Samantha II

We apologize for not sending an update for so long, but we figure now would be better than never. We adopted Samantha (also affectionately known as Samsquantcher) in November 2006 and can't imagine life without her. We had two cats previously, but unfortunately they passed within a month of each other, leaving our beagle mix, Rory, without a companion. Well, Samantha fit right in and Rory has a sister, friend and snuggle buddy. We moved to rural Kentucky in April the following year and it's been such a treat for us. The dogs have plenty of room to run around and experienced snow for the first time. We installed a woodstove for heat and they snuggle together on the floor in front of it. Aside from the tremendous shedding and occasional tinkle in the house, Samantha's temperament has suited us perfectly. She also loves toys, but we've learned she must have ones that will stand the test of time as she tears them apart and eats them, leaving her with tummy aches. We've also discovered she's a decent mouser (we found three she killed the other day.) Despite the chagrin of hunters around us that believe beagles are for hunting, Samantha is spoiled, pampered inside dog — she gets under the covers with us at night, sleeps on the furniture and gives us plenty of kisses. She's our special girl and we firmly believe she has extended our lives as well as Rory's. Thank you so much, Joe and Jennifer Castle

Snoop Dog

Rob took these photos on Sunday morning. You can see how much Peanut and Snoop have bonded — they “play fight” several times a day and heaven help you if you get in their way…they’ll bowl you over! Snoop has totally won our hearts and is 100% and always a part of our family. In fact, we’re going a big family trip to a large cabin in north Georgia in August and the dogs are going, too! I don’t know if I’ve been great about his diet. I’m such a pushover for treats, but I do give them weight control dry food and 97% fat free dog treats. They do get a bite of chicken or low-fat hot dog on occasion. Diane

Sandy

Sandy has hit her 3 month milestone with us but it seems like we've had her forever. She is a wonderful dog and has such a funny and loving personality. Sandy just completed her Manners Plus class at Best Paws Forward and has really blossomed. She loves to go through the tunnel and over the teeter totter as long as there's food on the other side. She also flew on United Airlines to Boise, Idaho with us for l0 days at our cabin. We held our breath as she climbed into her crate and into the hands of the security personnel but she was a real trooper and ready to go once we made it to Boise. She was willing to put her front feet in the cold creek below the cabin but that was it. She's obviously a land lubber. The highlight of the mountain adventure for her were the two white Westies at the adjourning cabin and a Jack Russell down the road. The elk and deer were secondary. She was very glad to see her home in Orlando again and gave us lots of kisses when we opened her favorite treat jar. We really are crazy about this dog and grateful to all the Tampa Bay rescue people who made it possible for us to adopt her. We can't remember when we didn't have her running around the house squeeking her toys. Janet Gerking **2nd Update** Sandy is doing great. She is very talkative now and not nearly as quiet as when we got her. She likes to let loose with a good beagle howl when she wants something. She has a little friend because our son and his fiance just got a Lhaso Apso puppy and they play together. The puppy takes Sandy's toys out of her basket one by one and Sandy gently pulls them out of the puppy's mouth and makes a hidden pile in the dining room. We think Sandy is a real gem and my husband absolutely loves her. Janet Gerking **2nd Update** Sandy is doing great. She is very talkative now and not nearly as quiet as when we got her. She likes to let loose with a good beagle howl when she wants something. She has a little friend because our son and his fiance just got a Lhaso Apso puppy and they play together. The puppy takes Sandy's toys out of her basket one by one and Sandy gently pulls them out of the puppy's mouth and makes a hidden pile in the dining room. We think Sandy is a real gem and my husband absolutely loves her. Janet Gerking Sandy is doing great. She is very talkative now and not nearly as quiet as when we got her. She likes to let loose with a good beagle howl when she wants something. She has a little friend because our son and his fiance just got a Lhaso Apso puppy and they play together. The puppy takes Sandy's toys out of her basket one by one and Sandy gently pulls them out of the puppy's mouth and makes a hidden pile in the dining room. We think Sandy is a real gem and my husband absolutely loves her. Janet Gerking

Stewart

Just a quick update on Stewart. He rode home on Alex's lap and he doesn't seem to want to be anywhere except where Alex is! It seems like such a fast bond but I am not arguing. Alex decided to play Playstation and Stewart got in his lap and went to sleep. I decided we needed to go to PetSmart and pick up food, toys, treats etc. but Alex wouldn't go unless Stewart went. He is such a wonderful dog and I want to thank-you for allowing us the opportunity to bring him into our lives! Thank-you, Dan

Sonny II

Walter is absolutely amazing. We now understand why you were so reluctant to let him go. It's like he's been with us for years. He just fits right in. He's so CALM! Nobody can believe his personality. I think we've heard him bark a total of 5 times, and that's when we've had him really fired up playing. From day 1, he has slept with the kids. The first night with us, we said, "OK Walter, up to bed. He scampered up the stairs, climbed into the bottom bunk and never looked back. He sleeps on his own king size pillow and the kids take turns sleeping on the bottom bunk. My daughter hasn't slept in her bed since Walter came home with us. All the neighborhood loves him. Everyone knows him and calls out to him when he's getting his walks. My parents are in love with him. They watch our kids 3 days a week and absolutely love this dog. He's just so mellow. I've sent a few photos. Thanks so much for everything. We're just so happy! Renee