Jake

We were checking your website from time to time to see if a Schnauzer would come available. Well one day my daughter called me and said to check again because there he was Jake the Schnauzer. He had just arrived from an animal shelter. My husband and I went to Atlanta Pet Rescue on a Tuesday and fell in love with him. He was seemingly very shy but he was just scared. We said we would take him home for a week and see how our little Sofie Schnauzer would adjust to him. It was a perfect match - Sofie was the boss (10pounds lighter than Jake) and Jake new his place around her. He was a perfect gentleman. They loved each other. She would tease him with the squeaky toys and he enjoyed the chase. Sofie passed in October 2009 at 8 yrs. and now Jake is our only baby - our little boy. We are so blessed to have him.

Charlotte & Barry

Roxie Formerly Known as Little Bit

My daughter and I adopted Roxie in October 2009. We couldn't love her more. Roxie is the sweetest easiest dog I have ever known. She and our 8 year old cat, Sam, get along quite well and it melts my heart to see them taking a nap side by side. She just went to the groomer yesterday and she even smells good...but that won't last long! Thank you Atlanta Pet Rescue for making it possible for Roxie to become part of our family.
Thank you for ALL you do.
Sue and Jessie Sneed
Avondale Estates GA

Best Buddies

We only brought Uno home with us yesterday from Atlanta Pet Rescue, and already he is such a joyful addition to our household! Our 3 kids, ages 6, 8, and 10, are ecstatic with the addition of a new kitty! But, from this picture, you can tell that our 3 1/2 year old lab mix, Ruby, is pretty content with her new baby brother! (Our existing cat is not so thrilled, but maybe she'll come around too.) Uno has gotten LOTS of attention in the 24 hours he's been home with us, and is really taking it all in stride. We can tell he is will be such a loving and happy kitty. Thank you Atlanta Pet Rescue for giving us our new baby!

Clayton, now called "Mikey"

I fell in love with Clayton's picture and story On the Atlanta Pet Rescue website,
my friend Pat, and I went to see about him, he was so shy and sweet. Took him home, fostered him for a week. He came out of his extreme shyness, even trying to be alpha dog which I quickly moderated. He is a very sweet, and completely housebroke dog. I feel he is going to be a little "blessing" in my and Tabby, my other dog's life. Tabby is still trying to decide how much of a blessing it is to share her mommy, but she is being a pretty good big sister.

Jeb

Hi there,
We adopted Jeb at the end of August 2007. We renamed him Brady and he is truly a love. He is loaded with personality, lots of boxer wiggles and kisses. He is energetic like all young boxers and loves to run and play. He has enriched our lives so much....thank you for rescuing him!
Sincerely,
Jim Bard

Sasha

I have to say I read about the passing of Sasha yesterday!!! OHHHHH my heart just broke. I kept up with her story from the very beginning, praying for that little girl and was just so happy when she started to heal. I was just devastated when she passed. I'm sure that she is a little angel up in heaven. Take care our little Sasha!!!

sunii, the Warrior Kitty

Between the end of 2007 and through 2008 we lost our three beloved pets: Nicia, our kitty, Simba, our chihauhua terrier and Sammy, our Boxer, all over 10+ years old. In the midst of these losses I was relocated for work to Atlanta. I had been living in a hotel and traveling back and forth to California for over a year and a half when I finally was able to get an apartment. I was pretty lonely and still grieving the loss of our pets when I would get back to the apartment at night. It was especially hard as since I was three years old I've never not had a cat or dog for a pet. Through a friend I discovered Atlanta Pet Rescue. After considering fostering I had a phone interview with Lyndel about Tina Marie, the beautiful adult cat that had been living at the Center for a year now. I don't know why but she just caught my attention. Tina Marie was not all that enthused upon meeting me or anyone else. I realized observing her that day at the shelter that she was so accusto
med to living there after so many months that people coming into the "Cat room" were just an annoyance to her. She wasn't really good at "selling" herself. She was a bit aloof but had that little smirk, that twinkle in the eye and she was beautiful. I knew there was a big personality in there so I decided to take her. I thought at first it was going to be a tough adjustment for her. Wrong! She walked out of her pet carrier and never looked back. I'm so happy to have her and I believe she is happy to be with us too. She has been a great source of companionship and entertainment since coming to live with us in May of 2009. I named her sunii, (sue-knee) because in my California Indian language of Mutsun her name means "contented" and I believe she was from day one.

