Adoption_Application

My fiance and I adopted Cookie from a family through the efforts of ARF. Cookie’s first family adopted her as a puppy after the vet determined that she was a terrier mix. Well, once she grew to 50 pounds, they realized that the terrier they thought they adopted was a border collie / lab mix and was too big for their household. They gave Cookie to us for adoption with heavy hearts, but we are so happy to have her. Our home would not be the same without our dog with her big, loving personality and highly intelligent disposition. Since Cookie has been with us, she’s hiked, discovered swimming, become a running companion, made friends with the wild bunnies, herded deer, learned how to fetch and pulled me like a sled dog on my roller blades. She’s a nosy neighbor who stands with her front paws on the windowsill so that she can see everything going on outside. Each active day ends with Cookie snuggling up with us and angling for a spot for her head on the pillow. We love our rescue! Josh and Noelle, Loxley AL

2/18/2010 After losing Jake (my first dog) I was incredibly heart broken. I had never known that much pain. My other dog, Stump, was heartbroken as well. We needed a new friend, especially Stump, to help us out of our slump. Stump had quit eating completely and just wanted to sit and look out of the window or sleep. I talked to Michelle Turner about needing a new friend and Mike and I met her Monday evening Nov. 16 at ARF. The few dogs Michelle had mentioned were great but we hadn’t heard of Maggie. As soon as we made the turn to walk down the next row of kennels there she was sad-faced looking up at Mike. It was love at first sight for Mike and maybe Maggie too. Mike was uninterested in looking at the rest of the beautiful babies. I couldn’t coax him from the front of that kennel. So Maggie went home with us! Maggie has been a blessing in so many ways. She is definitely unique and definitely a diva. If the ground is wet you can forget her going outside. And oh that girl is ALWAYS looking for food. I want to thank you guys for helping me find new love. Jake will always be in my heart and it took a while but Maggie (aka Madam Licks-a-lot or Ms Piggy) is there now. And she always will be. Sincerely, Amber Wiggins
	Stella was one of the dogs who lived at the San Souci Rd. house that was raided recently. She was one of 80-something dogs who lived in that house together. Stella was staying at Tammy Morgan's house while Tammy was fostering her. My husband and I had been talking about how we wanted a dog, and as soon as I found out about these dogs my heart went out to them. It just so happens a month later while we were eating dinner at Trolley's Neighborhood Pub, Tammy brought Stella (named "Trolley" at that time) and another sweet dog named Checkers up to the restaurant. When we met Stella, we loved her immediately. Finally around April 1 she was ours! She has really flourished since moving in with us and has grown so much! She was very sick with red mange when she moved in with us, but we have nursed her back to health. She finished her medication a few weeks ago and is doing great! She absolutely loves playing fetch, riding in the car, and running. We take her running with us all the time downtown and she is starting to become a downtown regular! She is the sweetest dog and has completed our happy family! Thank you, Animal Rescue Foundation! -Dan and Angela Anderson
	Good evening ARF! I have been wanting to send an update on our precious Virginia, but work has kept me busy, as well as other projects we have going on. Virginia is doing fabulous! She is too precious for words. I only wish that I had the energy that she has, because she loves to play! Her favorite things to play with are her rope toys, tennis balls, and chasing frisbees. But, when Virginia is in the house, she loves stretching out on the couch. Deep down, I believe her favorite thing in the world is to get a good belly rub! Nathan and I are looking forward to spending many long, and wonderful years with her. Feel free to use any of these pictures. I am sure that I will be taking more and more. I also attached a group picture from my party. We received a ton of stuff and hope to have another one this summer! Thank you all for everything you do for the animals!!! Much love, Leonora and Nathan Harrison
PJ and Timio (now known as Isabella & Samual) After one week of living with Debbie and Michael, P.J. and Timio wanted to let everyone know about the changes in their lives. First, they have changed their names to Isabella and Samuel. (I don't know why, other than they appeared to be embarrassed when seen in public with their new "owners", and may have felt that new identities would reduce the chance that the Animal Rescue Foundation would receive adverse publicity if their current situation were made public). Second, they wanted to share some of their daily experiences. They get up around 5:00 each morning and take a 1.5 mile walk, eat breakfast, and stay outside in their private pen. In the afternoon, they get to take another walk, and run around the back yard until supper. After supper, they usually stay inside, which gives them ample opportunity to agitate the 3 cats in the house. Just prior to bedtime, they get out to run around the back yard again until they are ready for bed. On the weekends they go to Cottage Hill Park for long walks in the woods. This give them opportunities to interact with other animals and the strange humans who use the park for recreation. They have gone shopping at 3 pet stores, and have behaved wonderfully in each situation. This past weekend they watched Michael as he worked on their new Duplex Dog House which will be added to their private pen complex upon completion. (They hope it will be soon, as they think rain on the way). However, as a backup, they have a nice temporary pen in the garage for rainy days. The loud sounds of electric saws, drills, and hammers did not bother them in the least, and it often appeared that they were greatly entertained by Michael's efforts. (Sam was polite enough to restrain from visiting the worksite until Michael was finished each day). There have been some cute situations that have reinforced our beliefs that they will someday accept human companionship in a more normal manner. One evening after work, Michael had let them out of their pen in the backyard so they could stretch their legs with a game of chase and catch. It was remarkable to see how happy they were in their freedom, and they ran back toward Michael at top speed. It appeared that they were going to jump up on him.....to actually seek contact. Then, about ten feet away, they suddenly realized that Michael was not a dog, and slid to a stop. However, slowly but surely, they are letting down their guard on human contact.....it is easier to scratch their backs and rub their ears than in the past. They are starting to be more receptive to the process of being leashed for their daily walks, and are slowly reacting to verbal commands and guidance to keep from being tangled together in their walks. In the house, they fit in and do not cause any problems. They have only chased one of the cats, and that was because he thought he could eat out of their food bowls. Other than that, they are well-mannered, and stay in their safe areas if activities bother them. Last, we all would like to thank all who have worked with and loved these two special animals over the years. Your efforts have provided them with the skill to increase their abilities to cope with a confusing environment, and enabled them to keep their kind and loving personalities. We get to enjoy the benefits of your hard work, and the four of us are truly grateful for all that you have given and done for these two wonderful animals. Until next time.....love from Isabella and Samuel
ERIKA Erika is now settling in to her new home with the Bart Stewart family. Both boys and parents are enjoying getting to know her. The Stewart boys had a grand time showing GRACIE to all the cousins and around their property. Of course, getting to know River (another ARF Rescue) was top on the list of getting used to her new home. River greeted her soon after she arrived and they were hanging out together with the boys when I left. GRACIE is learning so manners as she obviously "has a little puppy left in her" she likes to carry shoes off and has been known to chew a few things around the Stewart home. But, she's a keeper!! Here are a few pictures I thought you all would enjoy!
