Grateful Tales Alumni Stories

Grateful Tales

Stories of Grateful Dogs Rescue Alumni

"Grateful Dogs Rescue is an amazing non-profitable organization that gives dogs in need, good forever homes. An example of this is when I got my two dogs Malo and Zorro.

First there is Zorro, who was found by the police wandering in the Bayview District of San Francisco with a chihuahua. The chihuahua got away but Zorro -- who was named Rex then -- was brought to San Francisco Animal Care and Control. He was frightened by just about everything and when he got scared, he’d flatten himself out on the floor, which earned him the nickname Pancake. Because of his anxiety in the ACC kennels, Grateful Dogs Rescue stepped in to help and that was when we were informed that he was up for adoption. My family and I went to a place called Penngrove where he was sent for his anxiety and looking for a loving family to take care of him. In the end he was a cuddly sweetheart and we gave him his forever home.
A year and half later, we heard about Axel. His story began when a back-yard breeder dumped him and two of his siblings off at SF ACC as puppies. Another rescue group deemed Axel too aggressive to take and that’s when Grateful Dogs Rescue stepped in. After a few visits, we snatched him up and renamed him Malo - “the bad one” in Spanish - for his barky, anxious behavior, and that’s how he became part of our family. Now, Malo and Zorro are happily living in my home, going out for walks and being hugged by me and my sister Samantha. They play a huge and important role in my life by always being sweet and being my friends. And though they may sometimes be troublesome, Malo and Zorro make everyday better and happier, because they are amazing in every way.
Thank you so very much Grateful Dogs Rescue and SF ACC for giving my dogs a second chance for a great life. I appreciate all the hard work you do to help dogs in need get a happy life. If it weren’t for you I would have never have gotten my two little wonders, Malo and Zorro."

Brie

"After only two months with Brie, we cannot imagine life without this little dog. Not a day goes by without a few laughs at her antics, lots of quick licks or kisses, and the joy of hugging and cuddling her in our laps. She is such a delight, even when she is being naughty. Toys for Brie are all around the front room with a special chair at the window so she can see out and greet us when we return home. Even the visiting neighborhood cat, Hendrix, is fascinated by Brie and her playfulness.  Because of Brie, we now know the names of our neighbors on all sides, and we have even lost a few pounds from walking a bit longer and a little faster. Brie has filled that “empty nest” for us of children raised and living with grandchildren in other states. Thank you Carol and Neil for rescuing, fostering and training Brie. And thank you Grateful Dogs Rescue for sponsoring Brie and allowing us to adopt her. She has brought so much joy and love into our lives." ~John

Chester and Maybelle

"Chester and Maybelle were surrendered by their owner to Animal Care and Control, as the family could not care for them anymore. Both dogs stayed in the backyard, so they had not been socialized. Unfortunately due to their behavior they did not pass their behavior test and were stated to be unsocialized, not appropriate for adoption. Grateful Dogs Rescue took them in and they stayed with their foster dad. I was looking to adopt two dogs, as my two other dogs passed away last year (2009). I had spoken with a volunteer of Grateful Dogs Rescue, and said I would be looking to adopt in March 2010. I received a fabulous picture of Chester and Maybelle from Grateful Dogs Rescue, and they looked so adorable. I was really looking for older dogs, as usually they are not so active as the younger ones, and Chester and Maybelle were about 1 year old and very active. I thought about it and decided to go and meet them at their foster dad’s home. They looked so gorgeous and yes, they were very active. I decided that day that I would adopt them. I came back later that week to pick them up and take them home. They needed training, discipline, and love, and of course plenty of exercise. I have had them eight months now and they are happy, lovable, and healthy dogs, and love long walks in the Stern Grove Dog Park. They are wonderful with my grandchildren and my nieces, young children which range from the age of 2 months to 11 years old. My life is so much more enriched with Chester and Maybelle, and they have helped me get through the loss of my mother with their unconditional love, she died August 20th, 2009. Many thanks to Grateful Dogs Rescue for the great work they do." ~Chris Shegoleff

Grateful Dogs Rescue Alumni Story | Devon

I always liked Chihuahuas for their expressive personality. I adopted Devon in 2007 as a 3-year old Chihuahua/Pomeranian mix. He was a bit shy but within days he was affectionate and personable. He now gets to know people within an hour - everyone loves him!

