Alumni Stories Continued...

Ashley and Daisy Mae - December 4, 2007

Holiday Greetings from Ashley and Daisy Mae

Hi Everyone,

Happy Holidays! I just wanted to give you a doggie update. My dog Tyler passed away last year (he wasn’t even two). A lot of you know that I made changes in my life that I never would have made if it hadn't been for him. I wish that I could take back the day it happened. I loved him so much. I have told myself that he was an angel that was sent into my life for a reason and that maybe his little spirit needed to move on to help someone else…

Since then I have gotten involved with a rescue organization called H.A.R.T (Homeless Animal Rescue Team). It was only a couple of weeks after I lost my Tyler that I saw this pretty little dog on the H.A.R.T website. I went to see her and I decided to foster her. I wasn’t sure if I could handle loving something so much again. She was so scared of the world, there were signs that she’d been through a lot. She was missing a piece out of her ear and all of her top and bottom teeth were broken off. I ended up deciding to adopt her about a month later. I named her Ashley. For the first three months I had her, I never heard her bark. I thought she might be broken. She had no idea what a toy was for. It turned out that Ashley needed me as much as I needed her... I realized she was meant to be my dog.

After adopting Ashley I started volunteering for H.A.R.T. on the weekends. It made me happy to help other doggies find loving homes and to spend some quality time making a homeless dog feel loved and special for a few hours. A few months into volunteering, an adorable 4 month old puppy that needed a foster home showed up. There was just something about her. It was a day when 11 puppies that were a month younger than her were just available for adoption. It seemed like since she was a little bigger she was being overlooked. I volunteered to take her home and foster her. I brought her home and it was amazing the changes that she helped to make in Ashley, by the third day Ashley was barking. I called my Mom just so she could hear it. It only took a week for me to decide to adopt her.

Yes, I am a foster failure. I’ve fostered two and adopted two…I better not foster anymore! Anyway, my puppy is named Daisy Mae, she’s a little over a year old now. She and Ashley play together…yes, she taught Ashley what a squeaky toy was for! I'm so happy to have been able to save both of them and so happy that they are mine. They are two very sweet and special little dogs.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

Love,
Maria

Zoe (formerly Onyx) - December 4, 2007

Hi Joan!
I know it's been a while, but I wanted to write real quick to say hello and give you an update on Zoe, formerly Onyx. It's been over 2 years now (wow!) since we adopted her from HART, and she is absolutely perfect. She is so well-behaved and polite that she goes every where with us -- our family and friend's houses, car rides, she even goes to work with me sometimes and is just quiet as a mouse. Steve had to go to Pittsburgh for six months recently so she kept me company every day and night, and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend trips to PA where she would chase rabbits ALL day and play with friend's dogs.

I think I mentioned to you last year that Steve and I bought a bigger house and got engaged. We just got married in September at a church right down the street, so before heading to the reception we had to stop home and get a few pictures with the rest of our family, Zoe! I'm attaching one of them here, you can tell she has us wrapped around her finger (paw?). If it were up to me, she would have been right there walking down the aisle with me, but alas, dogs are not allowed in church (or so Steve would say). The other pictures are of her doing a few of her favorite things -- chasing a ball in her new big, fenced backyard and hanging out with her best bud, Riley.

I'm not sure when or how, but at some point she became incredibly spoiled. Oddly enough though, she's still the sweetest, most gentle and loving dog ever (I guess that's why she got spoiled!). She just has a bazillion toys, beds, treats, walks, and so on, and some how even convinced Steve to let her sleep on the bed. In fact, he's laying on the floor with her as we speak.

I hope all is well with you and that you are enjoying the season! Thanks again for taking in Zoe and adopting her out to us, I can't imagine life without her -- she most definitely is my baby! Thanks for all you and HART do,

Take care,
Katie

Slim - November 10, 2007

I logged onto your website tonight to make a donation to celebrate three years with Slim. He is an absolute angel - malnourished, aloof, afraid and a very grim boy 3 years ago, he is now well fed, has come to love affection (and demand it frequently), has overcome almost all of his trepidation about people, and spends most of his days smiling and happy.

