Foxy Lady
Hey Everyone!

Have been down in Colorado for about a month now and figured it was time to send an update on Foxy. I was able to find a house with two other vet students, a yellow lab, a papillon, and a kitten. Everyone gets along great, and I think Foxy really enjoys having the yellow lab to play with. They are constantly wrestling, playing tug-of-war, etc. There is a fenced in backyard, but it is on the smaller side. However, we live directly across the street from a nature pond area with a few different trails running through it. So we get up with the sun and go running 3 miles every morning and then 6 miles each night once it cools off a little bit. There are also a ton of hiking trails nearby that we hit up on the weekends and plenty of dog parks to visit. She has also been a huge help because at least once a day in class there's something that the professors suggest we "go home and look at it in our own dog". Although I confuse her every time I poke and prod various body parts, she has a lot of patience and really doesn't care what you do as long as you're snuggling with her. Foxy and I went hiking to Turquoise lake right before I left Jackson. She kicked my butt all 28 miles...

Thank you so much again. Foxy makes every day entertaining and is such a joy to have around. I have no clue what I would do without her now!

Whitney Evans

Tilly
Oh, if only they could talk! We are sure Tilly would have quite a story to tell. We don't see many Brittany Spaniels around....and ones this beautiful are even rarer. Yet it was obvious Tilly had not such a good go of it so far in life. This elegant girl was an unclaimed stray, and was in the shelter with her brother, who got adopted...but sensitive Tilly was really quite frightened by the shelter, and her future was not looking so bright. Once out in the yard, however, this girl began to shine. Curiosity won out over shyness, and soon Tilly was running across the yard to greet us and give a snuggle. We couldn't resist her, and soon she was on her way back to Jackson.

Her personality began to emerge by leaps and bounds, and her confidence grew bit by bit. Tilly's past again showed itself; with indoor manners like hers, she clearly had never been inside!!! She continued to be frightened easily as well. It was clear she would need a very special person to give her a chance.

And then, such a person contacted us - wanting to give Tilly a try - but they lived in California! She had only seen Tilly's photo online...could Tilly really be the dog for her?? The next day the flight was booked and the kind woman was en route to Jackson. We kept our fingers crossed.

Well, as you may have guessed, the answer is yes - you can find true love online! Barb was delighted with Tilly, and Tilly was soon asleep on her lap as she was interviewed. We hadn't seen Tilly sit still in many days! - and soon our darling, charming little Tilly was off to California and her new life.

Not a day went by that first week that we didn't get a phone call from the west coast, telling us how wonderfully Tilly was doing. Soon a collage of photos arrived, and then this letter. Clearly, Tilly is one lucky lucky girl. We are so happy for her as well as her new family. Thank you Barb and family, for being able to see how special this girl was - and for going the extra mile (or hundreds of miles)! We should have known Tilly was a California girl at heart.

To the wonderful folks at Animal Adoption Center.  I want to tell you how much we love our Tilly.  She is a fabulous dog and is a perfect fit for our family. 
 
Tilly has attached to our son, Josh.  I keep warning Josh to slow down, give Tilly a break, she's a puppy, I remind him.  So, Josh will stop running or chasing and sit down and within seconds, Tilly is pulling on his foot or jumping on top of him as if to demand he continue.  How they prove us moms wrong every time!  Tilly can hardly wait for me to open the gate at the bottom of the stairs so she can go up and wake Josh up in the morning.  Some days she finds a way over the 40' high gate and bangs on the bedroom door to get Josh up early.  Josh actually likes it.  With no siblings, Josh, age 7.5, has longed for a play mate.  They are a perfect match for each other.  I am loving  all the giggling from Josh!  With no other kids in the house, laughter and giggling without Mom or Dad involved, simply didn't happen.  Now, Tilly and Josh are inseparable. 

I am attaching a photo of Tilly sitting in the chair in my home office where she loves to snooze for a couple hours after lunch each day.  I took the picture yesterday.  She's losing her puppy face, and looking more like a big girl every day.  (I'm also attaching a picture of Stephanie, and one of the two of them).
 
Since we brought Tilly home, our twelve-year-old golden retriever, Stephanie, has shown more interest in playing than we've ever seen from her before.  One day, she tumbled head first into the garden, attempting to copy Tilly using the retaining wall as a spring board.  Stephanie launched, got high-centered on the wall, and then tumbled head over heals into the garden below.  Thank goodness it was only about 3 feet to the ground. Tilly is reminded from time to time by Stephanie that it is no fun to be body-slammed to the ground by an enthusiastic puppy.  Surprisingly, Steph shows incredible patience and though she shows her teeth and looks like some wild beast periodically, she has yet to lay into Tilly with a good bite.
 
Living with Tilly is like having a little goat in the house.  One of her favorite perches is on the top of the loveseat as it backs to the kitchen as it puts her at the perfect height for hugs and kisses.  A familiar phrase coming from my mouth these days is, 'my nose is not a chew toy', which may make for a good book title someday.  Tilly has quickly found her way into our hearts.  I even chose to slipcover the furniture instead of replace it, for fear that new furniture might tempt us to shoo the dogs off the furniture, or in other words, place me and Josh on the floor with the dogs.  I'm getting too old for that and have instead chosen to put up a sign that warns folks that 'we have dogs who sit on the furniture'.  :)
 
Tilly has turned the backyard into her playground. She loves to lay out in the sun and when boredom takes over, Tilly will launch into a race around the yard, up the slope, across the waterfall, back down across the patio, to the lawn, around the perimeter of the yard and so on.  She loves hurdles and speed, and may be a great candidate for agility training!
 
I could probably go on and on about our little Tilly.  I feel like a proud mom and thankful she has become a member of our family.  I am thankful to you all too, for what you do in rescuing the animals and helping them find their forever home. 
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Barb, Steve, and Josh

Bailey
Beautiful Bailey is one of the many purebred Labs rescued from death row at shelters and taken to the AAC...and like most of them, she was a friendly, playful, delightful girl. Yet despite her winning ways, Bailey was continually passed over at the Adoption Center. She watched many a doggy pal come and go, while she waited and waited for her forever family to come and find her. Thankfully, she had her devoted, regular fosters to go home with every night...who had just the people in mind to adopt her. But the family had just moved and wasn't quite settled in their new home yet, and so Bailey had to wait and wait some more...

Of course, the wait was well worth it! Clearly clever Bailey knew exactly what she was doing. This fabulous family finally got all moved in to their new place, and soon after fell for the slinky black lass. Bailey joined their family for a foster trial period and never looked back.

Besides doing her best to fetch every ball ever thrown, Bailey now serves as a partner and comfort to two very special girls. From death's door to invaluable family companion - way to go, Bailey!

Below is a note from her new family

Hello
We wanted to let you know how Bailey was doing.  She has been great for our family and is doing fine. She loves to play with the girls and they love her too!  We all play outside every day.  Bailey has been great for our youngest Shae who has just finished cancer treatment as well as for Shelby our oldest who is getting settled in to a new school here in Evanston.  We are so happy that Bailey is in our life.
 
Thank you all so much!
 
Steve, Suzanne, Shelby and Shae

Boo Boo
Boo Boo is an adorable itty bitty purebred Heeler who had a run of bad luck. This typically loyal and intelligent cowdog was originally surrendered to a high kill Idaho shelter by a young woman who could no longer care for her. The AAC showed up just in time, took one look at this cute as a bug little Heeler, and she was soon on her way back to Jackson. It wasn't long before a devoted fan of Heelers scooped her up and took her to a home filled with love and activity.

Unfortunately, after a few years with her new family, Boo Boo could no longer keep the peace with the cats in the home. They tearfully returned her to us, and again Boo found herself looking for a home. But this time, Boo Boo was healthy and filled with skills, thanks to the excellent care given to her by the family who had adopted her. It was only a matter of days before another wonderful family of Heeler lovers walked through the doors of the AAC...and the rest is now history!! The third time was the charm for this little girl, and Boo Boo and her new family are both pleased as punch. Boo now enjoys all kinds of adventures at her new place in Bondurant - with no cats to speak of, but instead a human brother of her very own! Congrats, little Boo Boo!

Below is an update we received from her very excited and loving family.

Just an update on our Boo Boo.  What a keeper!  If we had put in a special order for the perfect model, Boo is it.  She has melted right in to our family and goes everywhere with us.  She is a faithful companion and works hard to please.  Boo goes sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and walking with us.  She is always ready for a new adventure and never tires.  She loves to fetch and especially  loves giving kisses. Boo sleeps on our son's bed every night - Nick loves his new buddy,  We are so happy with her.  Thought I would send a few pics for you!  

Dave, Amy & Nick

Andi
We came across Andi sitting dejectedly in a kill shelter, wondering how in the world she ended up in such a place. Right away we could tell that this all-round good girl had the makings of a once-in-a-lifetime companion. With an agreeable, super sweet temperament, and an ability to get along with everyone and everything, we couldn't wait to help Andi find a very deserving home. Despite her low-key demeanor, her soon-to-be-family could easily see what a gem she was. And so, within a few days of her arrival in Jackson, Andi went to a warm and loving household, where she will never know the cold floor of a shelter again. Andi, now Indy Anna, has been very busy bringing joy to the home of a young couple who love and appreciate her like she should be!! Below is a letter from her new, devoted family.

Hi!

I hope your holiday season was full of joy and wagging tails!
Also, I just wanted to take a few minutes to share how much love Indy has brought to our lives. Tom and I are awoken every morning to her playful stretches and seem to enjoy her belly rubs just as much as she does!
Her playful-puppy side has erupted within her since October. Our daily routines wouldn't be nearly as much fun with out her. From the joy she brings us first thing in the morning, to how much fun and laughter she addsto every outdoor excursion, to her GRADE-A snuggle skills on the couch... Indy has truly "waggled" her way into our hearts. We nick-named her Waggles for her precision in knocking beverages, remotes, books--(basically anything resting on our coffee table) to the floor with her happy tail.
Being as "hound" as she is, we've of course come to respect her sniffing habits. Indy always reminds us to 'stop and smell the roses.' She LOVES to smell flowers and plants, along with whatever else catches her nose.

Tom and I are so blessed to have met Indy, and we thank you for bringing her to our lives. She is irreplaceible. I truly can't imagine my days with out her.

I've attached some pictures for you. Thank you again for everything.

-Lindsay

Mandzie
All hearts melted upon meeting two little Black Lab mixes at the shelter in the summer of 2007. They were brother and sister, Mandzie and Hefe. Despite being only 6 or 7 months old, it was clear life had not treated them well so far...they looked to be nothing but skin and bones. Their future looked even bleaker...they were 2 of countless skinny black pups at the shelter. But there was something about these two. Their winning temperaments, delight at life, quick minds, and endearing antics once out in the grassy yard was their ticket off of death row and back to Jackson. Mandzie and Hefe proved to be just the sweetest of pups, loving cuddles, attention, and just about everything else! These two super slinky snugglers charmed the pants off everyone they met, and it didn't take long for them to to find homes and secure bright, hopeful futures. Hefe found a family in Jackson...but Mandzie managed to find herself true love with a family in California, (complete with doggy sister, see photo), who bent over backwards to be able to take her back to the West Coast with them. From underdogs to cherished companions...let's hear it for the skinny black mutts! Below is a note from Mandzie's new home.

Hello Animal Adoption Center!

I just wanted to say "thank you"! Manzie is settled into her new home and couldn't be happier!  I've attached some pictures for your enjoyment.  As you can see, her new friend, Minnie, is quite a fan.

And just for peace of mind for you guys, her health is great (we had her checked out by our vet when she got to CA; she did have foxtails in her ears that needed to be removed, but other than that, she's great), and her stitches come out today.  She's growing like crazy, her coat is shiny and you would never know that she was undernourished.

