Band of Brothers

Bogy and Toby are two peas in a pod.  Very bonded, they are.  We're not exactly sure if they are brothers or not, but it really doesn't matter now.  You'll read why in just a minute.



Toby in Model Pose

Carol and I headed to Center Valley on Saturday, November 16th, to pick up Bogy and Toby.  Such handsome dogs!  I couldn't believe how lucky I was to get this photo of Toby.  He just stood there, looked at me, and raised his front left paw.  Such a handsome boy!  He's the good dog.  Posed beautifully when the camera pointed his way, rode quietly in the backseat with his chin resting on the window sill of the car door, and he never made a peep.  Good Toby!



Bogy being Bogy

And then there was Bogy.  Somehow this name fits him.  Bogy was equally as handsome, only he never sat still for his picture.  He also never sat still while we drove him to Montgomeryville.  He was into everything -- especially Carol's lap.  By the end of our trip, he had inched his way up between the seats and was riding shotgun on top of Carol.



Toby Sits Like a Gentleman

 

Bogy Doing His Best Pose



Bogy and Toby had wonderful beginnings.  They had a warm, loving home, two squares a day, and a wonderful woman who looked after them as though they were her sons.  Unfortunately, she was an older woman who ended up having to go into a nursing home, so she could no longer keep them, and that's how they came into the world of dog rescue.

But their story does not end there.  Carol and I had the great pleasure of delivering Bogy and Toby to their new forever home, with Denise, who was the most excited adopting mother I've yet to run into.  And these two canines stole her heart the second she saw them.  Denise could not get over what great dogs they were.  Toby jumped right into her car, and Bogy quickly followed. Neither of them could wait to get going to their new home!

And here they are, enjoying their new life, still together, still bonded and best friends.

It further appears that they've got a pretty cushy life, for which I'm not sure they are appearing so grateful.  I see two dogs enjoying the lap of luxury as though they've been there forever.  They sure look happy and content, and Denise wrote that they are both very well behaved, love their new yard, and have made themselves completely at home.



Toby?

Zzzzzz...

 And now they are both posing in their favorite positions for photos.  Could Toby look any goofier?  And well, that's Bogy being Bogy!

They may not be biological brothers, but they are as close as can be, and will enjoy the rest of their lives living as brothers in Denise's home, where she will smile over their antics every single day.



Linda's Been Busy!

Colby

Linda has been out and about with oodles of dogs and cats over the last two weekends.  She and her mother started off on Sunday, November 17th, by transporting 11 cats and kittens from the pickup point in Norristown to Lehighton.  Everyone was from the Darlington County Humane Society in Darlington, SC (hence the transport is called the Darlington Express).

This one particular orange kitty, Colby, was very friendly, but tuckered out from all his travels.  No one said the road to freedom was easy, but we're awful glad he's getting a second chance.

And here the cats are before being unloaded and transferred to Linda.  Although it's sad to see them in carriers, one cannot have cats roaming the vehicle, as you can well imagine.  Pandemonium would be an understatement, I'm sure.  But this way, they travel safely and peacefully.  All cats were being transported to their new rescue, Friends for Felines, in Blasdell, New York.




Meow.  No really, meow!

Hey!  What are these two doing here?  They don't look like no cats to me!  Linda confessed -- these two puppies were not on her passenger list, but she just had to help hold them until it was their turn to board their next vehicle.  Can you blame her?  Yeah, me neither.

Going forward to the following weekend, Linda again transported on Sunday, November 24th.  Jose (why doesn't the apostrophe over the "e" work on BlogSpot?) was a cute pooch headed for One Life to Live in Scranton, PA.  Asleep, Jose looks awfully cute.  But in the other picture, he looks a bit like a grumpy old man.  But isn't everyone a little bit grumpy when they first wake up?  Especially if the sun is shining right into your eyes.


Linda also transported four cats, all of which were going to Friends for Felines in Blasdell, New York.  Percy and Gavin were just two of these lucky passengers.


Gavin

Percy

Gavin's a beauty dressed in all white.



Percy is a precious young tabby.



Bandana

Linda didn't stop there though.  She just had to say hi to Bandana, a precocious pup who was traveling on.

