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Zeke ... was starved by the family who originally owned him (Before Photo). Animal Control removed him, and he was housed with a kind vet in Ottawa, IL, until GLBCR rescued him. With a great deal of patience and loving care, his foster mom Barb brought him out of his shell, added some weight, and built up his confidence. In her care, Zeke learned to trust people and play with other dogs. His new mom writes, "Zeke is just absolutely wonderful. We are having a ball together--he has like 10 doggie friends and even more people gushing over him. He runs/gallops on the beach and I swear he's part greyhound. His separation anxiety is disappearing, and he's back to enjoying car rides." 0203

Baron 0203

Adoption Date: 2-22-03
Foster Name: Baron O'Barry
History:
A young lady, her new husband, and his 9 year old son decided to add a new family member to their household. So they called a BC breeder to visit the new litter. Baron was such a little cutie and had such an expressive face, the young lady fell in love immediately. All was well with Baron. He got to play ball, go for long walks with his canine buddy, and enjoyed being the center of attention. Baron attended obedience camp and learned all the appropriate manners. Then the lady brought home another new family member....a little baby human. Suddenly, there was no time for Baron. He was cast aside, with no one to give him attention.

6-14-04Baron is the most wonderful dog we've ever had the pleasure to treasure in our home! He is an absolute perfect match for us. His affectionate nature has caused us to be a bit lax on our normal restrictions. Not only does he snuggle beside us on the sofa, he naps in Ray's bed, and has his own special chair to sleep on at night.
Baron loves to play with tennis balls and has gone through tons of them. He drops them at my feet, to get me to toss them. If ignored, he sits peacefully chomping on the ball. Baron is friendly to everyone he meets. He lets us know when the mailman arrives or visitors stop by. But the funniest is when our cleaning lady comes over. He has learned to fear her or rather her use of the vacuum! As soon as she enters our home, he hides, and isn't seen until she leaves. Baron has brought such happiness to our home.

Wrigley 0203

Can I just say that I love my dogs? I just love em. I love to smell their fur. I love to cuddle with them. I love that I know when they are smiling or not happy. I love the THEY KNOW when I am happy or sad. I love that Onni puts her paws around my neck and hugs me. I love that Quigley can sleep for hours upside down on my lap. I love that they go everywhere with us and are so well behaved. I love that they are so smart that I just talk to them and they know what I am saying without effort. I love that I can SEE them listening. I love that they have won over my husband and he calls them our kids. I love that at first it was horrible and hard (adopting 2 at one time) but we stuck in there and can't imagine what we were thinking possibly giving them up. I love that they are all I think about all day and night. I love playing hide and go seek and other games with them and seeing them laugh. I love them so much but hate that we missed 2 years of their lives, but I know that they have lots of years left........for me to love them some more.

2-1-05 Pippi loves to take walks in our woods and I taught the joy of wading in the creek on a hot day. She still doesn't like taking baths or strangers, especially kids. Here's some Christmas '04 pictures. I was surprised that Pippi let me dress her up! She even let my little cousin, the boy in the picture, dress her! He loved the idea of playing dress up with a dog! Good thing Pippi didn't mind either! In the one picture she actually looks like she was enjoying all the attention! She has come a long way!

Pippi

Name: Pippi Longstocking

Adoption Date: 3-3-03

History: Pippi was purchased from a breeder, as a puppy, by a family with toddlers. Pippi's temperament was not suited for such young two-legged creatures. The owners discovered help for a better placement was available through GLBCR and released Pippi into foster care.

Update: 8-13-03 Pippi is doing great. She will go up to new people if I am around. She might back off if they try to pet her, but on a second try she will stand still and soon will be all over you! She loves to play ball. If she sees us hanging up the laundry or I'm weeding my garden, she will go searching for her ball and drop it in the laundry basket or at my feet. Of course we throw it!

This year at the fair, she participated in beginner Agility and Obedience. She loved the Agility course! In fact she loved it so much that she ran out of the open tunnel so fast that I couldn't grab her leash! She ran across the ring to see the Obedience judge! She won fourth place out of five or six other dogs. Pretty good for her first year!

In Obedience, it took her a little while to warm up, but she won first place out of five dogs! On the stand for examination, the judge rubbed her hand over Pippi's back. Pippi didn't budge! (That's a good thing!) Afterward, the judge petted Pippi and Pippi went hysterical, jumping all over! Pippi likes to jump up on you when you pet her. I've been teaching her not to do it, but it is really hard for her! Next year Pippi has to do some of her Obedience off leash. She'll do well!

Pippi definitely keeps the grass down near the fence! She paces the fence watching the chickens and all the other animals. The only time she stops pacing is to play ball or to eat! We have been taking Pippi and Chelsea on a dog walk each week, lead by the humane society. Pippi just loves it! (Chelsea does too)

8-04 Pippi won first place on agility! The course was a new set up, which we didn't have practice running. She got placed second in obedience....off leash. Her weak point is her sitting, because I have to remind her to sit beside me, not in front! This spring, I went on walks with Pippi in the woods. At first, she was kept on a leash, but she pulls and walks fast. So I let her walk without the leash. She doesn't leave my sight. I wanted to know what she would do if she couldn't see me, so I ducked behind a bush. She turned right around and started looking for me! My dog obedience leader may start a flyball team. She has a flyball board at her house that I have tried to work with Pippi on. She doesn't quite get what she is supposed to do to get the ball, but I think it is slowly sinking in. Pippi paces the fence and tries to herd. I am trying to talk Mom into letting me teach Pippi to herd chickens. Pippi is settling down some, as she is not a puppy anymore. She enjoys playing with Chelsea and playing ball. She is still shy toward strangers, especially if they wear a hat! But she truly loves the outdoors!

Maddy (Sage)