Success Stories 2005 - Here's why we do what we do.
Alexis has been adopted.  Here she is pictured with her puppies!
Aaron and Dani have found their forever homes.
Ricky is a big gentle dog who is quiet and patient.  He will come and sit next to you
and wait to be petted.  Once the petting starts he will stay by your side until you are
done, absorbing all the love he can get.  but accepted them with a grace we could all
learn from and appreciate.  
Abigail has found a wonderful home and she  even has a playmate!  Her playmate is
Crystal; a  Sheltie/Aussie mix.  Abby also has a young (teenage) girl with whom she
can cuddle at night.  Her yard is big green and secure.  There is a huge deck from
which she can take her naps under almost ancient oaks.  Here's an update from her
new mom:
Abigail is doing great!!  She and Crystal have been playing like crazy in the backyard
and have fit in a few naps in between play time.  She just settled in with Shelby in her
bedroom.  She is such a sweetheart.  She is slowly getting use to the stairs.  Shelby
helped her up the first few times.  It was so cute, she came down them so quickly
that when she hit the wood floors she slid a few feet.  We are doing great and we are
so excited to have her home with us.  You have done a fantastic job with her she is
so good and well behaved.  Thanks again for everything.
Cassie has been adopted.
Andre and friend Maddie
March, 2006
Andre (Formerly Charlie -  Owen's brother) was in rescue for a long time.  He was
fearful of men and terrified to leave the yard.   He was adopted by a lady who worked
with him and made him into a much more confident dog.  He now loves to ride in the
car and go places.  

i just wanted to keep in touch and let you know how Charlie (i actually renamed him
Andre) is doing. He has come such a long way in the month I've had him!  When i
first took him out on walks, he would keep his tail between his legs and jump at the
sound of any cars going by. Now he loves walks and has made a ton of friends at the
dog park and with my roommate's Saint Bernard, Emma.  He's also more
comfortable in the car now - a little nervous, but the throwing up seems to have
stopped (thankfully!).  He just seems happy in general, very good-natured, and loves
meeting my friends.

UPDATE March 28, 2006 - I just wanted to send you an update on Charlie (who was
renamed Andre), who I adopted from you in September of 2004. He is doing
wonderfully - he has really come into his own and is a much more confident and
outgoing dog. He is still a sweetheart, though, and all of my friends are in love with
him.  He is in great health, and I can't imagine I ever
Maddie.  He has this funny habit of raising his leg to have his belly rubbed, even if
you are across the room from him.
Tahoe -(formerly Beige), was found on the streets of Pflugerville.  Rescue was called
and he was quickly scooped up, fixed and fed.  He was adopted by a young
professional family in Austin.  He's enjoying being a companion to the oldest
daughter, age 5, and lovin' having a yard and a playscape to share with her.  

Here's what Tahoe's new folks have to say:  Just wanted to give you a Tahoe update,
things are going very well. He is eating a lot and gaining weight. He’s gotten much
better on the leash and doesn’t try to run out the front door anymore (we are still
careful though;). He has more energy now and likes to fetch balls, however he doesn’
t bring them back we’re working on that. We bought a kennel but don’t use it much,
he’s learned to stay out of Lori’s way and doesn’t give her much trouble when she’s
with the kids. Zoe feeds him whatever she’s eating so they have become great pals
although he still follows me around most of the time.
We love him and he is a wonderful member of the family.
Take Care,
Paul & Lori
Dakota - Is a wonderful dog who gets along with everyone.  He loves his doggy
sister, Nina.  As you can see, they both are living the life of luxury.
Dax - I just wanted to let you know that Dax is doing great.  We went to the vets
yesterday and got his shots and heartworm/flea medicine.  He weighed in at 45 lbs
and the vet thinks he will probably reach at least 90 before he's done growing.  He is
still a big ol' love bug and is hilarious when he gets to playing with his toys.  He got
on a puppy run the other day and ran all over the house, I almost couldn't stop
laughing - which he thought was great fun!  We have started taking long walks in the
evening and he is doing excellent on the lease.  

He does well staying in the back yard during the day, but has a hissy fit first thing
when I leave - he has a very impressive howl.  He really likes the Kong I got him and I
also made some out of plastic containers and biscuits - he's very good at getting the
lids off.

Update January, 2006:  Dax brought with him his liking to chew up empty Ozarka
bottles as you can see!  

