Success Stories

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RADAR (aka ANGUS)

My new mom and pup-pa were not sure they were ready for another dog because the rescued border collie mix they already have is pretty old and cranky. They wanted a small dog that gets along well with others, is portable and would work into their retirement travel plans.   They thought they should get to know the folks at Atlantic Small Dog Rescue so when the time came or the right dog appeared …..  And I did!  I think I heard them say I was the fastest adoption in ASDR history.

Now Lucy isn’t so bad (that’s my cranky housemate) I just learned to stay out of her way when she is cranky and I think she likes having me around to let her know about things she can’t see or hear any more. I have met some other family canines and they all seem like fun even the Westie by the name of Angus – no wonder they changed my name.

watching pup-pa come home

All four of us took a vacation in the big truck and 5th  wheel trailer.  Lucy introduced me to the dog ramp which makes getting into that big truck and the trailer so much easier on little legs or arthritic hips. I got to romp on the beach and walk in the salt water.  I really wanted to chase the rabbits, just like I do the squirrels at home but Mom said “no, that this was a National Park and we had to let them be”.

I love snuggling with my new mom and pup-pa. They even let me curl up under the pillows on the bed or burrow in the blankets.  Mom did grumble a bit when I decided her basket of ironing was a good place for a nap but a fella doesn’t always want to hang out in his den (kennel).

It’s only been a few months but I like it and I’m glad I’m here.

PS.  And we love having him around – he has given us plenty of reasons to smile – Alva & Alastair

REX & MIA

Hello ASDR!

I wanted to send you a note to let you know how much I love my adopted family & my “furever” home.  In case you’ve forgotten me, this is Rex.  I was in a lovely foster home with you guys for quite a while in the summer of 2011.  I’m a rather big guy and I have an oddly shaped front leg.  My adoptive parents saw through my disability and saw the goofy, laid-back, fun loving dog that I am!

My adoptive parents were so impressed by your work, they have become volunteers with you!  We have opened our home up to several other dogs that needed a place to stay until they found their furever homes.   I have loved having the different dogs come to stay with us as I always like to make new friends.  I loved my foster sister Miah so much that I convinced my parents to adopt her!  She used to get scared when she was left alone and would cause some troubles at her old home but with me by her side now, she is a-okay when Mom & Dad go out.

Miah & I have lots of fun together.   We both love to go for rides in the car, have play time at the dog park, go for sleepovers with other dogs at a fabulous kennel, and play with our toys with Mom & Dad in our yard.  We have on occasion the usual sibling squabbles over our toys & who gets to have the belly rubs first.  Sometimes Miah is a bossy older sister but I do love her dearly especially when she helps me out at the dog park.  Sometimes other dogs try to push me around & she quickly lets them know that just isn’t the way things work.

Thanks for helping us find our furever home!  Mom & Dad tell us both all the time how lucky they feel that they found ASDR and were able to adopt us.

We’ve enclosed a picture of the two of us chillin’ together!

Rex & Miah

RAPHAEL (BOSTON)

This was Boston’s Petfinder listing:

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/23169032

After my dog Kelsey passed at the age of 15 I thought I’d never have another dog again.  Her loss was something I struggled with for nine months and felt heart-broken.

One day I realized by not having another dog I was attempting to protect myself from hurting again but also depriving another dog of being loved.  It was then I found the Atlantic Small Dog Rescue Association and began searching for a suitable dog.

Following the newsfeeds for the ASDR Facebook page, I read about a litter of puppies rescued from a terrible situation in Antigonish.  One puppy in particular was having a rough time and experiencing seizures.  I couldn’t bring myself to follow the story anymore and stopped looking for a dog for several days.

Going back to ASDR, I came across a photo of a small puppy that really resonated with me and I fell in love.  I completed the adoption application hoping there was some small chance he hadn’t already been adopted.

The next day I received a response from Sandra and one from Heather.  Heather is the president of the ASDR and I made arrangements for her to come do a home visit which is part of the adoption application process.  Heather is a very down-to-earth sweet lady who brought two of her dogs with her.  My partner and I were excited to have dogs back in the house!