	We adopted Miss Millie from ARF in 2007 after losing Marine (who we adopted from ARF and renamed Major, but he became paralyzed and we lost him tragically.) Our hearts were broken and we tried to rebuild our family after losing Major. ARF was so good to us while we went through a tremendous amount of grief and you all cried along with us. Holly brought Miss Millie to meet us one day, and we instantly fell in love with her. She immediately took to our three small children, and we adopted her and changed her name to Sasha. At first, she would stand guard in our childrens’ rooms as they napped and watched over them while the kids were sleeping! Now, two years later, we have moved to Florida and Sasha is in heaven. She has a very cushy life with us. She loves to chase the deer that come into our yard and sleeps inside at night. (We try to let her in all day but she has so much fun outside that she begs to be let back out!) She is a perfect addition to our family. She tries to “talk” to us, she gets all excited when we are dancing and she gets up on her hind legs and tries to dance along with us, and she is always licking my legs and loving on me. She is a beautiful, wonderful dog, and we are so grateful that we have had the opportunity to be a part of her life and that she is a part of ours. We love her so much and she is fantastic!!! Sasha is protective of our children and any kids who come to our house. I am deathly afraid of spiders, and we have had several wolf spiders in our new house. She always comes to calm me down when I see one, and I know that she is taking care of me. When the kids are sick during the night, she takes care of them along with me and nuzzles them and loves on them. She’s not just an animal, she is a part of our family. We are so blessed to have her. (March 2009)
Do you remember me? (how could ANY of us every forget Blue Buddy!!) Hello all, Buddy is doing great here at his new home. I think he missed everyone for the first couple of days, but is finally coming around. He loves to watch TV (animal planet is his fav) and is quite a bed hog.. In the morning he has no problem staying in bed while I'm getting ready for work. He likes to be outside but i believe would trade it in a second to be by my side. He follows my every step. He does this weird things when you pet his nose...it looks like he is smiling. I'm trying to train him to do that on command.. He is very loving and he gets quite jealous when Jason comes home on weekends. I hope ya'll enjoy the pics I sent. Please share them with whomever I have missed. Thanks for all the love and care you guys put towards all the animals....I believe each one you makes a difference in our "special friends"......Thank You ~Crystal~
Cricket Hi ARF, I have attached some pictures of Cricket at her new home. She's living the river life now. She has discovered the many joys of mud, squirrel chasing, and sleeping in the sunshine. Cricket's such a sweet girl, and we are very happy to have her as part of the family. Thank you, ARF, for your hard work and dedication. Sincerely, The Nowlins (3/10/09)
Chopper & Marley (now 'Bo') Our names are Dylan and Kathleen Armour. We adopted Chopper and "Marley" (who we renamed Bo) on January 7, 2009. They were found running around in the parking lot next door to ARF. When we decided to get a dog, we started looking for a puppy that would grow up to be a big dog and at the ARFange we saw two puppies in a kennel with big paws and big grins that melted our hearts. Chopper and Bo are brothers and they looked as if they relied on each other. They laid on each other and played with each other. So we adopted both of them and what a blessing they have been. They are the sweetest, most loving dogs ever. Bo is the bigger of the two wearing the blue collar and Chopper is smaller wearing the black collar. We just took them to the vet and at 3 1/2 months, Bo weighs 30 pounds and Chopper weighs 25 pounds. I asked the veterinarian how big she thought they are going to get and she said 80-90 pounds! We are so greatful for these dogs and for the staff at ARF!! Thank you so much! Dylan and Kathleen Armour Feburary 2009 j;ajf
Josie Lisa Just wanted to send you some pics of our girl! She and Maverick just love to wrestle, so I took some of these in the midst of them playing. Look at the face she makes! It's so cute! She loves to grab onto the other dogs' hind legs and chew on them like she's eating chicken wings. She's so funny. I wish you could see her now. She's completely different from the shy, afraid, and sad looking pup in her kennel. Now she's the one pawing you in the face to give her attention! We just love her. Allison
Carrie Ann Note: Carrie Ann was a dog that won a place in almost every ARF volunteer's heart and then found Becky and her family and quickly won their hearts.She we are not sure of her age, but she obviously has a few years on her. She belonged to a breeder and it looked like she had produced many litters of puppies during her prime. When we got Carrie Ann, she was in poor shape; no teeth, a "frozen" elbow which made it look difficult for her to walk (although she moved around quite well) and just look worn out. She was in our ARFanage for several months and we all loved her and prayed for her to find her forever home. Our prayers were answered. Hey Everybody, I went to see our little Carrie Ann today in her wonderful new home. Becky and her family have been absolutely the most wonderful, loving people to this sweet little dog. When I arrived, Amanda greeted me at the door and Carrie Ann seemed happy to see me. She waddled over to me expecting petting and loving, which I promptly gave her!!! She showed me all around her new place, which she seems pretty happy about, and rightly so! Amanda had been shopping for the perfect bed for her, which was a huge fluffy pillow with sheepskin cover. However; if Carrie Ann feels like lounging on the couch it is covered with a nice flannel sheet and ready for her if she feels spry enough to hop up on it. Becky has been cooking for Carrie Ann - let's see......last night she had meatloaf and eggs and while I was there Amanda fed her some rice. If Carrie Ann could pinch herself to see if she was dreaming, I'm sure she would!!! She's living the good life now, for sure!! We went outside so she could show me her yard for a little while, and she got a chance to lay contentedly in the warm sun. Becky bought a kennel just in case Carrie Ann needed the security of it, but she has shown little to no interest in it. She seems very happy and content. I am attaching some pics for everybody to enjoy. Have a great weekend. Lots of good things happening at ARF right now. Enjoy!! Connie (ARF Volunteer)
Tammy *(January 2009)* Hi Michelle, I thought I would send you an update and some pictures of Tammy. First, we changed her name and are calling her Maddie. It has been amazing how quickly and well she has fit in and become a part of the family. She really is a sweetheart! She is such a little lady and so calm that even our cat Buffy has ventured into the room and actually stayed. Although our backyard isn't large Maddie has loved going out and running through the grass. She will do that a couple of times and then come back inside. We actually took a walk on the lease today and she did fairly well with that. She has taken a definite liking to my daughter Mackenzie and they are quickly becoming best buds. I was a little concerned this morning because she had not eaten or drank any water. She did eat some and has started drinking so I feel a lot better. Question: Was she fed in the mornings? How many times a day? I did notice yesterday that she was scared of the thunder. We had a better good storm here in the afternoon and she became anxious. She moved to another room and found a spot between a chair and table and laid there until the storm passed. I found Kenzie lying there with her. I do have a couple of questions. If her foster parent could call me or email me, that would be great. I wondered if they set some boundaries with her. We can't get her to go into the kitchen or the bedrooms. Also, Mackenzie would like for her to sit with her on the couch but she won't. She lays down on the floor beside her. We usually all pile on the couch together at night and Kenzie would love it if she joined her. Thanks for your help. We LOVE our new baby. Sandy
Josie January 2009