Roman

I adopted Roman on the day after Christmas in 2009. He's everything I was looking for in a cat: friendly, outgoing, intelligent, inquisitive, and fun to be around. Thanks to APR for rescuing such a great cat. Special thanks to the volunteers – Lyndel for a quick response to my application, an extremely smooth adoption process, and answering my initial questions, Laurie for hanging out and chatting while I met Roman, and Sheri for answering post adoption questions.

After bringing him home, I planned on letting him explore the bathroom and stay there until he felt comfortable with his new situation. As soon as I opened the carrier, he stepped in the litter box, took a quick tour of the bathroom, and then explored the rest of my condo. Twenty minutes after arriving, he was chilling on the couch with me.

Later that day, he started sneezing. Since he had been on top of or underneath everything in my place, I figured he simply got into some dust and didn't worry about it. Toward the end of the week, he started coughing and goop was dripping out of his eye. I scheduled our first appointment with the vet. She gave us antibiotics and ointment for his eye. Learning how much fun it is to feed a cat pills was a highlight during my first week. I'm happy to report Roman is finally feeling better. He's still a little sneezy, but his eyes are blue again instead of red and his energy level is amazingly high.

After his health improved, I discovered Roman is a very active cat – he's essentially a giant kitten. He particularly enjoys chasing my small remote control car and will bat a ball for hours or until it gets stuck under something.

Roman is a great television and movie watching companion, he never complains about what is on, spoils the ending, or even asks to have the channel changed. He's happy sitting on the couch next to me or on my lap. I love having him around, as he's a very friendly and affectionate cat who always wants to be wherever I am. Also, he's extremely good with other people, during the last month he's met several of my friends.

Oh hai, Roman here. I distracted mah hooman wif baycun cheezeburger to get him off compewter. Thx APR for finding meh this nice hooman to fud me and fetch mah toyz out from under teh stove and couch. Hooman noms fast, kthxbai.

Happy Tail

APR needs you! Become a foster parent! It's ridiculously rewarding. Take home a dog or cat that really needs a break, and watch it develop into something wonderful. Your heart may be breaking when your foster animal finds a new home, but what a great heartbreak to have! I'm one of the many volunteers who foster dogs for APR. People always say, "How do you give them up? I'd have to keep them all!" And twice, I have … my whippet came from APR. A couple of years and several other foster dogs later, I took home Aggie. And yes, she stayed permanently. I knew two was enough for me, yet I keep on fostering. It's addictive! And I know that if I kept another dog, I wouldn't be able to keep fostering. The photos are Sawyer, Kelsey and Joya, three of my all-time favorites who I'm proud to have had in my life.

Some of us end up with certain types. Claire takes all sorts, but she particularly adores her Pekingese; randy loves his weimeraners and Dobermans; I like the hyperactive crazy ones. Myra, bless her, takes the ultra-nervous ones. Another thing we hear is, "My dog wouldn't tolerate another dog in the house." Give your dog some credit! Most will tolerate each other quite well if introduced nicely. They often even learn to like it! Your beloved "Mr. Grumpy" might actually love having a companion.

