Success_2003

Success Stories for 2003

Dawson	When I adopted Dawson almost 4 years ago from GRRACE, I already had a one year old golden named "Jack" and I wanted a playmate for him. I knew that I wanted to rescue a golden so; I got on the GRRACE website every day and searched for a perfect fit for my home! I found Dawson who was then called "Jackson". He was about a year old and had been on the website for quite sometime so, I went to visit him and fell in love with his oodles of energy and his love of hugs and kisses! Today, my two goldens - Jack and Dawson- hate to be separated even for a minute! They wrestle and play in the back yard and keep each other feeling young! They compliment each other well. Jack is very quiet and needy and Dawson is very boisterous and independent. I am so glad that I have both of them in my life - heck, they may even be helping to keep me feeling young!
Craps	Craps is the THIRD GRRACE dog for this family and was adopted in 2003 and has been enjoying the good life as you can see! He is photographed with his best little buddy and they are truly fond of each other!
Newt	Newt Remember me? I was a GRRACE dog that came in with my brother "Indy." We were both adopted to different families, but I'm very much okay with that decision! These are my new four-legged siblings! Yorkies! LOTS of them! But I love them, and am very gentle with them, and as you can see, even shared my birthday party with them! I have two teenage human sisters, and I am spoiled rotten <and love every minute of it!>. Happiness is finding a perfect home with your new best friends! Thanks GRRACE for finding me forever love in my new home!
Cali	Dear GRRACE, It's been one year to the day since we picked up Cali (aka Tally Jo). We had no idea what a wonderful addition this little girl would be to our lives! It is just amazing how much joy and love she continues to display... every moment of every day. She has become the center of our lives and we absolutely adore her! I've enclosed a copy of a picture taken last year. We think you'll agree - what's NOT to love?!?!??!
Bailey	I’m Bailey. The last year was kind of rough for me. My old Mom had to give me up, and I had to move to a foster home with GRRACE. Brian, my foster Dad, was really nice, and so was Moonshine, my Golden foster brother, but I still just wanted to go home. Then my new Mom and Dad came to meet me. I wasn’t sure if they were really okay, so I was a little cautious around them at first. You see, they’d lost their best Golden friend a few months before, and they were hurting too. They told me they’d show me a whole new world of doggie fun. Well, once I made up my mind that they really weren’t the evil kidnappers I thought they were, I found out they were right! Now I go for walks every night, and I have lots of four-legged friends in the neighborhood. I even have a four-legged “cousin” – a crazy Irish Setter puppy! My new Mom and Dad scratch my ears just like I like, and I get to lay on the bed and all of the furniture. They took me to Obedience School (kind of annoying I thought, but it was fun to get out with Mom), and to the park, and I even get to go on my first vacation with them in May! Some place they call “Michigan”. They say I’ll like it. Thanks, GRRACE, for helping me find my forever home!
Zoie	Hi! My name is Zoie Goldenlocks Jones, and I live with my beloved family, the Jones's. I go for a walk everyday (which I love, of course), and I play fetch, hide-and-seek, and all kinds of other fun games with my family. I'm getting involved in agility, and I'm doing 4-H obedience training, too. (Who needs obedience, anyway?) I have lots of doggy friends, and I love riding in the car to go and see them. I sometimes heel by my owner's side, and I sometimes jog alongside the bike (with my pink tongue hanging out), and every once in a while I go for a jog with my owner in line skating (but she doesn't really like that, 'cause I pull her down the street). I gobble down tasty meals of Iams, and I cuddle up on the calico pillow I claimed on the first night I was at my new home. My new life is wonderful, and thankfully, I'm here to stay.
