Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of Kota's adoption.
Jim and I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for Kota and us. Every time I look at Kota, I am thankful that she is a part of our lives because she brings us such joy!
Kota has developed into a very happy girl during this year. Here are a few of the reasons that we love Kota:
Kota is not a morning person! She loves to sleep in, cuddled under her blanket. When she does get up, usually between 7:30 and 8:00; she comes out of the bedroom, dragging her blanket behind. She stretches and makes the most feminine, beautiful yawn that one could ever make. I love to hear Kota's yawn each day.
In the mornings, she loves to visit my Mom and Luke (Mom's thirteen year old Black Lab). She often gives my Mom a quick lick on the hand: just a little kiss. Luke has developed a wonderful fondness for Kota and now waits in the entrance hallway each morning, until Kota makes her visit.
We love how Kota runs up to greet us when we return home. Again, she often gives us just one lick on the hand: just a little kiss. Then she smells us thoroughly to check where we have been.
It is fun to see Kota gallop through our kitchen, excited and happy to go out. Sometimes in her enthusiasm, she even jumps over Joe. It is quite a funny thing to see!
During the Christmas break, Kota took up bed-hopping in the middle of the night. First, she heads for Joe's bed, but if he is sleeping too soundly and does not hear her; Kota jumps up with me and Jim. Joe is very kind and will move to the floor or take Kota's bed, in exchange. This has earned Kota a new nickname of Goldilocks!
Kota sits in our hallway, positioned so that with a slight left turn of her head, she can watch through our front picture window as Jim approaches the house; and with a slight right turn, she can see the inside door, where Jim will enter. Then she bursts into action when the door starts to open. Kota loves Jim and welcomes him into the door each time he enters. She is so smart!
Kota often lies in our hallway, with one leg stretched out in front and one tucked under her chest. I call her, "My Little Deer (Dear)."
When we cuddle Kota (often when she is up on the bed), she gets excited and is not quite sure what to do with that energy. She bites the blankets in short, quick little bites, which I call "little nippers." Then she rolls on her back and kicks her legs. I love to see when she is happy like this.
Kota is very sweet with Macy, our cat. When Macy is on my lap, she will often come up to smell Macy in a very kind, gentle way.
Kota has developed a great love for my sister, Judy. They have a very strong bond, and they are both so happy to see one another. Judy loves Kota just as much as we do. Judy calls or emails me every day to get 'a Kota update'.
Kota plays after dinner every night. She throws her body and does her little coonhound dance. Sometimes, her right lip gets caught and curls up a little. She looks so funny when she finishes her dance and looks over at us for feedback. She has a 'Popeye' look about her, with that crooked smile.
Kota loves to go for walks and has developed wonderful self-confidence. She truly enjoys being out and about in the neighborhood.
Kota is energized by the snow and cold weather. She runs in our fenced yard from side-to-side, looking for what is new since her last trip outside.
I am not sure that words can ever adequately express our gratitude to you, for caring for Kota and her puppies -- for giving them a second chance. However, your loving actions have certainly enhanced our lives. Our family thanks you sincerely for all that you have done to give Kota and us such joy.
With love,
Jim, Kathy, Joe, Kota, Macy, Judy, Mom and Luke
JERSEY JACK UPDATE
Jersey Jack
Kim and Elle-
No words can tell you how lucky we are as a family to have Jerzy Jack in our lives. From the second we brought him home we knew we had found the right dog to help heal our hearts from loosing Cody Jack, our Golden Retriever. Cody was only 5 years old when he went to doggy heaven from a serious unknown illness.
As all young puppies are-Jerzy was a handful at first. Because of the effort of your daughter he was instantly potty trained and he has never had an accident in the house. He has many dog friends in the neighborhood including a pit bull next door.
We would love to bring him up one day to visit. I know he would want to thank all of you for finding him the perfect home. He is so protective of my daughters and is actually starting to get a “deeper meaner” bark. Not bad for a dog that stands about 18 inches tall.
