Amazing Pets!
Thank you so much for all the amazing entries I received for the Amazing Pet Story Contest. Of course this was not an easy decision to pick one pet for the winner of the pet portrait, and I pretty much knew ahead of time how I was going to pick the winner. These past few years have been trying on so many people and I know that every once in a while it is so nice to be treated and to be thought of. So my gift this season to all of my contestants who entered the Amazing Pet Story Contest is that you ALL WIN a free pet portrait. This was never a popularity contest and I love to have fun with all my fans and I thought that all of your stories were beautiful as well as inspiring and deserving of something special this season, so please think of it as my holiday gift to you for being awesome fans!
Meet some Amazing Pets and Read their Stories!
Udo
Udo was rescued from death's door just hours away from being PTS at the San Diego County Central Shelter... thanks to a group of courageous individuals who sought to keep Udo safe, this sweet boy defied death on that fateful day on June 13th, 2010.
Through online networking via Facebook, a small group of rescue volunteers from all over the west coast joined efforts to bring this wonderful boy into a safe foster home. Udo's foster mom has been caring for and rehabilitating this "Gentle Giant" for over 4 months now and needs help to pay off his outstanding vet bills.
When we rescued Udo from the shelter, his physical appearance was fragile. His teeth were filed down, he had obviously been de-barked, and scars covered the majority of his face and limbs ~ it was apparent Udo had survived a hard life. From his injuries and scars it looks as if Udo lived the life of a Bait Dog ~ fortunately through everything he's been dealt, Udo has the most gentle demeanor and sweetest spirit. He loves people of ALL ages and you can see it in his eyes that nothing makes him happier then to be given human touch.
After being diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and a severely neglected case of Canine Coccidia, Udo underwent weeks of vet treatment and medication. Now this loving creature is living the life of luxury in his temporary foster home in Ocean Beach, California. Udo shares his foster home with three other furry friends ~ two chihuahuas and a pit bull ~ this unlikely group of canines loves to play with their favorite stuffed animals, bury bones in their foster mom's backyard, take truck rides around town, and lounge around the house.
Udo's recovery is an ongoing process, he has a chronic cough that the vet cannot seem to cure. On top of his hypothyroidism medications, a vast amount of x-rays to cancel out long-term illnesses, and additional medication to cure the Coccidia and parasites, Udo's vet bill has amounted to over $1,550. Thanks to all his wonderful supporters and online donations, we have covered MOST of his outstanding vet bills ~ and every dollar raised has come from loving individuals who haven't even met Udo, only read his story!
Udo is still seeking his forever home where he can retire and live out his days in relaxation...
Through online networking via Facebook, a small group of rescue volunteers from all over the west coast joined efforts to bring this wonderful boy into a safe foster home. Udo's foster mom has been caring for and rehabilitating this "Gentle Giant" for over 4 months now and needs help to pay off his outstanding vet bills.
When we rescued Udo from the shelter, his physical appearance was fragile. His teeth were filed down, he had obviously been de-barked, and scars covered the majority of his face and limbs ~ it was apparent Udo had survived a hard life. From his injuries and scars it looks as if Udo lived the life of a Bait Dog ~ fortunately through everything he's been dealt, Udo has the most gentle demeanor and sweetest spirit. He loves people of ALL ages and you can see it in his eyes that nothing makes him happier then to be given human touch.
After being diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and a severely neglected case of Canine Coccidia, Udo underwent weeks of vet treatment and medication. Now this loving creature is living the life of luxury in his temporary foster home in Ocean Beach, California. Udo shares his foster home with three other furry friends ~ two chihuahuas and a pit bull ~ this unlikely group of canines loves to play with their favorite stuffed animals, bury bones in their foster mom's backyard, take truck rides around town, and lounge around the house.
Udo's recovery is an ongoing process, he has a chronic cough that the vet cannot seem to cure. On top of his hypothyroidism medications, a vast amount of x-rays to cancel out long-term illnesses, and additional medication to cure the Coccidia and parasites, Udo's vet bill has amounted to over $1,550. Thanks to all his wonderful supporters and online donations, we have covered MOST of his outstanding vet bills ~ and every dollar raised has come from loving individuals who haven't even met Udo, only read his story!