Thanks again!
Tara

Roxy
Beautiful Roxy came to the AAC from Idaho, where she had spent her life so far left outside, neglected. Despite her upbringing, Roxy remained a very hopeful and loving dog. She was, understandably so, quite overwhelmed upon arriving in Jackson. But it didn't take her long to learn about all the good things life has to offer! With her big brown eyes, shiny black feathery coat, adorable ticked markings, and very sweet nature, Roxy was a real catch...and soon people were lining up for the chance to bring this young spayed Border/Golden mix home forever. Our faithful summer volunteers, who were always walking, fostering, and helping out in the store, found they could not resist her...and won the honor of making Roxy their very own. Roxy will always be by their side, whether traveling or relaxing at home on a ranch in California. Needless to say, Roxy has bloomed and is now a confident and outgoing pup. From neglected yard dog to partner in all life has to offer - Roxy sure scored! Thank you Erika and Jerry for giving Roxy the life she was waiting for all that time. For the latest news of Roxy's adventures, read on.

Hello my friends at AAC!!

We wanted to say hello and send you an amazing pic of our beautiful
girl :) It was taken up on the way to Crater Lake in Wilson (Thanks
for the tip Cara!!) We loved taking her there!! She is enjoying her
life in CA; she loves the beach and barks at the crashing waves :)
We live on a horse ranch with chickens, roosters, turkeys, cows,
horses and LOTS of free roaming deer...We even encountered a black
bear today on a hike and she would've LOVED to meet her too!!
Yikes! She is inquisitive about it ALL!! We are grateful to have
her in our lives; we truly love her so very much :) Much love to you
all and stay in touch!!

oxoxox Erika, Roxy and Jerry

Eddie Spaghetti

Adorable Eddie Spaghetti - quite the little gem! With great manners, a look all his own, a great size, and all the personality of the big fellas, Eddie was quite a catch during his brief stay at the AAC. Eddie was adopted a few years back, and we'd been wondering what he'd been up to. Then we got this letter and photo from his mom. Eddie, we had no idea you were such an athlete, too!


Hello from Eddie Spaghetti’s mom!  I just got these photos from a friend and had to share them with you as well.  As you can see Eddie has been having a great summer and is spending lots of time at the lake--these were taken at Slide Lake a couple weekends ago  It seems he’s a pro!  But not to worry, they stay in the shallow end when Eddie is on board.   (The human in the photo is my Fiancé, Don, who I’m beginning to suspect may be Eddie’s new favorite person).

Just thought I’d send word that Eddie is doing very well 2 years later.  Thank you all for doing what you do!

Sincerely,
Britt

Denali
Big white leggy Denali was rescued from hideously deplorable conditions in central Idaho with two Great Pyrenees. She was not a Pyrenees herself, but a rarer breed of sheep-guarding dog, an Akbash from Turkey. This breed is also big and white, but smaller than your average Pyr, with a different kind of coat.

Denali arrived at the AAC having clearly lived a life of neglect. Shy and reserved at first, she barely uttered a peep and caused no trouble. Little did we know there was an imp lurking under there! But it didn't take us long to find out. Denali rebounded quickly from her rough past and soon proved to be quite a character! A total flirt, Denali LOVED to play, and could win just about any dog over. She played very well with dogs of all sizes...even teeny ones!! If only you could see the way she goofed around... She was quite athletic and would be able to keep up no sweat on hikes, bike rides, or skiing. She loved to swim, too! Denali had good manners, and was striking to look at and sure commanded everyone's attention with her long legs and pure white coat.

So why wasn't anyone willing to take this girl home for their own? Denali was confident and ready for a family of her own after a few weeks...but they didn't come. Perhaps because she wasn't a typical Jackson dog, but heartbreaking to witness nonetheless. She did her best to keep her spirits up, but watched her friends come and go as she waited and waited. Thanks to a few devoted and regular fosters, sweet Denali had some stability...but we knew she wanted nothing more than a home of her own.

Perhaps Denali knew exactly what she was waiting for.

One morning, we got a phone call from a couple visiting Jackson who managed a farm in California - they just so happened to be looking for an Akbash, and had heard about Denali! Our hearts soared. But they were looking for a working dog - one with a very specific temperament and potential for a unique situation. Could they love this goofy girl?

They took her overnight to foster, and we kept our fingers crossed. They tested her manners. They tested her with livestock. And, then, they fell in love with her! Before we knew it - Denali was on her way to 90 acres in California, with her own herd of sheep to guard, and many a dog to play with. Hooray, Denali!

Denali - now Lola - is flourishing at her new home and with her new job. We are so happy that this wonderful girl has found just the right place in life. No dog is more deserving! Thanks Julia and Michael for giving this pound puppy a chance...

Below is an update we received from her adopters:
The photo was taken also at her new home, with one of her many new playmates!!
 
We changed Denali's name to Lola.  As you would have expected, she was the golden child all the way to Wisconsin. 
 
Once we got back to California, we teamed her up with Bullit, our 11 yr old Akbash & Pyrenees cross (he's the yellow one).  Here she is cavorting with our 2 pups Chuck & Chomper.   (Bullit is walking off in disgust... "whippersnappers!")
 
We asked a lot of her, that she differentiate between which animals are OK to chase and which aren't OK to chase... furthermore, the ones that aren't OK to chase should be protected from the animals that are OK to chase. (figure that one out)  She has our complete trust with any of the other ranch animals (cats, dogs, peafowl, chickens, geese, ducks, sheep, goats & horses)   On weekends, as well as all of the animals, we have trainers with a couple of dozen students/handlers & their dogs come to the ranch for lessons, so she must be polite to people & other dogs.  Despite her "puppy antics", she seems to know things an older dog would learn from experience, all appreciate her calm, mellow, yet alert demeanor.  At night she patrols her 30 acre field & is responsible for her very own flock of 27 sheep, the ranch's breeding stock.  In the daytime, she roams the entire ranch with the other dogs, most often caught sleeping in the shade or on the front porch.  She's a natural... and we love her! 
 
For some reason, I just knew when I saw her that she would be the perfect dog for the "job" & that she would love it here, I am so happy ... After being bounced around and waiting for us to come along, she finally found her place, her calling, her home.
 
Thanks again for all that you do for animals.
 
Julie & Michael

Aspen
As many of you know, we have a soft spot for Border Collies. So naturally, when we came across a beautiful young female Border pup at a kill shelter, she was escorted to the rescue van first thing. Adorable Aspen had clearly lived a life of neglect...she was timid and undersocialized. Yet she was all Border Collie, too - full of energy, drive, and intelligence! A tough combination...we knew we needed a very special place to encourage this girl to blossom, who could also meet the needs of her breed.

Many who visited were won over by this special girl's charming demeanor...yet none seemed the perfect match. This very bright girl was quickly growing tired of being homeless. We were anxious to find a permanent stable home for Aspen, where she could grow and thrive. Were we ever excited when a Border Collie fan from Utah gave us a call, wanting to meet Ms. Aspen. His pair of Borders had recently passed away, and he had an eye for Aspen...and was willing to make the long drive to meet her.

He arrived at nearly closing time a few days later, and indeed, it was love at first sight. Aspen went to her forever home in Utah shortly thereafter, where she is sure to live a life filled with love, attention, and action! Better yet, six days after she found her family, a young Border Collie brother joined the ranks, and the two fell hopelessly in love! Aspen had always been in her element in the presence of other dogs, and now she had her very own to live with. They spend their days playing endless games and enjoying one another's company. We cannot imagine a better life for this sweet girl!

So congrats to dear Aspen, now Whirly, for finding a home who can appreciate you exactly as you are...and to her adopter, Elf, who went the extra mile to come and get this special girl - and who found her the brother she always wanted, too! We look forward to hearing about all your endeavors together in the years ahead...and seeing the photos to prove it!

Below is an email we received from the happy family...and a photo of Aspen and her new brother, hard at work chewing on each other. (Aspen is on the upper left)
 
Thanks for adding so much more life to mine.
 
Whirly (Aspen) is the black face and Fergus is the pretty boy.  He came from 4 Paws in Logan just 6 days later.  They are nothing less than attached at the hip and can't stand to be away from each other for 2 seconds.  It's pretty magical.  I have no better word to offer but "magical".
 
Thanks so very much.  I truly mean that.
 
~elf

Tia
Tia arrived at the AAC with her sister Maria as the ultimate mystery mixes. What ever WERE these girls? Other than fabulously cute?? Well, we were not exactly sure, but with ears like that, it sure looks like there might be some fruit bat in their family!! Tia and Maria were also shy shy shy. Abandoned at a kill shelter, they were found cowering in the back of their kennel. It was unlikely they would be adopted, and euthanasia was all too likely. The director spotted these little lasses, and was sure they would bloom given love and TLC.

And bloom they did! These endearing and shy sisters proved just delightful, with a look all their own, from their very expressive faces to their little curly tails. Nearly fully grown, they were small dogs, and sure to make devoted and loving companions. Although it took a little while to teach them the good things life has to offer, they were sure to be well worth the effort!

An outstanding couple who were passing through town were quick to recognize this, and they found themselves fostering sweet Tia, the bolder of the two. End of story! It was the perfect place for this shy girl - in a home with the very gentlest and patient of people! Tia's gentle curious ways won them over, and is now enjoying the life she deserves, as the beloved furry companion to retired folks - complete with her own RV!! Congrats, Tia - now known as Gypsy Girl!!

Below is an email we received from her extremely doting adopters:


Hi, Ladies of the Animal Adoption Center.  This is Micha and Lynn, Gypsy's mom and dad.  Hope all of you are well and doing fine.

We are currently in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Gypsy is doing wonderfully, now up to 18 pounds and thriving.  Needless to say, we are
mad about her and love her lots.

Many people have asked us about Gypsy's breed.  Many thought she was a "mini Akita" ( no such breed)!!!  But, one man approached us mentioning that he raises Basenjis.  He was very sure Gypsy looked a lot like the dogs he had. We went on the internet and went on a Basenji website - sure enough, she resembles the breed a lot!!  Perhaps this might help with questions regarding Maria, Gypsy's sister.

We hope Maria has found a good home.   And, we know the wonderful animals you rescue are placed in loving homes.

We will send a picture of Gypsy around Christmas time.  We send our best to you and all of your wonderful staff.  And, we will always be grateful to you for giving us the opportunity to find our cutie.

Always, Micha and Lynn (and Gypsy Girl too).

Birdie - One Cool Cat!
One hot summer day in Idaho Falls, we stumbled upon a very special cat in a high-kill Idaho shelter. Although we rarely can take cats from this shelter, super cat Birdie was impossible to resist. Needless to say, this fabulous feline, who was facing euthanasia in the shelter, made it back to Jackson and the AAC that very afternoon.

It didn't take long for some devoted supercat fans to spot this outstanding fellow. Relaxed, easygoing, affectionate, handsome...who could resist him?? They came in again, and again, and again...all in the same day!!

By the next afternoon, Birdie - now Hobbes - was en route to his new home in Phoenix, Arizona. A very long way from death row!! He was, of course, a delightful passenger, and is doing very well in his new home.

Below is an email and photo of Birdie in the back seat on the long drive to Arizona (what a star!!) we received from his very proud and happy new "parents":

Hi,
 
Just to let you know that Hobbes (aka Birdie) has traveled very well with us to Phoenix AZ and now is getting adjusted to having three other kitties and a small dog around him. He is doing exceptionally well. He is very inquisitive and crawls in spaces that we never knew we had, I guess curiosity is his trademark. This coming week we'll take him to our vet so they have a record of him and all that good stuff.
 
I enclosed two pictures, feel free to post them on your web site.
 