He has learned not to chase animals that are white and black in color. He has been skunked not once, not twice, but three times. After the third time he wouldn’t even run after a squirrel. In the morning my wife and I always find him “cuddled” up in our bed. He refuses to go to sleep at night until everyone is home and in bed. There are times my wife is on a business trip for a day or two and he will sleep by the back door. When I am gone I find him on my pillow. Man’s best friend.
Thanks you so much for thinking of him. I know for sure he will remember you all.
Hope to see you soon-
The Fischer’s
CRYSTAL ,, LOVING HER LIFE
Hi Ileana
Crystal is full of energy and so amazingly sweet. She's having lots of fun with my kids and my other dog, Thank you so much for saving her and allowing her to be part of our family
Margo
JADA UPDATE
I wanted to send a note to let you
wonderful people know how Jada is doing. We adopted Jada in January 2011 and brought her home to live with Phoebe
adopted in 2006 (formerly Roo) who was so sadly missing Holly who Ileana
had brought to our home back in 2001 and died of cancer in August 2010.
What a wonderful blessing each of these pups have been thanks to you
ladies and all the wonderful people at Fortunate Lab and Pooches Rescue.
When I look at these 3 beautiful girls I can't help but thank God for
you all.
Jada was a little tougher than Phoebe and Holly were
since she had just been spayed when we picked her up. But, this summer
we took her to the lake house and she played all day in the water with
my son and about 10 of his friends who thought she was
the best, most fun dog they had ever seen. She rides in the car
beautifully and gets along so well with Phoebe (who is now 6). At
first, Jada slept all curled up in a ball (loves having her own bed) but
now after 6 months she stretches out across the floor. Phoebe has
always been a furniture dog, but Jada loves sleeping on her big pillows
(she has one downstairs and one upstairs), while Phoebe never liked
being on the floor - EVER! And Jada thinks she is a lap dog and wants to
cuddle. She is still only 52 lbs, was 48 when we got her. The vet
thinks Jada is the perfect weight for her build, even though I think she
should be heavier because she has "huge" feet. Holly had gained 19 lbs
in 2 weeks, and Phoebe gained a lot also, but Phoebe is now a slender
65 lbs. which the vet thinks is good for her small bones.
Thanks again for these wonderful babies and all you do to save them. Pat and Dave Weiss
Sisters
SARAH JANE
SARAH JANE BEFORE
Sarah Jane, 5 months
later at Home!
Here is her 'pretend'
Twitter .... Week 7 ... I LOVE squeaky toys ... when I
first got here, I was scared of them. Now I think they are the most fun toy!
I love fabric! (Just like my
mommy) Anything fabric is a good toy for me. I love to drag throw rugs around
like a cape and run really fast. It is really fun if Mommy will chase me when I
do this.
Week 8 ... I grew eyelashes. I did not have them when I came to live w/ Mommy,
but now I have beautiful golden eyelashes!
Week 9 ... Mommy thinks I am growing taller. I am learning to toss toys in the
air and catch them. I like to be chased.
Week 10 Mommy noticed that my private parts were finally covered up by hair and
muscle. Everything was sticking out when I got here.
Week 11 ... my hair is not all white anymore, and is growing longer. Mommy says
I am starting to look like a yellow lab and not a white Vizsla.
Week 12 ... I love tennis balls. Mommy gets me pink, limey green, orange and
blue ones.
I learned to bounce the ball back to Mommy this week, and catch it in my mouth.
This is fun.
Week 13 ,..... I started training class. I am easily distracted by the other
dogs. I throw up in the car on the way home. (They feed alot of treats in
class).
Week 14. Everyone in class says I am doing better. I am still the rowdiest one
in the bunch. I almost made it home without throwing up.
Week 15. Mommy took me to the "puppy playground" (dog park).
That was fun! I only growled at one other dog. I was better at training class,
and did not throw up on the way home.
Week 16. .... The trainer and the whole class (only 3 other dogs) all think I
am the most improved. But this week at class, I did get a "taste of
Kirby". There was a fluffy dog there and the trainer thought we should be
properly introduced. I decided his face was too furry, and he could use a trim.
