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LILY and BONNIE
In November 2005, Anne and Ross adopted Lily (an orphan husky mix from hurricane Katrina), along with Bonnie from Ragged Mountain Dogs. Here is an update that Anne sent us about them: "We spend a long weekend in late winter in a cabin on Blue Mountain (north of Front Royal). Being a dog-friendly place, the dogs loved the large fenced in yard and the living room sofas. They also loved the hikes in the Shenandoah Nat'l Park. The photo on the left shows the dogs with Ross on one of their hikes.
They've spent their spring taking lots of walks in the woods near our house in Reston, and they've taken some hikes on the C&O canal. The last C&O hike (near Point of Rocks) included an introduction to turtles--very exciting for both dogs.
In Spring, 2006 Bonnie discovered a 2' snake in the bushes on the woods path by our house. She barked like crazy (it was just a garden snake), and for days wouldn't walk near the spot. She is beginning to get over it now. She also gets pretty excited about chipmunks. And you should see both dogs with deer (great way for me to build upper body strength)! Luckily both girls are very friendly to every dog they meet on their walks in the woods.
Both dogs have decided that watching movies on the couch with us is pretty nice. (see lower photo). It's pretty cute. Both dogs stretch out. Lily puts her head on Bonnie's back and Bonnie puts her head on my lap."

Lily's sister, Magnolia, is already on this page. Her new companion is Spirit. To read about them, click here.

Update June 2007 - Here is a picture of Lily and Bonnie with their Dad, Ross, taking one of their regular walks in the beautiful woods near their home in Reston, Virginia. They are lucky enough to walk there every day!

Update October 2007 - Here is a photo of Bonnie & Lily taken just before Halloween. Bonnie is practising her best "I need treats" look!

Update February 2008 - Here is a photo of Bonnie & Lily taking a break while hiking at Great Falls National Park with Anne and Ross.

Update November 2008 - The family have moved to New Jersey because of Anne's job but are still hiking just as much as ever. Anne sent us this email:
This is the week of Bonnie & Lily’s anniversary. Three years ago on the night before Thanksgiving Lisa came over with Bonnie, Bonnie’s mom and Lily—to see if we wanted to “try out” some combination of 2 of them. I remember Ross, Lisa and I walking the 3 dogs around the path in the woods—Bonnie, somewhat loopy and Lily fairly scared. Amaya (Bonnie’s mom) stayed in her role as mom.
As Bonnie & Lily celebrate 3 years with us, thought I’d send a couple photos of them now as “ Jersey girls.” They miss all of you, but have made lots of friends in the neighborhood and at the dog park (and this morning Bonnie mastered the agility course there; Lily almost has it).
Happy Thanksgiving to all—and a special thanks to you Lisa (in the picture, notice Bonnie’s blue eyes, which she’ll always have for you!)

Update December 2009 - Anne & Ross sent us this photo and update:
As you can see from the attached photo, both Bonnie and Lily are doing well. They enjoy being “Jersey girls” with regular trips to the Jersey shore and the mountains. They get together with their “pack” at the dog park every Saturday morning. This fall Lily and her sister (Maggie, who lives in Great Falls) e-mailed each other photos. They remain practically identical (except Lily has one ear the flops a bit when she walks).
The best to you and all the lucky pups in your care,