Udo is still seeking his forever home where he can retire and live out his days in relaxation...
Nico
From the LA Times Article on September 1, 2010:
Remember Nico, the defeated deaf white Dogo Argentino at South Los Angeles animal shelter -- who moved so many people with the sad photo of him first posted on Facebook? Nico, the forlorn animal who evoked the agony and utter defeat so many discarded animals must experience? Well, it's a joy to update you on Nico's life.
Things have worked out well for Nico SwanGarris. That's his new name and he lives now with his two moms and new sister, Brisby, a pit bull mix who is also deaf and white, in Indiana. He still loves balls, baths and life as a major couch potato, says Bridget Swan, who, with her partner Melissa, adopted Nico in November 2009.
Last August, Southern California animal rescuer Nikki Audet first posted Nico's photo on Facebook, and Kelley Gibson, a rescuer and animal transporter based in a San Diego, helped get him to the Hamilton County Humane Society in Indianapolis. Nico likely didn't know how lucky a hand he'd been dealt.
He quickly went through training to help him with issues resulting from his deafness and teach him how to navigate in a world of sound. His bumps and nicks and battle scars were attended to. He was happy and safe when Bridget and Melissa decided they wanted to adopt a dog, and Bridget's friend said she should see this dog at the local humane society.
Swan remembers that, at first, the animal agency was a bit wary of her adopting Nico. She didn't understand why until she was clued in by shelter staff that Nico was a bit of a celebrity and they wanted to make sure she was adopting him for the right reasons.
These days Nico walks in parades with his new moms, “loves to sit up close on your feet so he knows when you are walking away,” says Swan, and “in general is 100% low-key. He'll get a wild hair in him once in a while, but he's a mellow guy, and he deserves it after all he went through back then. He just loves people -- despite whatever was done to him -- and gives lots of kisses. He's very generous and free with his kisses. He's just so dependent on us, and he likes to hang with you 24/7.”
Nico has had one setback: A cancerous tumor was discovered and removed shortly after his adoption. Recently, Swan and Garris learned that the cancer has returned, but they remain optimistic about his future. "We are attempting a holistic approach so that we can hopefully avoid an ear amputation," Swan says. "We know that he will beat this just like all the other terrible things he has put up with in the past. He is a loving fighter and is strong."
According to Swan, finding toys for Nico can be a bit of a problem, as he loves and chews up Kongs, bones and anything he can wrap his canines around. He also has hundreds of fans on Facebook who hear about his daily happenings and send him messages of love and support.
Asked what Nico might say now that he's safe and sound, Swan replies: “The main message is this: Just because it's a cute small dog or puppy doesn't mean it'll be your best companion. Go for the downtrodden, defeated dogs, look at the underdog, because they will give you all their love and gratitude and forever be grateful you literally saved their life.”
So this soulful, special dog, once full of sadness, now lives out the good life in the Midwest. It's the happy story ending all dog rescuers wish for but often don't always see -- though every animals deserve nothing less. We're wishing Nico a happy, healthy and cancer-free future!
Remember Nico, the defeated deaf white Dogo Argentino at South Los Angeles animal shelter -- who moved so many people with the sad photo of him first posted on Facebook? Nico, the forlorn animal who evoked the agony and utter defeat so many discarded animals must experience? Well, it's a joy to update you on Nico's life.
Things have worked out well for Nico SwanGarris. That's his new name and he lives now with his two moms and new sister, Brisby, a pit bull mix who is also deaf and white, in Indiana. He still loves balls, baths and life as a major couch potato, says Bridget Swan, who, with her partner Melissa, adopted Nico in November 2009.
Last August, Southern California animal rescuer Nikki Audet first posted Nico's photo on Facebook, and Kelley Gibson, a rescuer and animal transporter based in a San Diego, helped get him to the Hamilton County Humane Society in Indianapolis. Nico likely didn't know how lucky a hand he'd been dealt.
