Peppertree's New Beginnings

BENTLEY/BEAR - Hi.  I’m Bear and thanks to this thing called the Internet, I finally got me a boy! I definitely had a series of angels looking out for me.  I was one day away from being euthanized when a wonderful woman in Nebraska did a long-distance rescue and had me pulled from the shelter after reading about me on a Golden Retriever site on the internet: http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com. I waited in a kennel for a month while she tried everything to get me to Nebraska but in spite of her best efforts, it wasn’t going to happen. In the meantime, another internet angel who lived in Pennsylvania stepped in and told the woman in Nebraska that if she’d let her help, that she knew of a great rescue in Albany that she thought would help me find a family.  She agreed and off I went to live with a wonderful foster family in Virginia for a couple of weeks until I could get on the transport to Albany. I didn’t know it but an Albany family had been following my story on the internet and when they found out that I was coming to Peppertree, the mom asked if they could adopt me and that’s exactly what happened and I got me a boy!

Debbie Carlson
Adopted April, 2010

MOSES - Hi! I'm Moses. You can tell by the smile on my adoptive Mom's face, that my New Beginnings' story is a happy one. At first, she was my foster mom and I tried from the very beginning to be the best foster dog ever! I came with some back area problems, so I had to take special medicine and wear a diaper wrap. I was always patient and cooperative during these procedures. I also deferred to the other two dogs and the cat for attention and a place on the couch. Every two weeks my foster mom would pack up my food, my medicine and my diapers and we'd go off to a Peppertree adoption clinic where she was hoping to find my new "forever family." In my heart of hearts, I knew I had already found mine and I planned on how to convince her, she WAS it! I zeroed in on the "loving stare" and "Guardian Angel" approaches. Wherever she went I followed. Whenever she looked at me I gazed back with love and admiration. It worked! There was no way she wanted to give me up. Now I am happily a full-fledged member of the family and have claimed my very own couch space.

Peg Buckley
Adopted July, 2009

FAITH - Barb and Chris, I just wanted you to have this collage. These are some of Faith having fun outside. I am sure Faith is still in your hearts. I just wanted you to see how happy she is. Thanks to you and Peppertree Rescue, Faith has a second chance. I am so thankful there are people like you and Chris who can open your home and heart to homeless dogs and then let them go to new homes. I wish I had the strength to foster dogs. Maybe someday God will bless me with that gift. I am too weak to let them go. You have helped Faith come so far. We are so blessed to have her. Everyday she does something to make us laugh. I love having her follow me around, my canine boys don't do that they like to just hang out. I can't imagine my life without her now. I really think I have needed her more than she has me. She has helped me greatly after losing Major. I feel such a close bond to Faith. I really did not know if I would find this special bond again. Thank you for sending our angel home to us!!! The other day I asked my daughter what she thought an angel looked like and told her to draw it. She thought about it for a while and said Faith. I have attached Victoria 's drawing of her angel Faith.

The Neville Family
Adopted June, 2009

CECE - I did not think that I was a Chow Chow person until I adopted my first girl Chow, Wookie, more than 12 years ago as a rescued puppy. Like some, I heard that Chows weren't too outgoing with new people and other dogs, and we were looking for a dog that would enjoy being with our friends and family. I discovered that the calm, gentle Chow profile included a sense of fun, intelligence, patience and confidence that was perfect for us. It never, ever failed that whenever anyone would visit, Wookie would be their best friend by the end of the visit. About a month after she passed away in February 2009, I called Peppertree and asked about an available five-year-old Chow Chow, CeCe, although I was grieving so deeply that I could not say too much over the phone. Luckily, CeCe's foster mom Barbara could do most of the talking, and within a short time we welcomed CeCe home. Within about 48 hours, she was hugging us, playing with her new toys and making new friends in our village. She is perfect on our weekend road trips, and she is very welcoming with new people and other dogs. CeCe is another terrific Chow Chow breed ambassador, and we are very grateful to have had the opportunity to bring her into our lives.

