Hello MAGSR,

In October, 2006. We adopted Cisco. He is such a fun dog. He loves to hike, run, eat, go fishing, and play video games too. He swats at the controller while I play x box. He loves to play basketball. He's more of a defensive player. When you score he howls. He likes to sleep on my bed and push me off to get all the room he can get. We got him trained a few months after we got him and he listens so well. He likes to have snowball fights because we moved to Stow, MA. He makes everyone smile and he loves attention. He wants to be part of the gang when my friends and I hang out, when we open the door to go to the basement he sprints down and lays down next to where we all sit and chill. He's also like an american express card, can't leave home without him. He loves riding in the car. Cisco has become one of my best friends. He has been a cricial part of my family and continues to be. We love him.

Thomas Matty

Dear MAGSR,

This is ‘Max’. I was able to adopt him from your organization in July 2009 and we have been best buddies ever since. We walk every day (when it’s not too hot!), he plays in the yard and with the kids next door and to be sure…almost everyone in Annapolis knows Max from our walks around town! Strangers will pull over, in their cars, just to tell me how handsome he is! Max is super well behaved, trained and obedient and we fit each other’s lifestyle and personalities perfectly! He is the most wonderful dog and friend a person could hope for. Thank you for rescuing Max and allowing him and me to take care of one another.

Sincerely,
Michael E. Barrett
Annapolis, Maryland

Dear MAGSR Friends,

THANK YOU for Zoe - you could not ask for a better dog than Zoe to help us adjust after the loss of our most beloved shepherd/rottweiler Willemina a year ago. We are so lucky to have been the ones to adopt her.  After just weeks, her food obsession, her extreme fearfulness waned, she is thriving by running and playing with her new pal as much as she can stand (and I have the running tracks worn bare to prove it!), and then snoozing in the shade. Increasing her food intake to match her energy output let her put on some weight, and she has filled out beautifully, sleek and muscular. She is just full of love of life. Everything is of great interest to her, and she is most interested in life around her - boats on the water, water birds swimming and flying - everything, until it's snuggle time.  All the "flags" are gone - no fear aggression, she approaches strangers with interest and without fear (about 95% of the time, save for some "flashback" times she seems to have), can actually walk away from food when she'd rather play, and even goes to the Vet without hesitation. She has become the most affectionate, loving, tender, devoted, playful companion you could ever ask for, and we feel truly privileged to share our lives with her. She is a gem. Thank you again for having saved her for us and her new pack buddies, Beatrix and Juliana.

P.S. Zoe does not like the heat, is definitely a dog who likes her air-conditioning and cool tiles, and although she shows great interest in the water has yet to get in it past her elbows or swim.

Hello MAGSR,

I just wanted to drop you an update on Cooper (fka Fritz).
Cooper is doing great. We have him off leash on our property all of the time now which was one of our biggest goals through his obedience training. We have 8 acres and he is having a great time sniffing out critters, running like the wind, playing hide and seek with his people and wading in streams. I won't say that acclimating to country life was easy because he had much anxiety about most other animals and about being alone. My husband and I worked together with Cooper as we've never worked before with a dog and we continue to make progress every day. Of course we have long since fallen in love with him and I think about the individuals at MAGSR that helped us in bringing him home. Thank you all so much!!!

Regards,
Tracey Hamilton
Paul Meisel

Hi, this is a follow up post for the 2 dogs we have recently adopted.

Cole (FKA "Nate") was adopted in October and has turned into a great dog! he is smart, loyal, and loving and a great big-brother to Melo (FKA "Aries) whom we adopted 2 weeks ago.

Melo is healthy and growing and as you can see in the photo, they love each other and spend all day playing. They both love to fetch although Melo likes Cole to fetch and then jumps on him till he drops the ball :) She is doing very well with house-breaking. They both love to go on walks and receive lots of attention from our 3 boys.

We are very grateful to MAGSR for providing us with our newest family members!!

Lisa and Mickey Abrams
Jake, Matt, and Bennett Abrams 

Tullia Ainbeal in front - Keena Fiona in middle - Finnigan Brady in back

Tullia Ainbeal fka Tuesday joined our clan in June 2009. I sponsored her when she came into MAGSR. Several months later I had the opportunity to become her case advocate. I spent several weeks taking her out on day trips. I fostered her and adopted her a week later. She fits right in with my GSD's. She is one special sweet girl and we adore her. She loves to sing and we just sing along with her. Everyday with her is such an enjoyment. Thanks you MAGSR for bringing her into our rescue. Diane & Jack Hanson

Hey this is Maya. If you scroll into your way back pictures you will see that in 2000 my name was Mariah. I know that you post new adoption stories here, but I thought that you might like to know that this summer I am celebrating my ten year anniversary with my forever family. I have a new job too - guarding my new babies.

Greetings to everyone at MAGSR from Willow (f/k/n as Leah) the dog too aggressive to adopt.  As you can see I have found a warm loving family far away from those noisy kennels that caused me so much stress.   Although I have only been with my new family for about a month it seems like I have been a part of it for ever.  I am so thankful that Sandy, Ryan and Janice took a chance with me and found me a forever home. 