By the way, he is such a sweet and 'adjustable' kitty that we don't think he'll come back to Jackson or go anywhere else for that matter. He's ours to keep! :)

Dimitri and Carol

Tico
The mission of the AAC is to save the lives of abandoned animals. We don't care where you adopt an animal from - so long as it is adopted, you are helping to save lives!!

So, we keep a "Want to Adopt" file at the AAC. If we don't have what you are looking for, we want to help you find it...without going to a breeder! You simply fill in your ideal pet, and your phone number, and leave the rest to us...

So of course, when we heard about a few outstanding purebred German Shepherds that had been left at the Jackson Animal Shelter, we knew just who to call!!

Resulting in yet another happy ending for another homeless animal - and clearly, a very happy family as well!

Below is an email we received from the joyful new adopters:


Hi-
Here are a few photos of our new love, Tico. Thanks again to you all for all you do and for calling me about this dog. He completes our family and we are forever grateful!
 
cheers -
bari

Daphne
We ALL had to onto our hearts when darling Daphne has arrived! This sweet girl was one of two Goldens that arrived at the AAC from central Wyoming. Daphne had the classic blond coat and good looks of a Golden, and was average size for the breed...yet her coat was thin and dry, and she was timid and unsure of herself. We suspected she as used as nothing more than a puppy machine, then dumped...despite the neglect she clearly suffered, she was beautiful to look at, no doubt. However, it's wasn't her beauty that would melt your heart - it was her very special personality. Daphne was an overwhelmingly sweet and kind lass, a real gentle soul. She gave the impression of just wanting to cause no trouble. Daphne wanted nothing more than to be loved by a family who would treat her well. She deserved nothing less...and she didn't have to wait long. Shortly after her arrival, Daphne was adopted by a family with another Golden, a teenage daughter, and more than enough love to go around. They report she is just as wonderful as we suspected...their email can be read below. Congrats Daphne...may you be treasured for the rest of your life, sweet girl.

Dear Jackson Hole Animal Adoption Center,
It has been a whole week since I have adopted Daphne and I’m so glad that I decided to. I think she likes it here and I love having her here. She listens so well and loves going places with us. We have made a few changes though. My mom and I decided that Daisy would be a better name for her instead of Daphne. Daisy gets along great with Brutus (our other Golden Retriever) and he loves her too. She sleeps in a kennel in my room and follows me around everywhere, which I love. But I hope she will be okay when I have to leave for school. I think she will because she loves my mom and dad too.                                                                                                                         
She seems to love the water and she loves to go on walks with me. We can’t run together yet because I don’t want her stitches for her spay to come out.  Everyone in my family loves her. Daisy has been through a lot but now she is finally feeling much much better! I am sending some photos of her and our family. Daisy and I will keep in touch and send more pictures. I hope that the adoption will go through. Also, thank you so much for placing her with us!
                                Love, Daisy and Ellen
----
Dear Jackson Hole Animal Adoption Center,                       
            It has been about a month since I adopted Daisy and I am very glad that I did. She has helped me through the summer. Daisy is a great friend to me and loves to sleep in my room at night. With each passing day, Daisy is getting healthier and more familiar with her new home. My mom and I think we have figured out what happened to her in the past because she runs away if you pick up a shovel and will chase the truck if we leave her in the yard when we go somewhere. So I think she might have been left behind in her past. I also think that she was somewhat abused because whenever you talk loud or do any sudden movements with your hands she backs away. It makes me sad to know that someone would be so cruel to a loving, kind dog like her and I’m thankful that she has a home like ours to live her life in. Thanks Again.
Love,
Daisy and Ellen
                                                     

Sheri
Super Special Sheri Cat - a gorgeous creature, oozing with personality! Yet she sat in a shelter waiting for a home for quite some time. Upon her arrival at the Adoption Center, she barely had time to establish herself as a favorite, before she was snatched up by a very kind couple who returned day after day before they realized they could not resist her charms.
Sheri is now "Lady Jackson", and is living the pampered life in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The reports from her adopters, which you can read below, tell of the latest exciting developments in this darling cat's life...

Update, early Summer 2007
Hi,
As you can see, Lady Jackson seems to be enjoying her new home. Our
other cat, Princess Java, still doesn't play with her much. Lady Jackson bosses her around too much, we think! We hope that will change as Lady Jackson matures.

Nick & Darlene

And then - a few months later - we received this news!!

Hello,
Thought it was time for an update on Sheri (or Lady Jackson, as she is
now called). Lady Jackson continues to impress us with her wonderful manners. However, we still had considerable concerns that she seemed bored with us.  Our other cat (Princess Java) would not play with her, and playing with us just didn't seem to be enough.

But not to worry.  Fate took a hand!

Towards the end of August we heard some screeching from outside, and
it turned out that a tiny kitten had fallen into our window well and couldn't jump back out.  To cut a longish story short, we adopted the
kitten (now Prince Hairy Falwell) and it has become a great companion
for Lady Jackson.  They thunder around the house at great speed and
seem to have great fun with their mock fights.  So finally Lady Jackson is no longer bored.  And even Princess Java seems to be weakening a little.  Every now and then she deigns to bat gently at Prince Hairy as he passes.  We hope one day they will ALL play together!

We have attached a couple of pictures, one of Lady Jackson and one
with her cuddled up to Prince Hairy, for you.

We think you do a wonderful job.  No cat can replace the truly wonderful cat we lost to cancer, but thanks to you we have Lady Jackson, who is wonderful in her own special way.

With thanks,
Nick and Darlene

Demi
Darling Demi is one of our most wonderful special needs rescues ever!! A beautiful split faced (half white/half black) Border Collie, we came across Demi lying on the floor of her kennel in a kill shelter in Idaho. With her tail slowly wagging in greeting, and her stunning face looking up at us, she seemed a very sweet and charming lass. It was only when she got up that we saw one of her hind legs was unused and dangling. With an injury like that, her likelihood of adoption there was nearly nil, and so of course we could not leave her behind!

Demi arrived back in Jackson and saw the vet who determined that her femur was some time ago badly broken. She had been living in extreme pain for some time - yet was found as a stray and so we knew nothing about her past. Gauging by not only her leg but her overall very poor condition, Demi had had a very rough time of it. She remained, however, a very friendly and loving girl, with natural good manners and an endearing personality. Demi began showing herself to be frisky and playful, and we felt it was well worth the efforts to try to return her to good health. She had surgery on Monday May 21st, and she began the long road to recuperation...

Unfortunately, Demi's surgery proved more complicated than we initally thought, requiring not only a rod for the severely broken femur, but also a torn ACL repair, and a bone graft.

Despite being the ideal patient, Demi's leg only made slow improvement. But the same could not be said of her personality! Demi really began to blossom into a happy girl full of smiles. She was playful, wiggly, silly, impish, and unbelievable affectionate. A total delight! Nobody gave more kisses than this special girl!

Although her leg was not improving like we hoped, she put on the weight she needed, and was adjusting more and more to everyday home life in foster care when in walked some very very special people from Montana...one look at Demi girl, and they knew she was the pup for them - despite her uncertain future. We interrogated them to the fourth degree...and they passed! So off Demi went to a a life of love and exceptional care!

It was a long summer for our sweet girl, and after sufficient time to heal and meeting with the best experts in the field, it was determined that despite all our best efforts, her leg was not going to heal as anticipated. Amputation was deemed the best course of action...and so in late August Demi joined many of our favorite dogs in the Tri-pod Club! She naturally adjusted in her typical sunny way, and is fully recuperated already and running, swimming, and catching the Frisbee happily and pain-free.

It was a long road for this girl, but no doubt worth the effort. We were kept up to date on her progress (thanks, guys!!)...and were blessed with a visit just a few weeks ago. Indeed Demi Do-Right is looking fabulous!! Her adoring adopters correspondence latest can be read below...a testimony to this special dog's gentle, kind, and absolutely endearing nature. And to those adopters!! Demi would never have succeeded like she has without such devoted "fur parents"...may all of our dogs end up as lucky as Demi!!

Demi is seen photographed here with one of her several feline siblings, Alistair.

Thank you Sam and Kim for taking on this special needs girl...and giving her all any dog could hope for, and more.

Hi all,
Just want to let y'all know that Demi is off to a great start on her new life as a 3-legged dog. Her surgery was two weeks ago, and she has now completed all of her post-surgery medicine. She gets her sutures out on Friday. She is moving around better than she ever has, and is now back into playing her favorite game of Fetch The Frisbee. She'll catch one out of the air every now and then, but mostly she just likes to run and run and run while retrieving them.To watch her, you'd never guess that she has lost a leg. She's fast!

Demi also loves to go for walks and little hikes, and we see no reason to think that she will not be able to go as far as we do as her recovery progresses. Furthermore, she is my Official Office Dog, and comes to work with me every single day. My students love her, and they regularly stop by for short visits with her. A lot of them are away from home for the first time, and I think they miss their pets as much as anything else. Demi is very happy to receive every bit of attention from them that she can.

Continuing is Demi's ability to charm everyone she meets. Two of the DVMs, who in my experience do not usually admit to being charmed by an animal, have said that Demi is one of the sweetest dogs they have ever met.

Everything is good. We knew Demi was a "special needs" pup, but that little sweetie is worth it.

Special Needs Sparky
Do you remember Sparky? Well, he was hard to forget! Our first and only Dalmation, Sparky was rescued from a kill shelter because of his splendid character...and was shortly thereafter diagnosed with cancer. His story - with a very happy ending! - appears below.

Of course we named him Sparky! What else would we name our very first Dalmation?? This flashy guy was not only terribly handsome, but very sweet, too. Sparky is a 5 year old neutered male purebred, on the small side, with beautiful markings. Thanks to his wonderful character, he won his way out of the shelter, and soon thereafter has wormed his way into our hearts. A real delightful guy!
He was nearly adopted when we we began to notice that Sparky wasn't feeling 100%. After running some tests, the vets confirmed our fears: The Sparkster had cancer, as well as shoulder problems. Euthanasia was considered, but he didn't seem ready to go quite yet! The mass was removed, but the prognosis was unclear. We thought the best we could hope for was a hospice situation for Sparky. He then found a great hospice foster home, but due to circumstances beyond his control, Sparky came back to us after a few weeks. Through it all, Sparky maintained his good spirits and happy ways. Such a good, good boy - but so unlucky!

But the clouds parted, the angels sang, and luck finally showed up and joined his side one day when a couple contacted us, looking for a special needs Dalmation, and expressed an interest in meeting this little guy. They just so happened to be back in town the day after he came back to the AAC...and, once they met him, fell head over heels for him. So much, in fact, that they wanted him for their very own. So no foster for this guy...Sparky was officially adopted, and headed off to Cheyenne with his new family...all of them smiling from ear to ear!!

We cannot think of a dog more deserving of such a wonderful home! Although the future of his health is unknown, we know Sparky will be given the very best of care - and showered with love to boot. Congrats, Sparky, and thank you Ron and Leanne for your willingness to open heart and home to this outstanding dog!

We received the following email from Sparky's adopters just a few months later. Looks like Sparky's future is rosier that we could have ever imagined, and he is living the good life once and for all.

A couple of pictures of the Sparkster. As you can see, he is an old "sea dog"! Doesn't like the water much, but is always in for a ride in the boat. He is at our lake home until September with Leanne and then back to Cheyenne with both of us.
We have found out that he is very much into having a lot of people around and is a great companion!
As I had said before, the vet has given him a clean bill of health so we are hoping that he will have a full and eventful life.

