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Hello Kelly and Mirna, January 10, 2017
I just wanted to send some pictures of my boys (and updates) that I adopted through your organization at the end of July in 2015. Jacob and Julio! I know Mirna had a special love for Julio. The first picture is Jacob and Julio keeping my legs warm this winter J The middle picture is Jacob at our most recent vet visit. He is still prone to upper respiratory infections because of his nose, but we have a great veterinarian that keeps a close eye on him and provides the right medication and vaccinations to help keep him healthy. He is currently at 15.5 pounds (big boy) and loving every minute of spending time with Julio and eating of course. Everyone who meets him, instantly falls in love with his personality and adorable face. Jacob just loves everyone he meets. The last picture is of course my baby Julio. He has grown so much since I got him at 2 months old. I am 100% his person. He follows me and will only cuddle with me on the couch. He loves his mouse toy and laser pointerJ They have brought me so much joy and can’t thank you two enough for letting me be their mom. They are definitely the prefect cats for me! Mandy ![]() |
July 2016 Cal
Hi Laura, I wanted to share pictures of Cal and how he is doing. I love him so so much, and am so happy I came across him. He is such a sweet heart, and honestly I couldn't have asked for a better dog. He hates dog camp (almost like an autistic dog.. not great social skills..gets anxious around other dogs he doesn't know well). He loves humans. Loves his mom and dad, and certainly warmed up to Toby and now is his best friend. He hates getting wet/stepping in puddles. Loves long walks, snuggling, laying in bed or on the couch behind our backs--he knows he isn't allowed up there! He hates the sound of fire alarms or smoke detectors. He likes to watch tv. He loves to spring around in open fields, and loves a car ride with the windows down. He sure does shed a lot, but we deal with it (vacuum twice a day lol). He never leaves my side, and is my shadow. He still chooses to eat on his own time, sometimes goes a day without eating. We started putting lumps or PB or coconut oil in it, and that gets him eating. Megan |
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October 2015 Rosie
Rosie is doing great! We love having her so much. I will text you Rosie pics! She loves day care and is definitely used the routine - loves to be around people and sleeps the whole way there and back. They are working on sit at day care and we've been doing the same at home. She is learning fast and has overall been very easy. We feel pretty darn lucky. Allison & Ashley Oct 2015 Daisy
I know everyone was concerned with how Daisy would do in a new home because she can be very hyper, but she has done well here. Since we live on two acres, she has plenty of room to run and play, especially with Ollie. Her favorite activity is playing fetch with a squeaky ball and we do that several times a day. She also loves playing tug-of-war with Ollie in the house and it is quite entertaining to watch. Lori Christophersen |
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October 2015 Shortstop
Hello. About 13 years ago we had the great good fortune to be adopted by one of your wonderful dogs. You knew him as Shortstop, a 1 year old black Chow mix. When he was found he was extremely sick and your organization spent a lot of time and money saving him for us. My wife and I fell in love with him the day we met him. We brought him home and decided to rename him Casey. He took to his new name right away and then spent the rest of his life guarding our home while we were out and guarding us in whatever room we happened to be in at the time. When my wife and I happened to be in separate parts of the house he always found the best vantage point to do his job. Although he was most at peace when he had us together. He was a very happy boy with a great smile as you can see. He never tired of getting his ears scratched or inspecting anything that fell to the floor to confirm that it was, in fact, NOT edible before we were allowed to throw it out. About the only thing we ever saw him refuse to eat were those little peeled carrots you put in a salad. I watched him lick one up and then spit it out 4 times in a row before he decided to walk away, leaving it uneaten. Like I said, he had to be SURE. It was his never ending love and search for food that lead me to call him my "Chow Hound". His daily 4 o'clock cookie was a very special time for him and for me. Anyway, Casey leaves behind a number of items that could be useful to your volunteers who provide foster care for dogs waiting adoption. We have dog bowls, a bed, dog food, Heartguard, flea and tick treatment, a Furminator brush, and other accessories. It will be some time before we can get adopted again and it would be a shame to just throw these good items away. If you could use these items please give me a call so we can arrange getting them to you. Thank you for all you do, Kelly Shaw |
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September 2015 Ezmarelda
