New Beginnings Happy Endings

January 15, 2007 - Robbie

ps ~ April is now a New Beginnings rescuer who just placed her own first foster, Asha!

Hi -

Robbie was adopted this afternoon by April Deinken of Minneapolis.  He was a bit shy at first but warmed up and checked things out.  April was all prepared for him, and Robbie was especially delighted that she had sqeaky toys!  He is going to be well loved.   

Sheila

June 13, 2006 - Jonesy (foster mom update)

Barb Frank in Apple Valley MN fostered Jonesy, affectionately known as Gramps. He was a 12-13 year old stray, and was adopted by Marce S. in Maplewood, MN. Update, below

Hi!

I wanted to drop a line and let you know that Jonsey is adjusting very well to his new home.  He's got us wrapped around his little paw! He did fantastic up north, no accidents at all. He slept a lot the first few days and didn't bark until Sunday, four days after we brought him home! He startled me when he did, I wasn't expecting it, I was getting dressed to take him out for his walk but I must not have been moving fast enough for him. Did you know he can run? When we go for our walks, he gets so excited he runs and barks at anyone walking by. He will run ahead then stop to make sure I'm still behind him even though he is on a leash! He tolerates hugs and kisses but let's me know when he wants to get down. He seems to walk (and run) much better on the days he gets his syn-flex. He is getting his eye drops twice a day now but the whites of his eyes are starting to look bumpy and red. I've got an appointment for him tomorrow at our vet for his check up. He sure is a joy to have with us. He sleeps in his bed you sent home with us when we're at home but he sleeps in his new bed up north. Gizmo is doing fine with Jonsey, they like their walks together. Gizmo and Bandit when they were on their walks would walk side by side almost touching each other. When I took Gizmo and Jonsey for their first walk together Gizmo would get up next to Jonsey touch his side and Jonsey would trot ahead, Gizmo would prance to catch up then Jonsey would fall behind. Now after they've been on a few walks together, they are starting to walk side by side.

I had the two of them out for a walk and Jonsey barked at two people walking by us. I wanted to tell the people not worry, he won't bite and if he did, he has no teeth but they just said "good morning" and kept walking.

He wasn't eating very good, the first few days he really didn't eat at all. Did you know he can eat off of a spoon? Worried he wasn't eating, I tried to feed him with a spoon and he seemed like he knew exactly what he was doing. If you let him sniff the food on the spoon, then turn the spoon upside down, he will bite on the spoon and lick the food off of the spoon with his tongue. He's been eating much better now. Phil laughs and me and tells me I'm spoiling him, is that possible? Gizmo is learning very quickly how to eat off of a spoon now too!

This is a photo of Jonesy after a few months with his new mom. Look at him race through that snow!

April 19, 2006 - Kyoshi

Carol and I did the Viesselmann's HV this afternoon.   They had a beautiful home with a large lot (no fence).  Linda's original preference was a "small female lap dog," so I brought my 15 mo-old Mia and my male, Kyoshi, went for the exposure.  Mia was her usual happy self, until their CockaPoo got too close, and the two got into a dog fight.  After observing Mia these last two weeks, I'm convinced she initiated the attack. Well this knocked her out of the race.

Kyoshi was his usual calm and cuddly self.  Marvin loved holding him. You can tell their Charley was well cared for and the Viesselmanns told us stories of previously owned dogs.  All had very good lives and all seemed to have had rough starts.  They had my immediate approval.  Linda is a horse and dog person and seems to be very knowledgeable about general animal care.  I was thrilled that they wanted Kyoshi.  So Carol and I finished the HV and left Kyoshi with them.  He will be loved.

June

June 8, 2007 - Sasha

Sasha is adopted! Two weeks ago, I took Sasha to meet Stacey and Chad O. in Fargo, and they fell head over heels. Once Sasha was spayed, they became her proud new parents. I miss the little stinker but it certainly sounds as if she's in loving hands...and not too far to visit!

Lisa

Note from Sasha's new mom, Stacey:
Hi! All is well here. Just took Sasha into Petco today to be groomed--she looks like a totally different dog! I miss her wild and crazy hair, but she really needed a summer cut!

We went to the lake this past weekend and Sasha absolutely LOVED it!!! She loves to ride on the pontoon and chase dragonflies around the yard. She is such a good little girl, even though she is spoiled already!

Stacey

Update: Sasha now has a new sister: Carley:

From Stacey:
Hi everyone! I have enclosed pictures of Carley, our newest addition to the family! Carley is a cairn terrier that we found at a rescue group in Detroit Lakes. She was brought there when the neighbors complained that there was a dog with puppies living outside. So she was rescued from the low-income household that had 12 other dogs (plus her 5 puppies!). I sure hope those other dogs found good homes too! Carley is a very friendly little wiggle-butt, and we are happy to have her living with us!

Sasha's not quite sure what to think yet, she's a little jealous that she has to share mommy's lap with a newbie. It might take a couple weeks, but I'm sure they will become fast friends!