He did not mind, but I wanted another "taste" and Mommy would not let
me.
I got to go to the puppy playground AGAIN, and had even more fun! On the way
home, we stopped at Subway and I got a turkey sandwich. Car rides are fun!
Mommy went to Wet Nose in Geneva Commons and got me some good, raw food. If I
am a good girl, I get to go with her the next time. Mommy has fed me a good
diet of chicken, hamburger, salmon, turkey and potatoes, rice, carrots, green
beans, zucchini. I am finally over my runny stools, and ready to switch to raw
food. But Mommy will make sure I get yummy rice and veggies as well. She says I
am fattened up, and now need to lose 3 pounds. I don't think I am too chubby. I
am a happy girl. :)
Week 17 .. I "graduated" from training class. I am still learning,
but am doing better all the time. Everyone says so. I am making new friends at
the puppy playground. This week I learned how to PLAY. Another dog taught me
how to play bite and wrestle, and I went for 3 days in a ROW, and tried to play
with every dog there!! I am a HAPPY girl!
Week 18 I have learned to
SMILE! Mommy always wondered why I would look at her with my mouth clamped shut
– and then one day, I was relaxed and smiling with my cute tongue hanging out,
and I have been doing that ever since. I have relaxed and learned to SMILE.
Life is good!
I got to go shopping at Wet
Nose this week. I was a good girl in the store and got to shop for a new pretty
pink collar, and picked out toys and treats and got yummy good food. I was so
good, I know I will get to go back again soon.
Week 19 I LOVE going for car
rides! I was scared to get in the car when I first found Mommy. I would shake
and was scared to get in and would throw up every time. Now … I run for the door when Mommy says “bye
bye in car”!! I know I am going somewhere fun, and can’t wait to go to see
where!
THANK YOU for giving me a good home and helping me find my MOMMY
SARAH JANE AFTER
Melbourne aka Floyd showing his stuff on the A FRAME... awesome job buddy
Murphy aka Moses.... showing his fans he can do it.. Way to go buddy, thanks to Kara and Robert for giving this fella something he longed for LOVE
SANDY LUSCHIA AKA SADIE
Sandy Luschia aka Sadie
The minute I saw Sandy Luschia (aka Sadie) I just had to have her. She looked so sweet and pretty in her picture. After our first meet and greet and discussing Sandy Luschia’s disposition with Brenda, I knew she would be a perfect fit for my family. Several days later, we brought her to her forever home. I think she knew she was finally going home! Sandy Luschia joined our family of cats, Orange Kitty, Sadie, and Pumpkin, and quickly settled into life. Pumpkin and Sandy Luschia became friends right away, Sadie soon to follow. Orange Kitty has adjusted as well, although he took longer. Some of Sandy Luschia’s favorite things include her three times a day walks/runs, the dog park, belly rubs, and laying on the couch. Sandy Luschia has an excellent temperament, and doesn’t like to lose sight of her new family. We can’t imagine life without her.
Thanks FPALR!
HENRY
Hi Ileana and FPALR Team
Just wanted to send some pictures of our sweet Henry Bear. We adopted him back on 6/24/06 when you had and event at the Long Grove Strawberry Fest he was quietly napping in a crate on the porch of the Village Tavern. Who knew he was going to be such a handful. After a year or so he did calm down. Being a Flat Coated Retriever he weighs about 115-120 lbs. BIG BOY (He might be mixed with some Newfie the best we can guess,but mostly looks like a Flat Coat). Henry is incrediably social and will charm the candy out of any kids hand. He makes friends where ever he goes.
Thought we'd send some pictures since Ileana hasn't seen him in a long time and we haven't seen your team in over a year not since last years Spring Luncheon.Sure do miss seeing you at the big events
RAIN
Dear Chris:
I wanted to give you an update on our joy Rain. She has almost been with us a year and she has been the delight of our lives. Everyone in the neighborhood knows RAIN – She is very popular at our local dog park. She is the most lovable dog I have ever owned. She gets taken to the dog park twice a day for a couple hours at a time.