And one of the greatest rewards? Seeing a loving update about one of your former fosters. I just checked the blog on Friday, January 8 and saw Jessie in her home. I LOVED that dog, and she looks as goofily charming now as she did two years ago during her time with me. Sure, it's hard to give up a friend who's been part of your life for a time, but realizing that you were part of re-writing that animal's future more than makes up for that. If you've been thinking about fostering but have never taken the step, it's a new year and now's the time! Come by the shelter and talk to the staff and some of the other foster parents. Chances are, there's an animal there whose life you can transform.
James

Bubba

It was 5 years ago today that I went to visit Atlanta Pet Rescue and saw a pathetic little maltese-poodle named Chauncy. He was separated from the rest of the dogs because he had been fixed the day before. He hadn't seen a groomer in a while was pretty shaggy. In addition to that, he was given a bath about an hour earlier and was still damp. He was a little freaked out by all the noise from the other dogs. I brought him home and promptly renamed him Bubba and he has been part of my household since. It took a few days for his true personality to come out. He loves everyone and everyone love Bubba. The highlight of his day is when we go outside to do business and he gets to meet the other residents of my condo (both human and canine). The first picture is on adoption day in 2005. The second is after a trip to the groomer (he knows how good he looks).

Daisy Mae

We were so impressed with Jack (formerly known as Jazz) the handsome schnauzer that my parents adopted from APR a few years ago, that as soon as we got married, we watched the website every day, waiting for the perfect dog! When we saw Daisy we knew we had to go meet her. She was so relaxed, but a little suspicious of new people. After quickly getting to know us and warming up, she was nudging for pets and sleeping in my lap...we were hooked! For the last seven months we have become even more obsessed with precious little Daisy. She now rules our house and has us well trained, as every dachshund should! She is the greatest dog in the world and has enriched our lives beyond belief. As medical residents with a different work and sleep schedule every day, we were not sure if we could provide a dog with the kind of schedule they usually require. But, Daisy is perfectly fine sleeping post-call all day long or sleeping when we are at work (or sleeping in general) and has bee
n the most flexible member of the family! She just goes with the flow. We adore her and strongly encourage anyone considering adoption to not hesitate! You can make such a difference in a little dogs life, and they will make a HUGE difference in yours!

Rudi

Hi! My name is Rudi. I was formerly known as Douglas, but I like my new name, and my forever home. Mom came to APR in May of 2006. I went over to the fence and wagged my tail and Mom was hooked then and there! I was a little bit shy at first, but now I am a very content pup. I enjoy going for walks and playing at MADMUGS (Metro Atlanta Dachshund Meetup Group.) Mom is always telling people about APR. The humans there are the best. Thanks for helping us find someone to love.

Tucker and Gracie

Tucker came to live with us in April 2005 and Gracie (formerly Lily) came in 2007. Tucker was formerly featured on the site as one of the unrecognizable dogs...until he got his hair cut and it was discovered he was a poodle!

They are the best of friends, in spite of Gracie and her bossy girl ways when it comes to toys. No matter which one she gets, the one Tucker has always seems to be the one she really wants! Just like kids!

They have truly been a joy to have and keep our home filled with love and energy. Thanks Atlanta Pet Rescue for all you do!

Paisley

Paisley (formerly Irene)

After buying my first place I was settled and ready to adopt a dog of my "very own". I adopted Paisley last year from APR and she is the most sweetest, energetic, playful dog who likes to give lots of kisses and keeps me entertained. We like to go on walks around the neighborhood, socialize with other dogs and people at the dog park, play with all of our toys, and make new friends everywhere. We are perfect for each other as a family and we are doing great together!

Precious

My mom and I adopted "Precious" back in October of 2005 from Atlanta Pet Rescue. I had never owned a dog, and little did I know how my life would change as soon as "Precious" came into our lives. The day "Precious," now named Daphne, came into my life, she became my best friend, my sister, my furbaby. I am head over heels in love with her! Not a day goes by that I do not thank God and Atlanta Pet Rescue for giving me the opportunity to love and share my life with such an exceptional and one-of-a-kind pup. The secure warmth and love that encircles my life now due to Daphne's unending loyalty, love, and admiration cannot be imagined. I wake up everyday ready to spend time with her and love and be loved. She makes me feel every emotion. I wonder at her smarts and human-like expressions, smile at her moments of doggie joy, laugh at her silliness, and feel sad when I think of what she had to go through to get to our home. How anyone could mistreat or abandon such an unbelievably special dog is beyond my comprehension! With Daphne at my side, I know that I always have a friend in this crazy mixed-up world. On my best and worst days, she is with me, giving me support and unconditional love. I marvel at how I ever lived my life without her. There will never be another dog like Daphne, and everyday I celebrate her and recognize how **precious** my life is because she is in it.