In a month I have learned sit, stay, down, come, speak, shake, roll, off, up and halt. I also love to howl when I hear a harmonica.  My mommy and daddy say I am the best healing dog they ever had!  I love to go for walks and guess what?  When we go out now—I am left off my leash to play and lay in the grass or leaves and just enjoy being outside.  I get to go everywhere with my family-- walks, picnics and I love truck rides although they make me very sleepy.  Except for a little fear of strangers—which I am getting over everyday, I have a great life and am far from the starving and scared little girl you all remember.    I just wanted to say thanks and never give up on any of your other kids—they just need your special help to find their forever home just like me.  Have to go, daddy just got out the ball and its time to play!

Hello to all of my friends at MAGSR,

It is my favorite time of year, my birthday, which also means it is time for my yearly update!  I am now six years old and have been with my forever family for four years - I can't believe how quickly time has gone by!  It has been a busy year for all of us and I am proud to say that I am a big sister!  Last April my mommy was huge, went away for three weeks, and came back a lot smaller and with two little babies.  I missed her so much and was nervous when she was gone and I was more than a little suspicious when my daddy kept bringing home little blankets and knit hats for me to smell.  One of the first things we did when my mommy and the babies came home was go for a walk, just the six of us.  I wasn't crazy about walking near this long stroller thing, but I have gotten used to it now. 

That was so many months ago and now these babies are moving around and are very interested in me.  I can't blame them, I am very soft and cute, but sometimes I just want my space.  Mommy and Daddy keep saying how proud they are when I get up and walk away from the babies when I want to be alone and feel nervous.  But I don't feel so nervous around the babies anymore, I even let Maya play with my feet! 

I still get two long walks a day, sometimes just with Daddy, sometimes just with Mommy, and now that it is getting warmer sometimes all six of us get to go out.  Those are my favorites!

I still have to go to the ophthalmologist for yearly check ups because my left tear duct doesn't work, but my doctor says I am the best case she has seen, no ulcers or damage to my eye and only a little bit of discomfort.  I am one of her favorite patients because I am so good, I let her check me out with weird lights and she puts these crazy drops in my eyes and I just sit pretty and enjoy the pets and kisses from my parents. 

I included some pictures of me and my siblings from this past year, I hope you enjoy them!

Barks and kisses,
Hilary Manger

Hello from Sassy’s forever family!

It has been way too long since we have been in touch, but plan to change that!!  Sassy, who we adopted in August 2008, is doing great!  I’m finally getting around to sending pictures. 

The one on top of Mt. Champlaine was from our trip to Bar Harbor in September 2008.  Sassy was so much fun because she loves the car and was a great traveler.  The three of us hiked to the top of the mountain and took in great scenery. 

The snow picture is from the blizzard of 2010.  Sassy is not intimidated by big drifts – she just bounds through them like a deer. 

Finally, the picture with “Duck” is special because she still has the duck we bought from the store at the kennel the day we adopted her.  I had to do a little surgery once, but it is surviving.  We call it her “Happy Duck” because whenever Sassy gets excited when she knows, or even thinks, she is going for a walk or in the car, she grabs Happy Duck and runs around the house squeaking it.

Best to all of you and to you, Elizabeth (Sassy’s coach),
Rick and Deb Kahley

Reggae is doing good.  He has a very sensitive stomach and has to visit the vet often sometimes, but he has grown into one handsome little boy.  He is loved wherever he goes, and is very spoiled by all who comes into contact with him.  We were in wine country a few months ago and he went swimming, however, when a seal came to close to the shore, he ran back and sat near my feet :)

Obi Rogers

Dear MAGSR,

This is “little” Marlowe checking in from my new forever home. It is hard to believe I’ve been here more than two months! I’ve found out I love climbing snow plow mountains, and sometimes even sliding down the other side, if I don’t run down them! Yes, ME, climbing snow hills on all four legs! Mom says I’m a living snow removal tool-you should see me dig. I love playing in the snow so much, almost more than tracking all the birds, squirrels, and deer—but only almost!

The hair has grown back on my back right leg, and it takes a LOT to convince me I can’t play and walk all day yet because I feel so good, and I don’t limp at all, except when I overdo it!

I’m getting along better with the two cats, sometimes the boy Fetch will even keep me company when I sleep quietly out in the living room. I even see Shadow sometimes now, and she is a very shy cat, so we’re making a lot of progress. They both watch me play with my toys (from a distance), and I LOVE toys, especially the ones I can chase, chew, or that make noise!

I really have to thank all my friends at MAGSR for making my leg better, I LOVE being able to use all four legs, and not hop around on three legs, I have so much more playing instead of watching everybody else!

Thanks again—Marlowe and her family.

Hello MAGSR!

During the Summer of 2007, my husband and I went to a MAGSR facility to find a companion for our very active Shepherd mix, Lance. Lance had the opportunity to meet several of the dogs and ended up picking an 8-month old Shepherd/Rottweiler mix called Sergio, who we named Elliott. Honestly, we were pretty skeptical of Lance's choice.