MAX and MAGGIE/AGGIE
Max was adopted by one of our volunteers, Barbara Deathe, in October 2001. In her words:
"I've been a volunteer dog wrangler with the SPCA of Northern Virginia for a few years, but have not had a dog of my own for a long time. When I saw Max that all changed. I knew I had to have him! He'd been found wandering around the military base in Quantico, VA where he was picked up by the Animal Warden for the base. He kept Max for a couple of months, but was unable to find a home for him. He thought Max was a great dog and deserved the chance to find a "forever home" so he called the SPCA of Northern Virginia for help.
I wanted to adopt Max, but the apartment complex I was living in did not allow dogs. It took me 4 or 5 months (during which Max was adopted by another couple and subsequently returned a few weeks later) but I finally found an apartment in Alexandria. One week after I moved in I drove out to Lisa Reid's house to pick up Max. He has been a wonderful addition to my life. He's still hesitant around strangers, men especially, but will warm up to them given some time. He's a terrific watch dog, letting me know when someone is coming in the front door of my building or if we're walking down the street in the evening he barks a warning to any strangers (unless they have a dog, then he gets distracted). We've completed the basic training obedience class at the local Petsmart (see graduation photo above) and Max was voted Most Improved because during the 8 week course he really came out of his shell and learned to trust everyone in the class. Prior to the class I would go to Petsmart 2 or 3 times a week to work with Jimmy, the trainer, for a few minutes so Max could get used to him. At first Max would have nothing to do with him, but now whenever we go to that store Max pulls me down each aisle searching for Jimmy (known to Max as "Treat Man"). Max loves going to the dog park! He loves to get other dogs to chase him, so he's developed the habit of going up to the other dogs with a toy in his mouth and nudging them with his head to make sure they see that he has a toy that they might want! I'm planning to get Max involved in agility training and possibly flyball. He is incredibly fast and loves to jump over things. Max is a terrific dog and when I come home he greets me at the door with a "doggy dance" and a huge "doggy smile."

Update 10/17/2002 - Here's a photo of Max at his first flyball tournament!
Update January 2006 - Barb was fostering Maggie and decided that Maggie and Max got on so well she'd better adopt Maggie. She renamed Maggie to be Aggie. In her words: Max and Aggie get along great, although Max has to keep making sure Aggie knows who is the boss. She is such a little sister. If Aggie is bored or if she wants to lie on the dog bed where Max is, she will stand over him or paw at him until she gets a reaction from him. They roughhouse all the time! I'm in the process of getting Aggie certified for pet therapy work, where we go into nursing homes and other places to visit people. I'm also training her for flyball, but since she doesn't love to retrieve the way Max does it may be awhile before she runs in a tournament.

GINNY
Ginny was adopted by Joan and her family in January 2006. This is what Joan wrote to us about their new family member:
I have forwarded some pictures of Ginny with one of her new friends taken by my neighbor. She is still shy and still growls at our 13 year old son but we love her little antics! She likes to find one of my shoes and bring it to me so I can watch her chew it up! She seems so surprised when I take it away! Ginny is a joy with the neighborhood dogs; playing well with her friends Tucker (jack russell), Chelsea (aussie shepherd), and Pepper (Boston terrier). She is sweet in the morning as she is so happy to greet each family member.

SPIRIT

Sprit was adopted by Jonathan and Ellie Wood in March 2004. Here is her story as told by Jonathan:
Spirit was first spotted by an SPCA volunteer in November, 2003 living in the median strip of I-495 at the I-66 interchange. With the help of Fairfax County animal control, Spirit was finally trapped, and under the loving care of the SPCA. Cold, hungry, and with a dislocated rear hip, she was not in good shape. She ran from people, and was not well socialized. We'll never know her history before then.
We met Spirit in February, 2004. She was still a very anxious, shy dog, but we knew she had potential. It took a couple months to have her settle in. Last summer she graduated at the top of her obedience school. It has been one of the best experiences of our lives to watch Spirit gain confidence, socialize (people and dogs), and become one of the best companions anyone could ever ask for. Spirit is now a well behaved, outgoing dog that takes as good a care of us as we do of her.

In November 2005, Jonathan and Ellie brought Spirit to an adoption day to visit (which the volunteers love, by the way) and whilst there there was a shy, young dog, available for adoption, who took an immediate liking to Sprit and seemed to feel alot more secure in her presence. Jonathan and Ellie decided they'd try fostering Magnolia.

Update Jan 2006 - Spirit has decided she really likes having a younger sister and has persuaded Jonathan and Ellie that they should adopt Magnolia ("Maggie")!!

