I would like to reintroduce Paris Marin formally known as Mitsey. This girl has been with us for 4 weeks now and is fitting in just fine. Under all the fur we found a beautiful girl! She is a curious pup with her nose in everyone's business! She has been a doll at the vets and even better for her groomer! She is a little shy in social situations with people but loves other dogs! She has learned new tricks with amazing speed! She loves her toys, treats and walks and lets us know when she needs to go out. She can rassle and outrun a Philly Pit Bull but will lose the tug of war game with grace. She is gaining confidence in her new home and seems to love us as much as we adore her. Paris and I are going to go to obedience school ( for her, not me) and I think she is going to be a star pupil. She sure has brightened our lives. Thanks AFEW for the best gift ever given.

Hope all is well.. Just wanted to give you all an update on SHEP .. He is doing amazingly well.. He has gained almost 12 pounds at last weighin at the vets.. He is very well adjusted and is having a fabulous time.. I just wanted to say thanks again for helping us to get such a wonderful dog.. WE ALL LOVE HIM VERY MUCH (Including Jack the BOSTON)

The Jablecki family adopted Cisco at the end of September. He is part of our family and is doing well. Cisco loves to play outside, go for long walks in the woods at the back of our house and best of all loves his belly rubs. Cisco loves his crate and sleeps through the night. The best part is when Cisco is having a dream and he barks in his sleep.

Cisco is a happy and healthy dog. We all love him.

Was just hugging Bella, and I thought about you! Just wanted to tell you how thankful we are to have Bella ! She is my best buddy, and we ALL just love her to pieces! I work from home, and she is barking at me as we speak !! She likes to climb im my lap like she is a Yorkie, while I work...lol

Then I grab her. hug her, and pet her, and when I have to get back to work, she gives me a lot of lip, and barks, as if she is giving me a piece of her mind! She is my joy !!> Just wanted to check in with you, and let you know she is doing fantastic ! Hubby even got her to root for the Cowboys, I am attaching some pics.....

By the way, remember when you said the day we picked her up, she hated to go in a car..... well it is now one of her favorite pleasures :-) She also absolutely loves going to the local dog park !!! She runs and plays until she cant anymore, in a park full of about 20 dogs, ranging from a chiwawa(spelling???) to a Newfoundland..... she just LOVES to socialize !!! I can't find the email from the woman that handled the adoption, but if you would forward her this, I would appreciate it! Want her to know how great Bella is doing! Thanks again !!!!!! Take care! We even have video of her in a bath tub!!! She just loves a warm bath, and shampoo !!! Just like a woman!! lol

I have had Dexter almost a month now and it has been an exciting, challenging, and very rewarding few weeks. Considering I really didn't know much about the dog except for his personality from the couple times I met him, things have been going great. I am at work for almost nine hours a day, and he waits patiently for me in his fixed up apartment in the basement (no mess), and is always ecstatic when I get home. We go for a walk three or four times a day and he gets along with all the people (and most of the dogs) in the development I live in.

I was a little hesitant on owning a dog that was American Bulldog and "part pit-bull" per my local vet. When I told my parents what I had adopted they were instinctively biased toward the breed (as was I in the beginning), but then I did EXTENSIVE research and learned that these type of dogs make excellent pets.

Dexter looks a little intimidating to some people, but I believe that if the need were ever to arise, that it would in fact be me who had to protect him and not the other way around. My friends have walked into my house unannounced and Dexter just sits on the rug uninterested. He doesn't bark when I leave and he doesn't pull on the leash. He seems to be pretty intent on being a submissive dog, which is a blessing since I wouldn't really want to have to establish alpha position with a dog like him.

I would definitely recommend that people take adoption into consideration ESPECIALLY if they do not have the time to train and house break the dog. I also get the feeling that Dexter knows that he has another chance now, and I think he is doing a fine job of earning it.

Just a note to let you know things are going great with Miles. He is so lovable. He is very friendly to strangers and wants to be near us all the time. As soon as we touch him he starts to purr. He is getting used to our dog, Sherwood. We did what you said with the crate and he fussed a little but then calmed down. We don;t let them get to close to each other. Miles likes to put on a show for the dog just to let him know who is boss! It's like the cat is saying "boo" to the dog so the dog won't get any ideas about getting to close.

Henry became a part of our family in December 2008. From the moment he came home, we fell in love w/ him. Henry is a good boy who loves to give kisses and always wants to be by your side. He is very playful and will play catch w/ his toys all day long. When he first arrived, he didn't know many commands. But surprisingly, even though he is already 3 years old, he was easily trained. He quickly learned to come, stay, sit , and retrieve toys and sticks. He is also well behaved on and off leash. We could not have asked for a better companion. Everyone who meets him loves him. Our experience w/ Henry was so great that we recently adopted a brother for him, a 4 year old Cairn Terrier we named Stewie. Now our family is complete and we couldn't be happier. I encourage anyone looking for a pet to please consider rescue or shelter adoption before a breeder. These wonderful animals need loving homes. You never know, you may just find your best friend. We did.