She walked in our Local St patricks day parade
We took her to dog day at Cellular Field
She goes down to the dog beach in Chicago.
She is living a full life.
I have included some photos
Thanks for bringing her into our lives.
Michelle Mc Millan
SOPHIE
Hello FPALR!
My story is a little different then some posted on your website. My new name is Sophie (AKA Fortunate - adoped April 2009) and I now live with my mommy June and Daddy Lester.
My mom said that it was about a year ago that I was adopted by my 1st mommy and her family I was so scared about coming home and I wasn't sure if they were all going to like me. They always called me by my name now: Sophie. They would take me out on walks and play catch with me in the backyard whenever the sun came out. But when I got sick, mommy's family brought me treats and all these new toys. They kept kissing me and hugging me and that's when I really knew that everyone really liked me, maybe even loved me!!
But then my older brother Aaron got really sick and I had to stay with my Auntie June. I didn't understand what was going on, or what happened to my brother, but Auntie June and her boyfriend took good care of me. They cuddled with me while they watched a movie. And they even bought me a new toy!!! (I love this new toy thing) But then my mommy came to their house crying. I left with her but she was so upset I thought I did something wrong. A couple of sunrises later, and I was back at my Auntie June's house. She kept saying things like she was my new mommy, and that my older brother could come visit me sometimes in my new home.
Ever since then, life just could not get any better!!!! Mommy June and Daddy Lester took me to the park even when it was cold with all the white stuff on the ground. It was so much fun! I made a lot of new friends. My mommy even bought me a new big bed that I jump on when I'm really playful. They got me jackets for every season so that I don't get sick; personally I don't think I need a vest - but my mommy says I do. I have lots of new friends in mommy and daddy's neighborhood. They even take me places with them as much as possible - I finally enjoy car rides (especially when the windows are rolled all the way down!). Mommys sister and brother always give me treats and my grandma and grandpa are always playing with me. Daddy's home is a little quieter, but my grandma and grandpa over there can't stop petting me!
Mommy had her friend, my Auntie Kate, go to FPALR to look at the doggies there. Auntie Kate came home with my now best friends, Rigby (AKA Ronaldo). We like to chase each other around the yard and wrestle as often as can. Sometimes my mommy has to tell me to calm down and be a good girl because I take Rigby's toys - but that's what best friends are for, right?!?!
Mommy is always making me sit and stay when she's going to give me something. Sometimes she like to shake my paws or have everyone else shake my paws. I don't like to roll over very much, but it makes mommy and daddy smile a lot, so I do it. But they really get excited when I lay on my side when they make these loud gun noises at me. They point their finger at me and make the noises and I lay on my side (one time I even caught mommy jumping up and down smiling).
This year mommy and daddy threw me a big birthday party! I got a cake and they made me ramps and tunnels to play in with all the friends that came over. I GOT A LOT OF PRESENTS!!!! =) My mommy and daddy keep saying that I still have new toys and treats somewhere in our home; I'm still sniffing for them. They still take me to the park, and they still let me say hi to all of my friends in our neighborhood.
Thank you FPALR for rescuing me so that my mommies and my daddy found me. I couldn't be any happier, and my mommy made me attach some pictures to prove it. She said that she still "needs to upload" my birthday pictures, and then we'll send them to you guys.
Love,
Sophie
Murphy aka Moses
Murphy (aka Mose) waited for the perfect home... and he has it. These are notes taken from communication with his new family. Makes all the hard work that the volunteers do so worth while
3 Days into adoption:
Hey Brenda - Just wanted to give you a quick update on Murphy. He is the sweetest dog and we just love him. He has been very good in the house - no accidents and is doing well in his crate also. He has been on three runs with me and is doing great with that too :-) I will send you some pictures via Shutterfly this afternoon. The email address on that will come from xxxxxxI think you will see how very happy he is too. Rob and I had a toast in your honor over the weekend for recommending such a great dog to us!