Clyde Johnson
Adopted March, 2009

SUKI - Adopted through Peppertree last September is the BEST dog and chow anyone could hope for! She's now four (4) years old and has adjusted so well to us, our friends, and our home. She is perfectly trained, knows all the regular commands and rides with us on long or short trips with ease. Our close friend Maggie saw Suki on your web site and she knew that we had lost our chow of almost 14 years over 2 years earlier and thought Suki may be a match with us. She has been TERRIFIC!

Our fenced back yard is her playground and she can go anywhere in our 3 level home but she doesn't go into the living, dining or spare bedrooms at all. Well we don't either. She loves out neighbors and friends. She thinks that that they have come to see her which is probably true.

Thanks to Peppertree and Barbara for savings her. She is part of our family, friends and neighborhood.

Every 3-4 weeks she goes to the groomer for bath, hair cut, etc. and she went right in for it on her first trip last year.

Chows are very smart and adjust to people, places, and surroundings well. With love, training and attention a chow can become a great companion for anyone.

Our Suki is SUPER!

Kathy and Larry Sproles
Adopted September, 2008

BREEZEY - I adopted Breezey (aka Asia ) in May 2007. At the time, my other two dogs, Bear, a mixed breed, and Smokey, a Siberian Husky, were eleven years old. I had been thinking for awhile about adding another dog to our "pack," but I had been going back & forth in my mind if it was the right time to do so because Smokey & Bear were older. I finally decided to just try it. So eight months into my search, I met Breezey at a Peppertree adoption clinic and she was very friendly & cute (as they all are). After talking with her foster parents, Katie & Steve, about her and taking their phone number, I went home and thought about her - a lot. The next day I called them to set up a "meet the boys (Smokey & Bear) date." It worked out fine and I decided to try a trial adoption. For the first few days I thought that I was nuts trying to have three dogs and keep my sanity. Now, eleven months into my life with Breezey, I've decided that sanity is overrated! Breezey is an absolute joy! I've never know anyone, two- or four-legged, who thoroughly enjoys and finds happiness in every single day! She is such a sweet, happy and VERY smart dog. She loves having something to do and learning new things. Since I've had her she's completed two novice obedience classes. In October 2007 we started going to High Goal Farm in Greenwich , NY for agility training. She seems to really enjoy it and has learned everything pretty fast. She has already been to seven agility trials and has been doing FANTASTIC! I can never describe in words what joy Breezey has brought to me and I can never thank Peppertree Rescue enough for my wonderful gift known as Breezey!

(Picture to the left- Breezey, Bear & Smokey. Picture to the right- Breezey doing what she loves- Photographer Barry Rosen contributed the agility photo to Peppertree's website. For further information about his photography services, contact him at brosen@highlands.com or (845) 265-7645)

Jill Nestor
Amsterdam, NY
April, 2008

AIMEE - After losing my beloved yellow lab Maggie from cancer at 6 years old, I planned to wait at least six months before looking for another dog. I made the mistake of looking at the Peppertree website, and noticed Aimee, a chocolate lab, right away. I kept telling myself it wasn't the right time, but went to one of the adoption clinics, and there she was! I never intended to bring home a dog that day, but realized I was already thinking of her as mine, and couldn't leave my dog there for someone else to claim. I had planned to look for a younger lab, but found adopting a "senior" (Aimee is about 7-8 years old) has worked out very well. She is gentle and calm, content and undemanding, has excellent house manners, and was already housebroken. She follows me everywhere, and greets me so enthusiastically when I return home, no matter how short a time I've been gone, that her whole body wags, not just her tail! While one dog cannot replace another, Aimee has definitely helped fill the void that Maggie's premature loss left in my life. I appreciate their similarities (both having the wonderful qualities of labs) as well as their differences. There is no guarantee how long you will have any pet, but I will do my best to give her the best possible life I can, whether I have her for a year, or for many more. Once I retire, I hope to adopt (or possible foster) other "seniors". While we cannot undo the past, we can give them the good life they deserve, and in return, they reward us with unconditional love!