Update Sept 2006 - Jonathan sent us some recent pictures and this update on how the girls are doing:
Maggie has continued to make great leaps forward with being a happy dog. She is a bundle of energy (its the husky in her). She is still a little shy around strangers, but she warms up quickly after she gets to know them. Maggie loves to run... at warp factor 10.. just for the fun of running. She runs circles around Spirit before settling in for a good wrestling match.

Spirit had been seriously ill. We got referred to a specialist (Dr. Chiapella) who finally figured out that she had a deep-seated infection in her liver, kidneys, and gall bladder... if left untreated it would have been fatal. It was literally destroying her internal organs. Very hard to diagnose. After several rounds of anti-biotics, liver meds, special diet, and big $$$$$$$$ at the specialist, she is nearly 100% again. Great to have our beloved Spirit back to feeling good. A closing shot of Spirit... romping in the woods with us at Sky Meadows State Park last fall.

Update November 2008 - Jonathan & Ellie sent us this update:
Both the girls are doing well. As it has been since the day in the fall of 2005 when they first met in the back lot of Weber's, they are inseparable. Spirit is very motherly, Maggie (now almost 4) is still puppy-like.
You always knew that Spirit was sweet. Maggie has changed so much in the last year... she is actually quite outgoing; although still just a little shy around some people. Spirit has taught her how to be a "good dog" and she tries to live up to the honor.
Here is recent picture of Maggie on a camping trip with "the guys", carrying her own pack of course. She loves having a job to do!

Smokey's velvet ears resting on his sister Lizzy's tail.

SMOKEY
Smokey was being fostered by Melanie and her partner when Smokey decided that this was the right home for home, so they adopted him in October 2005. This is what Melanie wrote about him:
Smokey was originally adopted from the SPCA in 1999 but returned in July of 2005 when one of his human siblings developed allergies. As his new foster parents, we met his previous owner on a blistering hot Sunday in July at the Weber's Pet Supermarket and drove him home. His teeth were brown, his nails were long and weight gain was an issue. On top of that, he was clearly depressed at switching homes so abruptly, and he was very slow to eat or move. We quickly had his teeth fixed, which improved his appetite and he started taking multiple daily walks with us and our real trainer, our first dog Lizzy. We also changed his diet and put him on glycoflex to strengthen his joints and muscles, which clearly had deteriorated between lack of exercise and his consequent weight gain.

Smokey (right) imitating his sister, Lizzy

Within six weeks, Smokey lost over 7 pounds and actually showed a waistline; with his barrel chest, it is clear he has what is known at a men's shop as an "athletic build". On top of that, he has shown himself to be an incredibly affectionate and playful dog. He is quite adept at catching tennis balls and has shown a talent for the frisbee as well. Behavior-wise, he is an absolute dream, preferring to get permission before going in or out of our dog door, although he has developed a fondness for sitting outside on the back deck and monitoring the squirrels that live in the tree behind the house. Smokey takes his lead from his new sister Lizzy, barking when she does, sniffing when she does and sitting where she sits. She actually enjoys it, and the two of them have a very close relationship. Lizzy has always been somewhat aloof, but now everyone remarks at how much more loving Lizzy has become since Smokey came to live with us.
We decided to make Smokey a permanent member of our family when I went away with Lizzy for a weekend to visit friends. We're still not sure if he missed his canine sibling or me more, but he was despondent from the moment we left, sitting by the door and crying. Even a trip to the mountains and a hike did not revive his spirits. Clearly, Smokey had chosen us, and we are so grateful that he did. Our lives have been richer for having him.

Update February 2006: Smokey's person wrote :"I send this update hoping that someone reading will consider adopting an older dog. It is really an incredibly rewarding experience. Smokey was 7 when we adopted him last year, and poor care had led to weight gain and lack of energy. Just six months later, Smokey has lost 12 pounds and is full of energy. He is a fantastic Frisbee and ball player and in contrast to puppies, he knows how to behave in the house! "



