We met Spirit (left) at the city shelter. Rescued from the streets, she was so emaciated, it was difficult to tell her age or breed. Her coat was dull; her skin flaky and badly scarred. Despite such severe neglect, Spirit showed only adoration towards humans. That’s how she earned her name. Physically, she was a mess but her beautiful spirit shone through. Her looks improved as she healed.

Spirit went up for adoption and made many friends but no one adopted her. Then kennel stress kicked in. SFACC called Grateful Dogs but our foster homes were full. Luckily, James and Rob were determined to help Spirit. After meeting her twice and with their rescue dog Bruno’s approval, they decided to foster Spirit for GDR. Bruno was working on some behavior issues at the time. James and Rob worked closely with their trainer and because of this careful, thoughtful approach the dogs formed a trusting relationship. Spirit is now part of this happy family.

We are so grateful to James and Rob for saving this urchin, to Bruno for accepting her, and to Spirit, for being a testament to the resiliency, love, grace and indomitable spirit of the American pit bull terrier.

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Remy is a handsome 30 lb. Jindo/ Eskie/Shiba Inu mix. His white fur has strawberry-blond highlights. At 10 months old, he was owner-surrendered to Animal Care & Control. He had been isolated in a backyard for 8 months. His primary human contact was being hit with a rolled-up magazine for barking.

Remy did not do well at the shelter. Afraid, he barked and growled at people.  When he failed behavior testing, ACC contacted Grateful Dogs Rescue who saw potential in this beautiful boy. Remy was placed in foster care.  He also attended doggy day care at Planet Pooch where he worked on being socialized. with other dogs and people.

Remy’s biggest challenges were a fear of men and a strong territorial instinct; both prompted nuisance barking.  He was adopted by a couple and promptly showed them just how unruly this youngster could be—especially towards a human male.  His people responded with love, kindness, patience, and firmness as they taught him pack structure and social skills. 

One year later, this formerly “unsaveable” creature is now a confident, well-behaved lap dog.  On a recent ice camping trip, he happily romped in the snow and interacted with unfamiliar people and animals in strange surroundings.

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Our little Pinto bean was picked up as a stray in San Francisco in November 2007.  This little guy was so fearful and shy that he didn’t stand a chance of passing all the tests at Animal Care & Control. Grateful Dogs Rescue accepted the challenge of convincing Pinto to trust again. He was very shy with humans but would bond with cats and dogs--once they got acquainted. This helped him a lot during his stay with several foster families.

Adoption inquiries were few and none quite what Pinto needed until that "perfect" one arrived in March 2008.  That's when Pinto’s foster mom read the "Philip &Cecil Application." It was love at first read.  They had both the dog knowledge and the perfect work schedules!  Pinto now lives in a beautiful home where he is safe, well dressed, and showered with love. He plays with hand sewn toys, socializes at the dog park, and tries on sweaters from his Auntie. In short, he is one happy Pinto bean strutting his stuff around town!  A huge thank you to Philip and Cecil for providing the loving, nurturing, fun home that Pinto so greatly deserves.

There has been a lot of recent publicity about the 800 Chihuahuas and other small dogs rescued in Southern Arizona, and the Marin Humane Society brought 100 of them back here for adoption.  Amid the flurry of cute pictures in the news, don't forget that there are numerous dogs like Pinto just as appealing and in desperate need of homes in local shelters and rescue groups every day.

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Arnie and Tara are two of the 145 dogs that were recently rescued from a remote facility in the middle of the Nevada desert after their sole caretaker died last May.  She had wanted all of the dogs to be euthanized, but instead her niece contacted Best Friends for help.  They assessed the living conditions and reached out to animal advocates, rescue groups, shelters, and the media in Nevada and California. Thanks to this joint effort, every dog was saved!

Many of these dogs needed extra special attention. They had lived in outside runs with hay bales for shelter through both blistering summer heat and freezing winters. Human contact was rare.  Some of the most fearful dogs like Arnie and Tara stayed at "Camp Reno" run by United Animals Nation for extra TLC. UAN (www.uan.org) contacted Grateful Dogs Rescue for help and now these two country canines are beginning to adjust to urban life.

Arnie is a handsome young golden retriever mix whose foster mom, a UAN volunteer, is working hard to help him overcome his extreme fear and lack of socialization before he is ready for adoption.  His pal Tara, a lovely older black lab mix, has already found her forever home with her foster parents!

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Candy came into SF Animal Care & Control as a stray.  She passed the behavior test but failed medical because of tartar build up on her teeth and a cherry eye, both easily correctable. While in foster care with Grateful Dogs Rescue, Candy was spayed at the SF/SPCA, had her teeth cleaned at Park Animal Hospital, and had her tear ducts tucked back into place at Veterinary Vision. Candy was a trooper through all three surgeries and has kept her sweet disposition.

Candy recuperated just in time for the Bay Area Pet Fair, where she not only took 2nd place in the best large dog/small dog category at the Other Dog Show, but she met Ruth.  Ruth had just settled in California and was looking for a canine companion; she fell for Candy at first sight.  She and Candy can now be found taking long hikes in the areas around their home.  Ruth says Candy is a hit with all her friends, has learned which shops give out cookies, and is even great with her baby granddaughter!

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Good Night, Sweet Ripley

The very first dog we rescued from a certain high-kill shelter in Northern California was a young Flat Coated Retriever mix who won everyone's heart with his out-going, gentle personality. We called him sweet Ripley; he found a wonderful forever home within a few weeks. Here's how we remember Ripley, as told to his foster Mom:

“Hi! My name is Ripley, a country boy just recently arrived in the big city.  I consider myself a gentleman in the rough with reasonably good manners. First, I am an honest dog. I know I'm not the best looking guy on the block and sometimes people walk right by without a glance but I have a neat personality and great character. They don't call me ‘sweet Ripley’ for nothing. When I hear my name being called I quickly come with my tail wagging, hoping to be blessed with hugs and pats on the back (Humans are so easy to please!).  I am looking forward to being someone's loyal companion so if you'd like a quiet gentle buddy to share some quality time together just give a call, literally.”

We were dismayed and saddened to hear that, after less than six months in his new home, Ripley had been diagnosed with leukemia and was in such misery that he had to be put to sleep. Good Night, Sweet Ripley, and may hosts of angels waft thee to thy rest.