NEMO (Collie mix) - adopted May 2006- owned by Debbie Spradling

     Nemo's owner gave him up after her grew too big to be a house dog, which happens all too often when people don't do their homework before getting a pet.

FOSTER (Rottweiler mix) - adopted Apr. 2007- owned by the Berlyak Family

     Foster was found as a stray when he was just 5 months old. His "rescuer" put duct tape around his muzzle to punish him for chasing her cats. We quickly got him out of there & moved him into a foster home.

     Well, we have had Foster now for almost 2 months and he is amazing!  He sleeps with our daughter or next to our bed (he would much rather sleep on the bed, however...), he is kind, gentle, loving and SO happy to have a home!  Foster's "foster" family was great to him - she has even stopped by to see him.  Most importantly, he keeps his new 9 month old Rottweiler sister (right in photo) busy - and she is definitely a handful!  Thank you so much for the opportunity to adopt such a great addition to our family!!!

RASCAL, formerly Lucky (Black Lab mix) - adopted Dec. 2006- owned by the Morrow Family

     Rascal was living at a pet sanctuary when the founder lost his job & had to get rid of most of his animals.

     We "fostered" Rascal for one day before falling in love with him and adopting him. He is a great addition to our family and our other 3 dogs (kids), Penfold, Madeline and Lucky are so happy to have another brother. Rascal is extremely easy going and loves to play with toys and likes lots of cuddles from Mom and Dad. A special thank you to the Humane Society for bringing Rascal into our lives.

ZOEY (Rottie mix) - adopted January 2007- owned by the Meyer Family

     Just wanted to let you know that everything is going just wonderfully with Zoey in our home.  We have had her now for two full days and three nights and she has adapted perfectly.  She is comfortable and relaxed and you would think that she has always been with us. She has so much love to offer and it has been easy for us to establish the alpha male bond we so desired her to have with our son, Samuel.  He has even been able to teach her two new tricks in such a short time!  So all in all, I think she is a perfect fit for our family!  Thank you so much for your help in this process.  We deeply appreciate it.

SAM (Beagle) - adopted September 2006 - owned by the Hanson Family

     Sam was living at a pet sanctuary when the founder lost his job & had to get rid of most of his animals.

     Sam's doing great & he seems more & more happy every day. he's more playful & he actually runs around when he's really excited - even without motivation from food! He has lost some weight, too. Let everyone know we are so happy with Sam - he completes our little family. Thank you all so much for everything!      

MAX (black Lab) - adopted August 2006 - owned by the Feghali Family

     Happy Endings are possible!!!!!!! We adopted Max so that our girls could have a pet. My husband begged for a dog for 3 years, but I wanted one that was easy to take care of, not a puppy. We adopted Max who was about 4 yrs. old. At first he was very shy and not too sure about my daughters, but now he runs with them, lets them hug him, and is always checking on them if they are playing in another room. He sleeps under the desk while I'm sitting at it. And he loves his new pet beds (one upstairs and one downstairs). He loves playing with our neighbor's dog, too. They run circles together. Max seems very happy and is healthy as can be. Now, we are looking into getting Max a friend. :)

ROSE (Calico DSH) - adopted March 2006 - owned by the Charlene & Steve Randall

     Rose was found as a stray with just 3 legs & was believed to be born that way. She was adopted by a family that already had a 3-legged kitty. The 2 kitties became instant friends... as if they knew they had something in common.

KERA (Doberman Pinscher) - adopted March 2006 - owned by the Elmore Family

     Kera was rescued from a domestic violence case & suffered a broken leg. The injury was too old to be corrected, but Kera seems to be doing really well. 

     My heart is so full!  I truly believe that God led us to each other.  Kera is truly at home here with us....her and the other furbabies have started to play with each other & she is up and exploring today. Please send me the pictures you took of Kera with her foster family so I can put them in a scrapbook that I am doing for Kera.

COPPER, formerly Copernicus (Beagle) - adopted March 2006 - owned by Allison Stover

     Copper entered our foster program after being hit by a car. Fortunately he suffered no major injuries, but he was heartworm positive & had a horrible case of ear mites & had to undergo treatment.

     I just wanted to give you an update on Copper.  He is doing really well and we couldn’t be any happier with one another.  He is the most loveable dog I have ever encountered.  All he wants to do all day is give hugs and kisses.  It’s the sweetest thing. We’ve become pretty attached with one another in such a short amount of time.  We woke up early this morning and he would eat a couple of bites of food but would always come back in the living room to make sure I was still lying on the couch.  I had to run to Wal-Mart this evening and I left Copper with my brother and Dad and they told me he waited by the door the entire time I was gone.  My dad said he was pawing at the door whining.  I must say, it is pretty hard to make sure nothing gets his heart rate going while he's undergoing heartworm treatment.  He has become a little startled at every day things like the sound of the washing machine, dishwasher and even the air conditioner unit outside.  I am trying to be very considerate of his vulnerable state but it is hard when he comes up to me wanting to play and I have to steer him into a calmer play mode. But, other than that, he seem happy and on the rode to recovery.  We are having such a blast getting to know one another! Tell former foster brother Bosco that his buddy Copper says helloooooo!