I am so grateful for everything Columbus Dog Connection did for Ez! For the update...where to begin... ;) Ezmarelda: aka Esmee, Ezzie, Ez, Ezzie Linda, Wormzer, Worm (from worming her way into our bed, hearts, etc) Ezzie is truly an amazing addition to our family. She joined our Irish Setter, Liam and our Lab, Lola in February. We knew we wanted to find a new member of our family when our lab Lola was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer. We had just lost our other lab Lucy a few months prior and was faced with not only losing both of our girls to cancer, but also quickly going from three dogs to one! To be honest, we were not quite ready to adopt, we wanted to focus our attention on Lola. But...this is where fate stepped it I decided to JUST LOOK on Petfinder one evening. For the first time for myself in years...I'm always trying to help people find a match on Petfinder. We love our setter and wanted to try to find him a rescue setter buddy. I was curious if there were currently any setters up for adoption (as they are usually few and far between). About 20 irish setters/mixed breeds populated from the search - the very first being an Irish Setter named Ezmarelda, less than 10 miles away. Oddly enough, her photos were not populating. Normally, I am very impatient and would skip over the post;) However, something (a little nagging voice) made me keep coming back to her, refreshing, waiting, actually being patient. Let me just say, I am not usually a person that believes in fate or little nagging voices. But, now I do. Her photos finally populated. I took one look and knew she absolutely needed to be ours! My husband was traveling and I was about to fall asleep. I took a screen shot on my phone, sent it to him, with the caption "she needs us". He immediately responded with "YES. GO GET HER" - haha! this is why I married this man...although as you know, it is not as simple as just going to get her;) I had worked with Columbus Dog Connection years prior helping pull dogs from a rural shelter as needed, transporting, building dog beds, helping with adoption events, etc. If I remember correctly, I sent a request via Petfinder and also reached out to Kellie directly hoping she would remember me:) We quickly set up a meeting to meet Ez. I was so shocked to see how amazing she looked! The photos showed a quite pathetic, furless, emaciated dog. In Kathy's care (the foster mom) she had truly flourished. Kathy and CDC brought her back to life. She was running and playing and loving life....she was still gaining weight and fur, but the difference was amazing. We she met me, she immediately sat in my lap and put her paws on my shoulder and kissed my face. {Heart Melt} I was already locked in:) This was our girl. Kathy must have worked some really amazing magic. With everything Ezzie went through, she was already so well adjusted. She settled into her new life seamlessly! In May we lost our sweet Lola. Today, we are a family of four. I don't think we could love Ezzie anymore that we do. Knowing what adversity she has overcome...she truly has an amazing spirit. She is also a very smart girl. Initially, she had an urge to bolt if she had an opportunity. That was pretty much the extent of her "issues". We started working with her this spring and she quickly learned to not only recall, but also to walk without a leash and heel! We have quite a few areas around our home that she can now run like the wind with Liam and enjoy life off leash! I am so very proud of her! Ez is a regular vacationer as well! She and Liam traveled with us several times to Vermont to spend over a week on Lake Champlain. She really has adjusted to this life of luxury;) She is up for any adventure and just goes with the flow! Some of her favorite things: - Sleeping between Chad and I - on our pillows - perpendicular - one of us always has a bum in our face - Talking talking talking. She never has a shortage of things to say - or demands to make - ha! - Running around our yard in the evening when the swallows visit. Barking, chasing, barking, chasing - Laying under the deck and keeping watch over "her yard" - we have a few acres - she loves laying in the dirt and is ALWAYS dirty;) - Daily parks visits with Liam to run and explore - Lots and lots of cuddling - Floating on a raft on anyone's lap - Greeting by hugging - by wrapping her head around your neck Some of her dislikes: - She is still working on her social skills with other dogs. Once she spends 10 minutes with a dog, she almost always warms up to them, but she gets a bit nervous with new dogs...so we are taking it slow. - I can't think of another one! Chad and I like to say that Lucy sent Ez to us....but especially to me. She is EXACTLY what I needed and when I needed it. The bond we have is so strong and absolutely unbreakable. I am totally in love with her and I tend to think she feels the same way about me :) Sooooo....this is probably WAY more information that you need - but I had been meaning to email Kathy and Kellie with an update. And...since this is a Petfinder grant, I figured I would add in the story of how we found her. I will forward you photos from my phone separately, but I have also posted quite a few on Instagram and tagged Columbus Dog Connection:) Thank you again Kellie, Kathy and CDC - we are forever grateful. XOXO - Kim September 2015 Daisy
I have been meaning to send you this for so long. We adopted our Sweet Daisy from Columbus Dog Connection about 6 years ago. She was named Sienna when we got her from you. We absolutely love her and she is doing very well. She is still extremely shy and not very social but she loves her walks and spending time in the back yard when I am out there reading or gardening. She loves her brother Bear (Jack Russell) and sister Georgie Girl (cat). Thank you so much for taking such good care of Daisy before she found her forever home with us. We just adore her! Diana L. Reed July 2015 Leia