Ron

Pisces
In the summer of 2006, we came to know "The Red Family". Although their history is unknown, we came across these dogs in the kill shelter periodically over a series of months. Thanks to their outstanding characters, we did our best to rescue every one: First Amber, Libra, Virgo, and then Aries. Pisces was the last of these, and the only boy. And indeed he proved to be every bit as wonderful as his mother and sisters! He had the same soulful eyes and that gorgeous red coat, yet he was far more well socialized than his sisters were, greeting people happily. He seemed to know not a stranger, and was right away ready to go to an active, loving home...and not long after he arrived, he did!

Pisces is now living the life he deserves, hiking and fishing, - and being very well-loved! - down near Pinedale, Wyoming.

We received the following update from his new family:

Thought you might like to see pictures of George (formerly Pisces) and how he is enjoying his summer. We adopted him earlier this year and
We just LOVE him!  Thank you so much

Therese

Bodie
We were eyeing up this handsome devil with the big smile online before we even stepped foot into the Idaho Falls shelter...and once we met him, well, there was no way we were leaving him behind. Bo was an endearing, agreeable, very playful fellow - and what a looker, too! With a unique merle coloring and a winning attitude in a perfect sized package, we were sure Bo would be adopted in a moment.

But, strangely enough, weeks went by, and Bo was still at the Adoption Center. He had devoted fosters, and a few near-misses with adoption...yet no luck. He watched his friends come and go. Of course, Bo took it all in stride, welcoming the new dogs with a play bow and a smile, and stayed his normal happy self. But we were heartbroken for him. Could nobody see how special he was??

Well, as it turned out, Bo was just waiting for the PERFECT of all homes...which eventually did arrive. And once they met him, they knew, too. Bo managed to find the most suitable of homes, with people just as kind, active, and sunny as he is...and they are just mad about him, too, as you can see by his "Victory" photo. Hard to tell just who is happiest here!

Frankly, we couldn't have asked for more for one of our favorite fellows. And we think Bo would agree: it was worth the wait!!

So keep your eyes peeled for our beloved Bo, now Bodie, cavorting about in the backcountry with his people...the perfect ones he just waited and waited for!

Below is a letter from his new family. Congratulations, Bo, to have found such a home!

Hi Friends at the Adoption Center.

I am attaching some pictures of our beloved Bodie (your Bo) in his new family. I wish I had the words to describe our love of this little dog. I love him so much it makes my heart hurt. I can’t imagine not having met him. Thank you Cupcake and friends for saving his little life. He is an OLD soul so good thing he got some more time on earth. He is the perfect little ski mountaineer (as pictured) and really just our best friend. He is happily living in Wilson with big fields to run in and a duck pond to wade in and plenty of little creatures to harass. Feel free to use these pictures in promotional material; we think he is the perfect poster pup for your program, and soooo handsome!

We love him; our gratitude for him is tremendous. Thanks. Keep doing the good work.

Adonia Ripple

Carlie
Carlie was a sweet, happy lovable Border Collie/Spaniel mix, who was given up to a shelter in Utah, victim of a divorce. Due to overcrowding, she was scheduled for euthanasia, and her future looked grim. Lucky for Carlie, the AAC's director just so happened to be in that Salt Lake shelter that day. After 15 years of working with homeless animals, when Cupcake sees a gem, she knows it. Carlie was soon on her way back to Jackson.

It didn't take long for this energetic girl with the big smile to win over a woman on vacation...and the rest was history.

Carlie, for whom it once looked like Salt Lake would be the end of the road, left the mountains to start out on her new life in Ohio. She is reportedly loving life as a midwesterner - where there is less snow for her beloved tennis balls to get lost in!...below is a letter from her new family.

Hi!

My name is Katie Stiffler and I adopted Carlie (a one a half year old Border collie/spaniel mix) and just wanted to let everyone know that she is going great in her new home in Ohio!! I was in Jackson Hole for a snowboarding trip back in March and stumbled upon the Adoption Center on my day off from the slopes. I fostered her for 2 nights in our hotel room and fell in love with her sweet and playful spirit. I know there was concern because Carlie needed to have LOTS of daily exercise, but rest assured, she is getting TONS! I'm a runner and she goes with me on my long runs, she's a great running partner! We are always out in the yard playing fetch with her favorite, her tennis ball. You'd think she was born with a tennis ball in her mouth! And she loves riding in the car, I take her everywhere I can!

Anyways, I just wanted to send an update to let you know that we LOVE Carlie as a new addition to our family and she is going GREAT! Thanks so much!!

Attached are some pictures as well.

Sincerely,
Katie Stiffler

Fletcher
Poor little Fletcher was nothing but a scared little pup when we rescued him from a kill shelter in Idaho. For a sensitive young Border Collie, the noise and chaos of a shelter was too much. Given his fears there (and who could blame him!) is was unlikely little Fletch would be adopted, and be euthanized instead. We suspect he did not have such a good life before that, either, even though he was not even a year old yet. He had a limp from an old injury, and was quite terrified of the other dogs, too.

So, the little scared guy came back to Jackson! The staff and visitors applied the best remedy in full: TLC, and lots of it. Soon the serious little guy began to lighten up a bit, enjoy a snuggle or two, and started to romp with the other dogs.

After a few weeks, Fletcher was a new dog! He would run and play and who could resist his handsome white face?? In came a girl who fell in love. Off Fletcher went, to his new home up by Moran.

Fletcher is now running the show up at a lodge on Togwotee Pass! Clearly, with enough TLC, even a shy boy can become a social butterfly!

Below are the two letters we have gotten from Fletcher. As you can see, he has come a long way. Between his new dog buddies, the fun in the snow, and being the most popular guy in Wyoming, we are surprised he could even have time to write us. We miss you, Fletcher, but are so happy you found your place in the world!!

Fletcher's First Letter

To All my friends (furry and Human alike) at the Animal Adoption Center,

Just wanted to let you know that everything is swell up here at Togwotee with my new mom. I am having so much fun I get to run up the mountain and snowboard (run alongside) down with the resident manager. I get to play with the other dogs up here from Tessie a little schnauzer puppy whose whole head I can fit in my mouth to
Driggs a BIG Newfoundland Lab mix who has about 70 pounds on me. My mom says I am doing much better my leg is almost completely healed and I have a very healthy appetite.

BUT the best thing I get to do here is help them out at the front desk almost every day. I sit behind the front desk and when someone walks up I will jump up and greet them, sometimes I try to act like the girls up there and jump up on two feet and put my front two paws on the desk so everyone thinks I am working other times I am by the swinging door just waiting on someone to come over to visit which happens quite frequently. When I am not up there everyone guests and workers alike always ask "Where's Fletcher?". So I am becoming a very regular fixture so much so that now most people will say Togwotee's Fletcher.

Although all of this is great the thing I love more than anything in this world is bedtime when I get to snuggle in the bed with my mom and watch T.V.

Well I miss you all but I am very content with my new life. Thank you so much for making it happen. We make sure to tell everyone how I became a part of the Togwotee family.

Love,
Fletcher and Fletchers Mom (Erin Speakman)

Fletcher's Second Letter

Hi

It's me Fletcher. Just wanted to let you know that all is going well up here at my home at Togwotee. We closed for the season so my mom is now starting to train me off my leash but only for short periods of time as I sometimes get a little to excited. I still do my job at the front desk. Hopefully you can see the pictures that mom has attached so you can see how well I do my job. I got lots of requests during the winter from all the guests if I wasn't at the front desk they would always ask "Where's Fletcher?"

So life is great for me I am getting ready to go on vacation in the middle of April to Arizona for a couple of weeks and I still have my good ole friends Driggs, Tessie, Owen, and Sable.

Miss you all,
Fletcher and Fletchers Mom (Erin)

Greta
Poor, dear, sweet Greta, a tiny German Shorthair Pointer, came to the Adoption Center as an adult who likely had never known any life but a bad one. Found in rural Wyoming, she was in such poor shape that she needed several months in a loving foster home before she could even come to the Center. Her body was found to have been filled with buckshot, and she was so skinny! She was also terrified and untrusting, and needed the patience of her foster, who worked with her to build her confidence and trust.

She finally arrived in Jackson, a tiny little mousy girl, and wormed her way into our hearts. Greta proved to be a very, very good girl, gentle and kind and filled with love. She was scared of gunfire, and so would not be adopted out as a hunting dog, but as a companion. We were thrilled when a kind man, who had 2 other bird dogs, took Greta home with him.

Unfortunately, Greta proved to be unlucky again! One of his 2 dogs took a dislike to her, and so some months later, Greta came back to the Adoption Center.

We always welcome our dogs back with open arms, but our hearts broke a little bit when we saw Greta again. She deserved a home like no other, and we crossed our fingers for her that she would soon find it.

Greta waited oh-so-patiently and caused us no trouble. One day, another very kind man came in and explained to us that his daughter expressed an interest in Greta. Unfortunately, said daughter was not yet back in town! A most unusual situation. After much discussion, we agreed to send Greta out on an extended foster period with him, and hoped with all our might that his daughter would fall for her when she arrived back in town.

We waited and waited with our breath held.

We knew for Greta that if this worked out, it would be a fabulous home for her. We didn't want this lovely dog to again be unlucky.

The call finally came. His daughter had met Greta, fostered her, and wanted to adopt her!! Finally, the fates had smiled upon Greta.

It was with great happiness that we sent Greta on her way to Seattle. And just as suspected, she is living the life any dog would die for - finally! - complete with a baby sister and all.

Below is a letter we received from her loving family - a testimony to the experience it can be to adopt a dog and watch it bloom.

It is letter like these that warm our hearts and we are so pleased for Greta that she finally found what she had been looking for all those years. Clearly, for sweet Greta, it was well worth the wait!

We also extend our most heartfelt thanks to the Lewis family. It is homes and families like these that make once-unloved animals dreams come true. Thank you for helping this afraid and unsure dog become the trusting and wonderful companion we knew she could be. We are thankful beyond words, every day, for people like you.

Dear Jackson Hole Animal Adoption Center,

Now that we've had Greta in our home for eight months, we felt compelled to write you with what a "Success Story" she has been for us. As I'm sure you remember, Greta had a rough start to her life... It's
no surprise that when she came into our home she was both timid and nervous.

Over the past eight months she has blossomed into the most incredible dog anyone could ever ask for. Where at first she was nervous and apprehensive around us, now she thinks nothing of crawling into our laps for a little extra love and attention.

Her favorite thing in the world is to go running with us in the mornings and has even been known to go get my fiance's running shorts at 530am for fear he may sleep through his morning exercise.

We also adopted another German Shorthair Pointer puppy four months ago and Greta is an outstanding big sister. It was obvious to us that Greta has never been given anything to "play" with but now thanks to her sister the two of them love a good game of tug-of-war. And if anyone/any dog gets too rough with her sister, Greta is right there to jump in and protect the pup.

It's been a wonderful experience not only having her as part of our family but watching her evolve into such a loving, trusting, and happy girl. She is eating well and getting the exercise she craves. Our goal is to give her the home she always deserved and, since she's been spending every night snuggled up to us on our bed, she seems to be pretty happy with us so far. Plus, Greta will be an honored guest at our wedding this summer as one of our two bridesdogs.

We've enclosed two pictures for your enjoyment. One shows Greta and Tyr (pronounced Tier) on my lap and another is a picture of the two of them sleeping side by side as they always do.

Thank you again for trusting us to take care of her,

Jennifer Lewis, Bryan Jaffe, Greta, & Tyr

Poncho
There's no doubt the staff at the Adoption Center are the biggest softies around, each with their own special weaknesses...but when we met Poncho at a shelter, ALL our hearts simultaneously melted. Big, brindle, and tail-wagging, this sweetheart had a look all his own. And what a personality! Agreeable could not even begin to describe this boy. Needless to say, this diamond in the rough was loaded up in the van and en route to Jackson before he could even blink his big, brown eyes.