ROSCO, formerly Neo (Beagle mix) - adopted April 2006 - owned by Angie Adams

     I am so blessed! Roscoe fell asleep in my lap Friday night when we got home. He is so friendly. We had a cook-out Saturday night and he was so good with my nephew who is 3. Several people threatened to take him home with them they loved him so much. My parents are now calling him their grandson. He obeys so well. I just can’t think of a better experience for me being that he is my first dog to own. From watching friend’s dogs, etc, I can read him well and know what he is doing or what he wants. This is just a match made in heaven. He already brings so much joy to my life. I feel like my purpose is to take care of him and make him feel special and loved. I appreciate all that you all do to find these loveable dogs such great homes!

CHANCE, formerly Chuck (Chocolate Lab) - adopted Spring 2002 - owned by Chris Bryant

     Chuck came into my life in early 2002. I had lost my Yellow Lab in December and it left a huge hole in my life so I was tentatively looking for another Lab that needed me. I saw Chuck on the website and visited with him. He had an obvious limp and was heartworm positive. I spent a little time with him and then drove back to work. Later that afternoon, I called and said that I wanted to adopt him. His heartworm treatment was started and he came home with with me. I had his legs x-rayed and discovered that a gunshot left behind a lot of damage and he would always need pain medication. I am committed to giving him the best life possible as long as he can be kept comfortable and happy. Chance has given me so much more than I could ever repay. He snores loudly every night and hogs the bed, but I would not trade my time with him for anything. Adopting a dog that truly needs you is a very rewarding experience. I hope I can come close to living up to the person he thinks I am!

DAFFODIL (affectionately called DAFFI), (Beagle mix) - adopted November 2005 - owned by The Richter Family

     I can't thank you enough for bringing us together with our Daffi. She brightens every day and we can't imagine life without her. You all do such a wonderful job giving these animals a second chance and I want you to know you are so appreciated. Thank you so much. You have made our family complete.

DOLLY, formerly Duchess (Manchester Terrier) - adopted Nov 2005 - owned by Hannah Cameron

     I just wanted to send you a great big Thank You for your help in adopting Duchess. I love this little dog! She's a real sweetheart and a real showoff--it's cute. And she's not a barker, which is a very pleasant surprise. I'm sending you a few photos of Duchess playing in her new backyard. She took to her new home and myself very quickly. She was well worth the trip to TN and more.

SCOOTER (Terrier mix) - adopted Feb 2005 - owned by Randy & Rhonda Cane

     Scooter & about 30 other dogs were rescued from a hoarding situation in Kentucky. Many of the dogs had to be euthanized, but Scooter was one of the lucky few. Despite his old life, Scooter adapted quickly in his foster home & scooted rapidly into all of our hearts!  

     From his new family: "Scooter has gone from being a very shy dog to the protector of his domain. It just goes to show you how a loving family can change a pets life for the better. His name is now Cooter because our niece has a speech problem and the name has stuck. He will dance for a treat and bark when he wants out. Funny thing is we have to spell GO and RIDE or he thinks he gets to go too (which 9 times outta 10 he does). Thanks to you guys for letting us adopt a great pet."

NINO (Basenji mix) - adopted April 2005 - owned by Diane Webster 

     Nino has settled in and everything is going better than I had hoped. Our lab wasn't too sure about him at first, but they are getting along fine now. Sunday afternoon he tried to take Hershey's rawhide bone away from her, but she let him know in no uncertain terms that he wasn't going to be able to do that and since then they have best buds. He follows her around and she plays tug of war with him (she basically drags him all over the house). It's hysterical to watch! Last night I went in to check on my daughter before I went to bed and there they were, all three of them asleep in her twin bed. I don't know how they fit, but they looked comfy. Nino watches the news sitting in my husbands lap in the recliner every evening and gets his tummy rub before supper. Thanks again for bringing this little ball of love into our lives

ZOE, formerly Lucy (flat-coated retriever) - adopted Jan 2005 - owned by Ralph & Terri Peters 

     Zoe was hit by a car & suffered a crushed pelvis. After weeks of cage rest with wonderful foster mom, Vanessa, she made a full recovery & was adopted by the Peters family. They thought she looked like an identical version of their Golden Retriever, Zeek... except in black!  

     Her new family says, "Zoe is doing great she is such a lover. She and Zeek are like brother and sister. She loves to sit in my lap and have her belly rubbed. She was a perfect fit!"

ROCKY (Eskimo dog) - owned by Jaime & Roger Peck     

     We love him sooo much! It has been nice to have him here, we are walking him a lot and just loving on him. He adjusted really well, he must have a thing for females because he follows me around all the time. We put a rope out for him so he can sit outside with us when it is nice. Otherwise he sleeps a lot and just follows us around the house. He seems happy. Thank you so much for letting us adopt him, we are really happy. Rocky says, "Hi!"