Once we got the approval from Heather I made arrangements with Sandra.  Sandra is also part of the ASDR and another incredible lady who has opened her heart and her home to several dogs.  Sandra was fostering this puppy I fell in love with and whom they had named Boston.

As it turned out, Boston was the puppy who was experiencing the seizures.  After discussing my background as an energy worker, we decided that a holistic healing approach might be the best treatment plan.  Then Sandra and I agreed that Boston would come into my foster care for one week to see what we could do with helping to control his seizures.

Boston wasn’t with us for one full day before I realized how much he completed our lives and the thought of bringing him back wasn’t even an option.  Apparently, Sandra was well aware of this the day I took him home.  This still makes me grin.

Well, one month and ZERO seizures later, I am happy to say we’ve officially adopted Boston and renamed him Raphael.  (Archangel Raphael is the archangel that supervises healers and healing for all Earth’s population.)  This puppy has healed himself as well as my once broken heart.

Thank you Atlantic Small Dog Rescue for all that you do! – Brad L. Surette

GABE

This was Gabe’s Petfinder listing as a puppy:

www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16875838

Gabe and his two sisters came to ASDR from Antigonish SPCA. Coming from a place that had many intact females/males and several litters of pups. Mom was a Australian Shepherd mix, while it was unknown for sure which unneutered male was the father it was guessed it was the basset/beagle mix that was there. They were born April 18th, 2010 and Gabe was adopted in August of 2010.

Gabe on the day of his adoption!

A year and a bit later here is what Gabe’s Mommy has to say about Gabe! (along with some new pictures)

“Gabe is a fantastic member of our family.  Although recently diagnosed with hip dysplasia, he still is as active and as bouncy as ever.  He is on some good meds and loving life.  Our game little dog believes he is a big dog and wrestles with the best of them.  Afterwards he cuddles up to the girls and relaxes.  In the night he starts to sleep with our eldest.  Wakes up a few hours later goes to our youngest, and finally when he wakes up a few hours later ends up with mom and dad. I think he likes to check on us all every night.  I think his favorite friend is Shane my sister dog.  He is a big black lab and the two dogs love chasing and playing.  If they each have a bone, one will drop his to go after the others.  It doesn’t matter whose.  They are so funny to watch.

One of the pictures shows Gabe at our pool’s edge.  And yes he has gone in a number of times although his favorite trick is to walk the perimeter of the pool while watching the kids.

Another of his favorite habits is licking.  Wow he licks a lot.  Everyone and anyone.  He licks hands, feet, pants, anything to let you know he is there and happy.  The only thing he seems to object to is moustaches and people carrying boxes.  Whenever he sees those he barks.  We do not know why, but it is a consistent habit.”

Grown up Gabe around the pool

Gabe has grown!

Snuggly Gabe!

MORGANA (DIXIE)

Dixie came to ASDR in the summer of 2010.

www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16926488

Her owner kept her chained outside and one day when the kids were teasing her at the end of her chain she “snapped” at one of the kids. She was an honourary small dog. When she came into foster care she needed a bit of work as she was scared of strangers and would bark at them constantly. She had to adjust to living in a house, and learned manners. By December 2010 she was still looking for a home for she was part of the Home for the Holidays program. Dixie went to her furever home just in time for Christmas and was renamed Morgana.

Here are some pictures of Dixie in her foster home:

Here is an update a year later from Morgana!

Hi, my name is Morgana, but you probably remember me as Dixie from ASDR.

My mom saw my listing in December of 2010 which worked out perfectly as she was starting a job from home and brought me home just before Christmas!  Wow, I can’t believe I have been with them for just over a year now, and have come so far!

I had some issues being “vocal” around strangers, but do better each time I meet them, now a few growls but within a few minutes all I want to do is smell their shoes and be petted by them.  My mom tells me I’m pretty smart, and I know the words “breakfast”, “supper”, “peanut” which means a yummy treat, and “walk” which is when I jump around in circles barking by the front door. I get to run around in the woods with my brother, Merlin, who is even bigger than me, for an hour and half almost every day and we love carrying around logs in our mouth and chasing each other around trees!