Poncho arrived at the AAC and, as suspected, made quite a spash! He was, within a day, christened the biggest heartthrob in Teton County. In no time, the perfect family had fallen in love with the once-abandoned 4 year old neutered male St Bernard mix. And Poncho had fallen for them! Except...they lived in New York, and had to face mounds of trouble to try to get him to his new home.

They persevered, however, and within two weeks Poncho had been adopted and was enjoying his new-found status as the #1 most loved dog in all of New York. Way to go, Poncho! We can't think of a dog more deserving.

Below is a letter we got from Poncho's family, now named "Cowboy" so that he doesn't forget his western roots!

Hi

Cowboy is doing great. He loves his new home and has completely acclimated himself. We have a small fish pool (no longer used by fish, but filled with clean water). Cowboy has taken over the small pool as his own. It doesn't replace the Snake, but he loves to swim around in it.

Cowboy is a fantastic addition to the family. We are very lucky that he joined our family. We couldn't be happier and I don't think he could be either. All of the boys on my son's soccer team love Cowboy and want him at every practice. They try to get him to run laps with them. Sometimes he does. Everyone thinks he is a really cool looking dog.

He is such a loving dog. He actually climbs up on my lap when we are watching tv. He's a character. He still doesn't know he is a dog, although he is getting better. We finally got him to start eating bones, but he doesn't play with a ball yet. I found the dog food that you were feeding him so that did not have to change.

I hope we can find a friend for Cowboy,like Cowboy, when we come back to visit you.

Stay in touch.

Kip

UPDATE: We did, in fact, find another dog like Cowboy - at the very same shelter a few months later! We were sure he was related to Cowboy. We called Cowboy's family to share the good news. He was, of course, shortly thereafter whisked away to New York where he joined Cowboy and his family and is living the good life like his brother!

Bear
Bear was a very well-loved five year old Golden Retriever mix who was given up with his brother when their owner met with hard times. Soon after, he met with disaster when he was hit by a car, an accident which claimed the life of his brother. Bear survived, but his leg was broken in many places, and the vet concluded for various reasons that the best route to take would be to amputate the leg. Being an large adult dog, all the sudden changes were hard for him, but he did his best to adjust in his usual sunny way. Through it all, Bear's loving foster gave him the best of care a dog could wish for, and this contributed greatly to his happiness and stability.

Lucky for Bear, when the time came and he was all healed, his foster found she could not ultimately live without him! He is now happily tramping about as a tripod in Wyoming and Colorado with his new family.

Below is a letter we received from Bear, who has fully adjusted to the tripod life, and who is living it up and loved like no other.


Hi all at the AAC!
I hope your winter is going great! Just a little update on Bear. He's fabulous! The best furry friend ever! And Bear has definitely gotten very furry. Now that the snow is deep, we keep our adventures together to groomed ski trails and snowmobile tracks, off of which he occasionally wanders and creates a bit of a comedic event. But he's doing really well. He is enjoying the folks we live with and their pack of four cats and a sharpei named Gabby. We'll both stop in for a vist when we get back to Jackson in May. I think he's looking forward to seeing his Teton friends and swimming in the Snake. Although he's no worse for the wear having to spend the winter here in Colorado. :) The pic is him on our last ski outing. Hope you all are having fun and doing well!

Cheers!
Maureen and Bear

Pinky
Oh, Pinky, Heartthrob of the Adoption Center...all who met her fell in love with her. What more can we say? Read on for Pinky's life story courtesy of her adopters, the superfosters themselves, Lindsay and Dino

So Dino and I finally got Pinky to write a story about her life and adoption. Here goes:

Hello! My name is Pinky and my story begins on the rough streets of Idaho Falls. That is where I found myself living after a horrible time in a mean family's house. Let me tell you its not easy being over white and underweight in IF. So what could I do? I did what any cute dame in my situation would do, I started turning tricks for food. Yes, it is sad but true, I would sit, lay down, give high 5's and even dance on my back legs for a treat. But can you believe that some people wanted these things for nothing? I mean, how can they expect not to pay me? I had to eat, so when they didn't pay up, I'd try to bite off their faces. This went on for a while until I got caught sitting for the dog catcher.

Then I ended up in the big house, until one day Linda (scrawny dog rescuer and Board Member extraordinaire) came by and rescued me. I lived happily with her and my summer love Eddie for a few months. But alas, my heart belonged to someone else, actually two other people, Lindsey and Dino, Super Fosters.

They fostered 100's of dogs so I knew they could love away my nervous habits. I went on many overnights at their house to see if they were the ones for me. By day they introduced me to my love for mountain biking and need for speed. Now I'm so fast I've been clocked at 20 mph!! I guess they forgot to return me to Linda's house because I haven't been back in months.

Since leaving the kill shelter in IF I have put on 10 pounds, now weighing 22 pounds! Thanks to my fancy new diet of ground beef, kisses and love, my coat is no longer white, but a healthy tan with white speckles!! At night I'm supposed to sleep on my own bed, but I sneak into the people bed and burrow under the covers. Then I wake them up in the morning with kisses on their lips.

Thanks AAC for so my two great homes and my boyfriend Eddie!

Tor
It is always a surprise to see the wonderful dogs that can be found at a shelter. Sometimes, however, it takes a while for their personalities to blossom. But not Tor!

Right away, we could see what a gem he was. Yet he was likely to be euthanized if we left him behind. So the handsome 5 month old neutered Black Lab with the sweet demeanor came back to Jackson. He was a real looker - built long and lean, with a gorgeous head - but also happy and agreeable - and not a bit wild or overbearing, despite his age. He seemed to have naturally good manners!

Clearly, Tor would make the perfect family dog...and before long, that's what he was! Adopted into a household with little children, Tor has proved to be a perfect furry addition to the family.

Hard to say who feels luckier - Tor, or his new family!

Tor is shown here with his "siblings" Hunter and Isabella, who "count their pennies for their new dog Tor, now Torrefazione"

And this from his adopters:

Thank you. We love our dog

Dozer
No, we're NOT kidding! Dozer is a Bassett/Husky mix, 5 year old neutered male. He looks like a Husky, till you realize he's actually STANDING UP! This one-of-a-kind fellow won our hearts in an instant...and he was whisked away from the kill shelter in Idaho, where he was given up for "not having enough personality". WHAT?? This guy was oozing with character. Although it took him a few days to warm up, soon he was charming everyone he met at the Adoption Center.

Dozer, however, was not exactly the quintessential Jackson dog - no bounding through the snowy drifts for this low-rider! But he was a patient and kind fellow, and humored us all as we waited for the right family to come along and see what a gem he was.

And come they did. He wasn't exactly what they thought they were looking for, but they thought the idea of a doggy sleepover was fun! And all it took was one night of fostering, and they were hooked. Dozer had worked his magic!

Two weeks later, Dozer sat proudly as they finalized their adoption. He is now the love of a wonderful family of four, and buddy to Aspen Kitty, too. They are sure they got the perfect dog - and they are right! Way to go, Dozer!

Picture is of of Dozer with his new friend, Aspen Kitty.

And from his new home:

Dozer has been quite a blessing to our family.

Thanks for your outreach.
The Swinks

Sadie Sue
Sadie Sue was a stunningly good looking yellow lab pup...and also as sweet as the day is long!
Rescued from a kill shelter in Idaho, we knew Sadie Sue would not last long.
There were many people interested in her, and Sadie Sue found the perfect home!
Sadie Sue - now McKenzie - is now happily residing in Jackson with her sister, also adopted, Dixie, who can show her the ropes.

We received a Christmas greeting from her and her new family...congrats, Sadie! You scored!!

I just wanted to let you know how much I LOVE McKenzie (aka Sadie Sue)!!!!! I thought I would share some Christmas photos of her with my other adopted dog Dixie.

Murphy
He was just a poor little bedraggled Schnauzer, sitting on the floor, in a crowded shelter in Idaho, full of barking dogs. He was an older fellow, likely a victim of an owner who passed away. There was no way to know that he would turn out to be one of the most outstanding and beloved of all the dogs to come through the AAC.

Murphy arrived at the Center late one night, scared and defensive. Yet, by the next morning, his true self shined through. This was one tolerant little guy, and after a good cleanup and haircut, quite a handsome fellow indeed! Murphy was, in fact, an exemplary dog, and we were sure he would be adopted quickly.

Yet, the fates play a strange game. Weeks went by, and although some showed an interest in Murphy, he had not been adopted. His only crime was being an older dog. Being such a great guy, his regular fosters were quick to come pick him up every evening, and fawn over him. They even considered adopting him. But Murphy needed his very own home, and although he did well with his fosters, we prayed that his forever home would come along soon.

And then, they did. An older gentleman with a daughter and grandkids came in, and took Murphy home for a try. He showed them what a great dog he was, and the rest is history! It was a tearful goodbye for the AAC, but we knew Murphy was off to where he belonged.

Murphy now resides in the Pacific Northwest, and is a very loved member of a happy family. Below is a letter from his new family. We were pleased to hear that Murphy had proved such an excellent dog - and a surrogate parent, at that! - but not the least surprised!

Hi,
In July my Dad adopted a wonderful little schnauzer named Murphy from you. His name is now Moon-Dog, and he is a perfect addition to our family! Dad and Moon live with me and my four children and we all love him! Recently we fostered three kittens who had lost their mother and Moon stepped in and became the surrogate mother. I thought you would like to know how much we all love him. I am also sending you a picture of Moon with his three foster children!

Thank you so much for adding such a sweet member to our family!

The Nansen's

Chip
He certainly wasn't going to be the easiest of dogs. A high-strung, sensitive Border Collie, Chip was not likely to be adopted from the shelter. However, the director of the Adoption Center spotted him, took a shine to him, and brought him back to Jackson to give him a chance.

With regular exercise, and a semblance of a routine, Chip began to settle - but only a little. When not with the director, he was a lost and flightly fellow. He even managed to escape from a foster home, and charmed his way into the home of another, until being relocated and brought back to the AAC.

It was not looking hopeful for Chip, who we began to doubt would ever settle down, until one day, a couple who had a ranch in California walked in. They were looking for a Border Collie.

They took home Chip on a trial basis. However, the rest is NOT history. They struggled with this misunderstood guy, and thought about bringing him back more than once. He continued to prove difficult, trying the patience of saints. He just would not settle. It took a long time, and a regular routine provided by these wonderful people, before Chip was able to blossom into the gem we knew he would, given the right circumstances.

Chip, now Cody, is now a well-loved and established member of his California family. He loves the ranch, and has finally found his place.

If only all the dogs of this world could be so lucky!

He sure looks settled, don't you think??

(Photo courtesy of his parents)

Thank you Jimmy and Lindsay, for giving this wonderful boy the chance he deserved.

Sal
Although we usually only rescue dogs from the Idaho Falls shelter, we could not resist when we saw Sal. A beautiful silver tabby, and an obviously outstandingly nice gentleman, he was soon packed up with all the dogs en route to Jackson.

Although Sal was quite shy at first, he soon started to show his sweet nature when we let him out to wander Dog Town in the evenings. His gentle attempts at playing and kind nature soon won over the entire staff, and Sal became a favorite.

We waited and waited for someone to notice this happy-to-be-second-best fellow. As usual, Sal knew entirely what he was doing. A very nice couple came to Kitty City one day, looking for a cat - and, much to all our delight, they fell for our wonderful Sal! Although we miss him, we are so happy that Sal found a place where he could be top dog - just as he deserves!
Below is an email we received from Sal's new family, and a photo they sent where he looks better than ever.

Hello!
Thank you for calling to check on George this morning (formally "Sal"), and making sure he was adjusting to his new surroundings. George has been such a joy to have around the house. He loves to play- especially with my headbands that he loves to throw in the air and "attack". :)
We are so grateful to the Adoption Center and all the amazing work you do. Thank you for checking on him, and we will continue to send pictures- especially around the holidays.