Hopefully you remember me or at least my boy Truman. I adopted him from you about 6 1/2 years ago. I attached a couple of pictures of Truman. He is my Angel. We recently adopted a female Weimaraner from someone we knew. She needed a home and now Truman has a playmate. I just wanted to say thank you and what a great job that you and everyone at AFEW do. I try to refer people to your organization as much as possible.

Justice (Purrbabyj) and Chrystal (Chrissy) are doing great! Chrissy is a super loving, sweet little girl who has a very quiet meow and loves to be cuddled under the covers and is totally content to have you pet her 24/7. Justice, on the other hand, controls the loving I give to him, as he has to have it on his terms. He's not an affectionate type of cat; he won't let you hold him or cuddle him. However, he needs constant attention on his terms and from the minute I walk into my front door, he is talking. He has a constant need to be "touching" any part of my body at all times or he will sit and cry until I allow him to crawl up next to me. The minute I hold out my hand for him to "walk into a pet", he starts pushing at my hand for petting, and then starts purring so very loudly (that's how he got his nickname Purrbabyj), bites my hand after about 3-4 minutes to tell me he has had enough, and then settles down next to me, takes his paw and touches my hand or arm (or lays down on one of them) and goes to sleep. Justice wakes me up (actually yells at me) whenever he has a bad dream because he needs a reasurring pet. He is a very vocal animal. He Yells (not a meow) and he waits for me to go to him to see what he wants (usually just needs to see me). He talks constantly. We carry on conversations constantly; my friends and neighbors think it is so funny. I love my babies and would not trade them for the world. I just wanted to update you. Thanks and good luck with all your families!

Tomorrow will be 1 month with Buddy aka Mischief aka Mister. I wanted to thank you both for the excellent work that you do. I am grateful that Van linked us together. I know that Joe and I were very concerned when we first spoke about Buddy and cats. Arlene you thought he would be good with cats. Marilyn your dog instincts are remarkable. (You both knew he would not be a problem.) He was curious of them but not too curious. Well needless to say I hope Buddy survives the cats not visa versa. I know my cats would take to him immediately and true to form within 24 hours they were circling him and walking under him. In one week he was running free amongst them all day long as long as he is attended. (I still crate him when I go to work. 2 days of week. He'll survive!) I have attached a couple of pictures of Buddy and his new family.

He is a quick learner. He understands: "Who wants to eat?" That is dinner bell in my house. He and the cat entourage run to the basement to get their food. That took all of about a day to learn. His appetite is incredible. He can easily eat 5 or 6 cups of food. He is a real chow hound. I limit him to 3 feedings of 41/2 to 5 cups a day, plus one can of wet a day. He does get some snacks when I train him and one Milkbone at night. The Milkbone gets saved for when he really is hungry.

I am going to get him professionally trained. He does act over protective in the house. He calms down as long as the person knows how to handle him. However, out on the street he is unflappable. We walk several miles a day. Anywhere from 2 to 6 miles on any given day. He loves his walks. He loves to play. He shreds most stuffed animals. I had a reindeer rope and stuffed animal which has now lasted a whole month with him. The squeaker still works it is missing a bow and an eye. However, it has survived the longest. The average being anywhere from 20 mins to 5 hours till time of total destruction. Luckily the reindeer is still around.

We both are very happy with him. Joe was not sure and worried that he would not adjust. Buddy proved him wrong. I myself believe that he is a big mush. He is constantly on his back looking for belly rubs. He watches the cats and tries to sit on my lap. I try to explain to him that a 70 pound lap dog just does not work.

Thank you both for all your help with introducing him to us. You made the experience so pleasant. I can tell that you are both so very concerned with the well being of the animals. Joe and I were going through a hard time with the death of our dog. We wanted to give an older dog a chance. We were full of reservations as to whether it would work. You both reassured us and promised assistance every step of the way. Luckily he Buddy is a good dog and I would recommend adopting an older dog to anyone. Hopefully, through your organization since you do such a good job of matching candidates.

Just wanted to give you a heads up on Tonya, now known as Whiskey, she is doing great!!! Whiskey is more then we hoped for in a new dog; she is completely house trained, heals when she walks and has shown no signs of aggression towards us or towards anyone else. She had her first check up yesterday and our Vet believes Whiskey is about 2 1/2 - 3 years young....which we were thrilled with!

Whiskey is a blessing to our family--we are so happy to have found her. Thank you for all your help!!!

I just wanted to express our gratitude to A.F.E.W. for all they've done with helping us find the perfect dog. We adopted Jolie on January 17th and she has been nothing short of perfection since joining our family. We named her Bailey for her beautiful Irish cream coat. She came to us house trained, leash trained, and crate trained and simply wants to be loved and petted. She enjoys long walks twice a day, laying in front of the fire place on her giant pillow, or playing fetch and tug of war. I also wanted to dispel a myth about pitbulls and pitbull mixes being mean or aggressive. Bailey is the most gentle, loving dog who has never growled or barked at another person or dog. She is great around other dogs and children and simply wants affection. If you are considering adopting a dog or cat please consider one from A.F.E.W. Our experience has been great. You can find a wonderful dog for a very affordable price with the money going to help other rescues. Thanks again for all you've done.

