Declan

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Here's  picture of Declan doing one of his favorite things-catching dog discs! He is so active I actually have trouble keeping weight on the guy! We go for walks whenever the weather cooperates. Declan has been to obedience classes and enjoys his home here. He attempts to herd his big sister Verona (a BC mix) but she usually gets the upper hand. He has integrated well with our family (although the cat loathes him), and we truly believe rescue is the only way to go. The foster environment is less traumatic for the dogs and we always recommend rescue when we meet other people who are looking for a pet. Declan is a happy dog, and we are happy to have him as a member of our family. 

Take care,Janet

Gracie Finds a Home

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First, I want to send a big "Thank You" to all those involved in rescuing and caring for Gracie (Karme) until I found her.  Thanks also for approving me to be her new mom.  She is just amazing.  I feel that I am very lucky to have her.  She adds so much to my life.  She is beautiful, incredibly loving and funny too.  Gracie is always at my side and loves to go for Hummer rides.  Sometimes I have to go for a ride just because she wants to get into the truck.  Rocky and Gracie get along just fine and she likes to lay on his bed with him.

Again thank you all so much,
Holly, Gracie and Rocky

Miki and Finn

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We wanted to send you a few pics of Miki and Finn :)  Everything is going great.  I don't think Mr. Finn is happy to be in the crate while we are at work, but hopefully we'll be able to trust him within a few months or so (our goal).  I come home at lunch and get them outside/run around/chase tennis balls and each other.  I think they are more into chasing each other (and digging) at this point.  Miki sure is fast and quite the athlete!  We think she has kicked it up a notch this week (must be the "wheaties", lol).  Finn gets so frustrated trying to keep up with her.  Finn weighs in at 37.8 pounds.  Miki has developed what we call "the happy bark".  It's cute:  she throws her head back and barks in the air and then starts running around.  We've taken them to the local park on Sundays just to get the drill started with a car ride, walking on a leash, and seeing other people.  Miki is ok once she sees a squirrel along the way.  We also practice stop/sit while we walk.  I think we'll be in obedience/training classes in the near future, although they both catch on fast (food is a great motivator for Finn) for what we are working on at home. 
 
So, that's a quick update for this evening.  We'll send you more pics...actually, we can only get the pics when they are "wound down" ... they fly around the yard and I've taken several pics that either have a foot and the tip of a tail :)

Pat, Jeff, Miki, and Finn

Therapy Dog Violet

Hi there!
My name is Violet and boy have I come a long way from when I was rescued in Kanawah County WV.  I was so scared of everything but I kept hoping that I would find a forever home.  In July 2007 my wish came true and I joined my new family which includes my new mom, Taffy (my little buddy) and a senior kitty, Snuggles. 

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My mom works really hard teaching me lots of new things.  She keeps telling me that I have potential – whatever that means.  I’ve been with my family a year and I am proud to announce that I am now a certified therapy dog just like my buddy, Taffy.  We visit Alzheimer and dementia patients at a local facility and they love to pet and talk to us.  My mom saw my potential to be a great therapy dog and now I’ve made her really proud. I’m so happy and love to play with Taffy.

Here is a picture of us in front of the Christmas tree for my first Christmas – boy do I have a lot to celebrate!  Thank you Sandy for rescuing me from WV and giving me the opportunity to find a home that truly loves me!

Love,
Violet

Mikey, Border Collie-Australian Kelpie mix

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My name is Tom Murphy and I adopted a dog from ARC back in May of 2008.  The dog is Mikey, a border collie-Australian Kelpie mix.  I thought I would share a few photos with you and let you know that Mikey is a great dog and enjoys a very good life.  He is quite active and has become a great running partner for me though I’ve given him the summer off due to the heat.  He also has become quite skilled in catching a Frisbee and I’m actually thinking of entering a competition with him.  While the puppy stage was as expected, he has matured into a great companion and is definitely a member of our family.  As you can see by the photo, our Siamese cat gets along quite well with him.

Thank you again,

Tom