Best-
Jessica and Chris

Rudy
We could not believe our eyes when we walked through the Idaho shelter and came upon just about the cutest litter of puppies we have every laid eyes on. We could not believe our ears, either, when we were told that they had been there quite a while - nobody seemed to have an interest in this little blond litter. Normally we only take a puppy or two at at a time - but, unable to decide, Mimi, Simon, Rudolph, Harold, and Lulu ALL came back to Jackson with us that day.

Just as we suspected, people were very excited to see such puppies, and within a week all these puppies - who likely were to be euthanized - found fabulous homes.

Of course, we thought these guys, having terrier in them, wouldn't grow up too large - but boy, were we ever wrong! When Rudy came to visit, he was nearly 85 pounds....and his siblings are no pipsqueaks either! But all the families of these adorable dogs agree, that it only means there's all the more dog to love!

Below is a letter from 12 year old Lucas, who, with his mom, adopted Rudy, the least wiry, and most lab-looking of the litter - and who has grown into a gorgeous dog!

Rudy is a lab/wire hair terrier mix. He is one year and two months old as of September 22, 2006. Rudy was three months old when we fostered him for one weekend. We weren't able to have him the next Tuesday night but we've had him ever since. He is a wonderful dog! He loves to play with rubber balls, chewing bones, and cuddling up next to you when it's time to go to sleep. He's friendly with everyone including other dogs but he likes to play rough with them sometimes. Other than that, Rudy is a complete and total sweetie! He will lick you to death! Rudy's very smart,too. He knows a total of seven tricks from sit to roll over.

Rudy now follows me everywhere and he loves to please. He is great on and off the leash. When you turn out the lights he curls up right away and goes to sleep. He eats all his dinner and plays really well with little kids. Since he is a little big, he has a tendency of knocking them over so we don't let him out with the little kids very often. He's also overly friendly at times. When he sees someone, he wants to jump up and say "Hi".
We now have another dog named Molly. They love to play together. Molly is a two and a half year old Aussie/Collie mix. She's half the size of Rudy and she proved to me that size doesn't matter because, boy, can she flip Rudy over!
Rudy is quiet and loving. He thinks he's a lap dog so he tries to curl up in your lap when you sit down. Rudy is the perfect dog for me. Thank you for bringing so much joy and happiness into my life. Thanks again!
Lucas

Fruit Loop
Fruit Loop came to the AAC from a shelter in Idaho, where he was dumped by his college-age owners who were going on vacation for Spring Break and didn't know what to do with him. He was over 2 and had been treated poorly for years, fed junk food, underexercised, and untrained. He was a beautiful, loving dog, and it was clear he deserved better.
Unfortunately for Fruit Loop, despite rave reviews from foster parents, he showed very poorly at the Center. Overeager to attract attention, he went quite nuts whenever visitors gave him attention, and so continued to get the short end of the stick. Few visitors believed us when we told them he was a really good dog. We didn't know what to do.

One day, a couple walked in, and were right away drawn to the Looper. They seemed to understand him right away, and agreed to foster him.

Two days later, Fruit Loop was a different dog when he walked in with his fosters. He was much more confident, self-possessed, and unmistakeably happy with these people. It was clearly a match made in heaven, and they were are sure as he was. They signed the papers, and Fruit Loop walked out of the Center and on to a life filled with love, understanding, and best of all, ...Frisbee!!

Fruit Loop, now known as Sammy, lives part of the time in Montana, and part of the time in Florida. He looks as beautiful as we have ever seen, with a gorgeous coat and his sparkling one blue eye.

Below is an email we received from his wonderful adopters. We could not have hoped for a more fantastic outcome for this misunderstood little fellow.

Hi Everyone,

We just wanted to report in. Sammy (aka Fruit Loop) is doing great. He
loves his new home and he has adjusted very well. He goes with us
everywhere.
He is the sweetest, smartest dog and he is so loveable. We are so
thankful that you rescued him and we found him.

Sammy loves to play. He has lots of toys but his FAVORITE is his frisbee,
or should I say frisbees. We attached a couple pictures.

Thank you so much for our beautiful little dog and all the hard work you
do saving so many precious lives.

Dan and Pam

Ace
Sweet, quiet, loving Ace turned up at the kill shelter in Idaho. As usual, we have no idea as to why, and know nothing about his past. A stunning purebred heeler, he had the typical stoic and loyal nature and good looks of this breed.

Although likely slated for euthanasia at the shelter, simply due to overcrowding, it was clear he would make a wonderful companion. And indeed he would. After his rescue, Ace was at the AAC for less that a week before a heeler fan spotted him, fostered him, and fell in love.

Ace is now happily serving as the world's greatest dog, in Alpine, Wyoming. Thank you to his adopter, who gives him more time and love than any dog could hope for!

Hi Folks,
I just wanted to update you on Ace. He's still a marvelous pet and so
willing to please. Ace loves my grandchildren, especially my 3 year old
granddaughter, Nicole, who calls him "Acey." He gets along with all dogs, cats, etc. As I am typing this, Ace has his nose shoved up my sleeve and one paw on my lap in an effort for the always needed affection. He's quiet and loving - a perfect dog for me. Thank you for bringing Ace into my life. Living alone gets very lonely, and Ace is the best company I could ask for. I have attached a recent photo. This is Ace's typical "I-Am-King" pose. Thanks again for bringing so much joy into my life.
Kathy

From Backyard Breeder to Man's Best Friend
Allie is a beautiful, affectionate, purebred Australian Shepherd who was born to breeders. The breeders decided that they had “too many puppies to sell”, so they dumped her at an Idaho shelter, where she would live in a cement cell block with only few days to be discovered, before being euthanized due to overcrowding. The day before Allie was scheduled to be killed, the Animal Adoption Center was able to take her into their program. At first Allie was timid and scared; no doubt a result of the inhumane treatment shown to her by the very people who were responsible for bringing her into this world. However, Allie’s sweet and devoted true nature came out quickly. She was soon adopted by a soft spoken cowboy named Wayne.
Now Allie lives on a ranch, where she is adored by all the ranch employees, visitors, and especially her new dad. Allie spends her days chasing birds and accompanying Wayne on horseback trips. Wayne’s co-workers brag about how in love the two are. “Even when Allie is covered in mud frm a day on the trails she sleeps right up on Wayne’s bed, sharing the same pillow!” Wayne cares for Allie with immense tenderness and showers her with all the love she needs to be a very happy dog. What companionship they have brought to each other’s lives!

Midas

Who ever said you can't find a beautiful purebred in need of rescue? One out of 3 dogs in a shelter are purebred, and Midas is no exception. Found wandering the streets of Pinedale, Wyoming, this little firecracker was not claimed. Animal lovers from the vet clinic in Pinedale called us, and shortly thereafter Midas arrived at the AAC and soon became a beloved family member to Boston lovers...with an older sister just like him to boot. Lucky fellow!

Hello -

Thought we would send a pic of Midas since we haven't had the chance to stop by yet. Midas, now Bosco, and Katie, our other little Boston, were immediate friends and she's showing him the "ropes."
His ears cleared up with a bit of cortizone cream and the bare spots on
his back are now gone.

He is perfect for our little family!

Lisa & Jon

Sosa
Sosa was quite the character...a beautiful tabby with a very giant sense of humor, this boy was always an entertainer. How he could not have been adopted immediately, we have no idea. But he had been at a shelter for quite a while, then arrived at the AAC, where he continued to wait (well, kind of) patiently for a family to call his own. He was always up to mischief, once even breaking out of Kitty City into Teton Tails, and staff affectionately dubbed him "Suicidal Sammy Sosa"

One day a very nice woman called, interested in some newly-arrived kittens, as a companion to one of her playful younger cats. She departed her home about an hour en route from the Center. Alas, by the time she arrived, the last 2 wee 9 week old kittens had been adopted!

Then, she met Sosa. Flirting shamelessly, he won her over. He was a terribly playful fellow, and we encouraged her to give it a try.

Thank goodness for her good sense! She took Sosa home, and he is doing very well in his new home. Of course, we miss his sheninigans, but we are so glad to see he has a family who appreciates him as he deserves!


Hi,
Just wanted to give you an update on Sosa....what a sweetie !!!!!! He is
adapting really well. He and Porgy are getting along famously, while
Willie and Hissy are tolerating his antics so far. When I came in my
studio yesterday, he was sitting up on the futon with a pillow balanced on
his head. Unfortunately, I missed the photo-op but got a huge laugh !
Thanks for all your help - Nancy and Dave

Jesse
Jesse was a gorgeous young blue merle Australian Shepherd mix, so beautiful she stopped us in our tracks when we saw her at the shelter...yet, she was unlikely to be adopted where we found her. Why? Because she was terrified, and cowered in the back of her kennel, unwilling to come out. After some coaxing, we managed to lure her out, and once outside the noisy, stressful environment of the shelter, it was immediately clear she was a very endearing, lovable, and adoptable girl. Sher romped about, came when called, and was quite a darling! She came back to the AAC, where she was spotted on our website, and found a fabulous home with a woman from Montana who came down to look at her. It was love at first sight! And Jesse is living the good life now under the big skies of Missoula. An email from her devoted mother is below.

I just wanted to let you know that Jessie (now Liza) is doing great and has become a treasured member of my household. I adore her and my old Aussie has come to love her, too. She bikes all over town with me and people always stop to comment on what a beautiful dog she is (of course I agree). She loves to swim, which is nice since I live right by the river. And she's a wonderful hiking companion--she's already been on two backpacking trips. As you can see, she carries her own weight! She's a delight. Thanks so much for saving her.
Best-
Kathy

Sage
Sage was a beautiful and sweet purebred Yellow Lab, whose owners had a baby who proved allergic to her. They were heartbroken to give her up. However, one of our very excellent and frequent fosters just so happened to be looking for such a dog...and the rest is history!

Sage now lives with a hopelessly loving family, and gets all kinds of attention from not just mom and dad, but two little human siblings, too. Way to go, Sage! And thanks to a devoted foster family, wo waited patiently for just the right dog to come along, helping countless others along the way. Thank you Wilkinsons!

Hi guys,
Here is the picture I promised. Thank you so much for the wonderful
experience and the beautiful dog. I wish we could continue to foster and
help but I guess our home just isn't big enough for more.
Thanks again,
Kim and family

Stewart gets adopted!
Stewart, the sweetheart of the AAC, former victim of terrible neglect, has found himself the most fabulous and wonderful of forever homes!! He was VERY excited to start out on this new life and will never again know the kind of misery from which he was rescued. Stewart's story can be found below.

Meet Stewart, our Valentine sweetheart at the Animal Adoption Center.
This precious little boy has just about broken our hearts with his story of severe neglect.
Without having any food and water for months, Stewart's time was running out. All of his reserves were gone and what little bit of muscle he had left on was slowly being consumed by his body to keep him alive.
His small bony body was forced to sit on a two foot layer of his own feces, and due to the filthy condition of his tiny pen, he became covered in open sores.
Just when he had given up a police officer came along and pulled him from his lonely world of hunger, thirst, isolation and despair.
But Stewart was not out of danger just yet. He now had food and water, but he was in a shelter where the animals are given just a few days to get adopted before they are put to sleep.
His chances of finding a home were not very good because, after all, he was not very attractive, left skeletal and covered with scars and scabs. Yet somehow his eyes remained warm and loving.
We met him in the back of the shelter next to the euthanasia room where they keep the hard cases: the old, the weak, the aggressive, the ones they feel are “unadoptable”.
Looking at him for the first time was like a train wreck. We had to stare. It was hard to believe he was even able to stand. He looked at us and wagged his tail with what strength he had left as the officer told us his story. His eyes looked hopeful as we bent down and opened his cage door. We could feel his kindness when touching his face, and asked him if he would like to come home with us to learn about the good things life had to offer.
Our skinny rescue dogs usually get a cheese burger as the first rite of passage into the good life, but sweet Stewart actually qualified for a triple decker and a small vanilla ice cream cone to boot! He was wrapped in a soft blanket and cuddled all the way to his new foster home.