Scott, Christine, Lauren, Ian, and Kelsey Mac Donald

I just wanted to update you on Fonzie, the beautiful basset hound formerly known as Bobby whom we adopted from you on February 2, 2008. He is doing so well and has brought us bundles of joy and makes us laugh every day. We could not imagine our home without him. I was hoping that you could pass this on to the woman who was caring for him before us. Today is his first birthday! Hope that all is well on your end :)

Barb, Frank, and Fonzie Kane.

Leela is doing very well. She's on a good diet and gets brushed every day after I rub her down with a baby wipe. Her fur is growing out slowly and she looks adorable. Hope you are doing well.

We just wanted to thank you again for allowing us to adopt Maisy. She's the best dog we've ever had! She loves everyone, and they inevitably ask, "Where did you find such a great dog?" We tell them right away that she's adopted and that's the best way to go! She's become a regular at the boys' soccer games. She almost gets as much attention from the players (and parents) as the post-game snack. She's especially gentle with small children, and it's so great to see kids who would be otherwise afraid of dogs enjoy petting her. If they could put a team jersey on her, I think that they would!

We adopted Maisy from you last Good Friday. Since then, we've bought a house near some wooded trails in Bucks County. Maisy is the best hiking partner ever - she heels well, unless a squirrel shows up. Then she's off to the races and back once it's clear that she has no chance of catching the squirrel. I'm attaching some pictures from our recent hike in Tyler State Park. She's a joy each day and completes our family.

Thanks again to all of your dedicated volunteers who make stories like ours possible. We are forever grateful for Maisy...and for AFEW!

Zeus was adopted to our family on Aug 18, 2008 after we lost our beloved Max the previous spring. From the moment he arrived, he has lit up our home. He has the attitude of a Jack Russel, but with a much larger body. He can spring straight up in the air until he is nose to nose with you and then he'll pin you to the couch when he takes a seat in your lap! He LOVES to play: chase balls, jump through a hoop, and give paw for a treat. Zeus brought life to a home that was gloomy without the presence of man's best friend. We love him dearly and are very thankful to AFEW for rescuing him so that he could complete our family.

The Manwarings

Hunnie, or 'Peanut' as we now call her, is an eight-year-old boxer dog who we adopted on Mother's Day of this year from AFEW. Peanut is the first boxer that we have ever adopted from a local rescue. After losing our other senior boxer last year, we were ready to bring another dog into our home. We found Peanut on Petfinder.com under Animal Friends For Education and Welfare's website and immediately inquired about her. When we came to visit with her at their Pet Adoption Day, our minds were made up within about fifteen minutes. We had to have her. After bringing her home with us, Peanut settled in very well. It was like she had always lived with us. We have had Peanut now for a little over six months. She's a senior dog, but you would never know it as happy and active she is. She goes just about everywhere with us and gets up every morning to go out to feed the horses. Like I said, she does everything with us including going for rides in the cart, pulled by our miniature horse Bubba, going for car rides, hiking in the local parks, and so much more. From our experience with Peanut, we will probably be adopting more dogs in the future from AFEW. Older dogs need homes too and are great animals. Just look at ours!

Maggie originally named Nora when she lived at the shelter, is doing so very well. She is the perfect family dog and her family certainly does love her. Maggie now lives the good life in Maryland!

I'm sure you don't remember, I adopted the black dog with white markings called Rhonda. (I'll attach a picture of her and it might remind you.) We live in Cinnaminson, NJ.

PS: Maggie is doing great! Spoiled, but still great!

Linda Spinner adopted Shane, a Black Labrador Retriever mix, who helped to heal her heart after the tragic loss of her dog, Shadow. These two are quite the pair, and the love Linda has for Shane is matched by Shane's love for her.

Penny is doing great! Saying that she loves to play ball is a huge understatement. She comes along on hiking trips (we just fitted her today for her own backpack and life vest) and likes to walk around the streets in Annapolis. I think she enjoys people watching as much as I do. We go down there and sit by the water --- she likes to watch the birds and ducks (and eat her peanut butter doggy ice-cream). She also likes to go for walks around the pond by my house. She's like my shadow! :) When I come home....she actually smiles. At first it was a little scary to see her lift her upper lip like that..scrunch her nose and show her front teeth. Now, I think its adorable. During thunderstorms, she sneaks upstairs to my bedroom like a scared little child and tries to get into bed with me. With such a sweet face, who can resist? I let her on my bed and she curls up close...even spoons. She's not satisfied unless she is laying against some part of my body. The only downfall to l etting her occasionally sleep with me.....you can't move her as easily as the cats....AND...she snores!!!!! :)

Penny is a wonderful dog. Everyone that meets her falls in love. She is very special! I'm including some pictures for you -- Penny has a busy summer planned with camping and travels so there will be plenty more photo ops.