Noelle Howland
Albany, NY
Adopted April, 2007

DAISY - Our beloved Cheyenne, a collie/chow mix, was two months shy of 16 years old when she passed on. It was very devastating to us, as she was the second senior dog we lost in the last year and a half, having lost our Nellie the past year. This left Molly, our 4 1/2 year old black lab mix, who came to us at 7 months old from a shelter, with a void in her heart, as well as ours. She looked all over the house, the yard and behind the furniture for Cheyenne hoping it was a game of hide & seek, but sadly it was not.
Through my tears one evening, I searched the internet and came across Peppertree's website. I knew of the rescue group, having seen them at clinics throughout the Capital District. I saw a photo of a litter of beagle/labs and thought, “. . . hmmm could we keep up with a puppy . . . could Molly adjust to a little one as well . . . ?" I figured we had nothing to lose by checking it out, and completed the online application. I had the little doggie angel on my shoulder because I heard from one of the Peppertrees' lovely ladies soon after submitting the application, and an appointment to meet two of the puppies was made. My husband and I liked the blonde beagle but we were also open to meeting her sister who had the typical beagle markings. I felt like a new mother, and couldn't wait a full week to meet her!!!

Finally, the day came and we went to the foster home. I was wondering where Cinnamon (now Daisy Mae) was, and wouldn't you know it, she made her grand entrance in true puppy fashion by running through the doggie dog at rapid puppy speed! She was a bundle of energy, the most adorable little thing, and it was love at first sight I remember taking her home in the car, holding her like my first born, and just softly speaking to her. When we arrived home our Molly was by our door waiting to greet us, and our new little package. Boy was Molly surprised when it started to move and thrash. It took a few days for Molly to adjust to Daisy Mae, but a happy ending has certainly been achieved. Molly has now become the surrogate mother to Daisy. Obviously puppies have so much energy and Daisy is no exception. She will constantly bug Molly, ride her like a horse, chewing her ears, nagging her to no end, all in good fun, but our Molly takes it all in stride and simply goes along with it. They have become sisters at heart, with each one never being too far from the other. Daisy has brought us so much love, laughter and fulfillment, that I don't know how we would be without her. Our house is never quiet with Daisy, and that's okay, since we would never want it any other way. Although we’ve had many sleepless nights with potty training, and making sure Daisy doesn’t get into the paper towels and shredding them like snowflakes, we would do it again in a heartbeat. We love her just as much as we have our other beloved dogs, and it just grows each day.

I can't thank Peppertree enough. As I've told all my dogs, and whisper in Daisy's ear, she will always have a good home and no one will ever harm her. That is our promise to her, and it is a promise we will keep. God Bless Peppertree for giving us a wonderful companion who gives us so much in return.

Rosemary and Paul DeRusso
May 2007

WATSON & SPIRIT - In 1997 our beloved Golden Retriever, Dylan, passed away in his sleep just after his 7th birthday. We were heartbroken. Our daughter, Lauren, was 9 and we had to break the news to her when we woke her to get ready for school.

For the next 4 1/2 years we went on with our lives, petless, because it was too difficult to think about another dog. No one could measure up to Dylan, so we thought. Well, Lauren kept pestering us about getting another dog, and with the internet being so resourceful, she started looking at websites like Peppertree.org and Petfinder.com, searching dogs for adoption within the capital district. So Lauren talks me into going to a Peppertree adoption clinic and don't we see the cutest pup named Lloyd, (in the front of the picture with the brindle cheeks) who takes right to her. So I have to make a call to the house to find out what the better half thinks and he says it's your call. So after some bonding and a name change, Watson made his way to our home. There was some adjusting on everyone's part but we settled in nicely.

