Don't we all have a rescue story? even if it didn't start out as one.
I got Sukha, my shiba inu, from a similar farm, not quite serial killer vibes...more like hoarder vibes. They hoarded dogs. There must've been 30 westies in an unshaded fenced pen. At least they were somewhat shaped and behaved like Westies, but they weren't white, they were dirt colored, with matted fur so long that I don't think any of them could see through their hair. I was told that Sukha's mom was too skiddish to meet (because that's how shibas are???). and her dad was a fierce man in a pen of his own, and his name was Deman. They made a point of telling me it was spelled with an A and not an O...but I think he was a demon...with an O.
I got outta there with Sukha as fast as I could. I almost took the one other pup from her little that was left, but my (now ex) husband said no. I still have nightmares about her living our her life amongst the matted westies.
We fostered a puppy mill dog much like the one you describe. She was rescued from a breeder who was downsizing from 1,200 to 200. 1,000 dogs had been euthanized before a group of rescues was able to intervene. She is probably up an running again as there are no rules to the contrary. (PS. I had a dog named Snuka. Your story did bring up happy memories!)
My first rescue as an adult was Sammy, who I found on Craigslist. There were several other people interested in him, but the owners said they picked me because they thought I was the most likely to keep him forever. They were home #3 for him. Sammy was a yappy stress ball of a dog, and I think the previous owners were right in worrying that he would be passed from home to home by people not willing or able to see it through. I feel so lucky to have been chosen, though, because he was my heart dog.
Chloe, I'm glad you got him too because I know very well what it's like to have an anxious dog. Dezi is highly anxious and it's not easy. Sammy was lucky to have found you ❤️
My best friend just adopted a little pitty mix who spent 10 months being shuffled through foster homes without getting adopted. My friend adopted her a few months ago and she's an incredible dog. I can't understand how she never got chosen aside from being black, Pit, and a bit of separation anxiety.
I have no personal rescue stories to report, though my neighbor has two rescue dogs, brought home on two separate occasions. They seem quite content.
My oldest friends, who fortunately still live nearby, have had a number of rescue animals, mostly stray dogs and cats that wandered in and were not subsequently claimed by anyone. People in my area sometimes leave pets behind when they move. Yeah, I can't quite believe that, either. This is particularly appalling in an area where coyotes roam the streets at night.
Bill, you know what? I believe it because that's how my best friend acquired her last dog. Somebody moved and completely abandoned the poor dog in the house and she took him in. He turned out to be the MOST calm, loving, chill dog I've ever met and lived a very long and happy life with her family until last year when he eventually passed.
I will never understand how people can just walk away from a dog.
It wasn't actually her house. The people who owned the house where their renters abandoned the dog, placed an ad online because they weren't able to keep the dog. Still...appalling, yes.
Our first dog, back in 1975 (yes) was a rescue, a six-week old puppy, who turned into a big white Shepherd. Being young and full of myself, I named him "Ulysses," since I was working on my Joyce thesis at the time. He was a great, great dog, smart as a whip, and still the best Frisbee catcher I have ever seen. Ulysses became "Uly."
Fast forward thirty-five years and two other dogs later and—despite our hesitation for going through the inevitable heartache all over again—I saw a dog on a rescue site named —not making this up— "Ulee." He was found on July 4, 2010 by a woman who lived in Vicksburg, MI. July 4 was the day Vicksburg was captured by—yes—Ulysses S. Grant.
Ulee (2) lived until last year. A great, great dog in his own right. Smart, never played Frisbee, but he could run like the wind.
A Uly and a Ulee. If I believed in a dog heaven, it could imagine a meeting between grandfather and grandson sharing the same family name.
Reading your story about Mojo really resonates with me. All of my dogs have been rescues and I wouldn’t have it any other way as each one of them has been a lifetime of mutual rescue. Most recently, my beloved little spaniel mix, Panda, crossed the Rainbow Bridge in April. She gave me 15 1/2 years of companionship after I adopted her from the city municipal shelter during the 2008 housing crisis. Her loss has been immense and the first time in almost 35 years that I haven’t had a dog. So, I decided to adopt a senior pup and went through the rescue group Muttville in San Francisco. Three weeks ago, I adopted my beautiful shiny little Star. We guesstimate her age at 12 yrs ish. It is a true gift to see her settle into her Furever home. She has been abandoned at least twice that we know of and it just means so much that those days are over for her. I’m so grateful to be with her.