My mother wrote her own "Tribute to Daphne" that I would like to share with you:

I love the way your little head fits perfectly in the palm of my hand when I pet you.

I love your black button nose, and those two big brown eyes that stare intently into my face, especially when you want to go for a walk.

I love that little lick on my leg when I am brushing my teeth.

I love that light tap on my hand when you want more petting and the tap on my foot when you need to go out.

I love the way you run around the house after your bath and do doggie aerobics with your paws while rolling on the floor.

I love the way your butt wiggles when you walk.

I love your happy greeting when I come home.

I love the way you snuggle into my chest and look up into my face with those trusting brown eyes.

Thank you Atlanta Pet Rescue for giving me such a wonderful, loyal friend.

Daphne also wrote a brief synopsis of what she has been up to during the last 4 years.

Woof! Woof! My name is Daphne, and I am now 8 years old. I have come a long way from the dog that I was during my stay at Atlanta Pet Rescue. I am now physically fit, bright-eyed, and full of life. My coat is shiny and strong, and my skin is healthy now. No more ticks, fleas, and scabs on me!

My favorite thing to do during the day is take walks. I also love to play chase around my house and tug of war with my toys. In the evening and nighttime, I love to cuddle with my family while they read or watch TV.

I have many hobbies. I write to the troops and service dogs in Iraq and Afghanistan to let them know they are doing a pawsome job. I have a real eye for fashion, and I love to dress up and strut around my house and neighborhood in my clothes. I tried my paw at show business one day when I was cast in a Verizon commercial. It was lots of fun, and the pretty actress that carried me around in her bag for the shoot was very sweet to me. A couple of years ago, I was in a "Cesar" dog show. I got to walk the red carpet and speak to the puparazzi. People took my picture and pawtograph.

I have an excellent, active life now. Thank you so much Atlanta Pet Rescue!

Toby

We adopted Toby 3 years ago after going so many years without a dog. He is our "angel" and has been a true blessing to us. He was a skinny, scared little dog when we took him home, but in no time he blossumed and is now a happy healthy dog. We don't know his story but, we know some one loved him a lot. He is so well trained and does all sorts of tricks. He teaches us! He is extremely loving and gentle to almost every one he meets. No barking or aggression. Toby is an older dog. The vet says he must be around 11 or 12 now but he still has a lot of energy and spunk. We do everything we can to make his life good and love him very much. He gives us love and fun in return.Thank you for Toby and all the other "angels" in your care.

SPARKY

Hey everybody! Dad said I could write this if my BIG paws can hit the keyboard! WOOF WOOF! Fot those who don't know me, I was hurt real bad back in 2007 and I was not supposed to live. But with GOD's grace, Paces Ferry Vet Clinic, Atlanta Pet Rescue and my will to live, I made a miraculous recovery. While I was at APR, I was treated like a KING! Everybody took good care of me and gave me unconditional love and I will always remember them forever! I think the most exciting day for me was adoption day. It was a really BIG day! I got to be with Ms Judy Price, Betesy Blimeline, my foster mom Carolyn Barrs, my doctor Jenine Merritt and all of the staff that took care of me as Chip was announced as my new DAD! Everybody was crying but not me for I knew my new life was about to start! WOOF WOOF! I am no longer in the spotlight which is GREAT and live my new life with my Dad and my 2 brothers! HARLEY is my 2 yr old Jack Russell brother. We run and play together and take turns fighting over the dozens of stuffed animals in the house.My other brother is ROCKY. He's a Rat Terrier and is 16 years old. He just likes to rest and watch us play! We are all HAPPY and I owe it all to APR for finding me the PERFECT home!! I love to visit APR and look foward to seeing all my friends again real soon! TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!