 

? 2006: Zippy (and Ben)

IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE AND MUCH PERSONAL SADNESS, ZIPPY WILL BE LEAVING APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA AND RELOCATING TO THE GREAT STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA. DIANNE AND KEN HURD HAVE APPLIED FOR ZIPPY AND ARE ANXIOUSLY AWAITING HIS ARRIVAL. MANY OF YOU SEEM T0 KNOW THIS COUPLE AND WITH THE RAVE REVIEWS THEY RECEIVED, THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD NOT OK THE ADOPTION. AFTER HAVING SEVERAL LENGTHY CONVERSATIONS WITH DIANNE, IT ALREADY SEEMS LIKE I HAVE KNOWN HER FOREVER. I WILL MISS MY LITTLE LOVE BUG BUT KNOW HE WILL GET THE EMOTIONAL LOVE AS WELL AS THE CONTINUED MEDICAL/THERAPEUTIC CARE WITH THE HURDS. JUST FINDING OUT DIANNE IS A RETIRED NURSE MAKES IT ALL THE EASIER TO LET GO AND SAY GOOD BYE. I WOULD SAY MY FIRST FOSTER WITH NEW BEGINNINGS HAS BEEN A SUCCESS AND , WITH GOOD AND BAD, A JOY! BARB FRANK LILY ROSE, EMMA ANNE AND THE ZIP

Special Note:
Diane and Ken Hurd adopted 10 year old Ben, their first doggie, in 2003 (if memory serves). Later, they adopted Zippy, a special needs baby. Below are Diane's thoughts on adopting using the heart

"I  thought I wanted a puppy"
My husband and I have adopted three boys from your rescue, and one other I rescued myself.

When I 1st started to think of getting my shih-tzu, I knew nothing of puppy mills, or pet store pets, or anything....I became "educated" by a good friend on email, and learned about your rescue in MInnesota, we live in ND>

I thought I wanted a puppy, or at the least a young dog....as long as it was a shih-tzu....a life long want of mine.

I contacted your rescue and was put in contact with Lisa, and then Amy.....AND THE REST IS ANOTHER STORY.

Amy sent me an email picture of BEN......a 10 year old OTI, who was just adorable...

But did we want "an old dog"???????

Were we asking for heart break?...Were we looking at one year and facing illnesss, or worse??

After much talk, and much heart search, and of course looking at his adorable face.......we went ahead and started the process. We were impressed with the complete screening you did...YOU REALLY LOVE THESE DOGS!!!!!!!!

The day we met Ben was the start of a life long journey of love.

Ben became our boy, he was 10 years young, and he was full of life. At 10, Ben learned to camp, to ride in a cart behind our bikes, to love parks, and walks, he learned to go to work with me three days a week, my clients started to request appointments when he was there, he attended staff meetings, sitting as if he were the chairmen of the meeting...quiet, polite but forever alert and regal. Everyone adored him. He made nursing home visits to friends, and strangers alike. He was polite, easy going and loved life.

We had Ben 6 more years, full of love, joy, and fun...he welcomed a new brother Sammy at age 12, even tho Sam was only 9 months,,,and he welcomed another "oldie" Zipper right after that.......

Ben left us for the bridge at the age of 16 this past February. His presece those 6 years were worth a lifetime to us. He trained Sammy to walk on lead and potty outside, and he filled our lives with more joy then we could ever say. We will be eternally grateful to your rescue and to all the people that helped bring Ben to us.

He welcomed two new rescues to our home, Sammy at age 9 months, and Zipper at age 6....Sam now 4 and Zip now 8..he helped to train them, and teach um "the ropes".

Zipper is your November calendar guy. He is a charmer, and a complete joy....full of love, energy, and charm. He loves the ladies, two and four legged versions. He has three legs that work, left untreated as a pup, and abandoned by his owners in their back yard when they moved.

But Zip knows no enemies, he knows no anger, and he knows nothing about "disabled"...Zipper prefers to think of life as a bowl of belly rubs, and golf cart rides, and meal times. He represents rescue in its best form. Since his bad leg starts questions and education. He is our love child....he never has one bad day!!

Now we have one "oldie" and one 4 yo, and one 7 month old...all unplanned, all planned for us somewhere.

Please consider adopting a older dog, they are so full of love, and so full of wisdom.

Ben and Zip have taught us:

            Life is never over just because years are many

            Love is ageless

            Never give up

            Always forgive, it opens your heart again

            "disabled" only matters if its in your mind

            Never turn down a good belly rub...all else can wait 

            Always love again, since life is unpredictable.

             Life is important at all ages.

AND I THIUGHT I WANTED A PUPPY..............................Dianne Hurd, owned by Sammy , Zipper, and Teddibear

Zippy, pre-adoption

Ben Hurd and family...Ben passed away in 2007. He was 16 years old

4-14-08: Emmy Lou - fka Angel (2)

Kelly is totally in love with little Angel. Her new name is Emmy Lou. My mom actually went over to stay with her today and tomorrow while Kelly is at work. Kelly has the rest of the week off to spend with her. She is going to the beauty salon later this week and shopping for toys, clothes and treats.

Kelly said her family is now complete. Except she still needs to find a man..........hee hee.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen for Kelly and Emmy Lou.