However, it was thought, by Lauren mostly, that Watson might need a friend. So the internet lead us to our next acquisition (unbeknownst to the better half at the time) - Fiego - now known as Smokey (in the back of the picture). He came to us from a rescue in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He and Watson hit it off immediately and the better half got to give him the name Smokey (after his arrival). So the boys lived nicely together until I spotted the most beautiful German Shepherd, Spirit, on Peppertree's website - FOSTER HOME NEEDED. I thought "I can do that. What do you think, better half?" "Do you really think you can give her up when the time comes?" "Absolutely, I said." So I put in my application as a foster but did not hear back, so I thought she had been adopted. Then I get an e-mail out of the blue asking if I still want to foster her and I said yes! I couldn't believe this beautiful dog had not been adopted yet. We went through the paces with the boys, did the adoption clinics, etc, which were difficult because I was really falling in love with our Spirit. There was a wonderful couple who took her on trial placement, but unfortunately it did not work out and Spirit came back to our home. When she came in the house, I could not believe the great reaction all 3 dogs had with her return. I didn't tell the better half at that time, but I knew I was going to be a FAILURE, Foster that is. But I didn't care.

So we have had Watson and Smokey for 4 years and Spirit for almost a 1 1/2 years. She has been diagnosed with Epilepsy, but that is under control with medication and she is doing so well and is very happy. We have a camp on 10 acres in the Adirondacks and take the "kids" there as often as possible so they can enjoy the woods as much as we do. In 1997 I never thought I would get another dog. Now we have three - that total over 300 lbs - and I wouldn't change it for anything.

Adopt a dog. It'll do you good - it did us!

The Kerrs
Clifton Park, NY
Watson & Smokey 2002 - Spirit 2004

Vidalia and Mrs. Oliver - Vidalia came to Peppertree from a foster home in Georgia. She now lives in Western Massachusetts with her new owner, Mrs. Oliver. Vidalia continues to delight everyone in the home daily, and all who meet her fall in love. She is very well mannered, quiet and companionable and gives her new 'Mom' a great deal of pleasure. All agree, this was a match that was meant to be.

Adopted Fall 2005

Ginger and Nitro - I jokingly tell people that Ginger (adopted June 2004) and Nitro (adopted June 2005) were twins separated at birth. Although they look nothing alike and aren't all that similar they get along really well and we are having a great time. It is wonderful to have two dogs; they are GREAT!

Adopted June 2004 and June 2005

BULLET (AKA Doc) - I met Bullet (aka 'DOC') after his photo online stood out to me. His sweet eyes and appearance looked just like the dog that was the star in the Disney movie "All Dogs go to Heaven." How funny, I thought. I checked on his status every once in a while for over a month and finally put in my adoption application "just in case." Soon after, I received an e-mail announcing an upcoming adoption clinic where I might meet him. Well, when we arrived there was one beautiful scared little dog standing outside having his coat brushed so that he would look attractive to the visitors. I knew immediately it was Bullet and noticed the gentle way he stood while they brushed and calmed him. As if I needed to (I was already in love), I walked him around the parking lot and spoke to him. Can you believe it, no pulling on the leash at all! I don't think I know of ANY dog that behaves so well. Well, I was certainly impressed. I couldn't believe it when I was chosen to adopt him over a perfectly nice family, nor when the volunteers expressed how no one had taken an interest in him for months. How could anybody pass him up? I heard that he was great with everybody, cats, dogs, people, just hated purebred German Shepherds. Well, I could handle that I thought!

When Bullet first walked in the door of his new home, he was worried and nervous that it might not be for him. He spent most of his time wondering what the heck a rabbit was and why it wasn't food, and the rest of his time drinking water so that I had to take him back outside and he could get out of there. As a matter of fact he had a total of 8 runaway attempts during his first couple of weeks. He perfected the skill of 'fake sleeping' by the door and when unsuspecting fools (i.e. ME!) opened the door thinking they were safe to leave, he would shoot out of the door with blinding speed. That's also where his name comes from!