Kellie, Just thought you might like an update- we are 100% smitten with Padue- we've named her 'Leia' as in Princess, which she certainly is! She has been absolutely perfect with the crate- no whimpering or whining whatsoever. She listens to me more than Joe- we wonder if she has a history with males vs females. She has been eating like crazy and burning energy though walks and playtime in our yard. I'm more of the 'softie' than Joe, but I'm working on being more assertive! Basically I'm in love and I thank you for helping us add her to our family. She is very certainly loved!!! I'll send pictures soon-right now she won't sit still enough for a good photo! Thank you again for the amazing work you do.... Susan & Joe |
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February 2015 Pippy
Our sweet little Pippy hit the jackpot. This one homeless pooch was found as stray in a rural county. Amanda spotted Pippy giving Mindy Drayer and Harrison Hove lots of kisses on our Mingle Preview and the rest, as they say, is history .Thanks to Ch 4 for helping our homeless dogs find homes! And thanks to awesome foster Mom Judy Fedderke for fostering her. |
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November 2014 Nix
Hi Dawn, Nix is definitely a part of our family!! He has taken to Jaret the most ~ probably because Jaret is the only one who has not made Nix do something that he doesn't want to do. Ha! Nix has also become a chow hound!!! He definitely knows my work schedule and wants to eat 5:30 every morning....even weekends!! I remember you telling me that Nix does not beg. Well, guess what? He started begging when my mom came to visit. He actually put his little paws up on her lap at the dinner table. He associates Kevin with food, too. So funny! He still likes his vienna sausages and CHICKEN! Obedience school is hysterical. Let's just say he is not going to earn the "top dog" award. However, he sure is cute! We had our first experience yesterday with Nix in the snow. In fact, I had a snow day. I think he likes curling up on the couch more than playing in the snow. Nix still loves to go for walks! Kevin takes him for short "runs", too. I was so puzzled a couple of weeks ago because all he wanted to do was run when I took him for a walk. Thank you, Kevin! You know how my husband wasn't as convinced that we needed a dog. You should hear him talk to Nix. He is so good to him. That makes me so happy. Nix still has his "quirks." He definitely picks and chooses when he wants to be near us. All Jesse wants to do is snuggle Nix but we have told him to give Nix some space. He will definitely come around. Nix will act so happy to see me when I come home from work, but then he will run from me. We know that he just has to learn that he can trust us. My mom Calls now to ask about Nix . She spent a week with us about a week ago and got to spend a lot of "quality time" with him. Like I said, he is definitely part of us now. Take care!! Jeanne |
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November 2014 Walter
Hi Mirna, Thank you for the Columbus Dog Connection newsletter! Walter is thriving! His eye is all better, he weighs about 20 pounds, His hair is growing. He has his own Christmas ornaments, and he enjoys napping with us on the couch near the fireplace. He and Max are close buddies, and I have a doggy nanny coming in on my long days to let them out, play etc. Walter still gets into everything, but he is learning and responds well to positive reinforcement. We walk almost daily around the park. So fun because he loves to mingle with the other dogs. He sleeps with Max and me every night! Thanks again, Kathy |
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September 2014 Benny
I wanted to let you and the rest of the team at Columbus Dog Connection know that we had to put our sweet boy Benny to sleep yesterday after learning that he had metastatic cancer throughout his abdomen. We knew when we adopted him as an older dog that our time with him might be short, and even though we are heartbroken over his death, we just feel so thankful to have had nearly two wonderful years with him. He was such a good boy and brought so much happiness to our lives. We already miss his thumping tail every time we walked into the room and his big open-mouthed grin. He was so big, gentle, and stead...his hugs had a calming, soothing effect on us after even the most stressful days. (He seemed to know this and allowed us to love on him to our hearts' content) It was fun to see him really blossom during his time with us--after getting his teeth fixed and his arthritis and other health issues under better control,you could tell he just felt good and was loving life. He (and we) loved walks in the park by our house, rawhide chews and peanut butter kongs, exploring in our backyard, soaking in our baby pool or any body of water (not so much swimming --more of a "flop" in the water, haha), and just hanging out with us. I attached a few of our favorite photos-- up until the end of his life he was a happy and healthy dog . Thank you for rescuing this special boy and allowing him to be part of our family! We are forever grateful. Emily & Paul Porensky |
Sept 2014 Cole