Elliott was beyond shy. Just about anything would send him running for cover. Any type of large movement scared him. Noises louder than a whisper scared him. The dishwasher, washing machine, and the doorbell scared him. Papers on my desk scared him. Dog toys and chewies really scared him. And men, particularly tall ones, were particularly frightening. For the first  month, we couldn't even look at him, never mind touch him without him "high-tailing" it. During the first six months, if we let him outside to play/potty, he would refuse to come back inside unless we left the door open and went to another part of the hourse where he couldn't see us (and it would sometime take hours of him standing by the open door and looking in but refusing to come inside).

Taking him to the vet was hugely traumatic. I dispaired that he would ever become anything resembling a "normal" dog. But love and patience and more love gradually made the difference. Here we are two years later, and Elliott is the most loving, gentle-spirited, obedient dog you could imagine. He is my velcro dog, following me every where I go and giving me hundreds of "drive-by" licks every day. He loves to be hugged and allows my husband to pick him up. He rough-houses and chases a ball (and brings it back!). Now when I'm washing dishes or clothes, he's right there with me "helping."

When it's time to go to to the vet, he's the first one at the door and the first one in the car. He knows many hand signals, as well as voice commands and is always happy to do what he's asked. His severe shyness has miraculously transformed to exuberant rambunctiousness. His favorite trick is to leap into the air (all 75 lbs of him) and plant a kiss on my check, without touching me with the rest of his body. He and Lance chase each other and wrestle for hours. As I write this, he is contentedly lying at my feet, looking up every so often to give me "love eyes." 

Thank you MAGSR for our wonderful dog!!  

Victoria Victor 

We are happy to report that Doug (Cindy's Good Ol' Georgia Boy) adopted in September 09' has adjusted well to his new family & occupation.  Doug is now a Legal Assistant at the Fury Law Center & goes to work with his father, mother, & sister, Rosalie (adopted in 02'), although he is still not too sure about wearing a tie!  Rosalie has been busy showing Doug the ropes around the home & office.  The two of them have become inseparable.  She is his Queen & he is her Jester!  They spend a good part of the day rehearsing for Wrestle Mania!  We enjoy their antics so much.  We are indebted to everyone who helped the Fury Fur Family to grow!   

Gratefully,
Rose Marie, Andrew, Doug & Rosalie Fury 

Hello MAGSR!

Sorry you have not heard from us in such a long time! We( the ross family) adopted our Beau 5/25/08. What a wonderful 12 months its been! Beau is the best thing i could have ever asked for. He is completely different from the dog you probably remember.

The scared, skinny, timid little pup you matched us up with has done a complete 180! You wouldn't believe that his ribs are no longer visible, his coat now shiny and soft, and how he grew 4 inches taller! When we brought him home he literally inhaled is food. To battle this problem we purchased a chambered bowl to slow him down, many months later this food crazed dog was suddenly very picky.

In between multiple visits and calls to the vet, we switched foods trying to find the perfect flavor thinking that he was just a VERY picky eater. When nothing seemed to make him interested in ANY food (we tried hot water, wet dog food, plain yogurt), we got worried. Finally, we figured out that he had an acid stomach. This condition made his appetite disappear, when he didn't eat the acid level increased and when the acid level increased he did not want to eat. To counteract this vicious circle we started giving him costco brand acid reducers, the problem disappeared. We still had to deal with the mental barriers he was facing, he thought that it was his right to get a special dinner! Just recently he has started eating plain, dry kibbles. Currently he is Merrick Wilderness Blend.

His stool is still a problem, he takes an anti-diarrhea pill with each meal to keep that lovely stool firm! We also give him a cup of plain yogurt everyday to help his digestive system.

As far as training goes he is doing well. We immediately started going to arrowwood shepherds for training a few weeks after we adopted him. For 4 months Beau attended training nearly every Sunday. When school started up it was harder to get over to Wes's house every weekend, however to keep his mind fresh i worked with him on his recalls, extended stays, and 'heel' everyday. We plan to get started up again soon. Beau is doing terrific with his obedience.

His timid attitude toward life is receding. His fearful behavior is almost a thing of the past. Recently, he has started approaching strangers something he would never do. The cowering, tail tucked behavior is also gone. This Beau is nearly fearless.

On average, he gets about 2 miles of walking everyday. All this exercise gives him a lean, muscular build. He still eats the 4 cups a day he started out on! He definitely benefits from the time spent out of the house and the exercise. Every time I walk him people stop me to admire my 'BEAUtiful dog'!

All in all, Beau has blossomed into a rambunctious, curious, witty, intelligent, cuddly, friendly 2 year old. I wish you could see him now! Beau really opened our eyes to the world of scared dogs and their need for love and stability. We as a family are interested in helping other dogs of this nature. If you all get word of any skinny, scared dogs please do not hesitate to contact us as we would LOVE to help another shepherd overcome the fear and anxiety he or she may be plagued with. Thanks for everything!

Love,

Ellie, Nellie, Tony, Mae, Morgan, Tasha and Beau