Little Max	Hello everybody....I love my forever home. My name is "Little Max". My owners had a special Golden Boy named Max and he crossed the Rainbow Bridge early October 2003 due to cancer in his spleen. "Big Max" had helped foster Goldens for GRRACE for about 4 years. My Aunt Jill called my "new family" and said GRRACE had a special young puppy that needed a foster home fast. People said I was wild , out of control, aggressive etc. etc, etc. GRRACE knew my foster family would foster ANYTHING. My new family met Aunt Jill and her family and I knew immediately that I had found my forever home. I have a "throwaway Golden Abby" for a big sister and a "Throwaway Chocolate Lab Mix Sammy" for a big brother and I sure like to play with them. My family says that of all the Goldens they have owned or fostered I am the smartest they have seen. I mind well and was housebroken in a week...I love my crate where I go to take naps when I am tired. I like to sit on my Dad's lap and watch TV. and snooze with him. I don't know a stranger 2 or 4 legged and love everybody. I also have two other friends that were throwaway Goldens and both were adopted by the same family. Molly (tied to a clothesline post for the 1st yr of her life until my Mom rescued her) and Breezey (dropped off at a Northern In Shelter with a drop box)....my dad rescued her. These girls (who are known here as the Golden Girls) come and stay here at doggie camp a lot during the year...boy do we have a good time. My Mom and Dad live on the river, with a big park and pond, and campground. I can't wait till spring. Thank you GRRACE for giving me my forever home
Joey	Remember me, Joey? You came and rescued me from the shelter last year. I just wanted to say Happy Holidays!! I can't believe that it's been almost a year since you found my new family. It took me a little while to adjust. At first I didn't like to play too much and I wouldn't bark. But now that I've got to know them, I'm really happy. I've had a lot of fun this past year. I like to go on walks and car rides. We also go to the nursing home to see my "Grandpa". The people there say its good therapy for him and the rest of the residents. I'm just glad they get to give the treats that my mommy brings. This past summer, my "big sister" took me to 4-H Obedience class. I learned a lot and got to be in the shows. They tell me I'm smart because I know two languages, English and some Chinese. Next summer we're going to take the agility training class. My "big brothers" like to play ball with me. I like to play Keep Away from them though! Ha! Ha! I've had a really nice holiday season even though there hasn't been a lot of snow to play in. I love playing in snow! I did get really sad when I would see my mom and dad wrap presents and put up decorations. I would cry and put my head on the floor. I think it's because I remembered that my old owners gave me away at Christmas time. I'm better now. I can't believe how many presents I got. I'm sure it was because I'm such a good boy! Well it's time to go now. I want to watch the ball drop on Time Square. Have a Happy New Year and thanks for saving my life! Love, Joey and the rest of the Mark Family
Apollo	Hi! My name is Apollo. My story begins with Truman and Sierra, the GRRACE dogs my family adopted in February of 2002. In April 2003, they received the sad news that Truman had inoperable cancer, and they were worried about how Sierra would react to the loss of her longtime companion. So they decided to adopt a third golden. Our GRRACE friends began watching for a dog who would be a good fit with my family. When they first met me, they tell me that they fell in love with this quiet, subdued 14 month old boy. But before they pursued adopting me they found out that I had hip dysplasia and would need surgery. They were faced with two possibilities: waiting for another dog to adopt, or having a foster family see me through my recovery, and then adopting me. They wanted to adopt quickly, however, while Truman was still in good health. That way Truman could enjoy the newcomer. After praying and consulting with GRRACE friends, my family discovered there was actually a third possibility: to adopt me right away and take me through rehab themselves. Though inexperienced, this third option is what they decided to do. The results of that decision turned out to be wonderful for everybody! A week after I joined the family, we spent two weeks in a cottage on Lake Michigan, where we three dogs had the run of a private beach. I loved playing with Truman in the sand, and they couldn’t keep Sierra and I out of the water. A few days after returning home, I had my hip surgery, which was successful, and they say I became a strong, confident, and loving dog. Everybody agrees that I am a perfect fit. As Truman's health failed, I grew closer to Sierra, and we have become inseparable. I know I will never replace Truman, but we have all helped each other get through losing our faithful friend. And now I, too, have a special place in the hearts of all the Rosens. P.S. By the way, I recently had surgery on my other hip and am doing fine!
Millie	Hi....you all might remember me as VEGAS. My new family adopted me in September and promptly changed my name to Millie. I have adjusted to my new home perfectly. I have the run of the house....it seems a bed in every room......and sometimes (ok....most of the time) I get to sleep with my humans. The mom and dad of the household can't seem to get enough snuggles from me.....then there is my adorable 2 year old girl....she loves me so much too. She is very gentle with me...and whenever her parents tell her to "give Millie love"....she snuggles up close and gives me a hug with both arms... and then a kiss on the nose.....it feels great! She gives me lots of love even when her parents don't tell her to. I love her too....there is only one problem...for some reason she can't pronounce my name....so she just calls me "Bee".....which is ok by me. My human mom has big plans for me to become a therapy dog.
Chandler	I’m Chandler! After lots of TLC from my foster mom Linda and everyone at GRRACE, I have finally found my forever home. Here I have a big golden brother, Milton, who is showing me all kinds of great things like how comfy the couch is – even though we know we are not supposed to be up there! I also have a boy to play catch with, a huge yard to run around, and “class” every week at CIA. I'm back in shape and I can’t stop running and hopping. My family thinks I may have been a rabbit in a former life. Or maybe I was Frank Sinatra – I do this little soft shoe routine on the kitchen tile that makes my family laugh every time. Thanks GRRACE for taking such great care of me and seeing that I am special.
