Hi Becky & Dani,

Just wanted to update you on Brittany (now Abby) - she has adapted beautifully to living with us - it's like she knows already that we're her permanent "people!"

Friday night, everyone was nervous - we kept her in the house and she paced all night, but we set up a crate for her inside on Saturday, and we put her in it so we all could take a nap, and since then she sleeps in her crate all night, and we don't have to close the door, except when we need her to stay in it for a bit to calm down.
 
She had to be a "house dog" before she was a stray - she's so well-adapted to being inside. We take her in the car, and when we get home, she runs right to the door to go in. She sticks very close to us when we're outside - we keep her on the lead while we're walking around the property so she'll learn it, but when we're just working outside, we let her loose and she sticks right with us. We won't leave her untied outside when we leave the house yet, and probably won't for several months, till we're all sure that she knows this is her home.

She's definitely all lab (and possibly part duck) - as you can see from the attached pictures - she loves our pond, and even our rain tub! She will fetch like crazy in the water - we still have to work on her dropping the stick when she brings it back, but that will come with time and work.

We're changing her name to Abby (we've got too many Brittany's in our life), and she already seems to know her name - she responds immediately to "Abby, come!" and "Abby, sit!" and we say her new name to her whenever we talk to her, which is a lot!. We can't tell you how happy we are to have her, and how happy she seems to be here - it's like God specifically intended her to be our dog.

Thank you so much for the care you gave her while she was waiting for us to come get her! We'll send more pictures and updates soon!

Warmest regards,

Beth & Glenn Ferguson

Hello there... my name is Beth and I am the LUCKY one who got to adopt Grace (her new name is Angel Grace). I wanted to thank Becky and Scott for rescuing her, getting her to PawSafe and to all involved in bringing her home to me. I couldn't love her more!

We begin each day with a constitutional around the park so we can get some exercise and Angel Grace can "do her business". After our walk, it's home for breakfast and some relax time in her crate while I get ready for work. Then it's time to get in the truck and come to the shop where she is gated behind the counter with me all day (She is quite the popular girl here!).

We take a lunch break and go for another walk around the park and common where Angel Grace is able to socialize with other dogs (we met 2 new friends today) before closing up around 6pm and heading home again.

Last night we worked on coordination and played a great game of fetch in the living room with a small ball. At night, Angel Grace sleeps in her crate in my room before we get up and do it all over again the next morning :)

I just wanted you to know she is doing very well - she already goes up and down the stairs on her own! She has an appointment with her new Vet and we will see what we can do for her with regard to her jaw and eye.

Thank you again for what you do and for giving this girl a second chance at life.

Some might say Angel Grace is lucky, and she is, but I am also lucky, and blessed to have her. I thought you'd like to see a photo or two of Angel Grace in her new home and at the shop... Thank you again :-)

Beth

"In October, 2010, I received an email from a friend, Lynn Schrock, who had been a volunteer with the Bedford Humane Society.  She shared information about a dog named Oliver that needed to be fostered.

Having 2 dogs already, I thought well, why not? I can foster a dog, and Rudy and TC (my canine boys) can help socialize the foster dog. So after our home was approved as being a suitable place for Oliver to live until he could find a forever home, the "guys" and I went to pick Oliver up and bring him to our house.

Little did I know at the time, Oliver was coming to his forever home. Over the course of a few months, I fell in love with Oliver's personality and his quirks; however, I was prepared to let Oliver go to a great home.

A few people expressed interest in Oliver; however, none panned out. In March of 2011, Oliver was adopted by Rudy, TC and me. A year later, it's as if Oliver was always a member of the family. He has found his place with the other two guys. Oh, there are "sibling squabbles" over things that "boys" will squabble over. Oliver's Border Collie self takes over from time to time, and the other guys don't like to be herded so much. And yet, Oliver is quite contented to be here. He is my shadow and checks on me from time to time when he goes outside.

I just wanted you all to know that Oliver is doing well and I feel blessed to have him with me. He is a wonderful dog! I appreciate your efforts on behalf of the homeless animals and your hard work to find them forever homes."

Vicki Hogan

"Gizmo is doing GREAT! We absolutely love having him as part of our family. He is very well behaved and gets along wonderfully with Cocoa.

In fact last night they wouldn't go to sleep because they were too busy playing with one another.

Giz's favorite thing to do is go to the toy bins and pull out as many toys as he can and then sit there, like a kid on Christmas morning, just chewing and playing with the toys. He loves to sleep with us at night and makes some of the sweetest sounds.

It is so hard to believe that someone would mistreat this poor dog. I can assure you that he will be with us forever."

Hi to all at BHS,

Just a quick update 'cause not much has changed.