Heidi, thank you SO much for sharing this with us. It makes my heart melt that you've adopted a senior dog. Mojo's golden years helped me truly understand what we can do to give our dogs the best lives they deserve in their final years.
The other day, I saw a 12-year-old on the Humane Society website and it breaks my heart because you know a dog that age had to be surrendered for some reason. I wish so bad that I had room for another dog just so I could help.
You're doing an amazing thing giving Star a lovely home to retire. 🧡
Thank you, Kristi. This is incredibly kind of you. I’ve really been wanting to adopt a senior as they are very often abandoned and difficult to find homes for, but who could need Furever more than one of these beautiful furbabies? They have special messages for us. Thanks again for a great post about Mojo. I’m new to your Substack and looking forward to reading more. Take good care.
God bless you for getting Mojo out that Texas Chainsaw Massacre environment.
Six and a half years ago, I went to a shelter to check out a dog I’d seen on their website. They showed me that dog, and he was great. Then, since I was there, they brought out another dog. Also great. Then, one of the people got excited and said to the other, “We have to show him Buddy!” The other one got excited too and said to me, “Yes, you have to see Buddy!” Next thing I know, out comes this six-month-old doodle; he was all legs and crawling all over me. And that was it. I was in love.
I was told that his original owners basically ignored him and kept him in the basement before giving him up. Someone else adopted him but ended up bringing him back to the shelter again. I don’t know why. So he’d already been through a lot by the time I took him home. I renamed him Brady (a family name) and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
Chris, I just LOVE stories of perfect rescues!! I don't like knowing what dogs may have been through in their journey to their final homes but super love when perfect matches find each other. I'm so glad you and Brady ended up together ❤️
Our dog was dropped off anonymously at night at a shelter in AZ. A woman who fosters dogs in NJ was vacationing in AZ and on one of her vacation days she decided to visit a shelter. She walked out with two dogs who vacationed with her and her husband and then took the flight back to NJ with them. We adopted one of those dogs. She’s an amazing companion. She recently had a stomach issue—turned out to be nothing—but she was x-rayed. X-ray showed she has four BB’s in her.
Oooooh Dan, those are the stories that hurt the most. SO many of them coming in with shrapnel of all sorts. I can't even imagine who'd want to mistreat a dog in such a way. On the other hand, it makes rescue stories like yours so much more heartwarming to read. Thank you for sharing this!
What a beautiful story . Those 14 years holding a special bond with an animal somehow becomes part of own aging persona. Loving pets and having pets who return so much love to us is a profound gift. There is no replacement.
You started with my daughter's favorite line. "I didn't ask to be born." And therein lies the issues faced by kids and pets. We bring them into this world without their say. Seems like we should have a greater cultural commitment to both. Thanks for sharing your story.
Our rescue mutt, Casey, received his basic training in a men’s prison in Ohio. We’re deeply grateful to the man who taught him to love and trust humans, but the warden declined my request to convey our thanks. I sometimes wonder who our benefactor was and what he used to call the dog now known as Casey.
Rona, when I read that part in your book it made me happy but sad. I wonder how those inmates feel about letting their companions go from a place as lonely as prison. I hope they get new ones often! I wish all prisons had those types of programs.
I loved reading Mojo’s origin story. It’s cute that you thought you were going to get a good deal on a shepherd puppy. The universe had you wrapped around its finger, all perfectly timed.
So, Tashi was minutes away from being euthanized. We’re really grateful that we get to give her/ and she gets to give us the best life ever!
She was actually brought into the vet’s office by her owners. Dr Liv (our vet friend) happened to be working that day and had the owners sign Tashi over to her. She kept her for 8 months, helping her learn how to not be scared of everything and then she became Zumi’s big sister. I wrote this story and Zumi’s story early in my substack days. I’ll send them your way
Mojo definitely ended up in the right place!
Don't we all have a rescue story? even if it didn't start out as one.
I got Sukha, my shiba inu, from a similar farm, not quite serial killer vibes...more like hoarder vibes. They hoarded dogs. There must've been 30 westies in an unshaded fenced pen. At least they were somewhat shaped and behaved like Westies, but they weren't white, they were dirt colored, with matted fur so long that I don't think any of them could see through their hair. I was told that Sukha's mom was too skiddish to meet (because that's how shibas are???). and her dad was a fierce man in a pen of his own, and his name was Deman. They made a point of telling me it was spelled with an A and not an O...but I think he was a demon...with an O.
I got outta there with Sukha as fast as I could. I almost took the one other pup from her little that was left, but my (now ex) husband said no. I still have nightmares about her living our her life amongst the matted westies.