Rusty	Hi, my name is Rusty. I've been living with my new family for about three weeks and it has been great. I now have two little girls who love to play with me and give me lots of hugs and kisses. Everyday I get to walk to the bus stop with my new big sissy and see other little boys and girls. They are always so excited to see me. Then I get to come home and play with the other little girl. We play lots of fun things together. So far, we have played Doctor and I wore a stethoscope and Enchanted Dream Ball where I got to wear a crown. I have even got to pretend I was a movie star and wore sunglasses and a baseball cap. She also likes to play school and read stories to me. I now have a new four legged friend too; a little Cairn Terrier named Madison, who lives with my new mommy's sister. Her and I love to chase each other around the yard. I'm so happy my new family adopted me. There is always someone to give me kisses, take me for walks around the block and snuggle up next to at night. I just love my new home and they say they love me very much too! Thanks to Kera and GRRACE for this great new home!
Tucker	Hi! My name is "Tucker" (I used to be known as Lombardi). Boy has life changed for me! My original family left me on a neighbor's doorstep when they moved and couldn't take me, but look at me now! I have my own pool, and a four-legged brother to play with. My new family says I've really blossomed and am a GReat boy! Thanks GRRACE for finding me a happy ever-after!
Truman	Hi! My name is Truman, and I’m the most beautiful Golden in the world (or so I’ve heard). My mom works at the veterinary clinic where I was staying for a while, and fell in love with me. She brought my dad over to meet me, and before I knew it, I had a new home. I had some complications with my surgery at first, but my parents and the wonderful vets and techs at VCA Lafayette Animal Hospital fixed me right up. Now I’m living a happy life in my new home and have lots of people, animals, and toys to keep my hyper self very busy. The best part of all is that my mom and dad are getting married soon!! We’re going to be an official family, and I even got to be in some of their engagement pictures. Special thanks to my awesome foster mom, Kim, and to Michelle for taking such good care of me and finding me a great home.
Indy	Hi, I'm "Indy" and I am one lucky Golden pup! My mom found me while golden surfing and after one look at me, knew she just had to have me! My family was looking for a sibling for Maizey, their other rescued Golden. My new family has two human kids too (that's them in the picture), and I even have some of these neat creatures called "cats." They sure are fast! I've yet to catch one. My mom works from home, so I have company all the time! Everyday at 2:30 sharp I go in the car and pick up my human kids. I get so excited when I see them coming out of school! There is so much kissing and hugging, it's downright embarrassing, but I don't mind! Sometimes Maizey gets a little jealous, so I let her nuzzle in there too. Maizey and I share a bed and a huge toy box full of woobies. I got to go to the pet store and pick my own hoof and toys! I keep hearing that my family likes to go camping and I'm excited for my first camping trip! I get to swim and run and play! A dog's dream! My family feels very blessed that they found me and hope that every Golden who ever needs a home gets a home like I did. Thank you GRRACE!
Talli	From Talli to my Foster Mom... Thought I should let you know how things are going .. it is coming up on a year since I left you to go with my forever MOM.. and what a great year it has been.. We bonded the minute we saw each other when she dropped to floor to give me a big hug and I have been hers ever since!! At first it was just the two of us but since then I have become best friends with the two kids next door ( 3 year old and 7 month) My little girl loves me... takes me on bike rides and walks, throws the ball and passes time until my mom comes home from work.. I give kisses all the time to the little boy and he just giggles!!! They love me... So if my mom is ever late from work they just come and get me.. what fun we have.. I even went to their Halloween party -- they tried to put bunny ears on me!!! and we to Christmas tree farm to cut down our tree.. and Santa brought me milk bones, balls, and all kind of toys.. Then I have two "old" kids 22 and 24 year olds that come home and take me for hikes and walks.. When no one is around I have run of house and any couch or bed to sleep on -- what a life. I also have another golden buddy -- her name is ZOE and we play all the time.... Life is good..... we are having the time of our lives!!!! Love Talli!!! THANK YOU GRRACE FOLKS FOR BEING SUCH GOLDEN ADVOCATES AND TAKING TIME TO MAKE THE RIGHT PLACEMENTS
Levi	My name is Levi (used to be Apollo, but the kids changed it). Mom told me to smile for my picture, so I did. Don't I have nice teeth. The bottom picture was taken while I was still at my foster home. My foster mom Beth was great. I have been in my forever home almost three months and I am so happy. I still have trouble during the day when Mom is gone, so I stay in my "doggie hotel", but that's okay. We go for walks in the evening and the grandkids come over a lot to play with me. I get lots of new toys, I guess because I chew them up pretty quickly. And, I take all my bones out and hide them in the yard. Mom says I will outgrow that, someday. Mom lets me sleep on the bed next to her when I want to. I especially like that when there is thunder. Hey, I am still just a baby of only 8 months. I just wanted to say thanks to GRRACE for helping my Mom find me. We really do belong together.