He quickly went through training to help him with issues resulting from his deafness and teach him how to navigate in a world of sound. His bumps and nicks and battle scars were attended to. He was happy and safe when Bridget and Melissa decided they wanted to adopt a dog, and Bridget's friend said she should see this dog at the local humane society.
Swan remembers that, at first, the animal agency was a bit wary of her adopting Nico. She didn't understand why until she was clued in by shelter staff that Nico was a bit of a celebrity and they wanted to make sure she was adopting him for the right reasons.
These days Nico walks in parades with his new moms, “loves to sit up close on your feet so he knows when you are walking away,” says Swan, and “in general is 100% low-key. He'll get a wild hair in him once in a while, but he's a mellow guy, and he deserves it after all he went through back then. He just loves people -- despite whatever was done to him -- and gives lots of kisses. He's very generous and free with his kisses. He's just so dependent on us, and he likes to hang with you 24/7.”
Nico has had one setback: A cancerous tumor was discovered and removed shortly after his adoption. Recently, Swan and Garris learned that the cancer has returned, but they remain optimistic about his future. "We are attempting a holistic approach so that we can hopefully avoid an ear amputation," Swan says. "We know that he will beat this just like all the other terrible things he has put up with in the past. He is a loving fighter and is strong."
According to Swan, finding toys for Nico can be a bit of a problem, as he loves and chews up Kongs, bones and anything he can wrap his canines around. He also has hundreds of fans on Facebook who hear about his daily happenings and send him messages of love and support.
Asked what Nico might say now that he's safe and sound, Swan replies: “The main message is this: Just because it's a cute small dog or puppy doesn't mean it'll be your best companion. Go for the downtrodden, defeated dogs, look at the underdog, because they will give you all their love and gratitude and forever be grateful you literally saved their life.”
So this soulful, special dog, once full of sadness, now lives out the good life in the Midwest. It's the happy story ending all dog rescuers wish for but often don't always see -- though every animals deserve nothing less. We're wishing Nico a happy, healthy and cancer-free future!
Mabel Lou
In Jan of 2009 I lost the love of my life Lucy, a 12 year old basset, she was diagnoised with cancer after her spleen was removed and she lived on 31 days after. My husband was deployed at the time and came home 10 days before she died. I was devastated for a long time. I work for SC Vet and everyone said you need another one, I said when I least expect it one will find me. The shelter called to schedule the spay for one of their 3rd chance rescues. A basset about a year old, well the rest is history, I went to get my angel the next day and fostered her through the weekend till we could get her spayed and she would officially become our girl. Mabel Lou has brought so much joy to our lives. I will always believe my beloved Lucy sent her to us because she saw the sadness I experienced everyday when she went to Rainbow Bridge.
Penny Sue
Penny came into our lives by suprise. I work with SC Vet and a client came in with their 9 year old basset Penny Sue (I added the middle name). They had decided they no longer wanted her.......to me that would be like giving up your child. I was devastated, I brought Penny Sue home to foster. I had contacted Basset Rescue because we had adopted a rescue basset 6 months prior and was not sure I could handle two. Penny had lived in a backyard for 9 years and she though a bowl of water was the greatest thing. I guess she had been deprived of alot. Two days after bringing her home they called to say they had found a foster home, I ask where Penny Sue would sleep, since she was sleeping in bed with us. They said a crate......I told them Penny had found her forever home with me. She is so funny, dancing at the fridge when I say "you want cheese?" She has chicken cooked every night for her and mixed with her dry. She is one of the most amazing angels. All she wanted was a forever home filled with love and I am so thankful we were able to give that to her.
Spencer
This is Spencer, Spencer was a rescue. He found his owners cancer in 2008. The doctors could not find out what was wrong with his owner so, Spencer took things in to his own paws. He started licking her neck every night at bed time, this went on for weeks. One morning, his owner wondering why he was doing that, started looking closer at her neck. She found what Spencer had been trying so hard to tell her, she had a mass in her Thyroid. She went to her doctor the doctor did not believe it was cancer, told her that Spencer licking it, did not mean it was cancer. They ran test, two days later doctor call Spencer's owner to tell her that Spencer may have been right the thyroid needed to be removed.