Figgy is still the amazing, hyper dog he has settled in to be almost 2 months ago.

We took him out to Smith Mountain Lake State Park to take our Christmas card photos (he is obviously too preoccupied with all the smells to pose for any of the pictures...)

He is on special pills for his skin, his itching is still an issue. Other than that, he is having no other issues.

Hyper, silly, and snuggle-y are the best ways to describe him. He is doing great!

Leonie 

Hey all--

Just figured I'd give you all an update, since a lot can change in a week, especially with a dog who is still adjusting to his surroundings.

The only thing that's changed is Flint's gotten even sweeter and more snuggly!!!   He is settling in SO well. He is the biggest lazy bones of an Aussie I've ever seen though! He will play with Bailey for about 10 minutes, and then he's zonked out on the floor or bed. Such a snugglebug too, as soon as we wake up, there he is, bum wagging!

He watches out for Noah and Shane constantly...its so sweet, he's always by their side making sure they're ok. Guess he knows I'm fine, hehe.

And to top it off, Flint and Bailey are long lost lovers. They cuddle in bed when they think we're not watching, its so cute! He gets along well with Abby too..but they're just indifferent toward each other. They'll say their hello's and then go do their own thing...but he and Bailey are stuck like glue!

He's doing really well with obedience too...we're getting much better at recall..he sits well for petting, and we almost have stay! For some reason though, he can't figure out down. We've tried every trick in the book...guess he thinks he lies around so much, there are better things to do for a treat. Once he gets that down, we're gonna work on proofing with both of them and get ready for our CGC test.

Thanks again for everything, he's amazing and its been such a great week with him home!!!

Christine

Here is my new baby, Izzy.

She is 9 months old, a purebred cocker spaniel that I adopted and rescued from the Bedford Humane Society.

As most of you know, I lost Josie In April and it was very lonely without my companion. Izzy is a very sweet and loving dog and I am so happy to have her. She was picked up as a stray at an Apple Market parking lot and spent 3 weeks in the Bedford County animal shelter, until BHS saved her and put her up for adoption.

Now she is my new companion. She seems to be happy to have a good home and someone to love her.
 
Jenny

Just a few weeks ago, Risi was surrendered to the pound where he sat, frightened and confused, until BHS pulled him out, unsure of where he would go.

Thankfully, Barkin Bungalow offered emergency boarding for him until one of our regular fosters, Pat and Paul G., said they could make room for him. They worked hard teaching Risi new commands like Sit and helping him learn to walk on a leash.

A few days ago, a wonderful family came to meet him and immediately fell in love. They had never had a dog as a family before and they wondered if Risi would be their first.
  
Today, Risi went home with that wonderful family. He now has a loving Mom & Dad and three boys of his very own to play with.

We are so happy for Risi finding his forever family and so thankful to everyone involved in saving his precious life. 


Sunshine Richards
Office Manager
Bedford Humane Society
(540) 586-6100

Here's what Thumper's adoptive family has to say about her:

Here is a photo of our family and us with Skipper (our new name for Thumper). 

Skipper is a lot of fun. I ride my bike with her in the neighborhood every morning before work and after work when I come home.  Skipper wants lots of attention from the busiest one in the house--Mom--and Mom has the least time to sit and play with her or hold her in her lap. So she follows her everywhere.

When I am home, she just loves to sit on my chest on the couch and cuddle. Connie recommended many techniques that have been helpful in teaching Skipper impulse control, sitting and lying down. She also recommended a new feeding schedule of 1/2 cup in the morning and 1/2 cup in the evening. All in all, things are progressing well from my perspective.  

David

Hi all!   Thought it might be time for a Maggie photo.

She continues to be the perfect dog and has settled in so easily. What a joy.

Since our studio is in the basement, she really is loving the cool floor down there during these hot days.

Here's a photo of her in the office chair. She'd answer the phone if we'd let her!


Jill and Dan

Sara went to her new forever home last night. Her new family is wonderful and has been keeping up with her via Facebook until she could come home. When we pulled into the driveway last night, there were 2 little girls and a dog with their faces pressed against a picture window awaiting our arrival.

Check out the welcome home sign they made for her and the photo of her with her new family. We walked in and there was a coffee table full of new toys with a pretty pink leash and harness. Her crate is in their bedroom (which she had gotten used to with us) and her new brother's bed is right beside it.

I could not have dreamed up a better family/situation for little SaraBear!


Sunshine Richards, Office Manager
Bedford Humane Society
(540) 586-6100

Bruce's 5th Birthday is coming up!

I just wanted to send a message regarding Bruce. I adopted Bruce from you guys when he was a scared 3 month old puppy.