Also, one thing new that Dax had to get used to was living with our kitty cats.  He has
adjusted just fine.  We love our Dax very much!  We think he thinks he is a
person........and he is so smart that we forget he is a dog and think he is a person
too!   He is a "PERFECT FIT" for us.
Gypsy -  Just wanted to drop you a note on the status of Gypsy.  How do I start?  She is
the most incredible "Lady" I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,  Her training to be a
Service Dog is coming along well,  there Are still some things that tend to "freak her
out" but she is always clam And collected and willing to try the experience.  She is
heeling beside my wheelchair very well and has built her a cave under my desk at work
where she patiently waits until quitting time everyday.  She has been to Oklahoma
where I competed in the Regional Wheelchair Track and Field Championships.  Tthere
were numerous other dogs there, Service and Pets and she just acted like it was
nothing out of the ordinary to be around them.  She has been on a airboat in Granbury
with the Brazos River Authority, and in countless classrooms all over Central Texas and
she is never any problem and I never have to worry about her around anyone.  She has
been such a blessing to me and is learning so much so fast that sometimes I believe
she can read my mind.  In fact she loves going to work everyday and get excited at the
door to my office because she gets to go in and make the rounds saying Hi to everyone
before she holds down the carpet in her "Cave".  Thanks so much for what you do.  
Heath
Hunter - Just a short note to let you know that Hunter is doing fine.  He has settled in
and is eating well….He's a one person dog in a lot of ways but warms up to other
people after he's been around them a little while.  He's starting to shed so I brushed
down his coat today for the first time and he enjoyed that.  I have decided to let him
outgrow the bed chewing thing.  It is the only destructive thing he has done so far, if you
don't count the foam faucet freeze cover I removed and foolishly  left on the ground.  I
guess he couldn't resist that opportunity. Got a good laugh over that, pieces
everywhere. I am sending some pics I took today in the back yard. I had a time getting
him to stand still long enough to snap off a few shots.  He likes to play hide and seek
with the squirrels.
Sasha was found when I was delivering mail out in the country. She was yelping and
chasing my truck down the street. I took her home and passed out fliers, trying to find
her owner but, no one claimed her. Then my neighbor and I have given her a much
needed bath and plenty of love and food. She is approximately 4-5 months old and very
intelligent and sweet. She needs a home that can support her and give her the
attention she needs. She plays well with other dogs, is familiar with a leash and knows
her toys.

Sasha has found that forever home.  Here she is investigating the pool in her new
home.
Lizzie -  Lizzie is doing wonderful in her new home.
Molly
Ossa
Moki Joe (formerly Ricky) October, 2005
Moki - Moki is sitting right here with his head tucked under my arm as I type, he wants
to edit every word of my report to you.  Attached are a few photos of him, with the dates
they were taken in the titles of the photos. Sadie is also in one shot.  He didn't smile for
the first couple of months, now he smiles all the time.
The woman who had cared for him, Ronda, was very bonded with him and we could
tell he trusted her, and women in general, when we first brought him home.  Now he
seems to trust the men in his life as well as the women, and we are glad to see that he
has lost a lot of the fear that we sensed in him at the beginning.  We got him to fill the
empty space left when our Newfoundland/mix rescue male died, after being with us for
the last eight years of his life (he was ten when he died of heart failure, and that is
apparently the limit of the lifespan for those giant breeds.)  Our Sadie, a 12-year-old
Dobie/Dalmation that we have had since we found her stranded in traffic at the age of 4
months, was heartbroken when Bubs died, and in fact, our whole family was, including
our six cats. But while we humans could talk and cry and comfort each other, Sadie
was showing less and less interest in her food several months after Bubs died, and so
we started looking at different shelters, taking her to meet dogs that we might adopt.  
She was polite, but she let us know that she didn't like any of them...until Ricky (Moki
Joe.)
I was looking for a large gentle breed like Bubs, and the photo of Ricky on your site
attracted me, so we went to meet him, all the way out to the city pound at Granite
Shoals, TX.  A city employee there named Ronda, with a heart of gold, had been caring
for him. Her info on him was that he was some kind of Doberman mix, and about
seven years old.