He is an absolute angel, and he and Maggie have become best buddies.

He is our protector - no mailman will EVER sneak into our house unannounced! - a constant companion and a shadow (he follows Connie around the house, all day long).

He is also forcing us into a healthier lifestyle. Having become addicted to his daily neighborhood jaunts, he badgers Connie for his morning walk until she relents, and then reminds me, incessantly, that he is due is evening run. Because of him, I've tripled the amount of exercise I get in a week.

Thank you, for putting us together with an absolute angel. We can't image being without him!

Sadie (formerly Onyx) - November 10, 2007

Just an update, I did leave a voice mail today for Charlene as well. Sadie is doing great! She is adjusting and fitting in so well.

She is curious and interested in the cats, but has yet to display any aggression. She does not chase them, but does want their attention. Molly, our Maine Coon Mix, has actually loved on Sadie and has been affectionate with her. They have also shared a drink at the water bowl together. Jones, the black and white, still has his reservations, but is warming up and does not run from her.

Sadie is playing with her toys and loves them. She really loves the ball that squeaks that you recommended. She is learning to sit on command and now to also to lay down on command. Sadie is very sociable with all the other neighbor dogs and friends and she has had a lot of fun at the dog park. She walks well on the leash and loves to go out for walks. She sure does love to eat! We cannot leave food out as a free feed for her, as she will eat everything put in front of her until it's gone. So we feed her on a schedule of morning and night and we train with Nutro bites. She gets a treat of a Nutro cookie two times a day also. If you feel we need to adjust this any way, please let me know. I am not sure how much she was being fed or how often when she was in her kennel.

We are utilizing the crate for night time and when we are not in the house with her. But when we are home, she is on her leash, slowly graduating to free time with us off the leash. (We did about an hour or so off leash in the house last night while we played.)

We are definitely loving every minute with Sadie and are hoping to finalize the adoption and call her our own. What a sweet gem she is, and very bright too.

Yin - November 1, 2007

I had an ear infection and my mom took me to the vet and I am doing much better.

I love my older sister Rizzo who entertains and plays with me although I usually initiate the play. Last week my mom was walking us and Rizzo saw a dog she doesn't like across the street. The other dog started the barking and the ferociousness. So, I decided to run around my mom really fast several times and tie her up. My mom almost fell over but was able to unwind herself and walk on with us. She did not seem too amused though.

My mom uses little pieces of hot dogs as treats. When my mom calls us girls to come in from the back yard, I get a little piece of hot dog. II have to sit first but that is easy. I run pretty fast to keep up with Rizzo. I take the stairs up to the deck two and even sometimes 3 at a time.

I get really excited when mom comes home from work and we immediately go out to the back yard. I either pick up one of my squeak toys (or one of mom's shoes) and run outside with it. Mom has figured out that most of her shoes are in the back yard behind a bush. I think this will be short lived. She may start putting her shoes away.

Jack (formerly Barney) - November 1, 2007

Nemo & Merlin (formerly Marlin) - October 30, 2007

Greetings Hart! I just wanted to give an update on Nemo and Merlin! They both are doing great and are such adorable fun loving sweet kitties. Nemo is definitely the explorer of the two, and settled in almost immediately to his new surroundings. Merlin was hesitant at first but now loves to curl up in bed with us at night; that is when he isn't playing soccer with his toy mice! We can't imagine life without them, they are such a joy, thank you so much for helping to bring them into our lives!

Jenn

Buster Brown - September 30, 2007

It's been almost two years since we have adopted Buster Brown (now just Buster, Bobo, Brownie Fur, etc) and we couldn't be happier. He is the cutest little doggy ever! He even sees his brother sometimes! He has made our lives such a joy.

Eve

Dennis - September 25, 2007

Hi Jacquie,

Please pass on our excitement over Dennis to Kimberly and Carol. We just adore him and he's such a good kitten. Playful and rambunctious but loving and quite kissy! He gives wonderful face rubs and kisses and he's already a lap cat.