OLIVIA Anne Calhoun-Fly - adopted Feb 2003 - owned by Marty Calhoun & Paul Fly

     When Olivia was adopted she showed signs of abuse from her previous owners. Her hind leg had been broken and her whiskers had been burned. She also had severe abandonment issues. Since we've had her, she has been well loved and her injuries both physical and emotional have healed. She loves to play with her toys, and also with hands and feet if she is allowed. She especially loves feet in socks. She is terribly spoiled and has to sleep in the softest spots all around the house and on the bed. She has a stack of 4 pillows on the couch so she can be eye level with the window. Her beagle tendencies are sometimes a little much, as she will bark and attack the window if a rabbit or cat or squirrel (or basically anything) goes by. She loves

playing in the yard, but must be supervised due to her "hunting instincts". She is 17 pounds of ferociousness. Her nickname is the Wigglebutt, as she wags her tail so hard her whole body shakes back and forth when she walks. One of her cutest and oddest traits is that she will bring a mouthfuls of food into other rooms and scatter them around so she can watch you while she eats. She is happy and very loved.

MAYA (Rottweiler) - adopted September 2004 - owned by Peggy & Bob Bedsole

     Maya was heartworm positive when she arrived at the Humane Society. She also suffered from mastitis & all of her puppies died. Southern States Rottweiler Rescue accepted her into their program and Maya was on her way to recovery & a much happier life.

     From Maya's mom: Thought you would get a kick out of this picture of Maya and Bob. Talk about your spoiled baby. She was stretched out on some laundry waiting to be washed, when Bob just had to get down with his girl for some "puppy love".  She put those big paws on his shoulder just like she was waiting for a hug!

     The kids were all here yesterday for our Thanksgiving and we almost lost Maya... everyone was threatening to sneak her in their car and take her home with them! They all met her before but this was the first time they had spent a lot of time with her. She was a big hit even with the little kids.  Totally in her element and loving every bit of the attention!

     9/12/05 Update: Maya has been with our family for one year. I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for giving our sweet girl a second chance & adding so much joy to our lives. I know there are days that your job is a difficult one, but on those days please think of our Maya & others like her that are alive & well. Think of the joy your work has brought to folks like us who have the honor of sharing her life. The good Lord willing, we will have many more years ahead with this precious girl. Thank you for saving her life so she could find her way "home" to us!

SMOKEY (German Shorthaired Pointer) - adopted March 2005 - owned by Rebecca Burcham

     Smokey was relinquished at age 15 after her owner could no longer care for her. A message from Smokey's new owner: Well, Smokey has lived with us a week now and she rules the roost already! Typical GSP! She loves her bed in the kitchen, loves the food in the kitchen and lets everyone know if they get too close to her! She is a HOOT! She is so sweet and very interactive, especially with me and Stan. She probably wouldn't mind being the only dog but she functions well with my crew. Her little personality is so cute but when it comes to food she's all business. She is the poster dog for Rimadyl! It has done wonders for her mobility. She still has some difficulty getting up (at her age who wouldn't) but her mobility is remarkably better than when I first got her. Hope you guys are doing well and thanks for helping this little girl get to a good retirement home!

LAINEY JOE, formerly Joey (Beagle) - adopted March 2005 - owned by the Womack Family

     Lainey Jo has come into our lives and stolen our hearts. Even after being here a week, you'd think she had been here forever fitting in so well as a family member. She had a very rough couple years in her former life due to abuse and neglect but blossomed under the care of her wonderful loving foster parents, Mary and Bob. L. Jo is the most loving adorable gal with the sweetest little face that you want to nuzzle up to and eyes that tear at your heart.  She is the princess of the house with cute pink toenails to match her collar. People are drawn to her as she just oozes cuteness! She loves to be carried like a baby and will curl up in your lap happily when given the chance. Even though she seldom barks, she does have the strong beagle howl when tracking the squirrels that run through our yard. She scared us to death when she first let one go at 10 PM running around like crazy!  She has been such a joy to our lives. My husband (the tough soldier) is always calling her over for attention, piling up on the couch with her at his side.  She plays well with our sons and likes dozing on our 7 year old's beanbag. She is a gentle hearted gal who has given us so much love and joy.  I never could have imagined a dog fitting in as easily as she has nor could I even imagine how anyone could let such a sweetheart like her go. It breaks my heart as sometimes she gets startled and hunkers down as if someone might hurt her. She absolutely loves tummy rubs. She is a quiet, fun little dog who cracks me up when she gets to playing and does the treadmill run (starting off so fast on tile that she is actually running in place). She is just perfect for us and we only hope we can be great for her too. Our boys wanted a dog for quite some time but it just was not the right time... and when it was we wanted to find the "right" dog for us.  L. Jo is definitely all that we could have dreamed of and so much more, and she has found her forever home!  A huge THANK YOU to her foster parents who have done so much for her and for the guidance you continue to provide for us.