Nowadays, Bullet is quite the popular character at work, at school and around the neighborhood. He loves to run in the dog park and has an uncanny sense of who is carrying dog treats with them! His personality really comes out when we walk through the grounds of the local college. He gets a great big puppy grin on his face and just races around to introduce himself to everyone. He especially loves men and is a real guy's guy (girls have cooties, you know). If the weather is nice when we're there and he comes across some students on a blanket playing guitar and relaxing on the green, he will flop right down with them and hope that he blends in so that he can stay! My internship ends tomorrow and all of my co-workers are wondering what to get Bullet for a going-away present....oh yeah, and we'll miss you too Christina!

Never before have I been touched so by a dog, or seen a dog touch so many others' lives. We're thinking of training him to be a therapy dog after seeing the wonderful work he does with troubled teens that I work with in Northern Saratoga County. All in all, we couldn't be happier. As I type this, he is curled up at my feet hoping and wishing that I would stand up so we can go play in the park. Maybe someone will have dropped hundreds of dog biscuits by accident just outside the door? No? Well, we can always dream.

Thank you Peppertree for helping me find my dream dog, and as you can tell from the photos, I think Bullet is pretty happy too. p.s. he loves german shepherds!

"My Mom" by Frisco Hale

My name is Frisco and I was adopted July 1st 2000. When I was younger, my owner felt the need to beat me. Fortunately I was transferred into the care of the Peppertree Rescue league and given a great foster home to spend time in until they could find someone who would love me enough to take me home permanently. Then one day my foster parent told me there was this nice lady who was coming to see me about giving me a new home. I was so nervous, but put on my cutest face, made sure my ear was flopped over (not that it ever straightens) and waited as the door opened.

As it opened, I got my first glance at this lady who so needed to be loved and I fell in love with her instantly! I had to let her know that I was the one she was looking for. I gave her attention, let her take me for a walk and gave her tentative kisses, as not to scare her away. A week later she came back and took me to my new home!

She had this big house with a big yard to play in and a fenced in run. She gave me my favorite kind of toys: tennis balls and squeaky toys. I love to run around with toys hanging out of my mouth and make them squeak. I received lots of hugs AND she let me kiss her face all I wanted!!! Wow what a great new mom! I was afraid of her dad for the longest time since he reminded me of the man who had beaten me. She has helped me get over my fear of men over the last 4 years by making me realize that not all men are bad. She introduced me to some many nice guys who love to pet me and allow me to give them kisses.

She and I have moved several times over the last 4 years and I always get nervous when we do, but I have realized she isn't going to leave me behind and wherever she goes is home for me. Just 6 months ago she bought a house, so I guess we aren't going to be moving any time soon. I love the new place!! It's all on one level, which helps my not so good hips. I have a fenced in yard that I can play in while she is at work. Some days I wait on the deck steps, watching the world go by, as I wait for her to come home. Another cool thing about this new home is that I have a regular friend and playmate. His name is Jay-Jay and he is about a year old and a german shepherd just like me!! He may be able to outrun me, but BOY can I tackle him and put him down to the ground! We spend most of the day playing together in my yard while our mothers are at work.

Thank you Peppertree forrescuing me and giving me my mom.

Jerry Lee - After spending months looking for our "Forever Shepherd" we found JerryLee on the Peppertree web site. On a cold Sunday this past Feb. we drove 2 1/2 hrs to meet him. He was indeed a Large good looking 6yr old male shepherd with basic good manners. However his ears were missing hair, his gait was off in the rear-end and he needed to gain at least 10 lbs. With exercises to improve muscle tone,special diet and supplements, as you can see he is now healthy and handsome! His temperament is outstanding, he blended right in with our 6 year old male Golden and our 2 young adult males who are being raised for The Seeing Eye. This past Sat. JerryLee received his A.K.C. Canine Good Citizencertification. We hope to spend many years with JerryLee watching over our grandchildren and raising puppies. He is our LOVE.

Thank You Peppertree Rescue!