We are pretty sure now, after six months, that Moki (which means "deer" in Hopi Indian
language, we named him for his gentle grace) has the dominant breed of Saluki, with
either Dobie or Rottie mixed in.  You can see the sighthound breed in his height,
length, and haunches.  He runs, really flies, like the wind, and gets to do so off-leash
with Sadie twice every weekend.  He also loves to chase squirrels in his back yard,
strut and swagger for his people,  kiss and wrestle with Sadie (who prances now like
she used to do when Bubs was alive), and most of all, EAT!  This boy loves his
Mommy's cooking, and he has taught Sadie a new trick at her advanced age of 12
years - they both now lick their bowls inside and out after each meal until they are
spotless, which we love to see because she had stopped eating after Bubs died.  Our
vet thinks Moki is around two years old, so there is quite an age difference between
him and Sadie, but they don't seem to notice.  Since their Mommy is older than Daddy
we figure it has become a family tradition!  Most of all, we think that even Bubs would
appreciate how well Moki has taken care of Sadie, the kitties, and the squirrel patrol,
and that Bubs would approve.  Thank you so much for posting his picture on your site
for Ronda, who had no website, otherwise we never would have found our Moki Joe.
Rascal - (formerly Raza), was adopted by his foster mom.  He was brought into
rescue as a frightened puppy from TLAC.  He stayed very timid and quite honestly,
unadoptable.  He's settled in nicely in his new home with 2 female buddies, one of
which is just at timid as he.  He greets each day and each new foster that enters
this home with enthusiasm and excitement.  He enjoys playing with tons of stuffed
toys and sleeping on the bed, any bed.

.
Rex has been adopted.
Rianna has been adopted.
Kayba  (formerly Rory) is doing okay.  Its a new home that he had to get used to and
he doesn't want to be left alone.  He cries every time I leave the room.  He loves our
yard and runs around like crazy.  I got to teach him to stay away from my bushes as
he likes to chew on the branches.  John, our son, is totally in love with him and
takes him out every 30 minutes.  It seems like he already is trying to give me
messages about being let out.  Otherwise he is acting like a puppy and wants to
play all the time.
Sadie (formerly Katie) - is a sweet girl who got adopted by the same person who
adopted Duke (2003).  Here is a recent update.  Pictures to the left show Sadie and
Duke hanging out together.

I wanted to let you know how well Duke and Sadie are doing.   Sadie has adapted to
her new home and bonded very well with Duke and I.  She has discovered a
passion for swimming after tennis balls and has gotten Duke to become quite a
swimmer by proxy.  I really appreciate the two great dogs I've adopted and all the
work you and the other volunteers at the rescue do to save these dogs.  Thanks
again and keep up the great work.
Sonny - This from Sonny's new guardian January 2, 2005; Just wanted to drop you
a line to let you know how well Sonny is doing. Sara and  Sonny are doing great with
each other as is Copper who is learning how to play again! He is quite a singer and
very very smart.  He has learned how to come to his name and sit on command and
is fairly good on a leash.
Trooper - From Trooper's new parents:  Here are just a few pictures of Trooper
when we arrived home. He is a beautiful, well mannered dog and we could not be
happier.

Thank you so much for what you do and for giving us the opportunity to raise Trooper
Uma has been adopted.
Lucy - was one sick girl when she came to us, but now has a happy home with her
foster mom.   Lucy had parvo and double pneumonia, but she recovered thanks to
lots of TLC and medical care from her foster mom.  
DeeDee (originally Egypt when rescued from Craig's List)

UPDATE:  McKenzie had her follow-up appointment from having had shoulder
surgery and she was released from having to stay in the crate.  We spent the
weekend at  the ranch and she never missed a step or limped so we think they
have it repaired.  She continues to be a wonderful joy in our lives.  If you remember
she  was slow to warm up to my husband and men in general.  They are now the  
best of
buddies and play all the time.  She has the sweetest
personality  everyone wants her!
Jasmine has been adopted.
Chance has been adopted.
Sampson (formerly Pooka) - [From Pooka's new guardians] I just wanted to send
some pictures of Sampson. He is doing so well, we just love him so much.  His
training is going well and he is just so energetic. He's pretty pooped by the time it's
bedtime.  The kids are so excited to come home from school, that's the first place
they go is directly to Sampson (he is spoiled).  He even has his own Christmas
stocking.  Hope things are going well finding homes for the other dogs.
Jacob today (Jan., 2006) on
his new bed.        
Anyone for some Air-Jacob?
(Jan., 2006)
Jacob -This is what Jacob's new guardians have to say:  Jacob has been a
wonderful addition to our family.  He is full of energy and always happy to see us.  
He loves playing with the cats and they play right back (most of the time :-) ).  He
has taken to training very well. He has excellent manners expect when there are
new dogs to meet, and then he gets to excited to remember all his training.  His
goal in life is play, get his belly rubbed, and make his people happy; he is very good
at all of them.  He loves our monthly visits to the ranch, and thinks herding
four-wheelers and chasing grasshoppers are the greatest ways to spend a day.  
Sometimes, it is really hard to be a dog!
Onyx- This guy's story is all too common.  Young guardian, job transfer, temporary
housing, forbidden to have pets of any kind while in temporary housing.  Rescued
from Craig's List.
Nellie was rescued from TLAC along with her kennel mate Faith. Within a couple of
weeks her adopter found her.