GINGER (Rottweiler/Sharpei mix) - rescued/adopted March 2003 - owned by Mary & Bob Forsythe

     In March of 2003, we noticed Ginger running loose at the boat launch near our home.  Ginger was a friendly and happy dog who wanted our love &  attention.  She was full of milk and it was apparent that she had recently had a litter of puppies. We looked for the puppies but they were no where around. We assumed someone dropped Ginger at the launch because they no longer wanted her. My husband, our granddaughter and I couldn't bear the thought of this poor dog wandering around looking for her cruel and heartless owner, so we took her. Since we already had five dogs, the Humane Society offered to help us find Ginger a good home if we kept her as a foster dog. Ginger tested positive for heartworms and went through that treatment while staying with us. As time went on, we became more and more attached to this wonderful girl. She is one of the smartest, kindest, funniest dogs we've ever met. We decided to make her a part of our family and have never once regretted our decision. Ginger has brought us more love than we could ever have imagined!

DAHLIA & LELLA (sisters) - adopted March 2004 - owned by Martha Ellen Jones

     It has been almost a year since we came to live with this crazy old lady. We thought it was high time she sent you a few pictures of us. 

     Personal Note from LelIa: I am the quieter of the two sisters. As a result of this and the fact that I can never pass the food bowl without taking a nibble, I am the larger (and Mama calls me "Tubby Tabby"). I'll have it known that I am not the only slightly rotund kitty here! I am not nearly as big as her other cat, Purrlene! Now there is a tubby tabby!  P.S. Mama is so glad she decided to take both of us. It has been so much more fun for all of us!

     Personal Note from Dahlia: I am often called "Squitty" by Mama, which is short for "Squirrel Kitty" because I am so athletic. I am smaller than Lella & the other cats. However, Mr. Tut seems to find me quite a cutie and we have become fast friends. Mama says that until I came, no other kitty was willing to cuddle up with him for naps. He always wanted that, and now he has it! I like to play games with Tut a lot. Mama says I'm just a brazen hussy. I also like to carry off stuff--even things that are much larger than I am, like whole boxes of cereal (which I love to eat) and, at Christmas, whole rolls of wrapping paper!  P.S. Mr. Tut snores like a band saw, but I don't mind.

     Mama says to thank you all, for without us her life would be much less enjoyable than it now is! Thanks for caring for us and other kittens and puppies like us!

DAVIE (Pointer mix) - adopted August 2002 - owned by Tina & George Hartman

     We didn't expect Davie to live long when we adopted him. Seeing him in the Humane Society, he was the picture of previous neglect.  Stick thin, with a dull coat and worn teeth we assumed that he was very elderly.  Although a full bowl of food lay at his feet Davie was too troubled to eat. My husband and I just couldn’t leave him there. Our goal in adopting Davie was only to give him a warm, comfortable place to live his last days. 

     After adoption we brought him for a thorough medical examination.  Our vet believed Davie wasn’t as old as first thought. After asking some questions we found out Davie was left abandoned chained in the very back corner of a yard that was put up for sale.  He wore down his teeth trying to chew through his chains to get free. A realtor, with the first name of "Dave" found him and brought him to the Humane Society, hence the origin of his name. 

     Emotionally Davie had some understandable abandonment issues.  He was a very serious dog when he came to us. When left alone he would chew blankets, papers, whatever was handy, Davie did not like to be alone. He wouldn't play, not with other dogs, not with toys.  He wouldn't eat unless I was by his side and he would follow me around the house, I believe because he was afraid I would leave him. 

     Over the next few months Davie learned to overcome his fears. He and his other 4-legged "brothers and sisters" (Hooch, Belle, Gracie and Jackson) enjoy going on car rides to grandma and grandpa's where they are lavished with love. Davie has learned how to play, how to enjoy toys, and now picks play fights with his brother's making lots of grunts and growls as he "gums" them with his toothless mouth.  Yes this "sickly old" dog is a powerhouse of activity, walking miles with my husband and I with energy to spare.

     I can't imagine our lives without Davie. After all he has been through he has decided to trust us to not abandon him and that is humbling. He knows he can go to his bed in another part of the house and sleep without being scared. He has allowed us to love him and in return given that love back exponentially. As with my other "kids" he is a constant source of joy and extraordinary loyalty. Our family was blessed when we opened our home to this kind and remarkable soul.  

     Davie graduated from this life on 01-30-07. "To say thank you isn't enough Davie. Our lives will never know a better teacher, a truer purer love or a finer soul than yours.  Heaven is richer for you being there."