Thank you to all that have adopted, volunteered, fostered and donated to the animals at the Adoption Center. Unfortunately, due to the significant medical costs dogs like Stewart incur, we can only take these special needs animals occasionally. We hope to save more of these precious animal friends like Stewart with your help!

Flip
Flip, a tan and white Bassett, was discovered on one of our rescue missions to Idaho Falls. This well-adjusted character was a real gem. We immediately called all our Bassett-loving fosters, including Todd, who had fostered - and resisted adopting - many a dog from us. Yet, he found, he could not resist this wonderful fellow, and neither could his other Bassett, Flash. The two can be seen strolling the town together, quite a picture!

Hi Animal Adoption Friends,
This is our favorite picture of Flippy - probably because he is often that close to one of us. Flippy is doing great! Much to our joy he and Flash have developed quite a friendship. Thank you for bringing Flippy into our lives. We love him!
-Holly & Todd

Casanova: a tender romance between a girl and her dog
One cold February day a cute little short-haired Border Collie pup
showed up on the streets of Driggs, ID, with a few scrapes and
scratches, and looking very lost. A local resident, fearing for the
little dog’s survival, brought him to the vet’s office, where he lived
for the next 3 weeks, while they tried to locate his owners. Ads in
the paper, flyers around town, and contacting area shelters produced no
owners, and it became apparent that the little dog had been ditched.
During his stay in Driggs, the pup became infamous for his bundles of
energy and attempts to kiss everyone who passed by, quite the Casanova!
The Animal Adoption Center’s Board President saw potential in the
rambunctious young dog and welcomed him into the adoption program, and the rest is history! Staff member Rachael Casper could not resist this Casanova, and this sweet pup can now be spotted peeking from under the desk at - you guessed it! - the Animal Adoption Center!

I fell in love with Casanova immediately! During my first few weeks of
fostering him, we formed a type of bond I had never known before. I
knew I wanted a dog, but hadn’t realized how apparent it would be when
the right one came along. I love Casanova’s energy. If he doesn’t get enough exercise, he gets restless, but that’s OK, so do I! He gets us out
biking, running, or hiking every day, and he shows his appreciation with
affectionate stares and lots of slobbery puppy kisses. Casanova’s
playful antics bring so much joy to my life. “Cass” is my partner in
crime, the love of my life, my sunshine on a cloudy day. True love!
-Rachael Casper

Missy

Missy was the sweetest, kindest, and most lovable of dogs ever to walk through the Adoption Center's doors...she also was a older gal, and a big breed Belgian Malinois, and so was a tough dog to find a home for. Although many people liked her, it just never seemed to work out for her. Poor Missy.

After some months, though, one of our fellow rescuers confessed she was looking for a dog like Missy. So, she took her out for a try. The rest is history.

Never has a dog had a more wonderful home. Missy, now Misty, lives in the lap of luxury in Idaho Falls. No doubt for Missy, it was well worth the wait!

Misty Girl is the most wonderful dog. I feel so very blessed to have her. She is absolutely perfect. –Julia

A Tale of Two Aussies
Within a week of each other, two nearly albino little Australian Shepherd pups arrived at the Center. Scarlet and Shasta were charming and delightful sprites, full of character and enthusiasm. They were rescued from Idaho Falls, where they had been sentenced to euthanasia. Why? These little pups are deaf.
Victims of an irresponsible merle-to-merle breeding (merle is a color common in Aussies) these 4 month old girls are what is known as "Lethal Whites". It is EXTREMELY common for puppies of such a match to be born vision and/or hearing impaired. Of course, this doesn't prevent them from living a full and happy life. People who bring a deaf dog into their life just have to be willing to make a few accomodations, and go the extra mile for these dogs.
We knew we couldn't leave these little gals behind, and within moments of their arrival at the Center, visitors were smitten. By the end of a week, each of these pups had folks who had fallen madly in love with them. Scarlet and Shasta were adopted into young families who each have an older sheepdog to show them the way - and of course, play with them endlessly! They also have some very proud parents, who are devoted to going the extra mile for these extra special pups: and who get an extra big thank you from us!!

A Valentines's Tale
On none other than February 14th, our beloved Mr Wrinkles was adopted by a wonderful woman who was visiting town and had fallen head over heels for him. The trick was, how was she to get him home?

Despite the odds, she promptly waded her way through miles of red tape, jumped through many a hoop, and, thanks to her determination and patience, successfully whisked him away to his new home on a horse farm in - Zurich, Switzerland!! Making Mr Wrinkles our first international adoption!!

Needless to say we were ALL very excited. Although we miss this endearing little character, we are sure the Wrinky Dink will have a wonderfully happy life with Barbara.

Koda
Koda, a young, handsome, very blond Golden Retriever, was rescued from someone who didn't have the resources to care for him properly. This sweet young dog went on to become the star member of the household of a lifelong Golden lover in New York. An email from his new mom is below:

From Koda's new mom: "He is such a bundle of joy and does such cute and intelligent things that I don't know how I ever lived without him!! I wake up every morning with his cute little
white snout over the edge of my bed just begging for some petting...Lately some of the neighborhood kids come over to meet and play with Koda...One little 6 year old keeps saying, ‘Koda is the best dog on this street!’ - and they all have dogs of their own!"

Lady
It was the spring of 2005 when Lady first came to the Center. After escaping an abusive life and running stray for several months, she was finally caught by a rancher. She was a petite Border Collie, had a litter of pups, and was in terrible shape; thin, frightened, and downtrodden. We knew right away who to send this dog to: Ashley. Ashley is a 17 year old foster parent. She and her family already had two dogs, but she loved to help homeless animals. Her specialty? TLC, and lots of it. It took a couple of weeks for Lady to trust Ashley, and another month or so before her collar could be touched without her yelping in fear. By the end of 2 months, all that snuggling, lavish attention, and showering of kisses and praise was paying off. Lady could sleep peacefully, come when called, be handled and touched all over without fear. She began to excitedly greet visitors to the Center. She was finally ready for her forever family.

And then they came. A woman whose Border Collie had recently passed away spotted Lady with a dog walker, and fell in love. Lady was whisked away to Oregon, where she runs and hikes and kayaks with her new mom and little Australian Shepherd sister. She swims in the ocean, plays all day long, and is loved immensely. She is loving and happy and unafraid. You would never guess as to the kind of life Lady once lived, thanks largely in part to her foster mom, Ashley. Below is a letter we received from her new family; enclosed were 10 or so photos showing a very beautiful, happy dog we hardly recognized.

Hello my friends in JH!
This is Miss Annie, The Adventure Girl Dog, in Bend, OR., AKA Lady. Although I have been anything but a "lady".
I have had a marvelous summer with my new mom Peg. She's so cool. I have been sailing, fishing, hiking, running, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking (in easy water) AND going to the OCEAN beach. All in this summer!
I love my new family members. Tony (mom's son) has a dog (mini Australian Shepherd) named Science. Sci and I are like sisters. She loves to play chase, bite my ankles, and especially tug-o-war with toys. She's my favorite playmate next to mom. Tony has taught me that not all men are scary. I've met a lot of nice people and 4 leggeds at concerts and festivals. River trips are especially wonderful because I get to eat all the leftovers.
I also share my household and bed with 3 cats, Benny, Sammy, and Raga.
Mom has me on an invisible fence so I can run and play with my toys all day long without any ropes while she's at work.
And I can't forget basketball season. Mom and I hit the courts soon. She's offense, I'm defense.
However, mainly I wanted to let you all know how happy I am. Life is pretty darn good now, even though I had a rough start. Thanks for all you've done for me. But most of all thanks for not getting too mad at mom for kidnapping me. We shared "Cheetos" on the drive back to Bend. Those are great! I have it better than most dogs I must say. HA! HA! Enjoy the pics.
Peace and Love,
Annie

Elijah
When rescuing several dogs at a shelter in Idaho, we could not resist a charming big tabby with a white splash on its face - not only was she terribly nice, but she looked to be pregnant, too. So Eliza came back with the crew, whereupon we discovered that this "momma" cat was not pregnant at all - nor female! After a very loud laugh, we were regardless very pleased that this big-tummied male cat we now called Elijah had found his way back with us. He was a total winner!
Elijah's easygoing and affectionate nature not only won him his way out of the shelter, but he didn't last long in Kitty City, either. A couple who had taken on the country via motorhome came in and immediately reconized he was exactly the comrade they were seeking. Elijah hit the road soon after. Although we miss him, he is the apple of theis couple's eye, and enjoying his adventures on the road. Below is a letter we received from his new family.

Dear friends,
Elijah, now Lucky, is doing great and has adapted to the travel life just like I did! His new job is "Guard Cat".
A few days ago, I started him with a dog harness and leash to eventually teach him to walk on a leash outside. (Supervised of course) He did very well and enjoyed chasing flies and trying to chase the birds. We are very happy to have him around.
Thanks again,
Annette and Joe

Enclosed were some photos of Lucky in his new home on wheels. We laughed out loud to see him sprawled across the dashboard - where else would he be?? Way to go, Lucky!

Thanks to Spring Creek Animal Hospital...
Meet Frieda...a little lab cross, rescued from Alpine with her littermates, she is just about one of the nicest pups you'll ever meet. Friendly, agreeable, and very charming...we were terribly upset when she met with some misfortune through no fault of her own. We brought her right away to our wonderful friends at Spring Creek Animal Hospital, who welcomed her, as usual, with open arms. Diagnosed with a fractured leg among other things, Frieda took all her meds and bandage changing like the champ she is, and would rest quietly all day, chewing on her toys. As she got better, she would happily clunk about the clinic, hopping on three legs. The staff could not stop talking about what an outstanding patient she was...so outstanding, in fact, that when her time came to head back to the Center, one member decided she couldn't let her go! Vet tech Hilary couldn't adopt Frieda herself, but found a way to keep Frieda in the family...Frieda is now all healed up and happily calls Denver her home, where she lives with Hilary's brother and her lab sibling. Hilary, of course, retains extensive visitation rights. Nice work, Hilary!

Then, a few weeks later, a little lab pup was dumped at the Idaho Falls Shelter with a badly broken leg. The Center caught wind of this and by the next day the pup had arrived, of course, at Spring Creek...who just so happened to be hosting a visiting surgery specialist. Hmmm. This kind vet agreed to take on the case as charity, and soon the little lab was all fixed up and on the road to recovery. We were all ready to pick up the patient a few days later when we got a call...the surgeon was wondering if he could, um, maybe adopt the little chap? And so the little lab was whisked away to his new home in - you guessed it - Colorado, and to a life filled with love and happiness. Thank you, Dr. Eggert, for saving a life twice over and being our first veterinarian adoption! And thank you to Spring Creek Animal Hospital as well, without whose devoted care, assistance in our mission, and OBVIOUSLY soft-hearted staff we couldn't do without! And just what is in the water over there, anyway?