Although I loved Devon the way he was immediately, I've seen how just a bit of structure and exposure has helped him blossom. He knows he will be fed in the morning and the evening.

He now stays at a polite distance while I eat, even if I leave my dinner on the coffee table.
He knows he should 'go' outside, and walks to the door to let me know.
He now happily jumps in the car on his own.
And little did I know he would become so athletic.
While getting used to the outdoors he was so happy he bound into Lake Tahoe, not expecting a body of water.
Now he navigates puddles and terrain with ease.

I can't imagine coming home without him to greet me, play a little, then relax for the evening, just happy to be at home.
~Michelle
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Featured Alumni Story | Dino

Dino is the ultimate athlete and loves to compete. On December 29, 2010 he was the first ever mixed-breed dog to earn the elite Rally Advanced Excellence title through the American Kennel Club.

A short-legged Corgie-Australian Cattle Dog mix, Dino’s racking up titles faster than most people can blink! On top of multiple titles in Rally, he earned the coveted Mixed Breed Champion title through the Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America. Dino’s also earned his AKC Companion Dog title and is working on his AKC Companion Dog Excellent title. Recently, he took fourth place in a Companion Dog show beating out many seasoned dogs and their handlers.

Dino also excels at lure coursing and as a pet detective. On the job, he’s a scent specific trained tracking dog. His forte is in tracking particular animals in urban and suburban environments. But, when duty calls, he’ll track a scent through large herds of cows or goats too.

Dino credits his person Jackie Phillips and Grateful Dogs Rescue for his wonderful new life. At nine months old, Dino was surrendered to the San Francisco city shelter by an owner who just didn’t have time for him. After a few months of dedicated training, Dino passed the American Temperament Test. Now, he devotes everyday to making his human Jackie proud and reaffirming her decision to adopt him in 2006. You can read more about Dino’s triumphs at http://dinostraining.blogspot.com/
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"I'm So Grateful For Lilly" (from a Grateful Dog)

"I just wanted you to know how grateful I am that your shelter allowed me to have Lilly. I don't know what I would do without her. She brings me such joy and cheers me up even in the darkest moments. She enjoys running around her big yard and playing with her playmates Mage, Kataren, and Kia (three border collie mixes each four times her size). She gets along so well with my cat and they even play sometimes when my cat isn't grumpy. :) She has no interest in playing with a ball...instead she chews the fuzzy exterior off them till there is nothing left but rubber and fuzzy bits everywhere. She is there when I go to sleep, curled up at my side under the covers and there when I wake up in the morning. She greets me everyday with a happy face, a loving smile, and a furious wagging tail. My family absolutely loves her and she isn't shy of anyone anymore. She is still rather wary of my grandpa...Apparently she doesn't care for bearded men. She is very fierce when she is protecting mommy from people who are outside the car or the house...and barks until they go away or mommy says they are ok. :) She and I are going on a road trip soon to see some friends of mine, who are frankly more excited to see her than me. She is such a good companion...I couldn't imagine having a better friend. Thank you again and I have enclosed some photos of her." Danai +Lilly (who is sleeping on my lap at the moment)
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Gracie the Flying Dog

(Gracie is the top dog with the purple collar)

"Gracie really lives up to her name. She was my first foster dog with Grateful Dogs Rescue who came to me after being deemed unadoptable by the SF/SPCA. I fully intended to help her reach a place where she felt loved and happy and safe. A place that would enable her to move on to her new forever home. I told myself that she belonged to someone else. I just needed to help her get there. When she arrived, she was afraid and aggressive. Understandably so, from my perspective. A little patience and love, that’s all that was needed. Well, three days later, I was in love! Her profile said that she didn’t like men. But then my son came over and she was star-struck-in-love!

