ALEXIS CROSSES RAINBOW BRIDGE

Carol saw that Alexis was not walking correctly and was lethargic; by the time she came to the vet, Alexis had crossed The Rainbow Bridge. Although Alexis had begun as the largest pup, once they were able to walk, Carol noticed her head seemed large and her motor coordination skills had failed. She suspects fluid on the brain, but we'll never really know.

KAYLEIGH COMES BACK 10 JANUARY 2009

Kayleigh was not the right fit for the Smith family, as she became overprotective of Mom and was not interested in interacting with the daughters, so she is now being fostered by Kevin & Jackie Smith in Wisconsin, and is again available for adoption.

GUS (f/k/a COLLIN) GOES HOME 18 JANUARY 2009

Shell Lewis writes: Gus joins Sue & Chris Stoughton of Illinois and their two dogs, an eight-year-old Cairn mix named Ebony & a 14-year-old mixed-breed named Megan. Thanks to Sue & Chris for driving 12 hours to St. Louis to pick up their new arrival, and bring him home within five minutes' drive of Shell's house!. Gus can be seen sitting on his new Dad's lap.

LEAH GOES HOME 18 JANUARY 2009

Shell Lewis writes: David Belden of Illinois adopted Baby Leah.

A big thank you to our reference checkers . . . Home Visitors Holly Crotty & Karen Hradek, to foster parents Shelley & Paul Joyce . . . and to Erica, Tom & Nikki Bergin, who did their usual superb job in preparing these youngsters for their Forever Homes.

BEAR IS HOME 18 JANUARY 2009

Shell Lewis writes: Chuck Rusk & Jay Samec are adding Bear to their pack, joining Mugs & Andy the Airedales, and various other permanent & temporary canine members of the household.

HERE IN THIS HOUSE . . . Here in this house . . . I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs 'out there'. I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed. I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat. I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat. I will feel the sun's warmth, and the rain's coolness, and be allowed to smell all that can reach my nose. My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted. Here in this house . . . There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level. I will be talked to and, even if I don't understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words. I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many. My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it! Here in this house . . . I will never be a substitute for anything I am not. I will never be used to improve people's images of themselves. I will be loved because I am who I am, not someone's idea of who I should be. I will never suffer for someone's anger, impatience, or stupidity. I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all. If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to my teacher for blame. Here in this house . . . I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch . . . knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me. If I am ill, I will be doctored. If scared, I will be calmed. If sad, I will be cheered. No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and known to be of value. I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, too unruly, or not cute enough. My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought. I will learn that humans can almost, sometimes, be as kind and as fair as dogs. Here in this house . . . I will belong. I will be home. -- Author Unknown

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