Testimonials

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                          Shelby is pictured here on left
                

Our toddler daughter was afraid of all animals--an unprovoked, irrational, crippling fear encompassed her every move.  Our brave, last-resort move was to adopt a dog. We were looking for a non-puppy, low-energy, unintimidating, housetrained dog who would be tolerant with my fearful daughter.   After searching the national databases, we went to visit a estimated 2 year old female double merle Aussie Shepherd who had been dropped at Richardson Rescue pregnant and had given birth to a litter of seven.   In three weeks, our daughter was past her fear of our dog, who we named Shelby.  Some thought we were crazy and putting our daughter at risk.  Were were committed to making it work.    We soon fell in 'doggy love' with Shelby and started each day with floor cuddles before work.  We went through advanced level training, Canine good Citizen and Therapy Dog International certificates.  Shelby and I went to childrens' and nursing homes each month.    Less than 12 months after adopting Shelby and loving her deeply, we rushed her to the hospital for vomiting.  She never came out, having died from internal bleeding due to a lack of platelets in her blood.    She died at Christmas, but gave us the greatest gift a dog could give: my daughter now has a healthy reticence to new dogs, but is not afraid of animals in general.   Shelby also gave us parents a gift.  We are able to take our daughter to homes with animals, enjoy trips to the zoo, and the circus.  But, most of all, she gave us a prancing, joyful, bouncing energy and was willing to do anything we asked just to please us.   So, while she was an official therapy dog, she gave each one us in the family our own tailored form of therapy.  We are so glad we could give her a home. Kirsten Barrington-Hughes

                                                                                           January 2007
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I just wanted to give an update on Taco and Tripod. Tripod wasn't really answering to "Tripod" so we changed her name to "Paris". She is learning that very well. After 2 weeks of "spa treatments' she looks like a different dog-so pretty and white! The Vet said she looked healthy except for some developing cataracts on both eyes, but we'll work on that. We also got the eye conjunctivitis cleared up as well. We had to shave her almost all the way down to skin, but we're going to work on it from here. We left her pretty "hairdo" on top and we gave her a cute little "pom-pom" on the end of her tail. She's amazing and we just love her to death! Taco is literally connected to me at the lap!!! I just love that little dog! The vet said he looked very good, but Taco wasn't very cooperative, so we're hoping he'll be calmer at the next visit. Both dogs got new beds for daytime sleeping and they both go in their crate at night with no problems. We have also had NO bathroom accidents out of either dog, and I can't tell you how happy we are to have "potty trained" dogs! We want to thank you for the opportunity to adopt these wonderful dogs. Thank you for all you do to help the homeless animals. We have looked at your "needs" list and we're working on a "care package" we are going to try and deliver in a couple of weeks. We have taken a personal interest in keeping up with your website, and we get so excited when we see that another animal has found a good home. Thank you and keep up the great work!!!    Laura Chanthaheuang and family (including Paris and Taco) 2005

"I am truly grateful for people like you who have allowed me to adopt the most wonderful pets I have ever had. Something that would not have been possible had someone not cared enough to save these precious creatures from a certain death. I will always be indebted to you and others who saved my babies and let me enjoy the undying love they give me."    Jen Kennidy 6/15/03

"Just wanted to let you know that the weekend went very well. We named the Australian Shepherd puppy "Max." Jordyn (my daughter with the birthday coming up on 9/11) was thrilled beyond words. We hid the puppy under a piece of paper and when she got in the car, she was in the back seat. My other daughter, Dana, was holding the puppy in her lap in the front seat. When Jordyn got in, I said, "Do you want to see your birthday present?" She said, "You got it already?" I said, "Yep!" At that point, I told Jordyn to close her eyes and Dana turned around and passed the puppy between the seats, I said, "Okay, you can open them now." She opened them and her jaw hit the floor. LOL. It was priceless."    Donna Olson 8/18/03

"Heidi and Pandora are getting along like they have always been family. Thank you for trusting her with us and for doing what you do."    Kevin and Dale 8/20/03

"We just wanted to let you know that Sydney had a great first night at our house. She had a bath and then she fell asleep in the crate. At 4am she woke me up and I took her outside on her leach, SHE POOPED AND PEED!!!" "PS. Julia loves her dog and is happy as a clam!" The Griffin Family 9/12/03

"Hi Janet ! Thought you would like to see what a big girl that Peanut is getting to be! She is the sweetest, smartest, right now WILDEST puppy there is !!! I am really really enjoying her. I Take Care!" Cindy Pearce 9/22/03

" I will donate all that I can to your causes. I know that I can donate $100 myself. As well as I will gather as many of the things on the need list as I can. I just told my boss about the puppy and your shelter. He said that he would donate a dog pen to help me out."    Kirsten Sternenberg 11/13/04

"Just thought we would drop a line to let you know how Hollywood is doing. Abby is doing great and growing bigger every day. She's up to about 25 pounds now, and very very spoiled. We love her to pieces and she's almost got us fully trained to be her obedient servants."    Paul and Bonnie 11/19/03