So all in all, Linda transported about 15 dogs and cats during the last two weekends, and she's gratified to know that each will be safe, warm and fed as they await their new families to find them.  In the meantime, I think I heard some woofs and meows from up north of here.  Sounded like some grateful dogs and cats were enjoying a very Happy Thanksgiving!

A Day in the Sun!



Love it when two dogs get adopted in the same week, and that's exactly what happened to little ray of sunshine, Abigail, whom Linda had transported, and to my little big-eared Zoe, who I helped out at the Molly's Kennels Fall Festival. 

Zippy Little Zoe



Sweet Abigail

Looks like each of these two lovable canines are going to have a great place in the sun from now on, and their new families are going to enjoy all the sunshine they bring to their hearts.  Congratulations to Abigail and Zoe!




Fall Festival

Molly's Kennels held a Fall Festival on Sunday, October 27, 2013, and I decided to help out with the Almost Home dogs who reside there until they find their furever homes.  Attendees were invited to bring their own dogs and events were held to celebrate Halloween and the autumn season, including Bobbing for Apples, a Dog Costume Contest and Parade, Pumpkin Painting for kids, a Dog Trick Contest, and an Agility Training demonstration.  It was well-attended and a beautiful day for the festivities.

Dog Tricks Contest

During the Dog Tricks Contest, one dog rolled over upon command, which was quite impressive considering all the people and other dogs watching.

Those of us with Almost Home Dog Rescue each had one of our dogs there to give them an opportunity to be considered for adoption.



Teddy Making a New Friend

Teddy, a beautiful sheepdog-looking little guy with silky hair, got to meet a potential adopter.

Zoe Smiling for the Camera

I had Zoe, who has a long snout and lots of personality.  She's about eight months old, and we all had differing opinions about what kind of dog she is.  But we all agree that it didn't matter because she has a gregarious way about her, and one set of big ears!




Bennie Adores Colleen

Bennie is a little on the shy side, but once he knows you're going to be okay, he'll be your best friend forever.  He adores Colleen and Deb from Almost Home, who take him for walks quite regularly.  He is a beautiful, easy-care dog.



Is that the Great Pumpkin Over There?

And Bear is a gorgeous fella with a longer coat, and a fluffy tail, who enjoyed himself on this beautiful fall day.  I think he spotted the Great Pumpkin, and wanted to get there before anyone else!

Thanks to Molly's Country Kennels for the Fall Festival -- a day of fun, sunshine and smiles for all!

A Little Bit of Sunshine

On Saturday, October 26th, Linda transported Abigail, a four-month old out of Marietta, Ohio.  Linda picked her up at the Center Valley Corporate Center, and delivered her to Carolyn, who oversees the Almost Home transporting program, and who will foster Abigail.  Little Abigail was surrendered by her owner.  Hard to believe because she is great at giving lots of kisses and is very sweet.  She just couldn't contain her excitement, however, to stand still long enough to get a clear, crisp picture of her.  But Linda reports Abigail is just plain old adorable!  On second analysis of these photos, I'm not so sure Abigail was the problem!  How about that shadow?  A little sunshine would have helped!  But either way, hopefully Abigail will soon be a ray of sunshine in her new furever home.  I

Dudley Does Good!

Last week, I updated you on Dudley's progress as he fought an infection of his nether regions after being neutered.  His infection looked quite bad, as it was about softball size.  I must admit I was very worried about him, so I was elated when I was able to share the video link of him running around and playing with his foster sister, Coco.  It could hardly get better, right?

Well, I am so incredibly happy to report that dear Dudley has been adopted!  His new family was told that Dudley had some health issues from his neutering, and was displaying some very fearful behavior, but they hung in there, hoping that they'd be able to call Dudley theirs after many detailed e-mails and a home visit.

Dudley was delivered yesterday morning, October 12th, to his new home with Don and Anita!  He was cautious at first, but by mid-afternoon he perked up, and accepted head and chest rubs.  His new doggie parents report that when he has his belly rubbed, he sticks one foot straight up in the air.  He especially loves chest massages, and he's doing fine with his cat siblings.  He stays by Don and Anita and sits quietly.  As of this morning, he sits when told, and gives his paw for treat rewards.  Shy Dudley has come so far in such a short period of time.  And Don reports that Dudley has quite a smile!  Hooray for Dudley, who I'm sure is smiling because he's happy now and at home at last.

Who's Transporting Whom?