Gracie has settled into our home beautifully. She’s very smart and learned the rules of the pack from my other two dogs very quickly. Smokey taught her how to use the doggie door when she needs to go outside. Now that she’s relaxed, Gracie is playful and affectionate! Because of her exuberance, we call her “Gracie the Flying Dog!” She’s everywhere at once wearing a happy smile. After a long day, she loves to burrow under the blankets, snuggle up close, and heave a sigh of contentment. Gracie if a true joy and a treasured member of our family."
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Thank you GDR for our little Roux -- We are so in love.

Roux was deemed "unadoptable" by the ACC in September 2009. The SPCA wouldn't take her nor would a few other local rescue organizations due to lack of foster homes and Roux's behavior assessment record. She was very overwhelmed by the active and fast paced shelter and snipped at a volunteer or two. She shied away from
those who called her with her tail tucked close to her body and did not want to walk on a leash. Roux's last hope was GDR. She was given a second chance when GDR agreed to rescue her and place her in foster care.

The strange thing is that Roux never displayed any of the described behaviors once she was removed from the shelter environment. Her foster mom described little Roux as a lover of life. One that enjoyed long walks, playing with her mini tennis ball, snuggling up in your lap...and a very happy girl.

Our very first meeting with Roux was a night we will never forget. Having just lost our 5 year old Chihuahua mix "Bean" very suddenly to an autoimmune disease in July 2009, the idea of bringing another dog into our home was a mix of both excitement and anxiety. Personally, I was so in love with Bean that I feared any other dog would live in her shadow and wouldn't get the "best of me." On October 16, 2009 Miss Roux walked into our home and showed me that my heart was big enough to love another little girl. When we looked into her espresso eyes we knew that she found her
forever home. She wiggled and wagged and jumped in and out of our laps for over an hour. Adopting Roux was the very best way we could honor Bean. Bean would be so thrilled to share her mommy and daddy. Roux, once a neglected mutt moved into her forever home on October 18, 2009. She welcomed cashmere sweaters, an overflowing toy basket, and a plentiful food bowl with many more wiggles, wags and kisses. She is the most loving and social Chihuahua we have ever met. She is our mini Labrador. GDR has been so wonderful to us and incredibly supportive
through the adoption process that we are exploring the idea of adopting her a friend. Thank you GDR for our little Roux – We are so in love.

Jon and Stachia
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Delilah

Delilah came to us in September of 2008. She was being fostered with Michelle of Grateful Dogs. She was 9 months when we got her and already had some strong basic training. It is apparent that she has shepherd in her; the other breeds are hard to tell. We think she might have some Lab (soft mouth, webbed feet, strong retrieving interests) and maybe Hound (floppy ears, strong sense of smell, slender figure). No matter what she is, she is absolutely beautiful and perfectly loving. We aren't quite sure about her history as she was dropped at a shelter, but she has always seemed well adjusted and friendly with anyone she meets.

She is well known for dropping her ball at everyone’s feet to throw for her at our local dog parks. She is definitely ball crazy and can run faster than most (this girl is competitive). She has a ton of energy and keeps us active. Delilah is such a part of our family that she comes with us wherever we can take her; camping, family visits, hiking, hotels, etc. She is very smart and loves to please and show off her tricks. We are currently working on training her to put her toys away.

Delilah is a lover---- she thrives on cuddling and always has a paw on one of us. She is a 50lb dog who will sit on anyone’s lap if given the chance. She has truly given us many gifts... and we couldn't imagine our lives without her.

We are so thankful to Michelle and Grateful Dog for bringing her into our lives.

Tikka

Tikka is a special blend of Yorkie, Shih Tzu, and Bernese Mountain Dog according to her DNA test. She joined our happy home because I missed being a multi-dog household. After seeing her photo on the GDR website, I spoke with a volunteer who confirmed that Tikka was a 5 year old sweetheart but she had heartworm. I still wanted to meet her! She trotted into our home, play-bowed to my cats, and then kissed me. That was it! GDR paid for her medical care and she recovered fully. The happiest day was her first trip to Ft. Funston . Seeing her running on the beach made the extensive treatment and months of forced inactivity worth it. Roman (see Grateful Tails link for Roman's story), our German Shepherd, adores her while she tolerates him and our three cats.