FLOSSY (Beagle mix) - adopted in 2003 - owned by Carmen & Toby Hunter

     Flossy is a senior hound mix found wandering in a church parking lot covered in ticks and hungry.  One of the Humane Society kennel workers picked her up and brought her in to the shelter to get her off the street.  Unfortunately Flossy is a senior and seniors are hard to find homes for so a search for a rescue to take her was started immediately.  Flossy would sit in her kennel at the Humane Society and “talk” to the volunteers.  She had a combination “yodel and whine” that let you know she wanted some attention.  She never messed in her kennel and always leaned forward for a head pat.  I fell in love with her gentle personality and found a rescue to take her up north.  At the time I was fostering a puppy named Sapphire who kept us up all night and drove my own animal’s nuts.  When I brought Sapphire back in and asked to trade her in for an “older” model to foster Flossy was an easy choice.   It was lucky I brought Sapphire back as she was adopted not an hour later!

     Flossy was supposed to be a week long foster and one year later she is a huge part of our family I couldn’t live without.  One of the humane society volunteers said to me “Looks like you have a new member of the family” I said “No…she’s just a foster”.

     Well she was right.  Flossy fits right in with our two doxies and the senior cat.  She has some nerve damage in her spine and she shakes a lot but she doesn’t let that stop her from trying to take a sprint down the street with my husband in tow!  She still has pretty good vision, loves turkey hot dogs and snacks and still yodels and whines when she gets excited. Deathly afraid of thunderstorms the only thing she asks of us as her family is comfort when it storms.  Otherwise she is happy to eat, sleep and go for nice walks.  She has turned out to be the best dog we could ever ask for, never messing in the house, never barking unless to alert us of a stranger at the door, never begs or chews things up.    My husband says “I got fooled on this “foster” dog thing!  You never intended to let her go to rescue.” Maybe in a strange way he is right.

     Update: Flossy joined other 4-legged friends at the Rainbow Bridge in September 2005.

PIERRE, formerly Kaiser (Poodle) - adopted March 2003 - owned by Sarah E. Johnson

     In March of last year I adopted Pierre from the Humane Society of Clarksville- Montgomery Co.  His name was Kaiser and he had "deformed" legs.  I just wanted to give you an update on him.  As you may remember as his foster Mom I fell in love with him and kept him.  Well a little over a year later he is still doing wonderfully.  My vet looked at his legs at his annual exam and said she thought it was from a spinal cord injury.  He gets around just fine and doesn't even notice there is anything "wrong" with him. Pierre is just such a fantastic poochie and I am so lucky I got him!

     Update: I just wanted to let you all know that Pierre passed away on 2-15-2005 .  He had a rapid decline and died in my arms on the morning after Valentine’s Day. My vet believes it was just complications because of his spinal cord injury. He was such a happy, loving dog and I am so happy I got to have him in my life for two years. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about his furry little face and how sweet he was and how funny. He loved to run up behind my other dog, pull one of her back legs out from under her and run. In the last months of his life he and my parakeet bonded with each other.  My bird loved to sit on Pierre and groom that nice poodle fur of his!  Please keep Pierre on your happy endings page - I want people know that dogs with special needs make wonderful pets!  Although I wish I had been allowed to have more time with Pierre , I am thankful for the time I did have.

ANNIE, formerly Brandy (Beagle/Wire-haired Terrier mix) - adopted June 2004 - owned by Laura Ken Stewart

     I have been meaning to write to you and let you know how Annie is doing (I changed her name from Brandy--she seems to have picked up on it quickly!). She's doing very well and we have definitely bonded. We're both getting used to a routine and she really is doing great. She's such a joy and I love her presence here in the apartment. She's pretty laid back and goes along with whatever. Crate training is going nicely. She barked out of fear at first that I would leave and never come back-- I think she's beginning to learn that I will always come back for her! Thanks for all of your assistance in getting her. She's so special to me!

LEVI, formerly Goofy (Pit Bull/Black Lab mix) - adopted August 2003 - owned by Lee Ann of Gracie's Pets 4 U

     If there was ever a success story for the unloved "big black dog", this one is it!  "Goofy" was a six month old pit mix pup that had been hit by a car.  His left hind leg and hip were shattered. He was in foster care for 3 months with a wonderful woman while healing, but when her mother AND grandmother passed away, she had to leave abruptly for California. 
     The Humane Society was desperately trying to find another foster locally, but as always, because of the breed and lack of room, they had no luck.  Against my better judgment, I agreed to take him back to Memphis and try to place him.  I was thinking "Oh, Lord, another black pit/lab mix....like half the dogs in our shelter. I will be stuck with him FOREVER."  Not only that, he was permanently disfigured. 

    Well, by the time a week was up, my family & I were so in love with him that we decided not to even put him for adoption.  I love my hounds and would have never said that I would adopt this dog for my own, but the whole family adored him! So do all the dogs!  And, he is great with cats, too.

     We renamed him Levi, because he is the farthest thing from "goofy" that there is.  He is intelligent, graceful (even with the terrible limp from his disfigured leg), so very affectionate, and even played surrogate mom to a 5-week old rescued pup we had.  He follows me wherever I go.  We only have one problem... he sleeps with us and insists on sleeping UNDER the covers, BETWEEN us, with his head on the pillow!  I have figured out that pit (mixes) make great pillows (because I have to lay on him; his big fat head takes up all the room!    