Lolli the Boxer is enjoying getting to know him and has been surprisingly gentle and sweet. Sundae the cat seems afraid because Dennis is quite aggressive but it's all working out amazingly well since we've only had him a week. I don't know how we survived without this little guy and I think we'll have a long, happy life with him.

Kim

Bob (formerly GoodBoy) - September 12, 2007

We can't tell you how lucky we are to have been able to adopt Bob. He’s been with us for about 6 weeks and he is the most well-mannered, affectionate, playful dog we've ever owned. He's adjusted to his new surroundings very quickly and has had the luxury of having both our sons home with him all summer so he's been able to get out for long walks around our partially wooded neighborhood several times a day where he has at least one daily encounter with a family of deer, tries his darndest to chase after the squirrels and rabbits, and has tried to figure out what in the heck a turtle is. He's made friends with the little Yorkie next door but can't seem to convince the Yorkie to play with him. He has, however, made a friend with another rescue dog, Slyder, and they had fun swimming in a nearby lake chasing tennis balls (and geese).

He loves walking around Burke Lake and to our neighborhood Starbucks where we hang out on Sunday mornings for a little while and he usually gets to meet more new friends.

He also loves going for rides in the car and as soon as he hears the keys rattling he has decided he’s going. He’s happy to go even if we just make a quick trip up to the store.

He took his first road trip to Bethany Beach last weekend and had more fun chasing tennis balls on the tennis court.

He is a laid back, easy going dog but he has no trouble going from 0-60 the minute you are ready to play! He has his own football and loves to play "keep away” from the family. Somehow we all end up running around the backyard chasing after him and his football. He also really likes to “help” do yard work which entails watching us do the work and then digging around the dirt behind us as we go.

Thanks so much to Gary and HART for saving this guy and giving us a wonderful addition to the family.

Laslo - September 7, 2007

Hi Gale,

Good to hear from you. We will try to bring Laslo by to see you.

I have attached a couple recent pictures for you. He is doing very well. His allergies are bothering him but the Benadryl seems to be helping.

I hope you are doing well,
Tracy

Taylor - August 14, 2007

Hi Gale,
She's doing great! She and my puggle, Chester, love to play and have become such good friends. We take them both to the Reston dog park 1-4 times/week and she gets along with both people and dogs alike. We took her to the beach a few weeks ago and she had her first experience with the ocean. I'm not sure she liked that part so much (I think the waves kinda scared her a bit), but she spent the rest of the afternoon digging and laying in the sand, happy as could be.

I really couldn't have asked for a better addition to my family. Thank you!

Kim

Taylor was not too sure about the waves!

Daisy Mae - August 12, 2007

This is about Daisy Mae who was adopted on the 2d of January. Daisy (as she is generally called) was discovered at HART (Burke) about three weeks after our Jack Russell Terrier, Jack, died at 14 years. She followed the paws of several earlier castaway pups (Copper and Cinder). Always energetic, Daisy initially was tentative to settle in. She appeared to be reluctant to form a close relationship which might again be snatched away. She soon got over her doubts and it seems to her that her new family has been hers always. She is close to everyone and has adapted to us as we have to her. She bargains with us (This of course is against the rule about encouraging dominant behavior, but this is a trait that makes terriers so much fun). Notwithstanding two long walks each day and endless squirrel duty in her large fenced yard, Daisy has gotten a bit chubby and is now on a diet. She loves car rides and long hiking trips to the many county and regional parks. Her house is on the edge of Hidden Pond Park (very convenient). Thank you HART for completing our family when we needed it most. Daisy would not have had a home if you had not saved her.

Dutch - August 10, 2007

Dear Tammy,

We have been fortunate to share our lives with Dutch for six months now. We knew that we wouldn't be able to see his sweet personality until he was able to get used to us. All he needed was love and time. He is our little boy and such an angel. We think he gets more handsome with each passing day, but maybe it's just that we love him more and more as time goes by.