Spencer had found what the doctors could not.
Spencer was found to have an enlarged heart this week, he goes tomorrow for his EKG to see how bad it is. He saved his owners life and now, she is trying to save his life.
Spencer had found what the doctors could not.
Spencer was found to have an enlarged heart this week, he goes tomorrow for his EKG to see how bad it is. He saved his owners life and now, she is trying to save his life.
Dan
Let me introduce – schnauzer miniature Dan. Now it is dead, but he is in our memory forever. He was my favorite dog, the best circus artist of the dog theatre "Tailed Farce." The selection of Dan's orders were very deverse and whole shows were created. He showed not only elements of conventional training (IPO), but also had classes at school, solving simple mathematical puzzles, read the alphabet, recited poems, sang cheerful songs, danced and jumped through the rope and hoops, caught rings. We had an hour program. Dan had about 50 shows at various events in Velikiy Novgorod, Pankovka, Tver region. He performed at almost all city stages: children's Theatre "Maliy" and the drama theatre, Novgorod Film Centre and the cinema "Novgorod", the City Culture Palace, and of course, schools and kindergartens. We took an active part in the city holidays (Shrovetide and the City Day). Several times Dan was shown in various TV programs for adults and children , there even was a whole series of TV shows for kids ' The room of tales with my Dan. Besides, Dan at the age of 10 took part at the Central television program "Dog show. My dog and me".
Unfortunately, the dog age is not long and we do not have our Dan. I will remember forever his last acting. When, in 2008 we planned to go to another Dog Carnival, I did not intend to take him. He was 14 years old. We have already refused many concerts because of its age. But when the dog saw that I was sewing suits for another schnauzers instead of him …- you should see how much pain was in his eyes. I could not resist him. I did not take the two dogs that I made luxurious costumes. It took me only a night to make for him a personal Gusar costume. That day he was happy he won the nomination. As the artists he lived scenes. This not only his work, it he was very happy. He won his prize. As a real actor he lived on the stage. That was not only his job, it was his joy. You should have seen his delighted acting. That was his last concert. He died three month later. But that day I remembered forever- the dog was happy.
This is Dan's picture in the Gusar costume at his last performance.
Unfortunately, the dog age is not long and we do not have our Dan. I will remember forever his last acting. When, in 2008 we planned to go to another Dog Carnival, I did not intend to take him. He was 14 years old. We have already refused many concerts because of its age. But when the dog saw that I was sewing suits for another schnauzers instead of him …- you should see how much pain was in his eyes. I could not resist him. I did not take the two dogs that I made luxurious costumes. It took me only a night to make for him a personal Gusar costume. That day he was happy he won the nomination. As the artists he lived scenes. This not only his work, it he was very happy. He won his prize. As a real actor he lived on the stage. That was not only his job, it was his joy. You should have seen his delighted acting. That was his last concert. He died three month later. But that day I remembered forever- the dog was happy.
This is Dan's picture in the Gusar costume at his last performance.
Puddie
My 2 year old chihuahua, Puddie, is a very special dog. I give constant care to my 86 year old mother-in-law. She has Alzheimer's. She cannot walk and her dementia is quite severe. She has bad anxiety as well. When she has an attack, Puddie will get in her lap and within minutes, she is calm as can be. She will pet him and talk & sing to him for hours. He will sit there just as sweet and let her cover him up and hold him. I think he has done a great deal in managing her anxiety. I think he is a very special little dog. He also gives me the love and attention that I really need on rough days with Christine. It's like he just knows when one of us needs him. Well, thanks for letting me tell you about my special friend.