Lisa, Just wanted to check in to give you an update on Josie. We did change her name. We call her "Granny". I know, it's a silly name, but it's more of an inside joke for our family. She seems to like it! Anyway, she's really doing great! I've never seen a dog act so happy to be here. It's like she really knows what we did for her. She loves all the other dogs, which is definitely a blessing! It's a big hump-fest in our house! She loves to play with all of them, especially our white pit. Needless to say, when they're done playing, I have a dirt colored dog. They just roll each other around in the dirt! They love it, my floor does not! She was a little picky about her new food at first, and I think we've spoiled her! She didn't seem to like her new food, so of course I wanted to give her treats in it to make it more appetizing. Let's just say that now, you can't say "hot dog" without her begging for one! We're spoiling her a bit right now to make her gain some weight, so she gets a hot dog a couple times a day. She also loves hard boiled eggs, which I also mix with her food because that's harder to pick out than hot dogs! She's getting less fussy now, so I think we can just give her the food and she'll be happy. Her favorite thing in the world is relaxing in bed. Usually at night there is no room for her because my two boys sleep with us. So, she takes advantage of it during the day. We'll see her all cuddled into the blankets and then try our best not to disturb her. It's so adorable! She's such a wonderful addition to our family. It's like you don't even know she's here! She's a very good girl and I can't wait for all my family to meet her! (Afterall, wouldn't you just have to see the dog named "Granny?" haha)