July 4, 2006. Here is an update from Nellie's adopters:

"Nellie just turned a year old a couple weeks ago, and is the best thing that has
happened to our family! She knows how to sit, lie down, shake, and catch.  Nellie is
so quick and smart, it seems like she almost knows what we're thinking
sometimes! She is a great guard dog, and is always on the alert, especially when
Billy is gone. I could go on and on about how great she is.

The one picture is Nellie with our son, David, and my two stepsons. She is so
happy when they come out to stay with us during their school breaks. And of course,
she is best buddies with David, the little guy. They are inseparable!

Thank you again for the awesome things you do for all these precious dogs.  We
have already talked about getting maybe one or two more when David gets a few
years older.  Take care, and we hope you enjoy the pictures!"
Huck and Finn ~ what a tale they could tell.  A dream come true.  These brothers,
here is Huck and Finn checking out their new beds in their new digs.

This just in from Huck & Finn's guardian:  We adopted two wonderful black German
Shepherds from the GSD Rescue.  We didn’t intend to adopt two initially, but we
didn’t want to separate the two brothers.  They were named Huck and Finn by their
Foster Mother, and as they had had the names for nine months, Huck and Finn they
remain.  

Huck adjusted very quickly, and Finn a little more slowly.  It is evident from their
demeanour that they were abused before they were scooped out of the shelter by
GSD Rescue.  They have come to trust us in only a month, which we celebrate as a
tremendous victory.  They are the most loving boys who are thrilled with their new
home.  Huck is bold, confident and smart.  We giggle each time Huck comes down
the stairs, taking them like a rabbit – front two paws then back two paws.  He
sounds like a person!  He loves affection.  When he’s lyi! ng down, I will start to
crawl ever so slowly towards him.  He knows he’s getting some cuddles, so his tail
starts to go….whomp, whomp, whomp.  Then, I say his name, very sweetly.  He
gets so excited, he can barely contain himself!  His tails wags even faster, his paws
flail up in the air, and his little head looks around in anticipation.  

Finn is a very different character.  At first, he was quite aloof, not sure whether or not
to trust us, but soon became ever more affectionate.  He is the more curious one,
exploring the house when we first brought them home, exploring each new sound.  
When he looks up at us with his big, brown, loving eyes with his tail wagging, our
hearts just melt.

They have responded really well to training.  In one month, we have taught them to
sit, lie down, look, stay, leave and take a treat.  They are so smart!  They know
instantaneously when we want them to go into their crates.  We don’t even ask as
they just walk right in!  They understand when I ask them if they want to go out,
running to the door.  They get so excited when I say “Daddy’s home”, or “let’s go
see Daddy”, knowing precisely who is going to be petting and kissing them shortly.  
Leash training and socialisation are coming a little more slowly, but we know that
with these! very smart and very good natured dogs that it won’t be a problem.

They have brought such joy to our lives that not a day goes by that I don’t give thanks
for them.

July 4, 2006.
"Just a quick update on the boys. They are both doing very well and are very happy.
It warms our hearts to think that their tails are wagging constantly! I have attached
some photos of them.

The baby will probably come in about a month or so, and we think they'll be fine with
her as their natures are so gentle and loving. I'm sure it will take some adjusting,
but our philosophy is to approach the dogs as if they are older siblings.  

We feel so blessed that these boys are in our lives."
Leda - was a Craig's List rescue that had originally been pulled from TLAC but
when the situation at the first foster became a "community issue" GSDRescue
Central Texas took Leda under their wings.  Leda was then adopted by a single,
young gentleman that is a graphic designer and works out of his home. Leda lives
with 1 cat that she's afraid of,  plenty of friends and family with dogs of all shapes,
sizes and ages for play days!!  The adopter is of the same demeanor as Leda;
low-key, lanky, slim and takes things as they come.
Charlie - (Formerly Forrest) has Willow and Sage        (both 80lb mixed labs), are
the new family for Charlie. He has an acre and a half of fenced in yard with a doggie
door to romp around in.
Meri