I love to sleep on beds, makes lots of noises when I yawn, curl up with cats at night to sleep, and play with my toys which I still tend to gather up in one spot.  I have learned that water is great and love running in the brook during my walks.  Other than life, life is great, and every time I roll on my back I get belly rubs, which is how I wake up every morning!

BENNY

Benny came to ASDR from Homeward Bound Pound where he was picked up as a stray.

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20795760

Here’s an update from Benny’s family .. look how happy he is in his new home!

My name is Natalie and my husband Brad and I adopted Benny, an ASDR dog back in November.

Benny is the funniest little guy with quite the personality and he adds so much joy to our lives. Coming home, seeing his sweet furry face and walking him everyday is a real treat.

I have never seen a dog as happy as Benny when he hears his leash jingle and I pick up his harness! Although he is just bursting with excitement, he desperately tries to contain himself so that I can put his harness on, but it is still quite a feat!

He does a really crazy “moon walk” style kick after he pees and covers the sidewalk with dirt and grass. He LOVES every dog that passes and makes it impossible to pass them without him tap dancing at the end of his leash to sniff and say hello.

He unfortunately hurt his dinkie recently after peeing too close to a cold lamp post ( – he has to get as close as caninely possible!)  Poor guy couldn’t stop licking it and so had to wear a cone for a week until it healed. Though Benny being Benny, he did not show even the slightest complaint… until it began to heal!

Boy, how it must have itched, as he somehow managed to pull the cone off his head in his crate and by the time we got home, he had taken his every frustration out on the cone by chewing it all the way round the edge!

His dinkie has since made a full recovery…though the cone, alas, is toast.

He is settling in wonderfully and even enters his crate without a prompt when we head off to work in the morning time. He loves playing with Brad and likes to follow me around. Tolerates baths. Hates being dried off . Hates car rides (makes noise like a monkey in the car, poor guy!) He also nudges us with his nose when he wants a walk or to get our attention. Loves anything that squeaks and will obliterate it in less than 3 minutes.

He likes to “bury” his bones…well, takes them into the bed room and buries them in the sheets, or the rug. Brad even found one under his pillow one night.

We have taught him to shake paw, which he does all the time, even when we want him to do something else, he will throw his paw at you.

We can’t imagine our lives without our little black Benny-monster. Or Mister Benny, as he is also known. He is a great joy to have and we feel so lucky to have found such a handsome, clever and obedient boy. Who could believe somebody gave him up?

 

AGGIE

Aggie was picked up as a stray and released  into ASDR’s care to find her a loving home. This mellow, laid back girl didn’t take long to find the perfect home! She got to come along on her home visit and during the home visit she made herself right at home on the couch and checking out the new surroundings. You could tell she picked it and there was no taking her out of there! Lucky for her the references had already been checked and all that was left was the home visit so it was no problem for her to stay.

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20749781

In September of 2011, Aggie was adopted! Almost 5 months later, here’s an update on Aggie. 

Aggie is happy here and a welcome addition to our family. She has proven to be an excellent dog in a canoe, constant companion of all cats, and enjoys meeting all different people and dogs in all variety of places. Her favourite spot is curled up on the nearest sofa. We couldn’t imagine life without our sweet Aggie. We are so thankful to Atlantic small Dog rescue.

CHELSEA (RUBE)

Chelsea is Gabe’s sister. Chelsey was known as Rube when she was with ASDR, but was renamed Chelsea when adopted.

Chelsea and her sister and brother came to ASDR from Antigonish SPCA. Coming from a place that had many intact females/males and several litters of pups. Mom was a Australian Shepherd mix, while it was unknown for sure which unneutered male was the father it was guessed it was the basset/beagle mix that was there. They were born April 18th, 2010 and Chelsea was adopted in August of 2010.

Chelsea’s Petfinder link:

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16875845?rvp=1

Chelsea as a puppy

Chelsea in her foster home as a puppy

Chelsea the first day in her new home!