Jericho

Jericho - ARF's Bomb Sniffing Dog Jericho is a solid black dog with a white cross on his chest. He was on the table; the needle ready to euthanize him, when Robert, the shelter worker, happened to look at Jericho's face, and the white cross on his chest. Save me... PLEASE save me!" Robert demanded Jericho be released. He took him off the table and prayed for an answer. Not long after Julia, one of ARF's volunteers, went to the shelter saw Jericho and brought him to the ARFanage. Jericho is a sweetheart of a dog but he's a total DISASTER in his kennel. He is very messy, hyperactive, and destructive - a kennel worker's worst nightmare! After months passed and Jericho was not adopted, we tested him for search and rescue. We decided to send him to Mike, a search and rescue trainer in North Carolina. Much to our dismay, Jericho failed miserably at tracking the lost person in the woods. Mike, like ARF, however did not give up on Jericho and instead tested him for bomb and drug notification. In Mike's words, "Jericho has one of the BEST noses for bomb and drug sniffing I've ever worked with!!" After months of training with that blessed nose, Jericho is now on his way to NYC’s airport for his new mission - to be the best bomb and drug sniffing dog ever!! Jericho, and tell him the good news. Robert’s face split ear to ear with a huge grin! He said he knew Jericho was meant for better things on this earth, and is so happy to have saved him for us!