Oh my God Teri, that's heartbreaking to have to leave one (or all!) behind. I had often wondered what happened to that little Shepherd pup as well.
I'm glad you rescued even one though. We do what we can. If I had the means I'd be a crazy dog lady and have a ranch full of rescues ❤️
Have you ever seen The Asher House on Instagram? That's who I'd be lol.
Thanks for sharing your pup's story.
We fostered a puppy mill dog much like the one you describe. She was rescued from a breeder who was downsizing from 1,200 to 200. 1,000 dogs had been euthanized before a group of rescues was able to intervene. She is probably up an running again as there are no rules to the contrary. (PS. I had a dog named Snuka. Your story did bring up happy memories!)
My first rescue as an adult was Sammy, who I found on Craigslist. There were several other people interested in him, but the owners said they picked me because they thought I was the most likely to keep him forever. They were home #3 for him. Sammy was a yappy stress ball of a dog, and I think the previous owners were right in worrying that he would be passed from home to home by people not willing or able to see it through. I feel so lucky to have been chosen, though, because he was my heart dog.
Chloe, I'm glad you got him too because I know very well what it's like to have an anxious dog. Dezi is highly anxious and it's not easy. Sammy was lucky to have found you ❤️
My best friend just adopted a little pitty mix who spent 10 months being shuffled through foster homes without getting adopted. My friend adopted her a few months ago and she's an incredible dog. I can't understand how she never got chosen aside from being black, Pit, and a bit of separation anxiety.
I believe the dogs we need find us for a reason 😊
Oh those sweet creatures most definitely choose us - we are so much the lucky ones. Those are incredibly love-filled pictures, Kristi. 💕
Aren't they? I love looking at little Curtis and Mojo. Such a lifetime ago!
Heartwarming!
I have no personal rescue stories to report, though my neighbor has two rescue dogs, brought home on two separate occasions. They seem quite content.
My oldest friends, who fortunately still live nearby, have had a number of rescue animals, mostly stray dogs and cats that wandered in and were not subsequently claimed by anyone. People in my area sometimes leave pets behind when they move. Yeah, I can't quite believe that, either. This is particularly appalling in an area where coyotes roam the streets at night.
Bill, you know what? I believe it because that's how my best friend acquired her last dog. Somebody moved and completely abandoned the poor dog in the house and she took him in. He turned out to be the MOST calm, loving, chill dog I've ever met and lived a very long and happy life with her family until last year when he eventually passed.
I will never understand how people can just walk away from a dog.
Although I’m appalled, I am also uplifted that your friend’s new house came with such a loving and loveable bonus.
It wasn't actually her house. The people who owned the house where their renters abandoned the dog, placed an ad online because they weren't able to keep the dog. Still...appalling, yes.
Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing pics of your two shining angels. 🥰🙏
They're pretty cute, aren't they! 👼
Gorgeous.
Our first dog, back in 1975 (yes) was a rescue, a six-week old puppy, who turned into a big white Shepherd. Being young and full of myself, I named him "Ulysses," since I was working on my Joyce thesis at the time. He was a great, great dog, smart as a whip, and still the best Frisbee catcher I have ever seen. Ulysses became "Uly."
Fast forward thirty-five years and two other dogs later and—despite our hesitation for going through the inevitable heartache all over again—I saw a dog on a rescue site named —not making this up— "Ulee." He was found on July 4, 2010 by a woman who lived in Vicksburg, MI. July 4 was the day Vicksburg was captured by—yes—Ulysses S. Grant.
Ulee (2) lived until last year. A great, great dog in his own right. Smart, never played Frisbee, but he could run like the wind.
A Uly and a Ulee. If I believed in a dog heaven, it could imagine a meeting between grandfather and grandson sharing the same family name.
Its a good thing you pay attention to fate! Great story!
Reading your story about Mojo really resonates with me. All of my dogs have been rescues and I wouldn’t have it any other way as each one of them has been a lifetime of mutual rescue. Most recently, my beloved little spaniel mix, Panda, crossed the Rainbow Bridge in April. She gave me 15 1/2 years of companionship after I adopted her from the city municipal shelter during the 2008 housing crisis. Her loss has been immense and the first time in almost 35 years that I haven’t had a dog. So, I decided to adopt a senior pup and went through the rescue group Muttville in San Francisco. Three weeks ago, I adopted my beautiful shiny little Star. We guesstimate her age at 12 yrs ish. It is a true gift to see her settle into her Furever home. She has been abandoned at least twice that we know of and it just means so much that those days are over for her. I’m so grateful to be with her.
