this Picture Ricky is helping me fold clothes.

Harry

When we lost Arfie right before Easter we were devastated. For my husband Rick it was his first boy. He finally had his own dog and he knew that losing him would hurt more than the others and it did. Then we looked at the website and decided to get Harry who was from the Xmas intake. Harry got his name for being a long haired basset but that is what made him more endearing. He is still skittish at times, but has improved over the months that we have had him. Even though he takes a step back his love for his sister Mairzy Doats just gets stronger. She is happy to have a little brother to boss around and she also enjoys the fact that he likes to take a bath with her. She hates baths more than anything but she loves it as long as he is with his big sister. Thank you Harry for making us a whole family again and letting us love you and watch you grow.

Sunshine

Sunshine made the trip from Eureka to Napa yesterday. She did just fine. She threw up in the car after about an hour, but was okay for the next four hours on the trip down. We stopped frequently so she could do “sniffums” and stretch her legs (and ours.) In Napa we took her to the local pet store, Pet Express, where the clerks fell all over themselves loving her. We got her a new collar and leash, some treats and her new name tag with my info on it. Came home and convinced her to take her medication for the foxtail injury. Then, into the tub for a wonderful oatmeal/aloe bath. Sunshine is the first dog I’ve ever had doesn’t know how to play with a ball. We’ll work on that! We’re setting up an appointment with a vet to check her out. And will get her license ASAP. Sending the contract today and will pay via Paypal. She’s settling in nicely. No accidents in the house last night and she ate a small dinner. This morning, she had a nice breakfast, then went out to explore the yard. Later, we’ll take her for a walk. She is such a sweet dog! Here she is in the garden.