A MO Pup, transported by Linda

Last weekend, October 5-6, Linda met a large transport, and took on two young dogs to their next destination.  She took pictures of a few of the dogs, who were referred to as Mo Pups; it was a way to identify them from other puppies that were part of the large transport.  If you can resist this little face of one of the "Mo Pups", you are a stronger person than I!  Just look at this little guy -- who doesn't exactly look like a "little" guy to be thrown over this lady's shoulder, but the TLC shown here is touching.

Mo' Mo Pups

Some other cute puppies also arrived.  Here are two who are equally as cute.  My heart goes out to these wonderful pups.  It's hard to understand how they end up in shelters where their lives are in jeopardy.  I am thankful every day that these rescue groups work so hard to do as much as they can to save as many as they can.

Tinkerbell

And there is usually good news to share, and sure enough, one of the dogs that came up on this transport won the heart of her overnight host family, who actually let her go back to the pickup spot for further transport, then called and said they just couldn't let her go.  They were adopting her.  So lucky Tinkerbell got a home immediately.  I can certainly see why!



Chelsea Steering Attentively?

And then there was Chelsea, whom Linda transported from Norristown to Lehighton. Most of the time, Chelsea rode well in the car, and sat in the back seat with her nose pressed to the window, checking out the scenery and watching other drivers as they passed by.  That's when Chelsea hatched her plan.  She studied other drivers and figured she could imitate their style.  Inch by inch she moved closer toward the front seat, and when Linda's friend turned to snap a picture, Chelsea pressed forward into perfect position.  So...exactly who is driving whom in this picture?   I'd say Chelsea outsmarted Linda!

Dudley is Dancing!

Remember Dudley from my last post?  After a visit to the vet the night of his arrival to his foster mom, we learned that he had an infection in his male nether region after going through neutering.  After getting treated and given effective medicine, he began to eat and drink, and has improved every day.  His foster mom sent me a  video of Dudley playing in the yard with his foster doggie sister, CoCo.  Here's the link on Facebook, where you'll see Dudley doing his Happy Dance!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202284920950214&set=vb.1406783920&type=2&theater

Spiffy Spot, Doubting Dudley and Rejoicing Riley

Lucky Riley

Riley & Family

Finally -- another transport came my way!  Carol accompanied me and we met three dogs in Center Valley, all of whom had come from Washington County, Ohio.  Only two came with us, however, because Riley, a beautiful Husky mix was meeting and going home with his furever family, who was very excited to meet him! Congratulations to Riley.  We know you'll lead a happy, healthy life in your new home.

Dudley

After turning over Riley's adoption papers to Lenore and family, we then met Dudley and Spot, whom we would transport to Montgomeryville to meet their foster moms.  Dudley is a handsome, three-year old, 50 pound Shepherd mix with a most heartwarming face.  Dudley appeared to be shy and reticent.  After going for a brief walk, he jumped right into the backseat of my car.  He was a little anxious about what was happening and just seemed more comfortable there.

Dudley laid down in the backseat, but next thing we knew, he was on the edge of the seat and buried his head under the dog cover that I put down on my seats to protect them.  We have no idea if he just wanted to hide and thought perhaps we couldn't see him, or if he just felt safer under cover.  We, of course, respected his wishes to remain there, and he only changed his position once to face the other direction during our 45-minute ride.

See Spot's Side - a Dot!

Almost opposite to Dudley was Spot, a gregarious little guy who loves lots of attention and was definitely pleased to ride in Carol's lap all the way to Montgomeryville.  Spot, a 6-year old Beagle/Basset Hound mix, was surrendered by his owner in August.  He weighs about 22 pounds, and upon getting onto Carol's lap, he promptly sat right down on the buckle for Carol's seat belt.  I had to pry his little rumpous maximus off while Carol hurriedly buckled up.  Spot didn't care.  He was one happy pup to have so much attention. 

Look Into Those Eyes!

Spot spent the entire ride enjoying lots of petting and cooing from both Carol and me.  Just check out how adorable he is!  Neither of us could resist his cute face and personality.  He finally made himself a bit more comfortable by moving off the seat belt buckle and I swear he smiled.  After that, he sat quietly as he enjoyed the scenery, and occasionally looked at both of us as if to say thank you for all the love and attention.