Here are some of the promised pictures of Cole's adventures this summer. He has been a walking machine, sometimes walking for ten miles a day, especially when we were on vacation. We rented a house in Charleston so that he could come with us, and he had a blast touring the sights. He got to walk a ton in Savannah too, so he's been to some really lovely cities. There are a couple pictures of him in Charleston, including at a dog beach we found, as well as some shots in famous locations in Savannah. There is also a picture of him taking a walk with our cat, Max, who you probably remember. He also has a toy we call Red Dog, which he absolutely adores, and no group of pictures would be complete without Red Dog. He's best friends with Zoe, our other dog, and they often will curl up together at night. He's so charming that even our pizza guy brings treats for him. He's really settled into becoming a wonderful member of our family and we couldn't be happier to have him. Laura B & Family |
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June 2014 Pippa
Pippa, pregnant and bursting in the dead of the January 2014 cold snap and at a rural shelter. Fostered and pups whelped by phenomenal Columbus Dog Connection Foster Family Laura & Rachel Blum New Mom Leatha says; "I could not be happier. It makes my heart swells every time I come home and she does her happy dance because she is so happy to see me. My daughter was at my house yesterday when I got home an asked if Pippa does that happy dance each time I come home and I said yep. It is so cute." |
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March 2014 Macy
Hi Laura! Just want to let you know Macy continues to be a most excellent girl! She now eats treats out of my UPS mans hands when he comes . She has recently decided that tennis balls are fun to chase , so she likes me to throw them down the barn aisle while I am working and she brings it back 50% of the time - when she's done - she goes and buries it in another stall in the saw dust - a typical terrier move!! LOL ! She enjoys walking around discovering all the new smells ( dead worms are a fav :o ) that spring brings out!!Hope you have found homes for all those adorable pups and mom!! April 2014 Kate Laura, Laura, Macy is an absolute gem! She is fitting right in with my gang - warming up quickly to anyone who visits. She is such more relaxed when people come over to visit - she's right up there with the others looking for treats ! More reports as things progress!! Kate |
March 2014 Pam and Cali
Wags & Woofs from Pam & Baci ! We are doing great. She is following me from room to room without coaxing. Is sleeping thru the night. We wake up about 6:30am to kisses and nuzzles and then go out and do our business. There have been NO accidents in the house!!! Now, she does have the attentions span of a gnat when we are outside, everything is a distraction. I have switched to a retractable lead just for when we are going potty she does better when she controls where her "spot" will be. But other than that, she is walking beautifully on a regular lead. She is adjusting really well to her work schedule. As a matter of fact, part of her new vocabulary is, "Ready for work?" a phrase that I must NOT say unless we are ready to walk out the door or she sits at the bathroom door and howls at me to hurry up! All 3 dogs are eating on the same twice a day schedule, and all 3 dogs must at some point all rotate to eat out of the other dog's bowl----as you well know, there is always something better in that other bowl. She is happily spending her work day on a pillow under the desk with regular breaks for play and potty. She and Pippi are beginning to bond really well and Misia seems fascinated with her to the point of obsessively staring at her for part of the day--Who knows why. She has met the Puggle from 2 doors down, Sophie. They seem to be smitten with each other. And today she has a play date with the ShiZu-Poodle mixes from across the street. Daisy and Bella have a fenced yard and have invited her over to run around. Last night she went to my massage appointment with me. She was invited to come along and took up residence under the table for the appointment--and has been invited back by all the other therapists. She has been handed to and handled by at least a dozen people this week--it is socialization boot camp! She has been great.Cautious, but not scared. And always happy to come back to me and give kisses. Which brings me to her name. I flirted with keeping Cali--but "tried out" several options. In the end she choose her own name. After giving some appreciative kisses I said "Baci Baci" which is Italian for kisses (say, Ba Chee). She immediately sat up, pricked her ears, and barked. I tried it several more times over the course of the day and got the same interested response. So, Baci it is! It seems to fit her well--it sounds a little spunky and saucy, which is the personality that I am beginning to see. So it has been a big week for the little dog. I couldn't be happier. Give us just a little more time and we will be ready for you to come and visit us if you would like. |
Dec 2013 Annie "Zoey"
Hi Mirna, "Zoey" is the former Annie, who is doing just great with us. She is a doll. Rudy and Zoey are playing hard and just doing great things together. Zoe has put "spunk" into Rudy that I have not seen for some time. They run through the house together, tire each other out,and rest together. Zoey sleeps through the night, knows "outside", "sit", "down", "back" (at the gate door), "come", "drop" and many more commands! She and Rudy walk together each morning and she does obey well! We have an appt. with Dr. White this week just for a check over for Zoey. I want to thank you for helping me out, again. I could not think of going elsewhere for a wonderful dog. You are great with what you do! Many thanks to a great resource who really does care about these great animals! That's YOU! Beth |