Wally

My husband and I had decided to become foster parents for Friends for Life in November 2009. We wanted to help save lives and also have a friend for our other dog Bentley. Little did we know that our first foster dog would be Wally, a little dog that would steal our hearts. Before Wally came to our home we looked at his picture online so we knew what to expect and we got his history, which broke our hearts. Wally had thought he had a forever home twice, and he even got his leg broken at one from some rough-playing kiddos. So right away we felt so sorry for this little guy. Then Wally was brought into our home to foster and that was the end of that. We instantly fell in love with Wally. Wally and Bentley became instant friends and brothers. It was like Wally was a perfect match for our family, we knew we needed him to adopt him so he could have a forever home and definitely wouldn’t have to be moved again. Wally has a great personality and loves to give “kisses” to his mom and dad daily. Wally enjoys playing outside in the leaves, getting treats and going for walks. Wally is very happy in his forever home with loving parents, his brother Bentley and foster brother Louie. We are also happy and so fortunate to have Wally in our lives!
Kelli & Matt Salazar

Toby 2009

Too long in the pound and Toby's time was up. But a quick walkthrough before a week-long conference for our adoption/rescue coordinator was Toby's lucky moment. A foster mom picked him up and it was all uphill from there. Toby was introduced and accepted by his furry foster siblings where he learned love and trust. Next was a few trips to his foster mom's work where he caught the eye of a co-worker. And quickly Toby found his world turned into a happy forever home with twin human siblings who have taught him how to fetch and stay. He gets to run through the leaves and chase after his boys. One last minute look saved his life and gave Toby a chance to grow up happy.

Halo

Halo is doing great! We had an issue back in July when she started limping a bit on her right foot and when she would wake up it would really be stiff and difficult for her to walk on for a bit until it loosened up. We had the vet check her out and xray it and he didn't see anything broken and thought it would get better. When it didn't, we discussed it again with the vet and after relooking at the xray, he saw that the growth plate in the lower part of her leg was not showing up like it should. I had gone closed already. One bone in her leg was growing still while the other wasn't and thus it was interfering with her shoulder joint as well because the bones were not growing at the same time/rate. Our vet does not do the type of surgery required to fix this problem (seemingly not uncommon with a bassett type dog, as we have decided that she must be because of her short leg, buff chest type stature....see pictures). He called a vet at K State animal hospital and we took her there for them to look at. That vet said he has done many of these surgeries on this short stature dog and he did the surgery for her in August. She has done well and is now fully recovered and has no ill effects or ongoing problems since then. They take out a piece of the bone that is not growing to allow the one that is growing to go ahead and grow without being impeded by the other one. They then take a little fat from her belly and put in her leg to impede the bone from growing back together so quickly until the other has grown as much as it will. We had to keep her from running or jumping off of anything for about 6 weeks and use a leash on her everywhere so she didn't get crazy. She sleeps with us, so we had a leash on her then too so she wouldn't jump off the bed and us not know it. I slept like I did when my kids were babies, every little deep breath or sigh I was instantly awake. Kind of like sleeping with one eye open. Glad that is over. She runs and jumps and plays and loves like crazy. The surgery was not cheap, about $1,000 and there was never a thought about what to do. I just want you all to know that she is in a good home and we love her very much! She is so wonderful, I don't have the words to express how much she means to us. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and I will send updates every now and then. Hope the other puppies are doing well as they all near their 1st birthday!

Gypsy

Dear Foster Mom Vicky, This is written in pencil because I’m dictating to mom and she makes lots of mistakes foe someone who took shorthand at 110 wpm she sure is a mess now! Enclosed is a small gift to thank you for everything you did for me. Mom says I am the perfect dog! I’ve never had an accident in the house – oh, except that one time I had to teach Mom a lesson – she didn’t take me out when I first woke up. However, she’s a fast learner & has not repeated that behavior! I’ve completed my second behavior class at Pet Therapy Partners in Huntsville. I am a model student & they’ve asked me to start Pet Therapy Classes so I can become a certified Therapy Dog. Mom, however, Mom is a little slower then me. The usual class goes like this “Good Dog Gypsy!” “Stand up straighter, Gina!” “Good dog Gypsy!” “Gina, faster with that clicker & those treats!” I’ve made new friends with my neighbors, Brody & Lucky. We have playtime in my backyard whenever the weather allows. I also walk mom for one hour everyday on the golf course. I got lots of toys for Christmas – a chipmunk, a lobster and a “Dog Brick”. The dog brick has treats hidden in it – which took me 5 seconds to learn how to play – I’m a champion already. Mom reminds me everyday when I sit, wait, stay, down, front, place & come that you taught me all those things & all she has to do is say the word. She calls you angel Vicky and I agree. Thanks for finding me the perfect Mom and Dad. I am becoming a Dixie Dog so “Hoping Yawl have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I know you will put my gift to good use by performing more rescues of my brothers and sisters. Love, Gypsy Moffitt formerly Shadow the strip club Carin.

Flash

At the October 10th Critter Carnival my family adopted Flash (an adorable German Shepherd/Basset Hound pup). We walked Flash home from the park that afternoon after introducing him to our neurotic beagle (Angel) who we adopted 5 years ago. Flash came right into our home as if he had always been here. Day one with Flash was hectic as he learned the ropes about potty training (made a little harder by an upset GI tract probally from doggy treats during the carnival). He met all 4 of our cats who to his utter dismay did not actually want to play with hime (Go figure!) and he adjusted to our beagle even sleeping on top of her (Though is 3x her size!). We bought him a new doggie dish and daog crate with fluffy pillow for when the weather isn't nice outside and he must be inside while we are away. (Of course, this meant our beagle had to get all new stuff too. No dog spoilage in our home! No way!) By day 2 he was really in the swing of things! We were very proud of him! He is exceptionally smart! Hardly any accidents in the house and he learned 3 voice commands - Get it!, Let go! and Bring it!. What a good boy! He loves his sock toys, squeak toys, and new tennis balls too. He is learning the difference between these and shoes, barbies and mom's fingers.. On day 3 he went for his first check up at the vet. He was so good. Got a little medicine for his tummy and he takes it like a professional. What a good dog! He also went with me to pick up the kids at school and to a soccer practice. He loves socializing with the children and they love him right back! Flash's favorite place to sleep is with my 15 year old son. They are becoming best buddies and have been taking long walks together throughout the town. My son has discovered that Flash's irrestible face is a chick magnet! (TeeHeeHee!) Anyway, we just wanted to say thanks for helping us adopt such a magnificent dog! We love him very much! Jessica & Alex