Update December 1st 2007:Melanie sent us this email:
Leo and I have sad news to report. We said good-bye to our beautiful and beloved Smokey yesterday. He had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer this past Memorial Day. Despite the terminal diagnosis, we decided on a course of palliative chemotherapy which would give him and us more time. He had responded well to chemotherapy, which thankfully was not debilitating in any way, and he had a great summer and fall, as you can see from the attached pictures of his playing Frisbee over Labor Day.
He was happy, healthy and very active until the past weekend, when he came up lame in one of his back legs. We were hoping that the lameness was unrelated to the cancer, possibly Lyme or a sprain, but sadly, an ultrasound revealed that the cancer had recurred and had spread, pressing against a nerve, which generated the lameness. His activity level declined to almost nothing immediately, and we had to make the sad decision not to let him suffer anymore. We are just thankful that the end of his illness was not prolonged and that he was hiking and playing Frisbee as late as a week ago.
We had a wonderful journey with Smokey. When we first met him, he was 78 pounds, completely out of shape with brown teeth. Proper dental care and good diet caused him to lose 10 pounds in the first 6 months. The flip side of good health was that he revealed a more ornery side, which included chasing small animals and cats and a propensity to bark at the mailman and passers-by. We noticed that he always favored one of his legs and x-rays revealed that he had a shattered hip bone which had healed without medical attention, probably a result of a car accident prior to his being picked up by the original animal shelter in Greene County. Even if we had known that we wouldn't have that much time with him, we would have gone ahead with the reparative surgery. He had the surgery 19 months ago, and an entirely different dog resulted. He became so active, learning to jump for the first time, and he had an absolutely wonderful time patrolling the woods around our second home on Blue Mountain and hiking on the Appalachian Trail, which we did a couple of times each month. He became a svelte and toned 60 pounds, prompting one of our neighbors to ask if we had a muscle shirt for him. Smokey became the dog he always was underneath the bad leg and all the extra weight. When he played Frisbee or ball, he commanded immediate attention from strangers in our local park, who always came over to inquire about him and what kind of dog he was. He reveled in all the attention, and that was another really great aspect of having him, knowing that this shelter dog could be the center of attention and showing people the reward of pet adoption.
Most of all, Smokey touched our lives in such a meaningful way. When we came home from work, he would greet us but then run and get a toy and squeak it and throw it around himself as a celebration of our homecoming. With Smokey as a companion, our first dog Lizzy, who is over 14 years old, developed a bond with another dog for the first time in her life, and even became so much more emotional and loving with her owners and extended family. Everyone noticed and remarked on the change in her. She seems as devastated as we are and has not left our side, sleeping on Smokey's beds, which are still all over the house, and playing with his toys, something for which she usually has not time or inclination.
We just wanted to thank you all for your initial rescue and care of Smokey and for thinking of us when he first needed a foster home. Even though our time with him was a short 2 ½ years, we have no regrets and are so happy to have had the time we did. What you all do is so great and you bring so much joy not just to the dogs you help but to all the families who adopt them. Smokey was a marvelous dog and we will miss him terribly.

LADY/RUBY
Lady was adopted by Lauren Dykhuis in October 2005 and renamed to Ruby. Lauren and Ruby are both delighted to have found each other and are very happy!

FORTUNE
Fortune was adopted by a woman named Reagan in December 2005. Reagan calls her Sweet Fortune now! Reagan entered this photo in our Friends For Life Calendar competition for 2006. She wrote:
She is a very happy dog and I am extremely happy to have her.

WINNIE
Winnie was the only girl in a litter of hound mix pups that we had available for adoption. She was adopted in June 2005 by Maureen and Brett to be a companion for their 12 year old black lab, Shady. Winnie fits very well into their family and loves all her new siblings, both canine (Shady) and human (Maureen and Brett's two boys, ages 14 and 11). This is what Maureen wrote:
In the photo on the left, Shady was in her doggie bed, and Winnie wanted to get in also, so Shady moved over to let Winnie in, but Shady didn't have much room left. Shady is a very good sport and really loves it when Winnie snuggles up to her, even if it pushes her out of the bed. It's okay - a little while later, Shady got in Winnie's crate and then Winnie climbed in right next to her!
The second one is of Winnie and Shady asleep on the basement couch. They really like to be touching when they are laying down. This was a hilarious pose and Winnie was sound asleep!
She has such a great and funny personality - you can see it in the last picture! She was very comfortable, even though her skin was pulled back around her eyes. She is a hoot!

