Adoption Success Stories

Ruth's Bitty

I adopted Bitty in Sept. '98 after my loss of Czar under the very upsetting conditions that came about when I was in the hospital for tests for 2 days in July. I had agreed to take two other rescued Labs but had to change that plan because of health concerns. But things work out as they are supposed to, I guess. I still mourn Czar and miss him terribly and finally knew I had to have another Lab. But, being too old to take on a puppy or young one with the possibility of leaving him to find another home, I decided to take Bitty, whose owner was terminally ill and wanted a good home for her, thru Lab Rescue.

She went blind from PRA about 2 or 3 yrs. ago I was told. She has a great temperament, has adjusted quickly to this being her "home" now with a new Mommy and seems to be very happy. She knows I love her (I tell her often with lots of kisses and hugs.) She had a ride from Ohio after the Lab Specialty, where she lived in a motel a few days with the Lab rep, then was picked up up there and had three more rides, one with an overnight stay, and the last one by a girl just a bit East in CO. They all loved her. I had all ready for her ~~ a new orange collar, her name tag, a new Snuggle Roll bed, toys, bones,etc. She was overweight and has lost 10 lbs. on her diet here, with 10 to go yet. She gets Solid Gold as did Czar and all the supplements to keep her healthy. She had infected ears (gooey with wax) and the vet soon got those cleared up and she is just fine now. She knew "sit" and her name, but has learned "back up", "turn around", "easy", "wait", and "look out". She also is learning to shake hands with both paws.

The vet just loves her and it is all arranged for him to take her himself should anything happen to me so they have a key to my place in the file. She is great company and loves the new Nylabone carrot bones, which I have to ration to her every day or so a few more inches! She would consume it in one day if allowed and that is too much. I no longer keep the harness on her except in the car so I can grab her easy. She lets me know when she wants to go out by panting so I have to watch her and ask her often. She barks ONLY if someone knocks at the door, but is so friendly and loves company so that everyone fusses over her. She is a real sweetheart!

I found out about her on the Internet a year ago, she had been tied to a car bumper in the middle of the night, shaking and frightened, wearing a little pink sweater. She ended up at the PAWS Animal Shelter in Lynnwood, Washington, and my family and I went over there "just to meet her". She has been with us ever since. Cierra's eyes have been surgically removed, we assume due to glaucoma, and her age has been estimated at 10 due to the condition of her teeth. She acts much younger, and is totally comfortable with her blindness. She navigates our tri-level house and yard like she knows exactly where she is going, and just try to leave the house in the car without her demanding to go! My husband has to sneak out the door in the morning to go to work so she doesn't try to follow him! The only times she has problems is if she is frightened by a strange noise or unexpected pat, and she will bump into things until she calms down. She is totally devoted to me (!), and loves my 2-1/2 year old son. She is more cautious with my husband, but is warming up to him. Every day I am reminded that she is MORE like my other 2 sighted chows than not! Sandy

My name is Gabby, I am a Siberian Husky and I recently moved to Cape Cod with my new family.  Mom signed us on to the list before I arrived because like all my friends here, I too, am blind.  Since I am young I really don't understand all the medical talk...I am just a happy boy...enjoying my new life and playing with my three Siberian siblings.  They are a bit older than I am, so often I have to find Mom and convince her to play some more with me when they are tired of my puppy antics.  I love to run, on leash and in the yard, and especially when Mom takes us to the beach...the smells are woo wooo wonderful!  We spend a lot of time together learning new tricks...at first I had a few problems with Mom's verbal directions...but she started using sleddog terms and now we  gee and haw and understand each other quite well. Many of you knew me by another name, before I had a family of my own...but I try to forget that time, it was sad, my nickname is Happy Boy...because I always have a Siberian Smile...and like to be a clown...what else is the baby of the family supposed to do?  Mom and I want to thank everyone for being here, it has been an adjustment for all of us, especially my big brother...he used to be the only boy Sibe before I arrived, but we all get along much better now.  Mom appreciates all the posts, and knows where to get help when we need it.  Maybe I can write more someday, I am an independent kinda guy.

Gabby(glaucoma)...who is loved very much by his new family.
Also visit Gabby's Corner

Freckles