Bug A Boo
I have a puppy that was born here with us, she was a twin in the sack and the other pup was not alive. There were 6 living pups, she was the tiniest puppy we ever had at only 2 oz. She was pushed out of the way trying to get milk from her mommy so I took her and started bottle feeding her, I was up every 2 hours around the clock feeding her with a bottle, she went every where with me. She couldn't walk or stand up for months. I started doing Water therapy with her in the bathtub and moving her back legs and exercising them. At about 2 months old she finally stood up and started to walk but you could tell she was having an issue with her right back leg, (her hip joint didn't form all the way) she adapted very well to her disability. At about 4 months old she started having seizures. I almost lost her 6 different times. I took her to the vet and they couldn't find anything wrong with her other than her sugar levels kept dropping, so instead of putting her on medicine, we tried to control it with diet. Once again I was up every 2 hours feeding Bug A Boo around the clock, we tried every canned dog food and she wouldn't eat it. I got her onto Baby jar food, mixed with baby rice cereal and goats milk. To this day we are on a feeding schedule of every 3 hours. She is 5 1/2 months old and has not had a siezure in a month. She weighs in at 2.6 lbs now but she is fat, that is the key to her holding her sugar levels we have found. She loves to run and play now and the use of her back legs is better but you can still see she has an issue with that back right leg. She has become our world, She is with us 24/7, sleeps in our bed all curled up and I still get up and feed her every 3 hours. Bug A Boo is a one of a kind puppy who brings smiles and joys to everyone who meets her. she loves everyone. She has never barked or growled. She does like to howl songs for me. She loves to go camping and for rides in the car, she climbs right into her pet fly's carrier and is ready to go anywhere we go.
Tazz
This is a story about Tazz, the rescue Bull Terrier. Tazz’s story began on October 25, 2002 when he was born at Antler River kennels in Melita, Manitoba. When he was 8 weeks old, he moved in with his first family. He had a mom, dad and two big brothers to play with. Life was great for little Tazz.
However, things were about to change for the energetic dog. Tazz’s home backed onto a schoolyard where Tazz spent hours watching the children play. They made him so excited that he decided to jump the 6-foot fence in order to play with them. Unfortunately, Tazz didn’t know how to be gentle and he jumped up on a 6-year-old girl. The girl fell and Tazz’s nails scratched her as he pushed off. This led the girl’s family to sue Tazz’s family. Tazz was deemed dangerous by the City of Winnipeg and his family lost their house insurance. Without house insurance, Tazz’s family could not license him and were forced to give him up.
They contacted The Bull Terrier Fanciers Association to find him a good home. At the age of 5, Tazz got onto a plane and flew from Manitoba to Ontario. He met with his foster mom, Auntie Lou Lou, and his brothers and sisters, Ricky, Jada, Glory, and Bond. We saw Tazz on petfinder.com in June of 2008. At the time we had a 12-year-old Bull Terrier and did not want to overwhelm him with a young dog. Tazz visited a few potential homes, but never found the right one. That is until October 2008 when our elderly Bully passed away. We couldn’t bear the thought of living without a Bull Terrier so we looked on Petfinder to view the dogs that were available. To our surprise, Tazz was still searching for a home and we contacted the rescue immediately. When we went to meet Tazz, we knew he was perfect for us and brought him home that day. He has been a member of our family since October 30, 2008. Tazzy loves people and other dogs, especially his Basenji girlfriend PENG! He now enjoys spending time at Bully walks, picnics, and rescue parades. He’s completely spoiled and enjoys yearly vacations with our family.
However, things were about to change for the energetic dog. Tazz’s home backed onto a schoolyard where Tazz spent hours watching the children play. They made him so excited that he decided to jump the 6-foot fence in order to play with them. Unfortunately, Tazz didn’t know how to be gentle and he jumped up on a 6-year-old girl. The girl fell and Tazz’s nails scratched her as he pushed off. This led the girl’s family to sue Tazz’s family. Tazz was deemed dangerous by the City of Winnipeg and his family lost their house insurance. Without house insurance, Tazz’s family could not license him and were forced to give him up.
They contacted The Bull Terrier Fanciers Association to find him a good home. At the age of 5, Tazz got onto a plane and flew from Manitoba to Ontario. He met with his foster mom, Auntie Lou Lou, and his brothers and sisters, Ricky, Jada, Glory, and Bond. We saw Tazz on petfinder.com in June of 2008. At the time we had a 12-year-old Bull Terrier and did not want to overwhelm him with a young dog. Tazz visited a few potential homes, but never found the right one. That is until October 2008 when our elderly Bully passed away. We couldn’t bear the thought of living without a Bull Terrier so we looked on Petfinder to view the dogs that were available. To our surprise, Tazz was still searching for a home and we contacted the rescue immediately. When we went to meet Tazz, we knew he was perfect for us and brought him home that day. He has been a member of our family since October 30, 2008. Tazzy loves people and other dogs, especially his Basenji girlfriend PENG! He now enjoys spending time at Bully walks, picnics, and rescue parades. He’s completely spoiled and enjoys yearly vacations with our family.