Maureen just loves taking photos of Winnie (not surprising given that incredibly cute face) and sent us this update and photos soon after adopting Winnie:
 I'm attaching two pictures that I took of Winnie in the past few days to this email. She is adjusting marvelously. She is a wonderful puppy and is getting PLENTY of exercise! In one she is taking a break from running around and she is relaxing on the deck listening to the birds, and in the other picture, she is surveying her new domain - the vast expanse of her backyard!

UPDATE JULY 2005 - Maureen entered two photos of Winnie in our Friends For Life Calendar competition for 2006.  One of her photos (the one showing her investigating a jug) was chosen for the calendar cover!

In June 2010, The Fleegal's sent us an update on their pups - to read it, click here.

KATIE & KERRY
Katie and Kerry came into the care of the SPCA as young pups. Their littermates had all been adopted and they had become very bonded when Keith and Jeremy came along. They adopted Kerry in October 2004. Five months later, they decided to adopt Katie too so now the siblings are together for life!

SPOTTY & PAL
Spotty and Pal,  were adopted by Bill and June Taylor in April 2004. This is what June wrote to us about this lovely pair:
Two 10 year-old greyhounds who had lived for six years in horrible filth and neglect were rescued in February 2004 by Barbara Cohen and taken to a veterinarian for desperately needed care. Spotty had a cancerous tumor removed. No one wanted them due to their age and Spotty's medical history. Our daughter saw their picture on the internet, showed it to us and we were hooked!
Both dogs were a joy for four months. Spotty was the alpha dog, and Pal followed along. They had their own beds , their own dishes, and were together constantly. Unfortunately Spotty's cancer returned with a vengeance, and we lost her. We were worried about the impact on Pal. We were pleased that she continued to eat well.
Gradually she turned into the alpha dog! She barks furiously whenever someone comes to the door - or drops a book or closes a drawer! She scoops up crumbs from under the table and follows anyone eating anything, though we never feed her except in her bowl. She likes one of her three beds as close as possible to wherever a stationary person is working. She knows instinctively when we are going out, even if we've done nothing to indicate it, and will follow us from room to room hoping for a ride, which she adores. We love her as much as she loves us - which says it all!

DAISY
Lauren was attracted by Daisy's picture on the website so came along to an open house (in September, 2004) to meet her - and it was love at first sight! After only a short time in her new home, Lauren helped Daisy type a letter to Tony and Lisa (our trainers). Here are some excerpts:
Well ok, I get it now.  As I sat and looked out the big glass door waiting for Tony to come back I was very sad and confused.  Lauren, who I think is my new person, kept me company by the door and kept talking to me.  I'm not sure what's going on but I think I'm starting to get it.  Tuesday was one interesting day!  Wow!  Lauren kept taking me for short walks so I could smell all the new things and see the land.  There are a million squirrels around here!  I just wish she would just let me go for one minute.  There's that one pesky squirrel...  But oh well, she's got a pretty tight grip on my leash.  Anyway, I had my first bath in a very long time.  That was so-so.  It was something called Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Lauren kept telling me that it was all natural and that it wasn't going to hurt a bit.  She was right and now I smell really good and my coat is really pretty.  It wasn't so bad and it's funny, but I could swear that Lauren got more wet than I did.  After my bath we played ball and wrestled on the carpet for a while.  That was fun.  Then she put me in my cage and left me alone for about 2 hours.  I actually didn't mind and was able to catch up my sleep 'cause I was really pooped.  That night after Lauren came back we went for a really long walk, about 1 mile, in the dark.  It was a little scary 'cause there was all this noise that I'm not used to...cars, dogs barking in the distance, people talking.  I was glad when it was over.  When the day ended we both went upstairs and talked for a little bit.  Lauren let me get on her bed for about a half hour then she made me get on my new fluffy bed for the night.  It was a restless night 'cause we both kept peeking at each other and making sure we were both still in the same place through the night.
I am still wondering where you two are and when you are going to come and get me but I have a feeling it might be a while before we see each other again.  Lauren is paying lots of attention to me and I like that.  It's very quiet here and I'm getting lots of care but I'm still thinking of you and miss you both.  I can't wait to see you again.  Until then, I'm looking forward to seeing what new surprises Lauren has for me tomorrow!
Love, Daisy

p.s. The picture at right is of me on Lauren's bed.  It's one of the only two times a day I'm allowed on it.