ABBY (domestic shorthair) - adopted November 2003 - owned by Andrea &  LeRoy Douglas

     Abby was only about 12 days old when we took her into foster care after she was abandoned by her mama. We weren't so sure she would pull through. She had to be fed every 4 hours with a syringe day and night for a few weeks. I had to take her to work with me every day to keep a close eye on her & because she needed regular feedings. She started to take a bottle after a while, and day by day she gained weight.

     We were too attached after all that to give her up. We own 3 more cats: Frosty, Paulchen and Oscar, and all became good friends.

     Today, Abby is 9 month old & weighs 5 lbs. She is a small feline but healthy & a joy to have around. She still likes the bottle as a snack. She knows where we keep it and will let us know when it's time!  Morning feedings are always fun, because Abby thinks she is the Princess... no one takes her food away! She has to be #1 to be fed and will let the other cats know it!

     She loves to go for car rides, and she has her own purse that she is carried around in when we go shopping. Sometimes we think Abby is human! You call her and she comes right to you, always happy. We are so fortunate to have Abby with us. We couldn't imagine our lives without her!

TEDDY, formerly Tyler (Schnoodle) - adopted June 2004 - owned by Susan Bates

After looking at hundreds of photos on PetFinder.com, I came across Tyler. His photos, even with his fur sticking up in all directions due to matting and neglect, spoke to me. His bio told me he was playful and an inventive game player; indicating he was a social and happy guy. Of all the dogs I looked at, he was the only one I applied for. I kept returning to his photos on line, & prayed my application would be accepted. It was!!!

     I adopted a dog, sight unseen, without even meeting him to get a feel for

how we would be together!! And, this adoption involved flying from Massachusetts to Nashville, TN & renting a car, going to meet him and do our paper work, then driving him back to his new home up North!!! (I was not going to subject him to the terror of a crate in the cargo section of a plane!!!)

     Every day I bless the women of the Clarksville Humane Society for finding

him at a kill shelter. His time was almost up, and he got saved. He is a love,

pure and simple. This little guy is a gift. His antics amuse me all day long and the love and kisses he gives are endless!

     My daughter and I have a gift and antique shop, and Teddy, as he is named now, is our official greeter. Everyone is absolutely charmed by this little character! Every day we walk through the woods behind the house out to the pastures where Teddy can run huge circles sniffing everything, dig holes and chase squirrels.. He and my daughters Boston Terrier are the best of buddies & get to have puppy play time together every day. We have a cabin in Maine where Teddy loves to swim! He looks just like a beaver with only his head and spread out tail above water. It is a totally safe place for him to play: no roads, no cars, no dogs, no people: just two loons and us.

     Teddy is adorable, funny and oh so affectionate! But, I am the one who can not stop hugging and kissing him! He has just filled our lives with love.

SYDNEY, formerly May (Cocker Spaniel) - adopted March 2003 - owned by Maria Gowin

     Sydney is doing great. She has adjusted well to the baby being in the house, and he loves her!  She loves to snuggle on the couch (really likes to lie on her back) and jumps on the bed every morning to cuddle.  Whenever we eat she goes to her bed and lies down to wait for us to finish (we decided we didn't want another beggar like Buffy!) :)  We are so blessed to have found her! She is such a good natured, happy girl. Best of luck in your continued rescue missions – the animals of Tennessee are so lucky you are looking out for them!

SPARKLE, formerly Taffy (mixed breed) - adopted June 2003 - owned by the Grissim Family

     We adopted a small dog named Taffy from your shelter about a year and a half ago. She has been a wonderful addition to our family. It seemed like a good time to let you know how well she has adjusted to us. She was found chained to a porch, living in her own feces and tied up with a bowl of wormy food. Boy, how her life has changed!  She lives indoors now but still loves her backyard.  She sleeps in her kennel but before that she lounges in bed with all of us. She loves to snuggle in the recliner and is learning to sit and stay.  We are so proud of her. She and our lab Carolina are best of friends. Carolina really misses her when she goes for a grooming appointment. Sparkle may be the smallest but she really keeps us all in line. Thought you might enjoy this picture. Thanks for making our family complete!

SCRUFFY (Chinese Crested/Chihuahua mix) - adopted October 2004 - owned by Vicki Shaw

     I wanted to share a recent picture of Scruffy with you. She is a wonderful little dog; full of personality. I wanted you to know that she is doing great!!

MISSY (Black Lab mix) - adopted March 2002 - owned by Jeannette Sanderson

     Missy has an oral fixation. I imagine it is the retriever in her!! Whenever she gets excited or someone comes home, she grabs the closest thing and greets you with it - a sock, a coke can, really what ever is there. It is adorable! I have been spoiling her. I buy her a new stuffed toy every month. She knows they are for her, and she does not settle with carrying just one around the house. It is the funniest thing to see her struggling to fit 2 or 3 stuffed animals in her mouth. Many times she walks around the house with an arm full of toys hanging from her mouth.