Abbie	Hi my name is Abbie. I was originally Heide, but my new people wanted to call me Abbie. GRRACE took me from animal control, where it seemed I spent forever. Of course when you're only a few months old forever isn't really such a long time, but it sure seemed like it was. Anyway my foster mom, Linda, treated me very well and she had three other dogs that I got to play with. She taught me how to sit, walk on a leash, ride in a car and began to potty train me. I was only at my foster home for 2 weeks, but they were very good weeks. It has been almost 3 weeks since I have moved in with my new family I am adjusting very well. I am the only pet in the house so I get spoiled rotten! Initially, I had very itchy skin and the vet thought I could have sarcoptic mange that I could have contracted while I was held in Animal Control. My new mom and dad have taken very good care of me and have made sure I have received the correct medical attention. In the evenings my new mom and dad play with me and we are working on the lessons from my obedience class. My mom and dad say I am a quick learner and I am very smart. Thanks to GRRACE and my foster mom Linda, I have the love and home I have always wanted.
Beau	This is me, Beau (formerly Corey) with my new forever family. My previous family gave me a wonderful outlook on life but had to give me up due to health concerns. I sure am glad that they went to GRRACE, because I was given to this very nice lady, Beth who was my foster mom. She had such a neat place to live, and other dogs to play with, but it was only for a short time. GRRACE then found some more kids to love me and another great mom and dad. They like to camp, sail and throw sticks for me. It is looking like I might be a very lucky boy, I know I sure am happy. Thanks, GRRACE!
Maxx	Hi all, Maxx here. I just wanted to let every one out there know how I am enjoying my new home. I have to say a lot for all those wonderful GRRACE people that helped rescue me from the "shelter". They treated me real nice there but that was not the type place I liked to be. These wonderful people at GRRACE picked me up during a real BAD snow storm and took me to a foster home. My foster mom's name was Barb, and she treated me so well. I was sad I only got to stay for one week there, I hated to leave Barb, but some new people came and adopted me. My new mom is also a Barb so at least the name was the same. They have another Golden Girl about my age named Sarah. Sarah and I have a wonderful time playing together. They also have a Cocker named Dutches, but I stay away from her as she looks to small to fool around with, if you get what I mean. It is over 4 weeks now, since I moved in with my new family and I have adjusted very well. They call me the bruiser because when I want something that my 2 sisters have I BARK at them, and they drop it for me. You know how girls can get you in trouble, but I still enjoy my new dogmom & dogdad even when I am a bruiser. I am so glad that I have a new forever home to enjoy myself in. P.S. The center picture is my new sister Sarah, that I am enjoying so much. I would also like to thank you for taking time to read my success story, and thanks to all the GRRACE people that made this all possible!! MAXX
Calvin	Hi! My name is Calvin. GRRACE saved me from a really bad situation. They nursed me back to health and now I have been adopted! I was so excited to find that when my new mommy and daddy took me to my “forever home”, there was a Labrador Retriever at the window that couldn’t wait to welcome me into the family. The four of us have the best time together and couldn’t be happier. Thanks to GRRACE and my foster mom Susan, I have the love and home I always wanted.
Rocky	Rocky is one of those Golden children called ‘accidents’. We were not planning to adopt another Golden, but once we saw Rocky we couldn’t resist him. He’s so handsome and affectionate! When we first met him, he was so happy to be out of a crate that he couldn’t control himself and ran wild until forced to settle down. After the excitement wore off, he calmed down quite a bit and now gets wild only occasionally. None of us knew that Trevor, our other 13 year old Golden, needed a playmate, but he’s sure enjoying having someone to play with and boss around. We’re looking forward to Rocky’s 4^th birthday in May. Note from Rocky: I heard Mom say that I must have gotten my name because I’m so hard-headed, but I don’t know what that means. I love getting petted all the time (I nudge out my big brother Trevor – he’s the red one in the picture), and my new people say that I bay like a Basset Hound. That’s a compliment, isn’t it?
Roscoe Mitch	Mitch and Roscoe went into a foster home together, but were ultimately placed into separate homes. The good news is "old boys" went to live with owners who are related. Roscoe knew he had found his forever home the first day he walked in...he found a closet to sleep in, a toy to carry around, a room big enough to let him stretch his 98 pounds out on his back and suck on his "woobie". It doesn't get much better than that...well unless you add in the three other dogs to keep him company. There will be more to follow soon about Mitch and Roscoe.

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Updated January 31, 2007 08:00 PM