He's been by my side ever since and he will be 5 this July. His favorite part of the day is going for runs on Blackwater Creek!! He's a happy boy and I look forward to many more happy years with him.

Thank you for the great things that you do!!

Shawn Fanning

Arlo (previously known as Slim) has found a furr-ever home!

Slim was found by Bedford City residents last November wandering the streets cold, hungry, and painfully thin.

We searched for his family, knowing someone must be looking for him, but no one came to claim him. So, Slim became a BHS foster, and bonded quickly with his foster mom. But he remained terrified of new people, making it difficult to find a good forever home for him. Anytime a new person approached him, he would begin shaking and curl up close to his foster mom.

On top of that, he tested heartworm positive. So, he faced months of treatment to become completely healthy. But we continued to have faith that he would find his perfect forever home.

Then, in February, a young woman walked through the front doors of BHS headquarters and Slim walked right up to her and sat in her lap. He was smitten, as was his new mom.

He had clearly chosen his new home.

His name is now Arlo, much more fitting for this quirky little guy that has reached a healthy weight. His mom calls him her little frog because he jumps around so much. They enjoy walks together. And Arlo apparently loves his mom's new baby neice. He is very calm and gentle around her.

He is truly an exceptional little guy with a wonderful new life. Arlo continues to require treatment for his heartworm, which BHS will continue to pay for.

If you are interested in donating to our Second Chance Fund to help cover medical costs for Arlo and other abandoned animals like him, please click on the donate tab or mail your check to:

Bedford Humane Society, 829 Ole Turnpike Dr., Bedford, VA 24523."

Sunshine Richards
Office Manager
Bedford Humane Society

Just look at Gracie (formerly known as Annie) Now!

Annie (left) was rescued from the local shelter the day after she had six puppies. She and her puppies were cared for by a Bedford Humane Society foster and all were adopted to new owners at the appropriate time.

From Renea:  "Thought you might like to see some more recent pictures of Gracie (fka Annie). She is doing very well and has learned lots of commands and games like "go find." She gets along great with our other dog and three cats and has made herself right at home. She loves to take adventure walks behind our house in a multi acre gravel bank/swamp/wooded area where she gets to flush quail, ducks, geese and take little swims. (I really do think she has retriever somewhere in her blood!)

She has gained about 4 pounds so we really have to watch her food intake but she gets daily treats (homemade dog biscuits called "Gracie Goodies" made by yours truly.) No - she's not spoiled - whatever gave you that idea? Thanks for all your good work! We just love her."

Kind Regards,
Renea & Craig Anderson

Merry Christmas from Bella and her new family

Bella is doing very well. She is training US well! We love her, and are SO glad she is part of our family. She and Henry the cat are now friends and they even play together.

Thank you, Bedford Humane Society


Gigi Batt, Lynchburg

We Wish You Well, Ladybug

Ladybug appears to be relaxed and comfortable in her new home thanks to Pawsafe.

Thank you, Bedford Humane Society
Kim, via Ladybug's foster mom, Becky

Good tidings from Charlie's new companion

Charlie is doing so well!!!  I've immediately fallen in love with him.  It's hard to believe anyone could have given him up, especially after 9 years! 
 
He curls up on my lap after work and just purrs and snuggles.  I've also discovered he's extremely athletic!  I have a feather fishing pole toy that he goes nuts over.  I can almost never tire him out, and he'll jump so high to get it! 

I could go on and on, but basically he's made himself at home, and I really believe he's happy here.   I've attached a picture of him chillin' here at the house. 
They're a little dark since they were taken in the evening with my phone, but you get the point. 

Enjoy!

Melissa

Yoshi is basking in the good life

Yoshi wanted me to send a note to let his extended family know that he is doing GREAT and he is much loved.

Yoshi came to live with us when he was 4 months old and he is now 15 months old. He is full of energy and will not stop until he is physically worn out.

Yoshi has been a breath of fresh air to our family and has adapted very well. Yoshi and I would like to send a special note to Pat and Paul for all of the hard work they put in to help these precious animals. Yoshi has never had an accident in the house and knew how to sit, lay and stay. Within hours he learned to shake your hand as well.

This truly shows you that his foster parents took time to work with him and showed him much love. The work you are doing at the Bedford Humane Society is very important and needed and I wish you all luck in your future goals. I also want to thank you for bringing Yoshi into my life, and know that he  will forever have a home with a family who loves him because of the hard work that you did to save him.

Brandon Dillon

Congratulations to Lady (aka Ladybug)

Lady is doing great!  She took to the canine invisible fence system amazingly well, and she loves being able to run around outside - almost 3 acres.  She and our dog Dunkin play like crazy!!!! 