Sheila and Roger Woodhour
Adopted February 2004

Jamie - It's hard to believe a year has past since I left the adoption clinic and went off to live with my new family. I was kind of skinny and sickly, and even though I was four, I was never housebroken, but I had a sweet face and Judy & George fell for that "quiet and shy" description of me that Peppertree posted so they took me home. Fortunately my new sister, Holly (top picture on right) , took a liking to me right away (I heard she rejected an earlier choice); she showed me the ropes (especially with that "only go to the bathroom outside" rule) and kept me company while I got through the heartworm treatment. I've been in excellent health since and gained 14 lbs to reach my now ideal weight. of 42 lbs. I have a very unique gait -- my mom and dad say that I never walk, I prance. I turned out to be a surprisingly lively girl.

To help mom and dad wake up in the morning, Holly and I like to run races through the house at 6 a.m. and then I jump on the bed and enthusiastically throw myself across daddy's chest. Mom often calls me a hooligan - I'm not sure what that is, but I'm not worried. Holly told me tales about how she made mom and dad's life a living hell for the first 2 years and they still kept her. (And wow do they really love Holly now!) Holly is fun - she tries to get me to play with doggy toys by dropping the toys on my head, but I just haven't caught on to them yet (see top picture!) , and for fun I really prefer to seek out shoes and boots and move them to strange places throughout the house. Mom and Dad think some things about me are a little strange. They don't understand why I leave my food untouched all day, and only eat in the dark - usually in the middle of the night around 1:00 a.m. , and you should have seen their faces when they first discovered that I howl like a like a coyote when there's a full moon!! I really love my family, but I'm still not crazy about meeting new people so we're working on that. (Holly is not much help in this regard!)

Just lately, I've started to warm up to some frequent visitors and mom says I'm making real progress. So Peppertree folks, I just wanted you to know how happy we all are and say thank you for the good work you do. Jamie p.s. Holly (Harlow) also sends her love.

Judy DeLorenzo & George Estel
June 2004

Elmer - Hi, I'm Elmer but my new family calls me lots of different names, like "E" "Little E" or "Elmeritis", not sure what they all mean, but I like it. I guess I became a Peppertree dog after my first family brought me to the shelter, and being an older gentleman (13+), I didn't like it so much. At first, the shelter kept me in an office away from the other dogs but then they called someone and he came and got me out. But then this guy put me in a bathroom! Hey, what's with locking me away! When they finally let me out of the bathroom, I discovered that there were several other shelties just like me in the family…ready made!! There were also some cats and they were very nice to me so I figured this might             Elmer - Before                                   Elmer - After                         be a good place to hang my hat.

But my new family kept talking about just 'fostering' me, so I guess that meant I couldn't stay. My foster dad took such good care of me, he helped me feel better and look better. I liked him right away. One day, I was feeling so good, I decided I wanted to play ball with dad. So I picked up the ball and brought it over to him. My family all made some funny, loud noises and said that I wasn't going anywhere. I didn't know what all the fuss was about but if it meant I could stay…Yippee! Now I spend my days lounging in my doggie bed, soaking in the sunshine in the backyard and eating lots of yummy food….and barking….always lots of barking. Life is finally good…I love my new family but even better than that...they love me!

Elmer's Happy Family,
Kevin, Lisa, Emily
(and Joseph, Declan, Sidney, Simone, Seamus, Liam, Colleen, Benny, Margaret, Mama, Barry, Sonia, Wilbur and Martin)
Adopted December 2003
Albany, NY

Zeus - Zeus entered our lives in February 2004. After a string of lively fosters, we thought we would give ourselves a short break after Zeus found a good home. As it happened, he was home the moment he crossed the threshold of our kitchen. Zeus spent the first 11 years of his life in a loving home where he was a beloved "only child," and thus brought with him no baggage . . . just a cluster of tennis balls that we soon discovered are very much a part of his wardrobe. Zeus goes nowhere without a tennis ball in his mouth! He springs to life at the word "walk," grabs a tennis ball, and is waiting at the door before I can even pull on my boots. He is a wonderful old character with a great deal of spunk and spirit, and is a terrific walking partner. He has melted the heart of our groomer, our veterinarian, and the neighborhood boys who are often four-wheeling in the woods when we are on our evening walks. The two comments we get from strangers . . . "What a beautiful dog!" and "My, isn't he BIG!"