It didn't take very long to gain Dutch's trust. It was so nice to see him begin to relax in his new home, play, and roll over to request belly rubs. Dutch becomes most animated when playing with his Daddy. Boys will be boys! His favorite toy is his squeaky, rubber bone from Grandma and Grandpa. It's enough to drive a boy crazy! He still barks at visitors and makes them earn his trust. He is much more comfortable if visitors sit down. What a hospitable guy! He loves his Uncle Glenn and likes to sit behind him on the loveseat or on top of his legs if he puts them on the ottoman. He very much appreciates the treats his Uncle Stevie always brings him from a doggie bakery in Old Town. He also loves belly rubs from his Uncle Jason, who he took to very quickly.

Dutch is up to a strapping 12.8 lbs now! It must be his daily treats! At least they are small treats! He loves his meat (any kind will do, thank you), fat free cheese, vanilla yogurt (like you said), and seafood (oh my Cod!). He gets most excited when Daddy brings home rotisserie chicken from El Pollo Rico! The smell is enough to make him dance on his hind legs!

Dutch loves his walks around the neighborhood. He walks proud and holds his head high -- after all, it's his neighborhood! He has a very handsome suede parka to keep him warm on winter walks. Spring and summer are an especially exciting time, for there are so many bunny rabbits to chase! Dutch has to at least take a territorial squirt when we reach the Boxer's house. Darn Boxer!

Dutch has now been on two trips to Pennsylvania and has overcome his fear of large tractor trailers passing by. He just loved running around in Grandma's huge yard and getting a piggy ear from Auntie Lucy. "Don't even think of taking my piggy ear," Dutch declared.

He got all of his shots updated and his teeth cleaned in July. Dutch's teeth look so nice that we are thinking of scheduling an appointment with his vet for ourselves!

Thank you again for being such a wonderful foster mother to Dutch. Thank goodness you and the other volunteers saved his precious life.

All the best,
Stacy & Greg

Logan - August 10, 2007

My story is about Logan. I am sorry we don't have a picture yet, but I wanted everyone to know he is fine. He came to us over 3 weeks ago and made himself at home. He runs in the back yard and talks to the other two dogs that live next door. He talks to us when it is time for his long walk and in the morning he wakes us up. He is very lovable and everyone including his new vet just think the world of him. He is still meeting family members, and at first look they are afraid of him and he is of them, but after 5 minutes he is all over them. We are so lucky to have him and I will get pictures out so you can see him. What a great gift we received.

Thank you all so much,
Alta

Sissy - August 1, 2007

Greetings HART! Thanks so much for taking Sissy in -- Just wanted to bring you all up to date on Sissy. I adopted her back in January 2007. Sissy is a diamond in the rough! Who knew how cute and wonderful she is. Sissy is a wonderful addition to our family (myself and my cat, Amelia). She loves to go anywhere and has adjusted to being the only dog in the household. She loves her walks and loves to run. Sissy is so smart and catches on very fast. Everyone who meets her just adores her. She smiles a lot -- and I think that means she is happy. Thanks again for taking her in.
Pat

Beethoven - July 25, 2007

Greetings HART! We just wanted to give you an update on Beethoven or B-man. He is happier than ever! We took him to Florida twice already and he did wonderful! He absolutely loves riding in the car and going for road trips! He did not really care for the ocean, but he loved lying in the sand and running on the beach. He slept in a tent on the beach for a little bit and we got some great pics! He is extremely smart. He knows how to do all the basics that Tammy taught him, but he also knows shake, lay down, roll over, sit pretty, and he stops when we say stop as well as he stays when we say stay. He exceeds our expectations every day with his personality and catches on extremely fast. Many people have told us to enter him into agility class because of this. He comes when he is called and enjoys our presence every time we come home from work. He is a bundle of energy, but Patrick and I could not be happier! We have many dogs around the apartment complex and he is pretty popular around Clubhouse drive. He also knows where they all live and tries to sneak a peak in their windows! He keeps on our toes! Thank you for all you do and Beethoven says Arrrfff (thank you in dog language!!!)

Simba & Safa (formerly Pumpkin and Kona) - July 24, 2007

Both kittens were adopted from HART.

Pumpkin was adopted in November 2005 (Orange Tabby)
and Kona was adopted January 2007 (part of the Hawaiian Litter).

We love them so much.