Old Skool adoption - Li'l G

We adopted Li'l G in 2003, back when Atlanta Pet Rescue was set up in a parking lot on Cheshire Bridge. Since then, he has brought a tremendous amount of joy to our lives and makes us laugh daily with his rascally ways. Even after moving out of Atlanta, I still love looking at the APR Happy Tails and am so proud of all the amazing work Atlanta Pet Rescue does. -- Marian

Petunia!!

This update is LONG overdue... My husband and I adopted Petunia (and kept the name) from APR in September 2009, about a month after our first dog passed away. Petunia is the first small dog we've owned and has been such a wonderful addition to our family. She's both snuggly/loving and crazy/playful...and she goes from one extreme to the other in a snap!

Thanks to everyone at APR for all you do!

Sincerely,

Denise & Richie Bowick

Our First Dog

We've always been cat people, none of us has ever owned a dog. Now we (and our three cats) have welcomed a wonderful rescue dog from Atlanta Pet Rescue. She came to us last spring with a variety of former names, but now she is Scout (as in Scout Finch). Dogs are definitely different from cats, but with the help of a wonderful trainer (B.D. Malone), we have learned much. One of the lovely things about APR was the knowledge the staff had about the right dog for our family. They kept suggesting Scout and I kept resisting--I wanted a slightly smaller dog--but I really think they knew best. As I say to Scout now, "You were there all along, just waiting for me to see you!" Here she is with our children and at Halloween. Thank you, Atlanta Pet Rescue for our new family member.

Brighton

I adopted Brighton the day after Christmas 12/26/09. It has only been a couple of weeks, but Brighton has already brought so much love and joy to my home. Brighton adjusted to his new home in the first hour. He took a look around and decided to join me on the couch. Brighton loves to be cuddled, brushed, kissed, and loved. He enjoys lounging around on lazy Sundays in my bed while I read a book. He is such a sweet soul and he has already added so much warmth and happiness to my life. Thank you APR for rescuing Brighton from animal control and taking care of his Persian nose (which required surgery). –Darcy A.

Dora

We adopted Dora in January of 2007 and what a pitiful thing she was. We were told she had recently finished nursing a litter of puppies and she had the body to prove it. She was a bit saggy, malnourished and had lost most of her hair. The first night we brought her home, we returned not knowing exactly what to expect. We soon located her laid out on the couch with her head on a pillow, snoring. She wasted no time making herself comfortable. There were times when we could tell she was skeptical of her new home and these new people. She would look up at us with her soulful eyes as if she couldn't believe that people could actually love her, and love her we do. She is a wonderful dog: calm, gentle and obedient. Thanks to her doggie cousins her personality and confidence have blossomed. She has learned how to be a dog, how the fetch and play nicely with others. She brings so much happiness to our days and reminds us that the rescues, those that have been given a second chance, are the most appreciative. Thank you APR for seeing the beauty in a once forgotten dog and for giving us the opportunity to share our lives with her.

Becca/Tasha

Becca is now Tasha - I had to change her name because of a name "conflict". Tasha is wonderful - she is house trained (she goes to the door when she wants to go out), doggie door trained, crate trained and she doesn't chew anything up. But best of all, Tasha doesn't beg when I eat - a miracle in any dog! When I sit down to dinner, she goes under the coffee table and naps or plays with her toys. Saturday, Tasha and I went to the vet for a meet and greet and the vet and staff just loved her!

Tasha is truly a dream - She only plays with her designated toys and sweet gum balls. She absolutely loves batting around sweet gum balls and there are plenty in my back yard. She loves this so much I actually brought some of the sweet gum balls into the house because she kept going out the doggie door to play and I thought it was a little to cold for that. She doesn't try to eat them - she just bats them around with her paws - grabs the stems and throws them in the air.

Tasha loves to go for walks (even in this cold weather, I have to make her come back inside - she loves stomping the snow) She is curious about everything and loves to explore her new neighborhood. She has met several of the neighbors (human, doggie and cat) and gets along great with all of them including the neighborhood cat. Tasha just walked right up to Meowzer and introduced herself - they sniffed each other and both were just fine. The only time I saw her get a little aggressive was at the vet office when a St. Bernard came into the waiting room - Tasha, at 12 pounds, wanted to take on the 100+ pound St Bernard - (I think Tasha was intimidated by the St. Bernard)

Tasha is always so happy - she is a joy to be around and she is the best cuddler - she is truly a lap dog and I love it. I can't imagine having a sweeter, more loving little princess.