JASMINE
Jasmine and her seven pups became SPCA dogs following a humane investigation in the summer of 2002. Severely malnourished, emaciated, and infested with ticks, fleas and worms, Jasmine was nonetheless friendly and sweet toward people.
As is usual with puppies, they found homes quickly. Jasmine became the foster mother to orphaned pups in the SPCA's care and saw each of them adopted in torn, but as the months turned into years, she waited for a home of her own.
Then in August of 2004, Brian Berry and Stephanie Bridgewater of Vienna came to Weber's to find a companion for their dog, Diesel. Jasmine, who has always been picky about her canine friends, took to Diesel immediately (he's in the photo on the left), and the couple knew they had found their new family member.

Stephanie says of her:
Jasmine has caught on and lets me know when it is time to eat but more so if they are running low on water. (I do appreciate the reminder) She also thinks that every time we change clothes or shoes that it is time for a walk. It makes me feel bad when I'm just going to the store.
For being a dog that lived in a kennel...she certainly understands how to sleep in a bed and is quite the bed hog! In the mornings after we do the feeding/watering routine, she runs and gets back in bed with Brian. I think this is hysterical because no dog of ours could ever get onto the bed without thinking about it...she does it in the dark!
I always wanted a dog that was loyal and a companion but not too needy. Jasmine has become my shadow. She follows me everywhere, sniffing and nosing around but never far away.

TODD
Jim and Marilyn Terwilliger adopted Todd in July 2002. The photo was taken at our Dog Spa in the summer of 2004. This is what Jim wrote about him:

