A few years ago, I didn’t know much about the rescue and foster world. I knew there were dogs in shelters all around the country, and my heart broke when I saw television commercials that depicted dogs in wire cages, trapped in an existence where only heaven knew if they’d ever get out. Walking the corridors of shelters was something I had done in the past, and added wonderful dogs to my life, but this time we tried something different.
When we were ready to add a new dog to our household we went online to a rescue site: www.adoptapet.com. Up popped many pages of all kinds of dogs looking for homes. I found out that most of these dogs are “rescued” from life on the streets or they are “rescued” from shelters where their time has run out. Wonderful, caring, giving people (like Bernie Berlin www.aplacetobark.com who has saved over 2,500 homeless pets) drive thousands of miles donating hundreds of dollars in gas (and much more in food and vet care) to snatch these loving animals out of the hands of death.
And guess what you find once these animals’ photos are posted on the rescue sites? Adorable, hugable, squeezeable, licking bundles of love that will forever thank you for saving their lives.
That’s how it was with Charlie Bear. Now, he did come with “issues,” and he was a challenge in our home, but he was and is worth every single minute.
Did you rescue a loving pet into your life? Did that pet end up rescuing you? That’s what happened with us. Back in October of 2010 when I first wrote about looking for a dog, many of you responded on Facebook. Like Ronna who adopted a caramel colored cocker spaniel from Craig’s List. And Troy who adopted a 95-lb lab and who said, “He wasn’t what I thought I was looking for at the time, but he has never ceased to be exactly what I needed.” And Crystal who was looking to adopt their first dog for her boys who were 4 and 6 and believed she found the right match on www.petfinder.com.
Charlie Bear and I hope you all have found your matches made in heaven. Tell us about them, and send photos of your rescued/adopted love bug and we’ll post them on a future blog. Send to bj.taylor@verizon.net.
Hugs from B.J.
Woofs & Wiggles from Charlie Bear
I rescued a miniature schnauzer mix several years ago…”Shotzie,” great dog! No longer with us, but, LOVED Shotzie so! Still miss him.
I really believe that rescued dogs actually ‘know’ they’ve been rescued and that’s why they become our best friends.
I agree, Martha!
Hi Martha,
I agree with you! I am sure Shotzie knew.
Dear Whispers,
Shotzie must have been VERY loved. I bet he knew it too! I agree with Martha — they must know they’ve been rescued and that’s exactly why they love us so.
Wiggles & woofs to you from Charlie Bear
Hugs from me, B.J.
Something else I’ve noticed about rescued dogs. They are more protective to their owners. Jesse actually straddled me and watched my bedroom door late one night when my roommate came in. I hadn’t had him long and he wasn’t used to any routine so he protected me from what he thought might be an intruder. Even now, if my bedroom door is cracked open and my roommate goes to the bathroom which is outside my door, Jesse will come beside me and do a low growl.
Martha,
Dogs can be VERY protective and Jesse sounds like a gem. He has just enough protectiveness to warn you. Love that guy!
Wiggles & woofs from Charlie Bear
Hugs from Me, B.J.
I think so too!
Right now I have a Maltese mix — I got her from my son who didn’t have the time she needed to be house trained — that has managed to steal my heart. Lyra is a great companion! Smart as a whip. She has also become my cat’s best friend. Kat and Lyra chase each other throughout the house. It’s hilarious.
Whispers,
Bless your heart for taking in your son’s Maltese mix and loving her. Isn’t it wonderful when a cat (your Kat) and a dog (Lyra) become friends? I love that.
Thanks for sharing.
Wiggles & Woofs,
Charlie Bear
Hugs from B.J.
They are like little kids when they play. Chasing each other. Kat is just as big as Lyra. I do love it too.
On another note, BJ, have you been to Mount Hermon? I’m trying to remember where I first came across your name.
Rescue is the best way to go. Puppy mills will always be in business as long as we ‘buy’ but if just some of us will rescue this will help put at least some of them out of business. Plus, these babies need us as much as we need them. Jesse is a rescue. I have no idea of his life before me. He was found on death row the the pound. He is the most loving baby I’ve ever known and he loves his momma so much that he doesn’t want me out of his sight. And I don’t want him out of mine. Rescue the babies!
Martha,
Charlie Bear and I couldn’t agree with you more — rescue sites are the way to go. And shelters too. Sounds like your Jesse is a love bug and he loves his mommy! Send us a pic of Jessee to my email: bj.taylor@verizon.net for inclusion in an upcoming blog post. We want to see these rescued babies!
Hugs from B.J.
Wiggles & Woofs from Charlie Bear
Charlie Bear, you look so much like me til its not funny, sure you didn’t come from South Georgia? but if so then how did you ever manage to get so far? I think your peep mom told my peep mom you guys live in California, if so you must be like that loving Collie named Lassie and played in “Lassie Come Home”, when she got lost and walked & walked numerous miles back to where she knew she was loved and wanted. My peep mom has forgotten most of how that went but said she was going to see if it was available to rent and if so, we would get it and sit down and watch it again. She is getting a new Camera in a few days and she said she would take some new pics. of me and let you see how much alike we look. Take care Charlie Bear, Mrs. & Mr. B.J.
Alilce,
Charlie Bear and I love your Lassie tale! Not sure if our little munchkin came all that way, though he looks like yours. Must be his twin! Cant wait to see pics!
Hugs from B.J.
Wiggles from Charlie Bear
Charlie Bear, you’ve brought lots of love to so many. And I have a feeling you’ll be bringing a whole bunch more pretty soon! 🙂
Julie,
Thanks for the sunshine about Charlie Bear. He truly is a treasure, like your adorable Clyde.
Hugs from me, B.J.
Wiggles from Charlie Bear
BJ: You, and Charlie Bear are the best. Thank you for spreading the word that 2nd Hand dogs are grand. xoxo Auntie Sara
PS – Thanks for the heads up about Bernie Berlin at A Place to Bark; I have been watching her and her operation for years. She is one of the great rescuers in my book. On a very limited budget (has almost had to shut down numerous times) she has saved 4 and 5 times the lives that some of the well funded shelters and rescues. Amazing.
Sara, (Auntie Sara to Charlie Bear!),
We’re happy to spread the word about rescue and adoption. And fostering, like you do, is supreme in the animal rescue world. Without loving, kind people like you, dogs like Charlie Bear wouldn’t be here. Thank you!
I’ll pass on the kind words to Bernie Berlin at A Place to Bark. Bless her for all she does as well.
Hugs from B.J.
Snuggles from Charlie Bear
We have two rescue dogs (who are often the center of my blog). We love them and are so hapy they are part of our lives. They are so special to us and brign us such joy. There is nothing like coming home to a wagging tail and love.
Dear Seasonsgirl,
You bet — there’s nothing like coming home to a wagging tail and tons of licks and kisses. Bless you for rescuing!
Best,
B.J. & Charlie Bear
Charlie Bear, This is Bailey and SKippy. Bailey, that’s me, came from the SPCA last October; Skippy’s been with my peeps for about 9 years. They got him from the Mostly Mutts no-kill shelter. We love our home here; our peeps are cool, really cool and they spoil us rotten. Thank you, God, for loving peeps.
Dear Marsha (and Bailey and Skippy),
So Bailey, you came from the SPCA? How cool is that. And Skippy from Mostly Mutts, a no-kill shelter? Awesome. Your Mom is a very loving, kind, and giving Mom. I can see why you love her!
Best regards from Mom Peep B.J.
and Charlie Bear too