Laura Hartnett
Adopted February 2004

Sampson - Sampson loves to be right where we are. He will lean against my legs while I am cooking. He is getting along very well with our 2 cats, Hobbes and Spencer. He wishes they would play more with him, but he's very patiently waiting for them to adjust. He has great fun (and exercise!) playing with his best friend next door- Murphy, a Golden Retriever. Murphy is much younger, but Sampson does a good job keeping up! Everyone who meets him falls in love. He is a perfect gentleman and as sweet and loving as he van be. He loves his dog treats and has learned to sit, stay, get in bed, paw and lay down in short order. We could not be happier and I'd like to think he would say the same if he could talk!

Katherine and Todd Bevington
Adopted early 2004

Dempsey (Doodah) - now seven, joined our family in early 2002 - I am the proud 'grandmother.' A Peppertree volunteer myself, I attended one of the clinics in Delmar when a yellow lab caught my eye (or should I say 'ear' since he was barking loudly to get someone's attention). He looked so lost and confused. I took him for a walk and he won me over with his sad eyes, sweet temperament, and clumsiness. My daughter Shannon agreed to foster him for PT - it must have been one of the shorter foster periods in history! Dempsey was officially adopted soon afterwards. Originally a NYC boy, he quickly adjusted to upstate New York. He loves his hikes into Adirondack's mountain lakes to swim, long walks along the bike path, and playing fetch with his buddy Bandit, a gentle black lab rescued from a Maryland shelter. You never see one dog without the other, they even sleep snuggled up to each other (on the bed, of course). You can't help but smile when looking at them - they are such a funny and lovable pair. We're so glad both came into our lives.

Helga, Shannon and family
Upstate, NY
Adopted (began fostering) early 2002

Ike - Ike is a beautiful 7 year-old golden retriever who made his way up to Albany from Tennessee in December, 2003. Being my first foster dog, I was excited to help this big boy find the home he so deserved. What I was not prepared for was how quickly he became a part of MY home! When Ike came to me on New Year’s Eve he was extremely shy, very cautious and not too social. Three months later he runs to the door and “talks” to me when I come home from work. He has found the joy of his first squeaky toy, and has even learned to fetch. He has found a best friend in his new 12 year-old brother Nicholas (another adopted golden) who he loves to go on long hikes with, and is great with “his” two cats. His personality has come out threefold!

I take such pleasure in being labeled a "foster failure" knowing that Ike is a better dog for it, and my home is a better place for all of us with him around!

Hilary Staszak
Guilderland Center, NY
Adopted (began fostering) December 31, 2003

Rosie - Lee and Mike Leahy and golden retriever, Josie, of CT, adopted Rosie (short for Rosalita) in January 2002 from Peppertree. Rosie was part of a golden rescue effort that provided freedom for over 50 golden retrievers from puppy mills down south in December 2001. Rosie was about 5 1/2 years old at that time and very shy and timid. Previously, her human interaction had been quite negative so she was best around other dogs, rather than humans. She had very coarse fur and was very thin. Her shyness was so pronounced at first that she just hid behind a chair in our family room. She had little exposure to stairs and had to learn how to negotiate them. She didn't know how to get up into a car. Also, she really didn't like men.

Fast forward to over 2 years later, Rosie is a more confident, pleasantly plump, and happy golden retriever. She is really good with almost every human now. Her favorite activities are attending doggie day care with her golden sister, Josie, running on the beach in Maine, rolling upside down in the grass in our backyard, and car rides. She is very sweet and allows children to pet her without question and never acts inappropriately. She has a beautiful red golden retriever coat now and has a happy face. She still has her "ghosts" and reverts to hiding behind the chair when she is uncomfortable, but she has made great strides in over 2 years. We love her very much.