I had been checking out the Northern Virginia SPCA web site, intrigued by the tan and white dog that was always on the site. Yet, Marilyn was hesitant to get another dog because of our crazy schedule with work and all that other stuff.
I kept gently suggesting that we just "check him out", you know, nothing promised, nothing real, just meet this guy - something about him intrigued me. Marilyn agreed, but made sure I knew that it was just a "meet the dog" excursion.
That Saturday, we went out, and as we drove across the parking lot, I spotted him being walked by one of the volunteers. He seemed indifferent, a bit afraid, and not at all pleased by all of the noise and fuss going on. I walked over to the young lady walking him, and asked if I could walk with him. He allowed me to hold the other end of the leash, but wasn't thrilled, not enthusiastic. Yet, there was a spark in him underneath that nervous, frightened exterior. Someone had been very mean, cruel to him and he expected the same from other humans, especially men. As we walked around the parking lot and grass, he began to accept my presence, to calm his fear, to quiet the trembling and relax a bit. Marilyn came over a couple of times, walked him around some, and unbeknownst to me, fell in love with him. He and I headed back to the crowd looking for Marilyn, finally seeing her at the table with Nancy. She was filling out the paperwork for Todd's two-week trial visit with us.
Todd was a favorite of Lisa and many of the volunteers, and we were so proud to have him coming home with us, but a bit sad over how his friends would miss him. We walked down to the truck, I opened the tailgate, and told him to hop in. He looked up at the back of the SUV, at me, and sat down. Marilyn looked at me, I at her, both of us at him, and then all three of us at the crowd of SPCA volunteers watching us. I then bent down and lifted up all 68 pounds of this pup into the SUV. When we arrived at our home, we discovered that stairs were a new experience for him - along with everything else associated with a three-story townhouse. He adapted quickly.
The first afternoon and evening that he was in our home, he paced constantly, nervously, not sure of his surroundings, not sure of us, and not sure of what was expected of him or what he expected of us. As he paced the kitchen, the family room, and the dining room, he kept an eye on us. At all times, he had to know where we were. His boundaries were pushed out, his defenses up, and we were not allowed to get close to him.
Yet, as Marilyn has noted more than once, he never turned down a meal, he never refused to eat. Treats, snacks, he will refuse from people he doesn't know, or he isn't comfortable with, but his breakfast is at 6 AM and his dinner at 6 PM.
New sounds, new experiences flooded over him. The TV, alarm clocks, and the sound of the toilet flushing. That rush of water and sound was a new, strange, curious, but not threatening sound to him. It aroused his curiosity and he had to stare at the water swirling around.
As we started our daily walks, he had to sniff every plant, check out every new smell, focus on every new or strange sight, listen to every unfamiliar sound in this strange environment. His walks were his moments of joy as he slowly acclimated to his new home.
Marilyn had bought him a Yuppie Puppy bed (Jim's description) from L.L. Bean for her "angel dog." He would not lay on it, he would not put a foot on it. We tried bribing him onto it with treats, and he would very gently pick them up, then move over to the rug to enjoy them. I asked my Mom for ideas, and she suggested that we put the bed in the truck when we went to visit Marilyn's parents. (He loves road trips and barking at the toll collector on the Pennsylvania toll road!!). In the SUV, Todd found that he had no alternative but to lie on the bed (at least partially) on the drive. After that, at home, he would lie on the rug, with just his head on the bed. After a week or two of that, we discovered him curled up on the bed, and now when we clean the bed, take it outside to sweep the hair off of it, he lets us know that we are trespassing with his property.
Todd is a gentleman of routine, of daily ritual. He must be fed, in the morning, around 6 AM, but will allow us to sleep in a bit before we walk him. At 6 PM it is dinnertime. Around 7:30 PM, it is flip bone time, and he will stand a few feet away from Marilyn (as she sits in her chair), and stare at her, barking softly until she gets up and gets his evening treat. I am not expected to provide that treat, that is Marilyn's honor.
As he has become acclimated to us, he has allowed us closer. After 1-1/2 years, he started to roll onto his back for a belly rub. Not too long after that, while we were walking him, or just passing him in the house, he would bump our hand with his nose - not demanding to be petted, just letting us know he was there with us.
While he will never be completely comfortable with other people, especially strangers, he has learned to allow them to be near without panicking, growling, or barking. As long as people don't move quickly toward him, he allows them in his world. When we are encouraging him, he will allow people into the house, but he is not thrilled with them in his domain. Unfortunately, the trauma was so great that he still is very frightened of children. Whatever was done to him, had such an impact that he will not allow children near him, he will quickly retreat as far as he can, and then growl softly, growling as long as they are nearby. That is him, that is part of life with him, and we accept it.
From the beginning Todd got fed on time, given long walks 3-4 times a day, talked to constantly, and given lots of hugs and runs. The acceptance of us started on the 2nd day we had him and continues through today.
Todd is our joy. This is our first experience with a dog from a shelter, one that had been abused, and as he has grown to accept us, to become part of us, a member of our family, he has brought us a sense of joy and fulfillment. We cannot thank SPCA enough for introducing us to him, and for their dedication and work helping these wonderful animals find homes.

UPDATE March 2008 - Jim and Marilyn are frequent visitors to our dog adoption days and in March 2008, they came to tell us the sad news that Todd had passed on.