Tikka has earned her Temperament Test and Canine Good Citizen titles. She even comes to my classroom to help me teach my students about proper dog safety and care. Tikka has won over many a fearful child.

Some people say Tikka is spoiled since she sleeps right near my pillow. I say it’s a well deserved privilege and the least I can do for all the love she has given my family. It’s still hard to imagine that she was crated in a backyard 24/7 and still maintained her loving personality.

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Piper

Falling in love changed my life. And like many love stories, this one had its ups and downs. Piper did not give up her affection easily at first. She was incredibly shy and fearful and her tail was always tucked between her legs. She hid under the furniture. She cowered. She barked at everyone. I didn't know how to handle this sensitive dog. I thought of returning her to GDR but something told me she was a keeper. Finally. she jumped on the sofa next to me and fell asleep. That is when our love affair began. From then on I knew I would never give her up.

In fact, I felt she deserved so much more than to live in a tiny apartment. She deserved a yard. And a doggy companion. The world. So I quit my job and drove across the US to move toward a brighter future. Of course, Piper was right by my side, hiking and exploring and riding long hours watching the miles tick by. Because of this little canine, I am finally going to be what I want to be.

We are now in my home state of Michigan. Piper is a smart, happy, well-adjusted dog who will play fetch for hours and can hike for miles. She loves to tumble and play with her newly adopted doggy brother. She has taught me more than I believed possible. I cannot begin to describe how much joy and laughter she brings to my life. I could not love her more.

Thank you for rescuing us. Your organization and volunteers are invaluable. I am certain I would not be on this path were it not for your incredible efforts. You have changed and enriched my life.

AnnMarie and Piper

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Angel

Angel was labeled “unadoptable” at the local shelter. She had not adapted well to the noisy chaos there. She growled at a volunteer and was pulled from available status. The local SPCA turned her down and she was placed on the disposition list. The shelter contacted several rescue groups but nobody had any fosters available. A shelter staffer noted: “Have to put in a good word for this dog, very affectionate, loves attention, wagging tail every time I walk by her kennel, loves being brushed, good on leash.”

One of our rescue volunteers describes her feelings when she goes through the stray kennels at the shelter and sees dogs like Angel: “…The dogs behind bars there already have two strikes against them, since both ACC and the SPCA have deemed them not worth saving. And, knowing that we’re the last chance they have, more often than not we have to look them in the eye and say ‘Sorry, we wish we could save your life, and we know you could find a good home, but we don’t have room for you.’”

This time there was a happy ending, because Grateful Dogs Rescue found a foster for Angel at the last minute. Her foster parents thought she was one of the sweetest, best-tempered dogs they had ever known. They were half sorry to see her leave for her new forever home after only a week. Her adopter says that “she really is an angel that fell into our lives“.

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Buffy

Buffy looked like a plucked chicken when she arrived from a rural shelter. Her teeth were dirty and she was going bald. Her GDR foster mom provided months of TLC. Once she was healthy enough, Grateful Dogs paid for Buffy’s spay surgery and teeth cleaning.

Always sweet, good with other dogs and cats, and only 4 lbs, Buffy attracted several wonderful potential adopters. Ultimately, a family who were searching for a cuddle-buddy and a companion for their female chihuahua was chosen. After a careful interview process, Buffy met her new family "in person" and everyone agreed that Sugar, as she was renamed, found her forever home.

Here is an excerpt from a post-adoption letter:

“Yes, yes, yes, we want to finalize Sugar's adoption! We are in love with her. She is very much daddy's girl. Her hair is growing in like weeds, her ear tips are completely healed and she has the greatest personality in the world. She hops around like a rabbit and is faster than a roadrunner. She has such a happy disposition. She sleeps every night cuddled up to my husband. We couldn't be happier with Sugar. Thank you so much for rescuing her! Thanks also to Grateful Dogs Rescue for what you continue to do for so many dogs. God bless for all you do!”