The Story of Xena
Xena was one of the most fabulous cats we have ever seen pass through our doors - though we would never have guessed it when we first got her! "She's kind of overweight," her rescuers from Star Valley told us, "And she's been forced to live in a closet." We couldn't believe our eyes when she first arrived. She was a Siamese, that appeared to have been crossed with the Hindenberg. She was GIANT! Because of her past, she would take every opportunity to escape Kitty City, and would then crawl into dark quiet places, like the cabinet under the kitchen sink. She also loved to sneak into the bathroom and sit in the dark. Hours later, we would hear her mewling plaintively. Xena was really a very sweet girl, and we understood that her behavior was because of her past. So we let her have the run of the Center.
Weeks went by, and we started to see more and more of her. She would lay on the countertop of the front office and greet people; she enjoyed squeezing in behind you on a chair, and then slowly inching you off. Before we opened in the morning, Xena would sit in the hallway and stare out the glass doors, watching people come in and out of the store. Was she watching for a family to come and take her home? Xena hung out in Kitty City too, and never so much as bared a claw at any of the roughhousing kittens or crabby calicos. She would simply find a cozy spot and look up at you with her big, thoughtful, gentle blue eyes. It was then we realized what a gem we had on our hands.
Weeks stretched into months, and our dear Xena was still with us. We were happy to have her company, but it broke our hearts, because she so clearly wanted a home.
Then, in early May, a woman came in looking for a dog to be her companion. But when she laid eyes on Xena, her heart melted. Xena's fate was sealed.
Xena was adopted and found the loving home she was so patiently waiting for. She now enjoys full run of a big house with LOTS of hiding places - not that she needs them anymore - because best of all, she has the doting family she deserves.

Ginger
Ginger was a sweet little 100% Heinz 57 - we couldn't really even begin to guess what she had in her - who came to us from the Teton Valley Humane Society. She was a fabulous little dog, who, despite her not-so-great past, was outstandingly good with children. Several times she went out with people who were interested in adopting her - however, she came back again and again, because she had a wandering tendency. But few people in Jackson have a fenced yard, and we began to worry that we wouldn't be able find the right situation for Ginger.

Yet the stars were on her side. It was a happy day indeed when a family from Pinedale with a young child walked through our doors, looking for a dog...and then told us they had a fenced yard! We pointed them in Ginger's direction, and the rest is history. A match made in heaven! Ginger now resides happily in Sublette County. Below is a letter we received from her new family.

Dear friends,

We love Ginger very much and she is very happy here with us. My 3 year old son adores her, they go everywhere together. He calls her "Mouse" because he says she looks like a mouse when she plays with him.

Thank you so much for making Ginger a part of our lives. It was an answer to our prayers and has made us ALL very happy.

Love,
Jennifer

Grace
Darling Grace arrived at the Animal Adoption Center late last spring. A one year old adorable shepherd mix, she had already been bounced around a few rescues, and her past was unknown – but it was clearly not a good one. When she came to us she was too frightened to even come in the building. She proved very shy and was terrified of men. She also hated to be left alone. She wanted to be a good girl, but sometimes her fears just got the better of her. After a few weeks, her fears began to lessen, and would greet those she knew with a grin and a slow wag of her tail. She remained very skittish, however, in any new situation. She was at her best playing with other dogs and hiking on far-off trails, where she bounded through the sage and learned how to cross creeks and roll in melting snow patches, with a little guidance from her fellow canines. Out in the woods, you could see the playful pup she really was.
Many people who came through showed an interest in Grace, but when they learned of all her quirks and fears, they passed her by. Spring rolled into summer, many dogs came and went, but Grace was still with us.

Then one day a woman came in who was immediately smitten with Grace. We found out she was retired and not married. And she loved to hike! We sent Grace home with her to foster, and kept our fingers crossed.
It wasn’t long before the two came back, both grinning from ear to ear. Clearly, they were a happy couple. The adoption was finalized, and Grace marched out proudly with her new mother. She didn’t even look back.
Grace continues to make progress in her new home. Best of all, she gets to be the constant and devoted companion she always wanted to be. She also gets to play with lots of neighborhood dogs and go hiking in the woods all the time. Thanks to her understanding adopter, Grace has finally found her place and come to know what it means to be loved, and learned that the world can be a pretty good place after all.

Some Very Special Successes

Special needs animals are those that need that little extra TLC or medical attention...and are often unlikely to be adopted at a shelter. The sick, the old, the frightened, neglected, or abused, they are easily overlooked and left to be euthanized.

The Animal Adoption Center welcomes as many of these kinds of animals as is possible, and is proud to have been able to help many special needs cases.

Below are the stories of a few of these very special animals who, with a little extra help from the Center, were able to find the exceptionally loving and understanding homes they deserved.

Barkley
Barkley was one of the first special needs animal accepted in the Adoption Center.

A Sharpei mix, Barkley was an exceptional character! However, he had an ongoing skin condition that made him unattractive and very difficult to adopt. We took him in after learning he had been bounced around for over 2 years in Utah at rescues, shelters, boarding facilities, and vet offices, to avoid euthanizing him. His wonderful nature and fabulous personality had spared him, but apparently no one in Utah would adopt him.

After working with the Jackson holistic veterinarian, Barkley’s condition drastically improved, and after some time at the Center, he finally found what he was looking for: a forever home to call his own.

It was a long trip for him, but he could not have found a better place for himself. Adopted into the kindest and most devoted of homes, his new mother cooks special food for him and loves him like he was her own baby.

Sugar Pie
Sugar Pie, a charming elfin little mixed breed dog, was rescued from a shelter by the Adoption Center.

Full of life and happiness, Sugar Pie was going to make the perfect little companion - yet she was unable to keep her food down!

Not only was this likely the reason she was given up, this condition was dangerous because it was wearing on her windpipe and she had grown very thin.

After many examinations and tests, Sugar Pie was finally diagnosed with a rare condition called megasoesphagus - a throat condition that can be managed by the angle her food enters her throat.

Her new mom fell head over heels for Sugar Pie, despite this condition. And she doesn't mind one bit giving her the extra time she needs to eat dinner!

Sugar Pie has gained weight and is doing very well, living happily and well-loved in Wilson.

Alice

Alice is a little mixed breed puppy that was dumped at a shelter with her mother and 12 littermates.

A staff member of the Adoption Center chose to pull her out of the kennel when they noticed her little leg was covered in duct tape. The duct tape had been on for so long that her skin came off with the tape!

The Center immediately brought her back to Jackson. After a few visits to the vet and a month of healing time little Alice’s leg was as good as new.

Her ill treated leg actually saved her life...because it was at the Center that she met the family who would take her into their lives. She was adopted into a loving home, and today shows no signs of her rough start.

BooBoo

Boo Boo, a five-year-old Maltese, was rescued from a shelter where he was unlikely to be adopted because, like a lot of small dogs, his teeth were bad and his gums were infected.

Many small dogs simply need a dental cleaning to be deemed healthy - however, it is a large financial outlay for most new adopters. ($150. -$200) Unfortunately many of these dogs are instead put to sleep at the shelter.

Despite his pain, his temperament remained outstanding. And he was of course adorable!

The Center happily took this little fellow, and his future took a quick turn. A family in search of a Maltese immediately adopted him. BooBoo lives happily now with five family members to give him constant attention and love!

Bear

Bear is a very kind five year old Golden Retriever mix who met with disaster when he was hit by a car.

His leg was broken in many places, and the vet concluded for various reasons, that the best route to take would be to amputate the leg.

Being an large adult dog, this was a little hard for Bear, but he adjusted well in his usual sunny way. Thanks to giving people at the Adoption Center, he also received extra treatment to help keep his remaining three legs strong.

Through it all, Bear's loving foster gave him the best of care a dog could wish for, and found she could not ultimately live without him.

Bear is now happily tramping about as a tripod in Moran with his new family that nursed him through his recovery time and then fell in love with him.

The Colonel

The Colonel, a delightful little American Eskimo, was an older dog we accepted after his shelter closed due to a lack of funding. He was sure to make a fantastic companion...however, he had some special needs.

His teeth had been poorly cared for so they were all removed. Without any teeth his tongue hung out the side of his mouth in a very unusual way!

Despite his age, The Colonel was spry and full of vigor, and made a silly howl every time someone would laugh. Like most American Eskimos, he was quite a character! All he needed now was someone who could feed him soft food, and who could look past his age and that long tongue.

Well, he waited a month or so, but that person did walk through the doors of the Adoption Center.... his new family cherishes him and his little rescued Pomeranian brother.

Gabby
Gentle and charming Gabby was such a wonderful girl that an animal control officer contacted the Center in the hopes we would take her into our program. He feared the little lab mix would be deemed unadoptable, despite her fantastic personality, because she had a gunshot wound in her leg that had gone untreated for at least a month.

The leg was, indeed, quite a mess, and after consulting with a vet it was determined that amputation would be necessary.

Gabby's outstanding personality was very obvious, and the Animal Adoption Center decided to accept her into our special needs program. Sweet as could be throughout her ordeal, anyone could see she was a very special dog.

She was adopted within the first week into the perfect home: a family of a surgeon, a nurse, and their daughter! She spent one night in the Four Seasons resort in our foster care program with her new family. The next day she was on the road, headed to California for the good life!

Sydney
Sydney is a very beautiful and very loving little longhaired Dachshund.

Sydney is also a very lucky little girl! She was left unadopted at the shelter adopt her due to her mysterious head wobble, and she was headed for the euthanasia room.

The Adoption Center could not resist her, and she was soon heading for Jackson and to the the vet for a diagnosis. It was determined that she had suffered some sort of head trauma, which made her little head wobble - yet compromised nothing - except that it made her wobbly!

An animal lover that had been waiting on our “adoption list “ for a dachshund was called to foster her….. and the rest in history.

Sydney now lives in Houston, Texas with two other Dachshunds, and is deeply loved, shaky head and all.

Below is a letter from her adopters

Hi all,
Here is a photo of the cutest longhaired dachshund in Texas/Wyoming. Here she's intently watching the football game on Christmas Eve. We had a dozen people in our home over the holidays and she loved all the women and especially the children. She's still not too fond of most men - my husband is the exception. She's his "baby".

See you over the holiday,
Cindy

Boris
Boris was sitting in a shelter with an enormous, bulging eye that was ridden with glaucoma. No one was interested him, so after a few days his name was added to the list of animals to be euthanized.

It was then that Center staff came across him. It was clear this wonderful, goofy boy deserved a chance, and just knew they had to take him.

He was brought back to Jackson and the eye, in which he was now blind, was removed. Boris, true to form, could not have cared any less, and his disposition remained agreeable and happy throughout his recovery. He is now enjoying his new role as a pirate!

Although it took a little longer than usual, the wait was well worth it...Boris is now companion to one of the nicest people in Jackson, and works at the Teton Science School! Lucky dog!

Squire
Squire is an older Pomeranian. Like a lot of older small dogs, Squire had some extra medical needs and expenses, which made him difficult to adopt.

Squire was such a sweet and charming little gentleman, the Animal Adoption Center decided to give him the second chance he deserved.

Squire desperately needed his teeth cleaned, and several of them removed. He also had some slight neurological problems with his rear leg, which didn't stop him from bouncing around and greeting everyone!

He got the dental, and a check on his leg... and then he found a wonderful and caring family of his own!

Our little Squire is now treated like the royalty he truly is, and continues to live a life filled with snuggling and kisses in Jackson.

Benny Big
A very large and handsome Chocolate Lab, Benny Big was found laying in the middle of a marsh by bird watchers, 18 miles from a small town in Colorado. It was suspected that he had fallen out of the back of a pick up truck. He was so weak from his loss of blood that his rescuers had to carry him to their car. (This was a 3-hour ordeal!) His initial surgery took almost 4 hours to try to salvage his damaged hind leg.

After weeks of recovery and many failed attempts to find his original owner, Benny was driven to Jackson.

When he limped through the back door of the Center, all hearts simultaneously melted. This big boy had a heart of gold, and although his recovery was no doubt very painful, he was the most willing and agreeable of patients. He would, however, need lifelong care, and likely would never regain full use of his leg, due to the severity of his injuries.

But his leg has not slowed down this fun loving boy, and it didn’t stop his new f