--
Kaye Efsen

 

4-9-08: Cheyanne (update from new mommy)

Another update from Cheyanne's new mom.

Hi Laura,

Cheyanne continues to do well.  She seems to be eating well at least as far as I can tell.  She finally showed an interest in her little rawhide bone today, but she was able to break it into two pieces and eventually the pieces looked too small for me to be comfortable with.  I felt bad taking them but did not want her to choke.  (I distracted her before taking them). She hasn’t been interested in the big bone yet.  The last couple of nights after we have come in from being outside around 9:00, she has gone almost right away to bed (my bed) and stays there even though I don’t go to bed for a while.  She doesn’t sleep just lies there.  Otherwise she is usually in the same room as me but she goes off on her own too which I think is a good sign.  She seems comfortable; I hope I am right.  A couple of my friends came over today and she got a little excited (normal reaction), and calmed down soon after and warmed up to them. I have left her alone for up to two hours now and when I get home it appears that she is fine and was ok being alone.  I enjoy my walks with her; I wish I had that much energy!  She has been peeing ok and pooping 1 one to two times a day which I was glad to see (well, not really, but you know what I mean).  I make sure that she gets plenty of attention otherwise we each our do our own thing.  She has been absolutely no trouble at all and even if some trouble comes up I don’t expect her to be perfect, but she sure has been easy to live with so far!  I hope she thinks the same of me!  My friend, Jim talks to me everyday and wants to be sure that she is doing ok.  He is watching out for her too.  My friend and neighbor across the way has offered to take her if I have to be gone for the entire day or overnight!  I thought that was great!  They are dog people and after meeting her of course they knew they would enjoy her.  Cheyanne has met three more dogs in her neighborhood.  It is funny because everyone knows the dogs’ names, but not the owners.  Guess we know who counts! 

Take care and I will keep you posted,

Cheryl

4-7-08: Angel (now Oliver)

Sweet, sweet Angel was adopted yesterday.  He now lives in Ladysmith, WI, with mom Gwel T. and feline brother and sister.  He will no doubt be loved.  Gwel was in Minneapolis Thursday and met Angel.  However, the HV still had to be done, so I spent 8 hours driving yesterday.  He now lives in a nice home on several wooded acres overlooking the Flambeau River.  I saw wild turkeys and lots of other animals, so Angel will have plenty to watch outside of his windows.

His new name is Oliver.  Gwel recently lost her husband and then her Yorkie mix.  She told me she has lots of love that has to go somewhere.  Since she is 70 and Angel is 2, I also met her daughter - who will take Oliver if Gwel becomes incapable of caring for him.  At my vet, he was known as Foster Angel Prischmann-Pospisil.  The new name of Oliver Tucker is much shorter!

A million thanks to Marie, who suggested Angel to Gwel.  Gwel originally thought she was getting Frankie and Scottie, and then cried when she did not.  Angel spent 4 months in foster care without a single application.  He is the sweetest dog I've known, but just didn't seem to appeal to anyone on Petfinder. 

When I was hugging Angel goodbye, he started kissing me and I broke down.  This resulted in Gwel, her daughter and her friend (also present) all getting teary-eyed.  You wouldn't have known it was a joyful moment if you happened to peek in the windows.  It was, though.  I know this sweet little boy will be well taken care of.

Goodbye to my pretty little Angel eyes.  FYI, to anyone who doesn't know his story - this was my most recent biter.  Rita met him on Saturday and was like "What, he bites?  Really?  Really??"  I learned with Angel that if the dog trusts you, anything is possible to overcome.

Erinn

Update

Hi Marie,

I am able to pick Oliver up and I gave him a bath

this afternoon, he was due.  What a sweet cuddly

little guy he is.  I found out he was 3 years old

on March 18.  I gave him a ride in my van to the

mailbox....I have a very long driveway and it was

raining.  He slept with me and my cats last night.

Only one negative....he has pooped twice since he

arrived yesterday early afternoon....both times in

my house.  Once yesterday and this afternoon after

my carpet (throughout) was professionally cleaned

this AM.  It has been a long time since I have had

a dog that needed housetraining..........so, what do

you suggest?  He is wearing the binders.   He wet

them a few times yesterday....but, only once so far

today.   I had asked Erinn how he told her he wanted

to go out.  She said, he never did because he just

went out with the other dogs.  thanks for the email

update!!   again, thanks for everything!!! gwel

4-7-08: Spanky

Spanky was adopted Sunday by Denise H.  and her wonderful sons, Meleek (sp) and Marcus. These boys are so sweet and so thrilled with their little friend. I spoke with Denise later in the evening and she said that Spanky was still a little scared and confused and didn't want to come out of the lower lever family room. He was sitting by the door. Broke my heart!

His tail was up and wagging the whole time he was with them at Petco so I know it won't be long before he starts having a lot of fun. I will miss this little boy so much.

Joanne Folkerts

4-6-08: Sandi

Just a note to let you know that Sandi's new home is in Oregon Wisconsin.  Thank you June for taking that long trip with us today.  This is a wonderful home for this snuggly little girl.  She loved everyone including her new boy Sean. 

Carol and the  Furkids