February, 2006 Update:   Hello from Meri and Kathleen. Meri seems from such a
bad home. She has lots of toys that she loves to carry around, invasions. She is
sweet and really bright. We start obedience classes in a couple of weeks. She has  
sit, down and go get it memorized, but bringing the toys to me and stay are another
matter. She is up to 72 lbs, she has a good appetite and loves treats. I can go on
and on about her. I really love this dog.
Faith found a wonderful home in Austin that had lost their companion
animal 2 years prior to old age.  The family was devastated with the loss
was immediately made between Faith and this family.   The cat, well...
that'll be another story.  As you can see by the pictures, Faith wanted to
"make nice" right away!
Davan -  Davan (the one on the left) was adopted by a young couple from Cedar
Park.   They had a young girl named Suede (bottom picture) and they wanted a
playmate for her that was approximately the same age, size and temperament.  
They could be sisters!
Cisco -  (Formerly Sisko).  His new guardians write:  Cisco has been doing great. middle of the
night :-).

We soon realized that he likes taking baths in his water bowl, so we decided that instead of
getting upset at the mud we would keep the water bowls in the yard. So far so good (except for
those times when he comes running back in after his bath and tried to "hug" us. He's just
adorable!)

He and Pita have become the best siblings ever. I think they have gotten into an argument only
twice, and nothing too serious. The play and chase each other all day (and night, sometimes). He
doesn't realize he is so big, and she doesn't know she is one third of his body weight, and that is
still funny to me.

We have had friends over and Cisco has been great with other people. He is also really good with
other dogs. We go to the park near our house almost every day for walks and they play with other
dogs really well.  He even went swimming this Sunday! WE went to the dog park (unleashed) and
he just leaped into the water! Pita followed right after him.

We're still working on his leash walking (Pita is a little distracting for him), and are planning to
enroll both of them in obedience school soon. Overall, Cisco seem to be a really happy puppy
and I know that given the right opportunity he will be a great pet (he has already learned to sit and
wait to be called to eat, and sit before crossing the street. Still working on "fetch")

UPDATE November, 2005 - From Cisco's mom:  I wanted to let you know that a doctor's office
because he didn't want to cross the doorway. He's a healthy pup at 52 pounds and the vet says
she has never seen such a pretty German Shepherd. I have to say he's not the best patient, but
he did alright for his first time.

At home he has been doing great! He and Pita are best buddies and go everywhere together. We
take them to the park and Cisco never leaves Pita's side. He seems to be a little shy, but then
again, this is compared to Pita who is extremely outgoing. Cisco loves to pretend he is Pita's size
and always tried to jump on my lap. He also loves having his
belly and his ears rubbed.
This was taken this week, so I thought I'd share them with you all. Here's our new little girl in all
her glory! She's such a sweetie and I can't wait for you all to meet her.
Dolly -  Dolly - This sweet fluff ball of a puppy is a real doll.  She's got a great disposition and is very
easy going and and lick your fingers.   She is about 5 Dolly - This sweet fluff ball of a Dolly -  puppy is
a real doll.  She's got a great Dolly - This sweet fluff ball of a disposition and is very easy going and
disposition and is very easy going and friendly.  She loves to play with toys and lick your fingers.   She
is about 5 months old, is spayed and current on shots.   

Update From Dolly’s Adopters,  April 18, 2006
Dolly is doing GREAT!  She is over her fear biting and thinks she is human. She loves to swing on
the hammock and she absolutely LOVES the days we go down to the river to swim. Her and my dog
are total buds now and everything couldn't be better! We are so glad we have her. How are you?

Update from Dolly's Adopters, May 1, 2010

Hello. I am not sure if you remember me but I adopted a dog from you awhile back- Dolly.. A german
shepard/chow mix.  I just wanted to let you know that she is doing great still out here in Johnson City
on her mini ranch. She has been a wonderful dog and mommy to my Daughter and her chickens.
She loves to swim in the river and the vet said at her recent
yearly cvheck up that she is the healthiest 6 yr old he has ever seen.

So I am writing because I wanted to thank you again for letting us adopt Dolly from you, as she has
proven to be a wonderful dog, well socialized with other dogs and children... and I now I can attribute
that to your efforts for the time you had her with you when  she was a puppy.

Attached is two pictures of Dolly now with her new litter of chickens from this season and her new
puppy friend. She loves the chickens so much she lets them ride around on her back as she walks
around the yard. My older dog died and we have recently added a new Vizsla puppy member, which
she has  taken under her wing as well. She is a great mommy.
Kari - If you look carefully on the left is Kari's new roommate and foo foo friend Muffy.