Jasmine

I had come to the shelter twice before getting my Jasmine( Imogene) and gone home empty handed. I said "okay, one more time" I had seen another dog I wanted and Jasmine was my second choice. The first one was given to some one else so, I looked at Jasmine. However, she was with some one else. I went into the what I will call, "the get aquainted pen" Jasmine came and sat on my lap. Gigi asked me and the other potential adopter some questions. One was how much time would they be alone. The other adopter answered "she would be able to go home at lunch time" I could not do that. So, wanting to do what was best, I said should go to the other adopter. I was heart broken, because again, I would go home without a dog. Gigi brought in another dog, but we did not bond. I kept trying to put Jasmine in her new Mom's lap but she kept coming back to me. Gigi said she would be right back, that she had to ask some one a question. When she came back, she took Jasmine a few feet away and had myself and the other adopter stand back. She then put Jasmine down to see who she would go to. She did this twice and I'm glad to say, Jasmine came to me both times. Gigi said, she's made her choice. And I have been so grateful ever since. That is why I tell everyone that Jasmine chose me.

Maxwell

I drove from Charlotte to adopt Maxwell in late September of 2008. He is such a funny guy, and is now a very spolied dog (he does not like to get his paw wet, when we go "walkies" and so he waits for me to carry him over any wet areas).

His vet recently deducted that he is allegic to corn. It has been very easy to treat and I think that he is feeling better than ever ....

Maxwell is very protective of me - he is on patrol 24-7, keeping me safe from the dreaded UPS driver. I have attached Halloween photos. He did not love the costume, but he really enjoyed all of the attention that came his way while he was in costume.

I love him so much. THANK YOU to APR, the volunteer who picked him up in Alabama, and his foster mom!

Stephanie, Skinny, Finley, and Maxwell

Sebastian

We adopted Sebastian in September of 2008.He was obviously meant to be part of our family because I had seen him on the website and was planning a trip to the shelter to meet him, but someone beat me to it and he was adopted. I kept looking at the website every so often and then, suddenly, he was back! I went to the adoption center the next day.

When Sebastian joined us he was a sweet but rambunctious, and untrained adolescent boxer boy with some trust issues. Our then 9 yo Doberman, Liza, wasn't sure what she thought of this rowdy, rude addition to the family so she decided she would keep her distance and tell him to "back off" at EVERY opportunity. Over the first few days he learned to give her space when she needed it, she stopped begin overly defensive and they soon became fast friends. They play tug, wrestle, and chase each other around the yard. Having a youngster around is keeping her active and youthful!

Sebastian has been with us for a little over a year and has come a long way! After just 2.5 months of training he took and passed his Canine Good Citizen test in November of 2008. He now enjoys obedience and agility competition, hiking, daily walks through the neighborhood or local park and playing with his dog friends at Camp Woof on his occasional visits there. He was introduced to cats and snow on our Christmas visit to our daughter's home in Indianapolis this year and he's decided he likes both very much!

Thank you to everyone at APR for plucking this boy from the shelter and giving him a second (and a 3rd) chance. He is a wonderful addition to our family and we, of course, can't imagine life without his happy, joyous spirit!

Moppet

On July 11, I adopted Moppet who is now known as Peaches. She is such a well behaved, sweet and mellow dog that she thinks her name is 'Good Girl' because she is called that most of the time. Peaches was born without the bottom portion of her left front leg and came to APR from a poodle puppy mill in Alabama. As soon as I held her the first time, I could tell how calm and lovable she would be. I brought her home and in no time she was settled in and wanting to be outside racing around the backyard!

I am happy to say that Peaches is flourishing. She stays close to me but loves to play with the grandchildren and their dogs, too. She loves riding in the car whether just short trips around town or on the road to visit family. She is a sweetheart!

Thank you APR!