Lee and Mike Leahy
Rocky Hill, CT
Adopted January 2002

Bear - We adopted Bear, a 10 year old Black Lab, in September 2003 as a companion and friend to us and to our one year old Lab, Teddy. Bear is the kindest, gentlest old soul. He lives to be loved and spreads his love where ever we go. He is very tolerant of our younger Lab's silly behavior and the two dogs have become best friends. We are truly blessed to have found this wonderful old gentleman and we are so happy to be able to give him some quality golden years. Bear goes for daily walks with us in our huge wooded park. We also visit the local dog park and he has met many new human and doggie friends. Evenings are spent sleeping in the dog bed with Teddy. Even our two cats love this old guy and rub against him whenever they pass by. Bear is truly the "poster dog" for senior dog adoption. His house manners are great--no accidents and no chewing. He gets along with everyone and even loves going to the vet's office where he lies on his back for his exams. We want to thank Peppertree for bringing this treasure into our lives and teaching us that older dogs have lots of love to give.

Patrice and Marty O'Connor
Clifton Park, NY
Adopted Sept. 1, 2003

Linus - In November 2001, we drove to Saratoga to pick up our new puppy from a Peppertree foster home. He was a chunky boy, mellow and loving. Well, the mellow part didn't last very long and soon our puppy was as big as a house. Half Beagle and half Chocolate Lab, we were assured he would grow to be about 35 lbs. Now, our sweet boy is a whopping 72 healthy pounds and is a nearly full-sized Lab on Beagle legs. Our friends call him the Lab that looks like he is standing in a hole. Originally called Checkers by his foster family, we renamed him Linus. He's sweet and smart, well sometimes smart, and very very loving. In July, 2004 we welcomed our first child into the world. Linus was right there for our birth and was so excited to see this little creature after months of curiously watching my stomach grow and move. It was a hard time adjusting to fewer daily walks and the sudden feeling of extreme protection with the baby when outside, especially when men approached, but Linus has come through it with flying colors. Now, our son craw;s everywhere and Linus is right in tow with him. The friendship is so strong, in fact, that my son's first word was Dog. Now that's what I call success.

Thank you for our wonderful friend. I hasn't always been an easy ride, but worth every minute with such an amazing dog!

Caroline Sharkey
Albany, NY
Adopted Nov. 1, 2001

Bailey - is one of a group of puppies who came into the Peppertree fold last year. He has adapted very well to his new home. He is very independent and loves to explore which sometimes leads to trouble! He is a handful to say the least. He loves his 7yr old sister Molly and won't leave her alone. When Bailey is up, he wants Molly up to play with him. He LOVES to be outside, eat snow, and just lay around in it! Bailey is in obedience training and is doing very well.

Thank you Peppertree for a wonderful addition to our family.

Michelle & John Lutz
Troy, NY
Adopted Aug. 16, 2003

Toby - is doing great. At the moment, he's napping among Will's toys in the sunny spot on the rug. He LOVES the snow, especially when it's nice and fresh and fluffy and he can really crash around in it. We had a trainer here for a few sessions working on his manners, the stairs, and also the invisible fence. Getting him trained to the fence border was very quick, and he retreats immediately from the noise with no sign that he'll try to get through. And it's so great to be able to let him out by himself whenever he needs to bark at something or chase a chipmunk. He's also fine on all the stairs in our house now - 2 flights inside, plus a small flight down from the deck. As for his manners..... He still has his theft issues, mostly when left alone or when he's all worked up and nobody will go out and play with him. I think this is improving slowly, but we still don't leave our food unattended!

We've been to the vet, where everyone of course loved him, doted on him, and generally couldn't believe that such a beautiful and loving dog would have been a rescue. His initial weigh-in was 98 lbs., and when we went back for his follow-up lyme vaccine, he was down to 96, and his waist is definitely showing more. He had a very thorough exam and checked out fine. And he and the kitty continue to work it out among themselves - she periodically puts him in his place by ambushing him from behind a door for no good reason, but in the evenings they've reached a point where they can both be in the living room at the same time. All in all, it was definitely a successful match. He is a big doofus, and he definitely has room for further refinement, but he's our guy!