Stories

CHARLIE

This is Charlie, PALs' first rescue -- the first of many with your support. Charlie is a 10 month-old black lab who was turned in as a stray to the local shelter. Charlie was terrified in his multi-dog kennel and retreated to the back corner anytime a kennel staff member or volunteer came to the gate. He was scheduled for neutering but the kennel's vet staff decided he was too unsocialized to be adoptable and cancelled surgery. Charlie was scheduled to be euthanized -- until one of our PALs' volunteers took Charlie home as her foster.

Charlie's foster family's willingness and PALs' ability to use local resources for advice and guidance gave Charlie the time and love he needed and made all the difference. After 2 months, Charlie was neutered and transferred to a Kindred Souls Foundation foster mom who specializes in dogs like Charlie. That would never have happened without Charlie's caring and dedicated foster family, PAL's financial support and resources, and Kindred Souls' active caring. Charlie's kisses thanked us all. He's got a great life ahead of him.

Here's Charlie (whose new name is LOKI - which means mischief   in Norse mythology)   out for some beach    play with his new family.

 

 

 

 

 

MANDY

 

Say hello to Mandy, a 7 year-old female Lab. Mandy came into the local shelter as a stray - with a baseball-size cyst on her neck. The shelter removed the cyst and the shelter staff and volunteers fell in love with her. Mandy also has serious hip problems and needed exercise that was difficult to get. A PALs' volunteer took Mandy home for several days and gave her great walks, car rides and hugs. She was adopted by a wonderful couple within 2 hours after she went back into the shelter.

 

Foster doesn't have to be for weeks or months. Sometimes a dog needs just several days of focused love and care to help people see all her potential.

TASHA

Tasha is a 1 1/2 year-old Lab-Border Collie mix. She was rescued from a local shelter after being scheduled to be euthanized. A serious illness hit the kennels and the fact that Tasha had been exposed and also was not spayed put her at risk. A shelter kennel staff member asked PALs to rescue Tasha and we couldn't say no. We found her a foster home and gave her some of the help she needed for her separation anxiety - a problem that could keep her from being a successful adoption. The day Tasha was scheduled for spay surgery, a family fell in love with her and took her home 2 days later. We hear Tasha and her new family are doing great!

 

 

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

HANNAH   BANANA   VIAFORE

OCTOBER 1998 - MARCH 3RD   2006

I never dreamt I’d get a dog, especially one like you…

But in the Spring of ’99 a dream of mine came true.

I can’t believe how perfect you were, I can’t believe you were mine.

I often wondered what I did to deserve a creature so divine.

Dad wasn’t sure about a dog when you bounded into our lives,

But other than chewing through the TV cable, you brought him minimal strife.

 

Playing catch, walking and snuggling with you were routines we took for granted.

Without your *help* in the yard, I am unsure how dad will get the lawn mowed or anything planted.

 

I will never be able to repay Kim for finding us such a wonderful critter to spoil.

Your amiable *dog*ality was immeasurable & you were so remarkable loyal.

 

We are extremely grateful for the time you spent with us, and the memories we will forever treasure,

You showed us through your enthusiasm for life that your *entertainment value* could not be measured.

 

When I was sick from chemo, you were beside me day and night,

Because of you, and your unrelenting love, I knew this was a battle I could fight.

 

I will always remember your *wiggle dancing*, & you’re nearly bending in half with delight.

Or your *butt tucking* runs with Mocha, flying so low you looked like you might take flight!

 

Luckily Mochas family loved you a bunch & welcomed you as if you were related.

Whenever you saw them in their yard you were sure you were welcome & their invitation was just belated.

 

Going for a ride over to Grandma & Grandpa’s was one of your favorite places to go.

In addition to being spoiled rotten over there, I doubt they ever told you *NO*!

 

Because of your other ailments your heart was having problems, making it difficult for you to breathe.

It was heartbreaking to watch you be so stoic, as you always tried so desperately to please.

 

My hope is that everyone can be rewarded with a critter that has so much love to share,

But we definitely hit the jackpot, as you were a gift beyond compare.

 

You were so loved dear Hannah, I wish I could have healed your pain.

I would have done anything to have been able to help you be your fun-loving self again.

 

Your illness took you away so fast; it just started in summer last year.

It seemed each time we went to a vet they gave us news that was so very hard to hear.

 

I’m sure that we will feel better soon, as we contemplate our infinite gain.

Because you shared your zest for life, no one who knew you will ever be the same.

 

Seven years is such a very short time to have shared our lives with you,

But evidently the heavens needed another *STAR*, & you will always be our…

DOGGIE  DREAM  COME  TRUE!

--Written with great love by Hannah Banana’s Mom, Jill