HARVEY/WILEY & ETLAN/DINGO
Richard and Maureen Dermott adopted Harvey (renamed to Wiley) and Etlan (renamed to Dingo). The photo was taken at our Dog Spa in the summer of 2004.This is what Maureen wrote about them:
We brought Wiley (Harvey) home in November of 2002 when he was 9 months old and adopted him in January of 2003.  He had been living in a townhouse yard with his sister.  We went through a stressful initial few months where he could be a wonderful gentle dog one minute and a madman the next.  He literally jumped up onto the kitchen  and Dining room tables.  He would run circles around the family room running across the back of the furniture while we grabbed lamps and breakables.  We ate in shifts out of the room.  He hated the crate and would pace and howl.  At night he would race around the bedroom and across the bed until we could get a hold of him and hold him tightly until he was calm.  When no one could be home with him we set up the garage making it as dog proof as possible.  Wiley is a typical Husky, lovingly independent and vocal, who even after 6 months of training has selective obedience.  As the weather turned colder we started leaving him in the family room and kitchen.  Finally in July he was a calmer and more content dog and seemed to be over the separation anxiety. 
In September I saw Dingo (Etlan) at Webers and fell in love with him, I brought him home that day and adopted him in October of 2003.  Dingo had been kept in a field behind a country store. When he joined our family he was so thin that you could see his ribs and was afraid of everything.  He has put on 7 pounds and is now a healthy and active dog.  He is a gentle and well behaved Collie who wants nothing more than to please and to be loved.  Although he is still on the nervous side his confidence has grown and with it his trust of humans to the extent that he will approach complete strangers expecting to be petted.  His only fear now is of thunderstorms, when I see how scared he is I can only imagine how awful it must have been for him to be alone in that field during a storm. 
They are a pretty good match and the joy of my life keeping us active by taking us for long walks in the woods behind our house.  We also frequent the dog park where they are both extremely happy to play with the other dogs and to be petted by the other owners.  I am so glad that they joined our family and look forward to spending many years with them. 

JONAH/JD
Rick and Nicole Deeds adopted Jonah in the summer of 2000 and renamed him JD. Here's an update they sent us on him:
We understand that he had endured a horrendous first few years. He was extremely shy when we got him and we had to work with him constantly to overcome his fears. After a few obedience classes and lots of kisses, he started to come around.  
We recently moved to a house on 5 acres and JD loves to run and explore!  He also adores our 2 little boys and they are his constant companions. He loves to play fetch, snuggle in his bed, and watch the squirrels from the front door.  JD is still "our work in progress", but we sure do love him!

Update 2/2/11 - JD is almost 12 (picture on the right) now and quite a distinguished gentleman with a bit of gray. He's our best friend and even though he's moving a bit slower these days, he still finds the energy to run around with our 3 children. We are thankful that he came into our lives!

MICKEY
Mickey was adopted by Molly Warlow in May of 2004. She first saw him at the Reston Pet Fiesta and was very impressed with how calm he was with everything going. She tells us that the first time he went to doggie day care, he got 4 stars on his report card and they said he was the best dog they'd ever had. Everyone that meets him loves him and he's a very happy dog!

POLLY/ABBY and MILO/MYLO
Polly was adopted by Federico and Jill DeLaSobera in July 2003. They renamed her to Abby. They soon realized their home wasn't complete and in December 2003, adopted Mylo, the beagle. They sent us a Christmas card with this cute photo and wrote "Thankyou for giving us our two loves. They are the love of our life".

MILLIE/MOLLIE
Millie was adopted by the Elder family in January 2004 and renamed to Mollie. She fit right in and is now inseparable from "her" two boys!

DUKE
Duke was adopted in November 2003 by Lisa and Matt Valentini. He is now known as "The Duke" and is a much loved member of the family.

UPDATE JULY 2005 - Duke's people entered two photos of him in our Friends For Life Calendar competition for 2006.  One of his photos (the one showing him in a hat) was chosen and he is "Mr July"!

SNOWY/LUCY and CHIPPER/RICKY
Snowy was adopted in August 2003 by Brian and Heidi Murphy and renamed to Lucy (they are big movie fans and named her after Lucille Ball). Her heartwrenching story can be found in our Fall/Winter 2003 newsletter in an article titled "Lucy, I'm Home!". 2 months later, Brian and Heidi decided she needed a companion, so they adopted Chipper (now called Ricky). Chipper was abandoned on I-95 at a tourist attraction, and even though he tried to get enough food, he was emaciated and sick when he was rescued by a nice woman who nursed him back to health. She couldn't keep him, though, so she handed him over to the SPCA to place.

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