Fehmida

Happy - July 22, 2007

It's been three years since Happy came to live with us. We couldn't have imagined a more wonderful dog and she fits in perfectly with our family. In fact, we don't consider her a dog. She is a human in a dog costume. Happy's favorite thing to do is ride in the front seat of the convertible. She sticks her head out between the windshield and the side-view mirror and sniffs the air. When we drive around as a family, she gets the front seat and everyone else sits in the back.

Happy is very clever. She always gets a treat after her baths. After her last bath, Maryn gave her a treat. Then, Happy went over to David and stood at his feet and gave him her "cute look," and since he didn't know Happy had already gotten a treat, David gave Happy another treat. Then, when Ellen came home, Happy went over to her and gave Ellen her "cute look," so Ellen gave Happy a treat, too.

Happy settles down for a snooze Thank you again for everything you did for Happy. She has completed our family and we feel extremely blessed to have Happy in our lives.

The Soroka Family

Cypher (formerly Doogie) - July 20, 2007

I would like to update HART on my Pit Bull/Staffordshire mix named Cypher (he was known to HART as Doogie) =0) I found Cypher when Affectionate Pet Care (a doggy day care, where I took my other adopted pit Tia) called me and told me they had a beautiful pit they wanted me to see. I used to work for a pit bull rescue, so I would be able to help them place Doogie. When I walked in the doors to the day care, I absolutely fell in love with him right away! I didn't want him to go to anyone else; I knew he needed to be part of my family! So I adopted him. He was very shy at first, not knowing what to think of us. He didn't know how to give kisses, so we had to teach him (now he doesn't stop giving kisses.) He didn't want to get on the furniture, so I had to pick him up, and put him on the bed or couch. I had to let him know it was ok to be on the furniture in his new house. The one thing that we are still working on is thunderstorms, fireworks, and loud noises. He gets so scared that he runs and hides in the smallest place possible, and he will shake uncontrollably. I will put a blanket over him, and sit with him and comfort him. I want him to understand that nothing is going to happen to him. He did a lot better last night (when there was a loud noise,) he started shaking but didn't run and hide. So we are making some progress! =0) Cypher and Tia are like two peas in a pod! Tia will lick him when he is scared, or wants to wake him up to play. He also gives her kisses too!! It is the cutest thing in the world. He is a very loving dog, and loves to play with other dogs. He loves to swim!! His nickname is "Piggy" and he will get so excited when you call him that. Thank you so much HART for bringing him in my life! I couldn't imagine life without him!

Cheyenne

Lexie & Doodle - July 16, 2007

Just wanted to let you know that Lexie and Doodle are doing very well together and after much work now act like loving sisters. Tibster (not adopted from HART) is getting older and enjoys watching the two chis play and roughhouse and run around. Yes, Doodle plays as hard as Lexie even with her heart condition. Lexie is still number one sleeping in our bed with us every night and acting like a person with her head on the pillow between mom and dad but Doodle enjoys her highrise crate and can see her playmate and us and is quite content with her place and view. Doodle and Lexie both enjoy massages and this relaxed Doodle when she first came to our home and helped a lot. We finally learned why Doodle did not like our son and perhaps someone else might be helped by this. My son carries about 4 keys that rattle on a lanyard. Doodle would fiercely pull and bite his pants legs and generally cause a real ruckus. My son would try to pet her and she ran away and then dove right back to bite his pants legs. One day, I picked up his keys and got the same reaction. We have started training my son and the dog. My son carries treats-treat a word she knows well-and whenever he comes in with the keys and she gets upset he gives her a treat. This works wonderfully and helps her realize he will not harm her. Just thought I would share. We love our two HART dogs and can't wait for the October walk. Lexie will probably be on all fours but Doodle will be able to walk awhile and then gets put in the snuggly as she does run out of steam. Thank you HART!!!!!!

