When those brown eyes looked at me from her kennel at the shelter, my heart melted. But she was being treated for heartworm which made her a special needs adoption. She would need to be on 6 weeks of rest in her kennel before being allowed to run and play. With much trepidation, I took her home and washed that "shelter smell" away. Apparently no one at the shelter had explained to her about the restrictions she was on, because she was so excited to have finally been chosen!

As soon as the six weeks were up, we went on our first outing to the park! What joy! Gracie is the happiest, best behaved, and most lovable dog we could possibly ask for. We never miss her monthly heartworm preventative. And those brown eyes still melt my heart.

I saw a picture of Harry on the Great Lakes Wire Fox Terrier Rescue website. He and I have been together for a year now and while he is a wily rascal much of the time, he is the most lovable of fellows. Life is much more interesting with Harry. He was saved from Death Row in an animal shelter by this excellent, vigilant and very caring rescue/foster organization.

Honey found me in the Ocala National Forest, 30 miles from any town. She was so thin when she found me she didn't have enough nurishment to grow her hair. You can see in the photos I took when I brought her home her hair was so short, there was only a tuft of long hair on the end of her tail, we almost called her Leo because her tail looked like a lion's tail. Once she started getting some food in her the hair started growing, and her tail has grown extra long and extra thick compared to what it was. She is very affectionate and will lay next to me with her head on my chest and stare into my eyes. She has gold eyes, and I stare back into her eyes and say to her, "I am so glad you found me."

2 years ago I was feeding some donkeys and the jack got spooked and kicked my right arm. The doctor said amputation but was able to save it after a day long surgery. Toby, my border collie/husky, mix took care of me for nearly my entire recovery. She moved my clothes basket to the laundry room, carried bottles of water and mail for me, and even learned to hold the sheets in her mouth to help me make my bed. I wouldn't have made it through multiple surgeries and this long, painful process without her.

Hank is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi that a friend found at a control center in Nashville. He only had days left... My husband drove all the way from Western Massachusetts to rescue him. In his new town, he's an amazing snow-loving pup with a Southern bark. Hank loves hiking, chasing tennis balls and frisbees, and snuggling on the couch to watch a good movie. The notion that anyone could surrender this dog is beyond us, but we're so grateful Hank's ours.

Shadow showed up at our door one day skinny and covered in fleas. After a couple days of him hanging around we decided to take him. Now, almost 2 years later, he is healthy, happy...and king of the house!

My husband & I found Dudley & Foxy through Petfinder.com when we weren't even looking to have a dog but who could resist those smiles? They had been neglected and abused in different households but, re-bonded in the shelter (they are brother & sister from the same litter) and it was required they be adopted together. Adopting 2 dogs was a decision we have never regretted as they show us love and those warming smiles every day we get home + their playing together is enjoyable to watch and giggle over as they 'bicker' over who gets which toy.

My son and I found Harley when we were out for a walk. We heard a noise coming from a bush and when I checked it out I saw black and white fur..and thought it was a skunk! But the little fur ball turned its head and it was a tiny puppy. I had told my husband we needed a second dog and 6 years later he still teases that I planted Harley under that bush. She is the best dog ever and we love her to pieces!

Tucker was dropped off at a week old (along with three other kittens)at the humane society where I was working about two years ago. Another vet technician and I took turns fostering them... bottle feeding and tube feeding. Unfortunately, two of the babies didn't make it, but Tucker and his sister (she was adopted by a wonderful family) were fighters! Tucker had a bad infection in his left eye which left him blind, but hasn't slowed him down a bit! His favorite toys are a plastic bag, a Q-tip and a clothespin. When he wants to be petted, he'll reach out and grab your hand with his paw and pull it to him. He has brought such joy to our lives. He keeps us laughing at his silly antics, and keeps us completely captivated by how sweet and loving he is. Our home would be much more empty without this little guy to share it with us.

A Boston Terrier and Beagle mix.

I call her Bandit because she is a thief.

For she stole my heart...

Found as a puppy, abandoned and abused, dying from malnutrition and worms.

I didn't know if she would make it or not.

Many tears were shed and many prayers answered for her.

I felt a bond with this dog the very minute I saw her.

I had been abused in a past relationship, so I knew what she had been through.

I wanted to give her the same love and care that had been given to me.

Bandit has been with me now for 2 years.

Each and every day she reminds me that God is still there.

She is a very special dog and I am thankful she came my way.

She gives me so much love. More than I will ever deserve, but I know within her, lives an angel.