Madison
I love my cat Madison so much because she taught me how to love. Madison is a 9, almost 10 year old cat who has been with our family since the very beginning. To be honest, growing up, I hated cats. We have always had 4 cats at a time and I never gave them much attention. I would just gravitate towards dogs. After I graduated college 2 years ago, I moved back home. I was single and looking for a job. I spent many nights at home. Madison and I warmed up to each other. I remember one evening scratching her belly and combing her hair and thinking, wow, I have never spent this much time with a cat before. As the days went on, she came back to me every night with her unconditional love. I was no longer lonely and for the first time, knew what it meant to have a bond with a cat. I spent so much time despising them, that I shocked myself. I never thought I could love so much. Madison warmed my heart and a few weeks later, I found the love of my life, Michael. I really believe if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be at the spot of my life I am now. Michael and I plan to get a Siamese kitten in the near future. Madison was a gift from God!
Bacardi
My little black schnauzer Murphy had to be put to sleep in December 27th, 2008 after a long illness of being diabetic and blind. I was totally heart broken over this loss.
My husband said that there would be no more dogs in our house because it was too hard on me when they had to be put down. After one month of crying my husband gave in and told me I could look for another dog. My husband figured it would take me at least a couple of months to find a breeder who had pups available. Little did he know I had already contacted a breeder who only lived 5 minute drive from our cottage. The litter of pups were a mix of gray and black and silver and she only had two left. I went over to meet the breeder and that is when I fell in love with a 10 week old black and silver schnauzer. I left my $100.00 down payment and agreed I would be back the following Friday to pick up my new pup.
Bacardi has given me the love that I was missing and help fill an empty void in my heart. He makes me laugh and cry. He is my little buddy. I still miss my Murphy puppy but at least I am not alone.
My husband said that there would be no more dogs in our house because it was too hard on me when they had to be put down. After one month of crying my husband gave in and told me I could look for another dog. My husband figured it would take me at least a couple of months to find a breeder who had pups available. Little did he know I had already contacted a breeder who only lived 5 minute drive from our cottage. The litter of pups were a mix of gray and black and silver and she only had two left. I went over to meet the breeder and that is when I fell in love with a 10 week old black and silver schnauzer. I left my $100.00 down payment and agreed I would be back the following Friday to pick up my new pup.
Bacardi has given me the love that I was missing and help fill an empty void in my heart. He makes me laugh and cry. He is my little buddy. I still miss my Murphy puppy but at least I am not alone.
P. Diddy
I've been a cat lover/owner all my life. We bought our very first home 26 years ago, then found out later that our new condo complex was "no pets allowed". Since we already owned a cat, we decided to "sneak" him in all the same. We had that loving kitty (which no one ever suspected) for 18 years, until he had to be put to sleep. I was determined to not have another pet, since we were all broken-hearted over his death. A couple years later, we went to a garage sale about a mile from our home. There we saw the cutest kitten playing amongst the sale items. It belonged to the young girls manning the sale. My son started to play with the kitty, then laughingly asked the girls, "How much for the kitten?" The one girl said we could just have it....I said no, since I didn't want the attachment again. So, we left and forgot about it. About a month later, my husband went down to our parking lot to get something from the car. It was kind of late and very dark. As he approached the car, he saw a tiny figure by the front tire. It was that same little kitten!! She was easily recognizable from an orange dot on top of her head. We don't know how she got there, those girls did not know us or know where we lived. So we had to assume the kitty had formed some kind of mystical bond with us at first meeting, and she was determined to find us! We have had 4 years of love and fun with her and are delighted that she "chose" us to be with for the rest of her life.