We've been receiving so many wonderful letters, e-mails and photos from the folks who've adopted/rescued Barbour County shelter animals that we decided to create these special pages where we can share this good news with all of you. We're always thrilled to recieve updates about our "fur babies"! If you've adopted one (or more!) of our pets and you would like to share your story here, you may forward your letters and photos via e-mail by clicking the button below, or you can mail letters and photos to:
AFBC c/o C. Skrodinsky, P.O. Box 452, Philippi, WV 26416
This heartwarming story came to us through Jennifer Jayne who arranged for Peanut's rescue from our shelter . . .
"My father had been widowed many years and survived not one, but two, aneurisms -- amazing odds for any human being. Then again, what were the odds that this regimented, sedentary and now slightly disabled man would rekindle his youth and energy by adopting a 25 pound torpedo named "Peanut"? Soon after moving in, Peanut took charge of the situation using her high intelligence, sense of humor and pure zest of life, and she does some housework! Food crumbs on the floor now magically disappear.
Every evening, she gathers all her favorite toys from the living room and gently arranges them in her fleece bed before retiring for the night. Every morning finds her unceremoniously throwing them back onto the floor for later abuse. Less popular items (both inexpensive treats, as well as boring toys) are carefully tucked away and hidden between sofa cushions, lest she hurt the gift-givers feelings, never to be seen again.
HAVE YOUR TISSUES HANDY . . .
During planting season, Dad painfully kneeled to dig holes for his prize tomato plants. After watching him struggle, this little munchkin of a beagle began digging several holes in the garden soil, in the same spot as he was going to plant. The way this man brags of her intelligence, I am sure she'll soon be out there with a wicker basket picking only the ripest fruit.
Time spent sitting in the Lazy-Boy reading the morning paper is now limited. When enough is enough, torpedo girl dives into position between his lap and the sports section and tears it out of his hands, immediately followed by a torrent of kisses on his nose and cheeks. Ahh . . . a belly rub in return, then off she'll run, quickly making plans for her next little escapade.
Some own dogs, others love them. The bond between these two is undeniable. Every minute without Dad must seem like days for her. The homecoming song and dance she performs after every reunion is hilarious. Dad now holds the track record for dragging his weekly trash to the curb. It brings tears to my eyes to know that this little sweetheart, scheduled to be destroyed, has made such a life altering change in my father's life."
There is absolutely nothing we can add to this wonderful account of a man and his dog. Jennifer -- thanks for sharing it with us.
This page was last updated: November 9, 2006
"AWESOME DOG!"
We received this e-mail and photo from Joyce Pacheco. Her family adopted Jason, pictured here in his photo taken at our shelter. They named him Kato and wanted us to know they think he's a great dog.
"Here's a picture of Jason with his adopted sister, Kura. We adopted him in May 2004. Kato is just awesome. He is so highly intelligent and handsome, loves both male and female dogs, and is great with all people. He's very hyper, very athletic and agile. He loves riding in the car and going off-leash in the dog park and hiking trail. We adopted Kato from Canine's Creed Rescue in New Hampshire who rescued him from you kind folks in West Virginia."
Thanks for the update, Joyce! He is, indeed, a handsome fella!
SADIE UPDATE . . .
Here's an update on Sadie (initial story appears on Paws To Remember, page 2) from Jon Ellis . . .
"Sadie turned 6 months, is approximately 35 pounds (still growing), and was recently spayed. Lauren and Andrew are still in love with her. Sadie has taken full advantage of the one acre of fenced back yard, although she prefers the air conditioning in the house. She loves to chase anything that flies, including lightening bugs, butterflies, etc. About 3 weeks ago we took her for her first boat ride. We were on the lake all day and she really enjoyed herself until we decided that she needed to get wet. Did not like being in the water and clung to my wife for all she was worth.
Will keep letting you know how she's doing."
From the looks of it, Sadie may want to stay home in the air conditioning the next time the family goes on the boat!! Thanks for staying in touch, Jon. We'll look forward to hearing more from you.
PETE'S SMILING!!!
Pete (now named Asher) found his 'forever' home right here in Barbour County. The Proudfoot family sent this precious photo and news about him . . .
"Pete's new name is Asher -- it is Hebrew and means fortunate, lucky, blessed, and happy. . . He is getting along great with Zoe, our four year old. He's doing well, too, with our German Shepherd, Abby and even gets along well with the cats. He loves chew bones! . . . It's kind of funny, he likes to hold hands. He will come over and give you a paw and just sit there contentedly. He also likes to cuddle. We haven't moved him inside full-time yet, but he doesn't bark at all and sits on our back porch beside his dog house like it is his throne. . . Overall he is working out GREAT!"
His new name says it all! Thanks for the news!
WHAT LOVE CAN DO!
Boxer (now named Moses) was not in good shape when he came into the shelter. He's a 'senior' fella and had several health issues. Unfortunately, he came in just as the County had ordered us to clear all the dogs out of the shelter, so he received only minimal care here before he was adopted by the the Anstay family on August 13th. Rebecca has written to us several times to let us know how he's progressing -- the photos certainly tell the story! Following are a few excerpts from Rebecca's e-mails . . .
"Moses is doing so much better now. The medication seems to have really made a huge difference. . . . His appetite has increased and it appears that he's put on a couple of pounds. Moses has discovered some hidden energy and enjoys a good game of catch with Joe. He loves his squishy ball and is quite content to pounce on it and roll around with it. . . . He is getting better with the cats. He even licked Booger a couple of times. . . . He really looks and acts like a new dog. It's amazing what some good medical care and lots of love can do!
We're very grateful to Rebecca and Joe for all they've done for Moses. It will be quite some time yet until all of his medical issues are resolved. He is a very lucky dog to have found such a wonderful, compassionate and patient mom and dad!