     There is one very funny story I wanted to share with you. We have a large yard, but not all of it is fenced. I wanted Missy to be able to explore the yard with me, so I put a harness on her and a long clothes line and we went outside. I turned around for one second, and she had weasled her way out of the harness! (I suppose that is what I get for putting a harness on a 3-legged dog!!) At first I wasn't concerned, since I thought I'd be able to catch her quickly since this is the same dog that whines for me to pick her up and put her on my bed, then whine for me to take her down again. I was wrong! She ran back into the woods dodging in and out of trees. She was more agile than any dog I had met. she got out of my sight.. I lost her. I spent the next hour roaming the neighborhood looking for her. I was crying as I headed to call the newspaper to report a lost dog. But, when I got home there she was, laying on the side porch waiting for me!!!!  It was at that moment that I realized how capable she was... she only acted helpless because she knew I would cater to her every need! I told her that night that I would never help her off the bed again. :) She is just as capable as my other 4 legged dogs! (although she did sleep a lot more the day following her adventure.)

CINDERS, formerly Elsa (Pit Bull mix) - adopted March 2003 - owned by Amanda Johnson

     Elsa was just one of a litter of TEN puppies rescued on New Year's Eve. Humane Society staff nicknamed her "cow" because she would eat so much that her belly would swell up like a big round ball!

     When we bought our house we knew right away we needed a dog to make it a home. So there we were at the Humane Society and as soon as we saw her....she just melted our hearts. We had to bring her home and give her the love she needed. She has blossomed so much in the 2 years we have had her. She is wonderful with children and babies and very protective of her baby brother. She loves to cuddle and still thinks she is a lap dog at 55 pounds. She also loves to go for walks and running with her daddy. She is a great watch dog too, but would never hurt a soul. When we have company she thinks they are there just for her. She always wants all the attention. She is so spoiled and loved!! We can't imagine our lives without her. She truly is a blessing. We are very fortunate to have adopted such a great dog.

BADINO, formerly Oscar (Boxer) - adopted February 2003 - owned by Dorlene Ginn

     Oscar was rescued as a skinny little puppy up to his knees in mud & living on the end of a chain. The previous "owner" chopped his tail off with an ax, and as a result Badino had problems with his tail healing for over a year.

     From Oscar's adopter: I could not be happier with Badino, the bond between him and I has grown so much and I know that darn dog just loves me to death as I do him. Every morning when my husband leaves for work Badino climbs up on the bed to sleep with me. He has tried to sleep up there during the night but it is only a queen size bed and with my husband & other pets, I guess he can not sleep well (Spike and Ginger sleep under the covers), so eventually he would get down and sleep on his bed next to my side of the bed. But he tried real hard to stay on my bed, sleeping in all kinds of goofy positions while doing so and once in awhile he still tries to sleep with me. So I have promised him a king size bed, I just have not promised when it will be coming.

   Update: I have since given Badino a King size bed. He has to be covered with a blankie every night, I hold up the blanket and he gets up on my side of the bed. He gets on the bed and pushes himself into me as close as he can get. Sometimes when my husband is away or gone for work and I should roll over in the opposite direction of him he will scoot with me until I wake up on the edge of the opposite side of the bed from which I started, can you believe that, in a king size bed! He refuses to go out in the mornings to potty unless it is past 9am and not too cold :) He is also a talker, and talks to me all the time. We also bought a new home with acreage since I got him and he loves to run, he gets going so fast that he does three and four 360's in a row and is so funny to watch. He gets along with all my animals and lives with 3 of my own dogs plus 6 fosters, 7 cats (well one he doesn't like, he loves to torment it), 2 ferrets, 3 rats, a duck and a pig (see picture on left). And yes, even today I am absolutely crazy bonkers about this darn dog. :)

CLARICE (Boxer) - owned by Salena

     My life is very "fulfilled" now. Clarice and I are wonderful, I love her dearly.  I think she's gotten over the separation issues.  It seems that she isn't so insecure anymore; she still prefers to be where she can see me, but doesn't go nuts when she can't.  She's been extremely easy to train.  She can sit, give kisses, play dead, and go to her room (kennel) on command.  She loves all of my friends and especially my boyfriend.  She has made several doggie pals that she loves to play with.  We go jogging a lot, which she seems to enjoy, as well as car rides.  She's put on the appropriate amount of weight that the vet said she needed to gain.  She loves getting baths, even helps by lifting her legs up so I can wash her paws.  She sleeps in the bed with me every night and if she is covered with a blanket, is quite reluctant to get up in the mornings.  One of the sweetest things she does is literally lay herself across me, with her nose close to my neck when I'm reading or doing homework. All in all, she has been an excellent companion.  I couldn't have asked for a better baby.  Thank you so much for all your help!  I am attaching a picture of Clarice working hard at her favorite pastime - sleeping on one of us!