Update:

Buffy is now named Sugar The first picture shows how terrible she looked when you rescued her, and she looks
soooooooooo beautiful now. We love her sooooooooooooo much and cannot even imagine our lives without
her. She is the best thing that ever happened to us. Thank you soooooooooooooo much for rescuing her!!!!

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Grover

Grover was a wily puppy. Lost or dumped in a local park, he spent several weeks fending for himself. Humans were not to be trusted. Many tried to feed or catch him. They failed until the day he dropped from exhaustion and hunger. Two Grateful Dogs volunteers rushed him to ACC for emergency care. Deemed unadoptable by the shelter because of medical issues, GDR moved Grover to a private vet hospital where he fought off mange, kennel cough and the effects of starvation. Meanwhile, the SF dog community rallied behind Grover. Funds were raised and tons of loving, healing energy were sent his way.

Grover’s feisty spirit also helped him to recover from both the physical and emotional trauma. He remembered his rescuers and gave them kisses when they visited him. In his foster home, he slowly met new people and dogs. As his strength returned and his hair grew back, Grover transformed into a cheerful, confident, empathetic dog. Now Grover has found love and happiness and sent all who worried about him this note:

Dear Friends,
It has come to my attention that I have acquired a captive audience as to my well being. After 5 months of recuperating from my ordeal, I’ve found a new home in Castro Valley. My new parents love me very much, and I have 3 other dogs to play with. There’s lots of great things to chew on, like the furniture although that seems to be frowned upon. I’m also enjoying 2 meals a day, and sometimes my new parents will even cook something special for us. All in all, I’m really enjoying my new family; thank you all very much for all of your concerns and support. Without you, I would have never found the care I needed and the loving family that I’m so grateful for.
Love, Grover

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"It has been five years since my husband and I adopted Valerie (formerly Lulu/Lucy). She is such an amazing little spirit, I don't think I would have made it through some of the sadness & loss we've had these last few years without her. Remembering how shut down and scared she was when we first meet breaks my heart, but to see her now is amazing – she's hysterical! She walks as the leader of the pack with her two rat terrier brothers with so much confidence! We recently had a baby girl and were worried that Valerie may not appreciate the new addition, but she has taken to the baby like the big sister she is! Valerie has survived two bouts of cancer with two surgeries and is a happy, healthy senior lady! Thank you Grateful Dog Rescue!!!!!" Opie and Andy Beswick

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Bianca In Her Forever Home · Touching People's Lives

Bianca roamed the streets of San Francisco, scared, starving and so stressed out that she’d lost most of her hair. A kind San Francisco Animal Care and Control Officer rescued her and brought her back to the shelter for some TLC. Then, Grateful Dogs Rescue got a call about a nearly bald chihuahua needing some special care. Her foster mom Kate stepped right up to provide it!

Bianca (formerly known as Fergie) settled into her foster home quickly and proved to have a healthy appetite! As she gained weight, a gorgeous coat of chocolate-colored hair emerged along with a big personality. She bonded first with other dogs and the family cat in her foster home who showed her how luxurious basking in the sun could feel. Learning to trust people again took a while longer.

Carla and David accepted the challenge and adopted Bianca on January 1, 2010 as a companion for their cat Baby who was lonely. Since then, she’s touched many people’s lives. In the words of her new pack leaders, Bianca has a few health and behavioral challenges but they are small in comparison to the sheer joy and love she brings to our family. We are committed to her health and care for the long haul. We truly appreciate all of the love and support we received from Grateful Dogs Rescue and Bianca's foster mom Kate. Our Bianca has a HUGE heart and a GIANT personality to match. We are very thankful that God has blessed us with Bianca. She has been such a blessing to our family and thanks again to Grateful Dogs Rescue! ~Sincerely, Carla and David Estrada, Baby the cat and Bianca aka Fergie the Chihuahua, San Francisco.