Miki

Quality not quantity! In the end it didn’t matter how few applications came in for Miki because all that mattered was the one that was submitted by his now forever family, the Gaetas. In 2020, the Gaetas adopted JoJo (Calvin/Cal), one of my fosters from SAYR. So, when Karen Gaeta called me to talk about the possibility of adopting Miki, I had no doubt that this could be the only application that he needed to give him his forever home. A little backstory…a few weeks before Miki came into our lives, Karen had texted me to let me know that sadly Cal had passed over the rainbow bridge. Tragically, they had also lost their first beloved Yorkie, Chloe, a few months earlier. The family missed them terribly. When Miki arrived at our home and became available for adoption, Karen understandably, wasn’t sure if her family was ready to bring a new pup into their lives. We continued to talk and text, sending pictures and updates on Miki’s adorable personality. It wasn’t long before they fell in love. The heart has the astonishing ability to expand. And welcoming a new dog into your life after losing one can be like discovering a secret chamber within your heart. Cal and Chloe showed the Gaetas that they have unlimited amounts of love in their hearts, and of course, that life is better shared with dogs. So we celebrate Cal and Chloe’s memories and the joy that Miki will bring as they welcome this new family member into their home. Congratulations to all!!!

Bernard

Jack and Bernie have been with us 6 weeks. They arrived as frighten, disheveled dogs who lacked trust and confidence. In a safe loving environment these two dogs have shown what wonderful personalities they have. They are happy, trusting and secure with us. They wake up in the morning and start wiggling their bodies, wagging their tales and Jack has started to squeal to communicate. Jack and Bernie are such good dogs and they make us so happy. We knew we could not let them go so, we're happy to say THEY HAVE FOUND THEIR FOREVER HOME.

Andrew Jackson

Jack and Bernie have been with us 6 weeks. They arrived as frighten, disheveled dogs who lacked trust and confidence. In a safe loving environment these two dogs have shown what wonderful personalities they have. They are happy, trusting and secure with us. They wake up in the morning and start wiggling their bodies, wagging their tales and Jack has started to squeal to communicate. Jack and Bernie are such good dogs and they make us so happy. We knew we could not let them go so, we're happy to say THEY HAVE FOUND THEIR FOREVER HOME.

Kisses

Kisses was definitely my hardest foster to let go. She was the longest foster I have had so far and the first one I have had since a new puppy. In October of 2023, while fostering a different dog through SAYR, I was sent the absolute cutest picture of two tiny puppies that had just come into rescue. I think these tiny terrors were driving Kathy crazy because she could not wait until I was available to take them in! My foster dog at the time found an awesome forever home and the day he got adopted, I immediately made my trek to go pick up the girls. Kisses was such a beautiful, little ray of sunshine since the very beginning. I knew in my heart that I was going to end up keeping one of these babies but also knew that I could not keep both due to the risks of Littermate Syndrome into adulthood. Throughout the beginning of fostering them, I had bounced back and forth, completely indecisive on who I wanted to adopt. Throughout our time together, Kisses was blossoming into such an independent, confident, and fearless little pup. It made me sad but I knew she would thrive and adapt to a new forever home. I had gotten numerous messages, phone calls, and applications for Kisses - she was quite the popular pup! But, for one reason or another, the applicants did not work out. Then one day, I was sent Tamara and Bella application and immediately thought, they are perfect. Every box checked off and they seemed like the perfect family for my little Kisses to go to. As they went through each phase of the application process, I could do nothing but cross my fingers and hope that this would be the family to call home. In the end, they ended up being absolutely everything I wanted for Kisses. They are a young, active couple with a four year old dog named Roadi, who was truly the icing on the cake. I was so hopeful that Kisses would have another buddy to do life with since she grew up with her littermate and two other dogs in the foster home. They treat their dogs like family and engage them in so many different activities and adventures. This made me so excited for Kisses future - she has her whole life ahead of her! On our Meet and Greet day, it was further proven that Tamara, Bella, and Roadi would treat Kisses right and give her the loving family she deserves. I felt totally comfortable! Kisses and Roadi got along well and based on some updates since adoption day, they are slowly beginning to open up to each other and play! Kisses, who has been since renamed Twyla, has settled in beautifully and looks to be already living such an amazing new life! The tears definitely started flowing before their car even fully pulled away, but it truly warmed my heart when Bella stopped to roll the window down and say,™it is not goodbye - it is see you later! I hope to see Kisses and Snuggles reunite in the future and wish my baby the best for the rest of her life! Thank you Tamara and Bella for giving me the peace of mind necessary to let such a special dog go. Congratulations Kisses!!!

Snuggles

Surprise! Snuggles is a Foster Fail and has officially been adopted by her foster mom, Olivia! In October of 2023, while fostering a different dog through SAYR, I was sent the absolute cutest picture of two tiny puppies that had just come into rescue. I think these tiny terrors were driving Kathy crazy because she could not wait until I was available to take them in! My foster dog at the time found an awesome forever home and the day he got adopted, I immediately made my trek to go pick up the girls. Snuggles had stolen my heart from that very first picture because she immediately reminded me of my first rescue from SAYR, who is still with us, Phoebe (formerly Breezie, 2019). Snuggles’ sister and littermate, Kisses, was also such a beautiful bundle of joy, which made this decision such a tough one! I knew in my heart that I was going to end up keeping one of these babies but also knew that I could not keep both due to the risks of Littermate Syndrome into adulthood. Throughout the beginning of fostering them, I had bounced back and forth, completely indecisive on who I wanted to adopt. As time went on, it became more apparent that Snuggles needed to stay. As much as I adored Kisses, I could see that she was growing to be so much more confident and independent around other people and dogs, and she was also getting a lot of attention online. Along with the fact that a lot of people wanted and applied for her, I could tell that Kisses adapted to new situations and people better and I had no doubt that she would thrive going to a new home with her forever family. Snuggles on the other hand, had a total of one application in the entire four months that I was fostering, and they did not pass. She was also very nervous and lacked confidence in a lot of areas. We spent a lot of time building our relationship to ensure she was comfortable and getting trained appropriately. During this training time, I realized that I couldn’t let her go and we had built such an amazing bond. She had finally broken out of her shell and began trusting the life around her, and I just couldn’t send her off to start all over again. She has meshed perfectly into my small dog pack and has thrived in our household! She is so unique and genuinely makes us laugh with the silly things she does. She is also very bright and extremely sweet, which is something I’ve loved about her since day one. I love her so much and am so excited to share the rest of her life taking adventures and trying new things. She will never have to cower back in her shell ever again. I have since renamed her Rhea and everyone in her life loves her to pieces already! I’m so grateful for the chain of events that brought her to me and my forever pack. Congratulations Snuggles!!!