Jericho is what ARF is all about. All the blood, sweat, tears, and poop in your hair all fades away when a plain black dog like Jericho shows how very special he can be

Parker Parker

Parker was at the ARFanage for over 2 years. He was so used to his kennel, he would not venture past his kennel door into the front room! Enter Chris, one of our volunteers. She saw Parker and her heart went out to him. She decided her mission was to socialize him and help him become adoptable.

Each morning Chris entered with her secret weapon - string cheese! The first morning, Parker came out of his kennel and ventured toward the hallway door, but no further. The next morning, he came through that door, but again no further. This continued with a net gain of about 10 feet every day! Finally he went into the front room, but was terrified! With approximately 2 weeks of hard work, Parker was going out the front door. The next thing we knew, he was jumping up in Chris' car, and riding to the park and her house. That was a miracle!

At Pet Palooza, an adoption event at the Mobile Fairgrounds, Liz, a sister of another volunteer, came to help but fell hopelessly in love with Parker. As fate would have it, she adopted Parker! Because of Chris’ heartfelt work and Liz’ patience with Parker, he fit right in with the other 3 dogs. He's a normal, well adjusted, happy dog now, as evidenced by the picture!!! He’s the big one in the middle.

Happy Tails to you Parker!!

Biscuit

In May of 2006, Nichole and her boyfriend Josh adopted Biscuit – here this the adopted parents story along with Buscuit's!

My name is Nicole. In May 2006 my boyfriend Josh and I adopted one of your Pit Bull’s named Biscuit! I believe a lady named Macy was the one who found Biscuit in such bad shape in the beginning and I knew she was really attached to him. A lady named Wendy, I believe, helped us with the adoption! I always felt we were meant to find Biscuit, especially since we have another red-nose Pit Bull named Macy and Macy is the same name of the woman who found Biscuit. It was just neat to think about I guess! I just thought I would write to let everyone know that Biscuit is doing extremely well!! He is such a wonderful dog!! We love him to death!! He loves to cuddle with his mommy & daddy and gets so excited and greets us at the door every time we get home. All I have to say is "Do you want to go for a walk?" and he goes crazy with excitement! He really enjoys when we go home to Thomasville, because he gets to run and play all day with our other Pit Bull Macy! Well I just thought I would write and give everyone an update on how things were going!! I am also going to send some pictures so everyone can see how beautiful he still is =)!! Also, we were curious to know the story of how Macy found Biscuit.

Nicole, here is Biscuit’s story as told by Macy, Biscuit’s rescuer: It was on a Saturday morning and I was at home when I received a call from a lady who was a member of Church. A group of church members were having a work day in the yard and while they were trimming the azaleas, they saw a white pit bull just lying under the azaleas next to the church building. He was in really bad shape. He was very skinny and had wounds all over his body. When I arrived, he just looked up at me and did not try to move at all. He was down for the count and I think that he had given up and was prepared to just lay there until the end came. He had lost his spirit and the will to live. I think he knew that if he got up and walked around, that someone in the neighborhood would see him and return him to his horrible home, where they probably "made" him fight. We all now know that biscuit is a lover boy---not a fighter. Anyway, I gently slipped a collar with a leash over his head. He quietly and slowly stood up and walked with me to my car. He was such a good boy. I was not afraid of him at all. I picked him up and took him straight to the vet and then he came to the ARFanage and as they say, the rest is history. He probably stayed with us for a year or so until you guys came into his life and now, he has the life of a king. Thank you for caring for Biscuit. It gives me a renewed sense of energy in the rescuing of all of our precious animals.

To ARF volunteers, it is stories like (and many more) that keep us going and give us hope that there is the right family for each and every one of our rescued pets.

If you have adopted a Forever Friend from ARF, send us your story and photos! We love hearing from you!! Click here to email us updates on your adopted pet from ARF.

Tammy

Jericho