Simon & Major - July 10, 2007

I adopted Simon & Major, two little Lancashire heelers, nearly two years ago. They are great little dogs with engaging personalities--stubborn, funny and extremely affectionate. They have become hits in our neighborhood, where everyone stops to play with them. Simon, who has become less shy around men, dances and spins in a circle while waiting for his breakfast, like Snoopy's suppertime dance in the Peanuts comic strip. Major is king of the squeaky toys and a big flirt with anyone who will pay attention to him. They have settled down with some firm training and are happy all the time. Both of them, but especially Simon, love to kiss and lick the faces of their human friends.

They have enriched my life more than I can say. I feel privileged to have them with me and I want to thank HART, and especially Amy, who was their caregiver.

Deb

Keely (formerly Petey Girl) - July 10, 2007

Keely blowing bubbles Keely is doing so good! We absolutely love her. She loves the baby pool at my mom's house. I've attached a picture of her in the pool. She gets in and blows bubbles with her nose. She is the funniest little thing. I thought I would just update you on how she is doing.

Chelsea

Magnum P.I. (formerly Chris) - July 10, 2007

We adopted Magnum P.I. about three months ago, and I thought I'd let you know that he is still the perfect dog!! He has had only 1 "accident" inside in 3 months, is never up to anything mischieveous, and gets along well with our two cats. He goes to Doggy Daycare two or three days a week, where he is a huge hit with both the other dogs and the staff members.

As you may remember, he was very skinny when you guys rescued him and I'm happy to report he's put on a few! My husband and I absolutely adore him and we couldn't be happier. Thanks again for everything!

Judith and Nate

Lakota (formerly Tonic) - July 7, 2007

I happened back upon your site and saw the progress reports of many adoptees and figured I would add our guy that we adopted a few years back. We adopted Lakota in the spring of 2003 and he turned out to be everything we thought he would be. He has to be the best dog in the world if not very close to it. He gets into some mischief from time to time but he has proven himself over and over again to be very smart and very entertaining. When Lakota first came to us, he had some aggression issues while on leash. Those issues left pretty quickly after his arrival and he and his new brother Jericho always got along very well. Two and a half years ago we purchased our first home on a few acres. With the purchase of our home, we added to our pet family as well. We even became foster pet parents. Lakota has welcomed everyone in with open paws and shows them the ropes, right down to how to beg and get away with it. Lakota has been a wonderful, happy and healthy dog over the last 4 years and my husband and I couldn't imagine our life without him. He comforted us when we lost Jericho in January and has been a great friend and constant companion. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for those of you at HART who saved him so that we could have the opportunity to have such a wonderful creature in our lives.

Trixie 4 - June 30, 2007

I have a few minutes to update HART on Trixie's new life. She is a blessing! She was so easy to adapt to our environment, it felt like she belonged here after just a few minutes. She settled in quickly to her new beds - one in the family room where we hang out the most, and the other in our bedroom at the foot of our bed. She rarely makes a peep, unless thunder is around. She takes her "shepherding" seriously and keeps track of all of her new family. Occasionally she will sleep in the youngest's bed with her but, no, she is not spoiled. (wink-wink) She loves her backyard, but prefers to be in the front where she can watch all the action. She is very obedient and knows her boundaries and doesn't even care if other dogs walk by. She even ignores the squirrels we feed in front of her. In fact, she likes to sneak a cashew from them every now and then. She is a good walking mate and absolutely LOVES to go on rides with us in the car. She has gone to the various colleges in the state as we visit our older kids. She has been an excellent addition to our family.

Maggie (formerly Baywood) - June 29, 2007

Hi everyone,

Here's our latest update on Maggie (formerly Baywood). She's been with us for 1 1/2 years now, and went to the beach with us for the first time this year. I don't know who had the most fun: Maggie, all of us, or everyone at the beach. She was the darling of the beach, with several people calling her 'our dog'. She radiated such a joy of being where she was, and so obviously loved the water, digging for shells we hid for her, and chasing the birds (on a 20 ft leash, of course), that it was totally contagious. She is an amazing little dog with a huge heart, and we thank HART every day for saving her. Keep up the wonderful work, you guys are great!!

Ursula

Randy - June 22, 2007

Randy has been in his forever home about a year now. Here he is with his new family (left to right): Oliver, Nellie (another adopted dog), Randy and Elizabeth.

Alumni Stories Continued...

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