Here’s what Chelsea’s adopting family has to say about this pretty girl!

Chelsea is a perfect fit for our family. Chelsea goes to work with me 3 days a week and 2 days a week with Michael. She is never left alone for long, we try and take her every where we go. Chelsea loves to play soccer and hockey, well she steals the ball or puck and runs with it.

Chelsea loves to swim too, she runs in the lake when ever we go to Michael’s sister’s cottage.

Chelsea loves to snuggle with us and she sleeps all night long on our bed.

Like her brother Gabe, she loves to lick. As much as she loves to run and play she also loves to sleep.

She loves to pull the stuffing out of her toys and then play with the pieces of the stuffed toy.

She runs around and throws the pieces up in the air catches them and takes off again.

She is very vocal, not barking vocal but ”talking” vocal, if she wants something and can’t get it or her bed is not in the right spot she lets us know. She has a lot of facial expressions and when the kids get the right spot for  a scratch you swear she is  smiling!

Thanks for letting us share!

 

- Pam, Michael, Zachary, Avery, Hillary & Chelsea

Chelsea’s first night in her new home!

Chelsea by the campfire

Chelsea at Easter

Christmas 2011

Chelsea at the cottage

LILY (DUCHESS)

Duchess came to ASDR as a stray that was never claimed. When the animal control officer found her, she had very long matted hair, overgrown nails, an ear infection, an eye infection, a skin infection, and was peeing blood due to bladder stones.

Here is Duchess’ Petfinder page:

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19011434

Duchess was adopted in September 2011 and renamed Lily.

Here’s how Lily has been doing since September:

Lily came to live with us in September 2011.

Lily has a yorkie brother Seamus and a yorkie sister Maggie. They go to stay with her grandparent’s everyday where Lily has another friend; a much larger friend – a chocolate Lab named Abby.

Lily loves to go on walk a bouts, eat and snore. But her absolute most favourite thing to do is go for a drive. She’s highly offended if the car leaves the driveway and she’s not in it! Lily even loves to go for a drive on the lawn tractor and four wheeler.

She doesn’t play much but every once in a while she breaks out and does something silly. Lily is a joy to be around and is very, very loving. She loves to be near people and gives endless kisses. Within seconds of meeting someone new Lily is quick to roll over on her back hoping to have her belly rubbed and who can resist such a pretty girl.

Lily loves her new home and family and we all look forward to many happy years together.

Lily, Seamus and Maggie

Ms. Lilly sleeping in her new bed

Lily, Maggie and Seamus out for a walk

RUSSELL

Russell came to ASDR needing an appropriate home as he would bite new people.

Here’s his Petfinder link:

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19011222

Here’s what his mom has to say:

Summer 2011 I was searching online for dogs in need of homes and I kept going back to Russell over and over again.  I wanted a female dog however once I was in touch with ASDR it was unavoidable; I couldn’t think of any other dog I wanted.

We made the 10 hour round trip to adopt Russell and I have no regrets.

Russell is a happy and goofy dog; he will literally walk into walls when he focuses too much on what a person is holding i.e. treats.  He enjoys car rides and short walks on cold days.

He loves to show off his toy and bone throwing skills and enjoys playing in and under the blankets while mom tries to make the bed.  Russell has his own Bugs Bunny blanket that he lugs around and snuggles into, at night he can be found on the lounge chair suckling his blanket with content.

When it comes to bedtime Russell sleeps in the human bed, under the blankets, with his mushy little face on the pillow and does not move an inch until everyone is up and sometime he won’t get up until he hears someone stirring in the kitchen and then he’ll make a run for it.  Bacon, Bacon, Bacon………

He snores and sometimes has nightmares and lets out little yelps.  I just cuddle him closer and gently stroke him back to dreamland.

He loves his sister (Chelsea – the overgrown boston mix) and tolerates his other siblings the two cats Gage and Gabrielle.

His favourite treats are popcorn and pasta.  Both of which he will drool for.

I can not imaging life without little Russell.