Heidi, thank you SO much for sharing this with us. It makes my heart melt that you've adopted a senior dog. Mojo's golden years helped me truly understand what we can do to give our dogs the best lives they deserve in their final years.
The other day, I saw a 12-year-old on the Humane Society website and it breaks my heart because you know a dog that age had to be surrendered for some reason. I wish so bad that I had room for another dog just so I could help.
You're doing an amazing thing giving Star a lovely home to retire. 🧡
Thank you, Kristi. This is incredibly kind of you. I’ve really been wanting to adopt a senior as they are very often abandoned and difficult to find homes for, but who could need Furever more than one of these beautiful furbabies? They have special messages for us. Thanks again for a great post about Mojo. I’m new to your Substack and looking forward to reading more. Take good care.
And I'm so glad to have you!
What a perfect soul you have! Welcome home, Star.
God bless you for getting Mojo out that Texas Chainsaw Massacre environment.
Six and a half years ago, I went to a shelter to check out a dog I’d seen on their website. They showed me that dog, and he was great. Then, since I was there, they brought out another dog. Also great. Then, one of the people got excited and said to the other, “We have to show him Buddy!” The other one got excited too and said to me, “Yes, you have to see Buddy!” Next thing I know, out comes this six-month-old doodle; he was all legs and crawling all over me. And that was it. I was in love.
I was told that his original owners basically ignored him and kept him in the basement before giving him up. Someone else adopted him but ended up bringing him back to the shelter again. I don’t know why. So he’d already been through a lot by the time I took him home. I renamed him Brady (a family name) and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
Chris, I just LOVE stories of perfect rescues!! I don't like knowing what dogs may have been through in their journey to their final homes but super love when perfect matches find each other. I'm so glad you and Brady ended up together ❤️
Thanks, Kristi! Me too! It was definitely meant to be.
Oh, my heart — those photos! Sigh.
A best girl and her best boy! 😊
Our dog was dropped off anonymously at night at a shelter in AZ. A woman who fosters dogs in NJ was vacationing in AZ and on one of her vacation days she decided to visit a shelter. She walked out with two dogs who vacationed with her and her husband and then took the flight back to NJ with them. We adopted one of those dogs. She’s an amazing companion. She recently had a stomach issue—turned out to be nothing—but she was x-rayed. X-ray showed she has four BB’s in her.
Oooooh Dan, those are the stories that hurt the most. SO many of them coming in with shrapnel of all sorts. I can't even imagine who'd want to mistreat a dog in such a way. On the other hand, it makes rescue stories like yours so much more heartwarming to read. Thank you for sharing this!
What a beautiful story . Those 14 years holding a special bond with an animal somehow becomes part of own aging persona. Loving pets and having pets who return so much love to us is a profound gift. There is no replacement.
You're right about that, Elyse ❤️
You started with my daughter's favorite line. "I didn't ask to be born." And therein lies the issues faced by kids and pets. We bring them into this world without their say. Seems like we should have a greater cultural commitment to both. Thanks for sharing your story.
Lol Cindy, kids are something else aren't they? So are pets ❤️
Our rescue mutt, Casey, received his basic training in a men’s prison in Ohio. We’re deeply grateful to the man who taught him to love and trust humans, but the warden declined my request to convey our thanks. I sometimes wonder who our benefactor was and what he used to call the dog now known as Casey.
Rona, when I read that part in your book it made me happy but sad. I wonder how those inmates feel about letting their companions go from a place as lonely as prison. I hope they get new ones often! I wish all prisons had those types of programs.
These prison programs do great work, some with cats and horses. But it must be terribly sad for the prisoners to part with their friends.
I loved reading Mojo’s origin story. It’s cute that you thought you were going to get a good deal on a shepherd puppy. The universe had you wrapped around its finger, all perfectly timed.
So, Tashi was minutes away from being euthanized. We’re really grateful that we get to give her/ and she gets to give us the best life ever!
Wow, talk about meant to be! Were you specifically looking at kill shelters? Or was she a fluke?
She was actually brought into the vet’s office by her owners. Dr Liv (our vet friend) happened to be working that day and had the owners sign Tashi over to her. She kept her for 8 months, helping her learn how to not be scared of everything and then she became Zumi’s big sister. I wrote this story and Zumi’s story early in my substack days. I’ll send them your way
Yes please, would love to read it!