She is doing a little better with the jumping,  You tell her no and that's usually all it takes. Still working on getting her to stay in the room at night with the other dog.  We have a retractable gate and she is so cute.  She gets her head under it and just stares!!  She doesn't like the door shut at all, but we are getting there. And this room!!  This is a 12x12 room with doggie beds and a heated floor!  Having their own room also gives the cats a break at night!!  Lady does like to chase them.  Our 3 year old cat is fine with her, but the 1 year old, not so much!!

Oh, she also comes to work with me.  I love it.  She likes to hang out and investigate the many smells!,  She also curls up under my desk and just chills! My older dog never comes because he hates to get into the car, and that is an issue with a 100lb lab!! No problem with Lady-she just hops right in!!

Kim

Dixie Bell Is A Graduate!

Hi Pat,  

Thought I'd pass on a few pics of our cutie pie. She graduated from puppy class, she's 21.8 lbs and has gotten so tall.

We just love her so much.

She's 98% housetrained, hasn't had any accidents in weeks. She's slept with us several times but it's going to be a while before that becomes a permanent thing.  

We are all doing very well.  

Thanks,

Jennifer

Sophie's Success Story
(follow-up)

Although we’re not from Virginia, when local friends showed us a picture of a dog their friends in Virginia were fostering we were hooked -  she resembled our 15 year old dog who had died 6 months previously, and suddenly we were ready for our  next dog.   

Sophie is the 6th dog of our more than 45 years of marriage, our first rescue, and everyday we marvel at our luck at finding “the love of our life.”  She adopted us within the first 30 minutes of our meeting, and is undoubtedly the most interesting, well-behaved, fun-loving, affectionate, intelligent and yet mellow dog we have ever had. She loves belly-rubs, ear tickles, nose-rubs, and even loves to be brushed.  Her idea of a good time is playing anything with her family, or chasing squirrels (she is convinced that she will eventually be able to climb a tree), and yet if no one is available to play she is content to rest. If I am working outside she will eventually lie down in my general area and wait for me to finish working.    A DNA report describes her as more than 50% American Eskimo, and more than 25% Chinese shar-pei, but her appearance is such that most people who see her are sure she is a purebred “something.”  

We are so grateful to the Bedford Humane Society for rescuing her, and to her foster parents Jane and Bill Blewitt for bringing us together.   Thank you all!  

Barbara May  

Transport puppy Scout, now Marty

I adopted "Scout" from the shelter in Patterson, NY on May 1st and I wanted to update everyone on him. He now goes by the name "Marty" from Marty McFly in the movie Back to the Future. He is growing before my eyes and is now a 22 lb. very healthy puppy. He does "ok" at the vet; he gets a little nervous. Marty sleeps a lot but has moments where he does laps around the house and outside. He is slowly getting used to our house cats and by that I mean he barks at them. He is very strange when it comes to walking. He puts on the brakes when close to the house but his nose takes over when far enough away and loves it. He is extremely friendly with people and kids but is still a little shy around other dogs. He usually stays by my side when we go to the dog park but gets rambunctious around other puppies. He had a great time with a bulldog puppy named Bailey and a puggle named Bella. His coat has gotten darker and stops everyone on the street with his good looks. Most importantly, he is so smart. He knows sit, stay, down, and leave it. I am working on paw.

Thanks again,

Isabel

Shiloh

I just wanted to give you an update on Shiloh. He is doing better than how I thought he would be the first couple of days. When we brought him home we let him run around the house sniff around and go outside in the yard. He was scared of the stairs at first but now he will walk up them just not go down. He is still scared to go down the stairs. The first night he seemed sad or unsure. He wouldn't come in the living room with us he just laid in the dining room next to his food. But the next day it was like it was a new dog. He has really warmed up to us really fast and is doing really well with his crate and house training. Every time he see's us he goes crazy with excitement. He is a really sweet dog. We can't stop talking about him and showing pictures of him to everyone.

Brittany

Shiloh, now known as Kingston (Part 2)

I just wanted to let you know that we are all doing great. Kingston has met lots of new playmates around the neighborhood. He is such a happy dog and his little personality is coming out more and more everyday. Brittany

Max

Transport puppy Missy, now Lucy

This is Melissa and we adopted, Missy, in mid November. She had a couple brothers and sisters and were wondering if any of them are still in your care. Attached is a picture of Missy, whom we renamed Lucy. She is wonderful, strong willed and beautiful addition to our family. We are having a great time with her.

Simon

Things are going great.  We've taken them into work some days. Left at home today (with a visit mid-day).  No problems whatsoever.  Just lost of sleeping on the sofa.  Simon is one super puppy all around!

Thanks.
Mitchell

(I has beautiful teefs.)