When we arrived at our drop-off point, Spot met his foster mom, Ray, who is rather gregarious herself.  We noticed a policeman parked in his car nearby, and Ray decided to introduce him to Spot, with hopes that perhaps he would like Spot so much that he might want to adopt him.  She and Spot ambled off to meet him, and although the officer liked Spot, he's not allowed to have pets at the apartment building where he lives.

Spot Meeting Mr. Policeman

We finally had to say goodbye.  Spot jumped up as I tried to hug him.  He actually grunted softly, as though he was sad to say goodbye.  We said our farewells, and he trotted off with Ray, confident, I'm sure, that he is going to be just fine -- and will soon find his permanent home.

In the meantime, we finally coaxed Dudley out of my car, and he willingly leaped into his foster mom's car.  But by now, we all realized that Dudley wasn't necessarily all that shy, but seemed to be in pain due to a growth he has on his underside.  So it was decided to take him straight to a vet to be checked.  I will have to keep you posted on him.  Please send your best wishes his way. He is so handsome and has a great disposition.  Once he's feeling well, I'm sure we'll find out how friendly he really is, and he'll quickly find a new family to call his own.  Good luck, Dudley!

CORRECTION!

Last week, I posted about Linda's experience picking up Amber and some puppies from a large transport that arrived in Newark, Delaware.  I mistakenly said Linda drove her car with Amber in her lap.  This was not the case.  Linda was actually a passenger in someone else's car, so she had Amber in her lap while riding shotgun, not while driving.  Much safer!  Please know that Linda is very responsible and a safe driver!

Forever Amber

After Linda walked her mile at the Almost Home Dog Rescue first-ever 5k Run and One Mile Walk (see post below), she ventured off to help with a large transport, despite the raindrops that kept falling on her head.  She traveled to Newark, Delaware, to meet the Darlington Express transport vehicle carrying 65 dogs.  Linda picked up young puppies and had also volunteered to overnight a young dog.

Linda's charge was Amber, an 11 month old boxer mix with the sweetest face.

Such a Sweet Face!

Amber and Linda bonded as they drove to Linda's home.  Amber ended up sitting on Linda's lap as they drove -- a great time to bond, that's for sure.  Lap-sitting while driving is very unusual -- and not recommended -- for dog transports, but there just wasn't enough room in anyone else's vehicle, so Linda transported the puppies and had Amber as her main squeeze for the drive.



Food at Last!

Amber gobbled up her first meal of the day once she got to Linda's.  Because these transport dogs are caged, shuffled and transported all day long, they are not given food until they reach the end of their journeys.  It's better to keep them from being sick -- which is best for the dog and the drivers.  Amber was quite happy to finally see food for the taking!


Linda reports that Amber enjoyed her hospitality and was very well-behaved.  Being a youngster, Amber wanted to play with Linda's dog, Dolly, but Dolly didn't want to be bothered.  But Amber still knew she was in a safe, happy place and enjoyed her rest overnight, before setting out this morning for her final destination in Scranton.


She will be going to One Life to Live Dog Rescue, and will be fostered by Deb, who runs the shelter.  Amber has been in a shelter since July in the south, so it was very important to get her up to Pennsylvania where she will have a great chance for a new life.  There were no other fosters available to care for Amber, so Deb stepped up, thankfully.

Not only was Amber adorable, but the puppies will just tug at your heart.  Has anyone ever seen an ugly puppy?  I know I haven't!

 

Almost Home Dog Rescue 5k and One Mile Walk

Here are pictures of the Almost Home Dog Rescue 5k and 1 Mile Walk on Saturday, September 21st -- their first ever.  Held at Ft. Washington State Park, it was a beautiful day, and they had a fantastic turnout.  Linda, Carol and I did the one mile walk (not necessarily part of the "official" walk due to some disorganization, but nevertheless, we walked that mile) to benefit the wonderful, adoptable dogs in care of the Almost Home Dog Rescue organization.

Run, Run, Run.

Colleen, After Run, Run, Running

Linda and Friend, Mike

Andrea with Friend, Kathy

Yum, yum!

Hoping for Smooches

I'm comin' in for a big slurpy one!

I'll lick anything out of a cup! 

Eileen, a Happy Camper

I just know I saw a grasshopper in here.  I just know it!

Love little doggie paws!