GABBY (mixed breed) - owned by Mark Lopez

     Gabby is doing well and loves having Sophie around. She must have been

abused the way she cowers and hides any time we raise our voice. We

have her sitting and shaking hands already though. She also has only had

one mistake inside and that was the first day!

MANDY (Lab) & SOPHIE (Lab, too) - owned by The May Family

     We adopted Mandy in January 2004. My husband wanted to buy a Labrador Retriever. I was surfing the web for "Labrador adoption" and stumbled upon Petfinder. There were Mandy's pretty pictures, which I sent by email to my husband as a joke. He had gone on and on about how he had to get one from a breeder because that's the only way they make good hunting dogs. When he saw Mandy, he immediately wrote me back and said "I want her today". We ended up taking Mandy home a couple of days later. She is the sweetest and smart as can be... and she is a great retriever! She goes hunting with David and all of his hunting buddies love her and go on and on about her. She is spoiled rotten at home but a very enthusiastic water fowler, too. In fact, she will compete in the spring field trials this year!  In October, 2004, Carmen (Humane Society President) sent me pictures of Sophie with the caption "Who does this cutie remind you of?" (hehe) Well, she reminded me of Mandy! Sophie needed a foster home. A soldier, Heather, had found her  at the Ft. Campbell pound. She had stress related dermatitis and her hair had fallen out. Heather knew nobody would adopt her in that condition and Sophie was scheduled to be euthanized. Heather couldn't let that happen, so she took Sophie home and nursed her back to health, knowing that she would have to part with her because of her Army schedule. We took Sophie as a foster, but after a few weeks we realized that we could not part with her. She has the cutest personality and everybody loved her so much. Mandy and Sophie are like sisters now, even though they fought at first. It just took a little time and patience. Now, they sleep together and play play play! It also took some time and supervision before they got along with our 2 small dogs but they are a pack now and all love each other. It's a lot of work but they pay us back in laughter from watching their antics!

YARDLEY & THE ORANGE BROTHERS - Rescued & Adopted by Elaine Weil

     I found Yardley wandering the neighborhood on a busy street. I knew she had a litter and was going to let her go to get her kittens.  It was very risky but she had survived so far and I could only  hope she would bring her kittens to me. The day after, late in the afternoon, five 3-4 week old kittens started emerging from the woods across the street. I got them all together and you could see Yardley perked up a soon as she heard the mews in the box.  It was a very happy reunion.  Sadly the little female died of pneumonia. The four males (affectionately called the Orange Brothers) thrived and now outsize their mom.  Huey, Dewie, Louie, and Heinous still cuddle up to Yardley now and then, but they are definitely very adventurous.  Heinous is the master hunter having caught several squirrels so far.

CHEVI - adopted June 2004 - owned by Elaine Weil   

     The Humane Society got a call one evening about a kitten stuck in a car engine.  The caller for some reason was reluctant to free the kitten.  Rescuer Robert McAllister responded and after some fancy maneuvers, was able to free a tiny 7-8 week kitten, dehydrated, a little thin and covered in burrs.  She was dubbed Miss Chievious, but now goes by the name, Chevi.  She has blossomed into a lovely long haired tortoiseshell at 6 months and is quite the climber.

     Update: Chevi passed away due to complications from Feline AIDS. 

MYRA (black Lab mix) - owned by Maureen Blair

     Read Myra's Happy Ending story in our Summer/Fall 2004 newsletter.

HOBO - adopted May 2002 - owned by Andrea Atkinson 

     I was adopted by my mom and Charlene and Dustin when I was just 8 weeks old. They where really in a hurry to get me to ease the sorrow for losing there old Baby. The Humane Society saved me from my young life on the streets. When they got me I didn't have much hair, but they fell in love with me anyway as soon as they saw my picture on the Internet... I was it! I know others wanted me too, but mom and the kids got me. They nourished me back to health (now I weigh 56 lbs.!), spoiled me, and gave me lots of love. I'm a little aggressive when you try to take a T-bone away, but I always give a nice warning by wrinkling my nose. I don't really like to get brushed either but mom says, "tough luck, gotta do it anyway!" Other than that, I'm really happy. Sometimes mom thinks I'm human. I really like to sleep on the couch or in the bed with my head on a pillow. In January 2003, mom's friend passed away in a car accident... now her dog, Prissy Lou, lives with us & we are really good friends!

BRANDY (Golden Retriever mix) - adopted March 2005 - owned by the Eaves Family

     I thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures of Brandy (right in photo). She is very patient with Gracie (left in photo) though she does get enough of her puppy biting and lets her know it. Gracie is over the moon much of the time for having a sister to play with! Brandy is doing well and adjusting quickly. After she tires of being outside she comes back to the deck to be let back in.  She is so sweet and loving, and I feel so fortunate to have found her! Please know that Brandy is very much loved and seems to be enjoying herself here.