Thanks again for everything you have done. We are truly grateful!
Coming Home DayJust wanted to drop in and say hello and let you know just how excited we are to bring Moses home this evening. We spent our first $500 at the Pet stores last night buying him all sorts of stuff (Crate, dog bed, leash, choke chain, toy stuffed duck, treats, kong, kong treats, Nature's miracle, Rawhide bone - the list goes on and on!!) I hope your good-bye to him today isn't too tearful. Rest assured he is going to a home that will give him lots of love! He starts doggie day-care next Thursday and an 8 week obedience class on Tuesday, June 8th. He's going to be a busy boy :-) I will keep you posted on his progress and send you lots of pictures.
Thanks again for all that you have done! The customer service you have given has been so much appreciated and really helped to expedite this process for us and for one of your dogs! I will certainly spread the word about Vuuluu and Leanne and pray they find their forever homes soon too!
Take care and have a great day and a great weekend!
Melbourne formerly Floyd
We adopted Melbourne (formerly known as Floyd and Flo) in April of 2007. After acclimating to our home, Melbourne began working agility classes with his sister, our Aussie Menina. About 2 years ago, our long time dog trainer passed away and we searched for a new agility situation that would be just as fun. After 4 months, we found Candy?s Canines, with Cheryl Carter as the trainer. She had us choose who would handle which dog for consistency. Melbourne became my (Maureen?s) team mate. We spent the next 6 months working to become a team and on basic agility commands our former trainer didn?t teach us such as tight, switch, out, wait, OK. Last spring, we completed our first NADAC agility trial as a team. Last summer, Melbourne spent being a willful teen dog during agility trials with a lot of course run offs. Each trial was a little better in terms of the number of obstacles we completed before he became willful and eventually late last summer, Melbourne and I got our first qualifying run (clean and under standard course time) in his favorite class ? Tunnelers and then Marc got his first qualifying run with Melbourne in Jumpers. Melbourne finally began to settle down in trials last fall and we had several ?almost clean? runs going into the winter NADAC hiatus. This April, Melbourne got his first title (in what else? Novice Tunnelers) and just this past weekend, got his second title in Novice Jumpers and got his first qualifying runs in Regular (a variety of obstacles on the course such as dog walk, weave polls, A frame, jumps and tunnels) and on the weekend, Melbourne had 6 qualifying runs out of 11 tries. Attached is a picture of Melbourne in action from class
Melvin formerly Earl
Melvin at Wauconda Memorial Day Parade 2010
Melvin (aka Earl) is an Alumni of FPALR who has decided his mission is to help other FPALR dogs that come into the rescue. Since being adopted a couple years ago he has opened his heart and home to the following dogs, Duke, Mocha, America, Maggie ( heartworm positive gal who surprised him with 2 pups), Missy, Ditka ( recovering from hip surgery), and Blitzen. He shows them that they are loved, how to play with toys, that chasing the cats is not cool, and that big sad puppy dog eyes will get you a treat from his Mom everytime. But his best trait is showing them that a home can be filled with love instead of the abuse and neglect they have had in the past
Duke Chillling with Melvin
Melvin with Mocha
Jazzmine formerly America
Jazzmine aka America
America never had a happy younger life. Perhaps before we obtained her she might of had a few moments of one. But that all changed with her adult age. Kicked to the curb when she weaned her pups, owners that never claimed her, heartworm positive, and alone.
Like some humans after a traumatic episode in their life, she became introverted, This once outgoing gal, went into a world of her own. Repeating patterns thru the day, everyday. Not wanting to let her guard down, not wanting to trust again. She became introverted and what some called "hopeless".
Rosh one of the volunteers made America her mission. Not only to prove to others that she could be worked with and rehabilitated, but mostly to show America she was loved. Daily walks, ball tossing,.reinforcing that positive feeling, with some days being better then others, determined to bring her out of that world. At times it was one step forward and two back, but on the days that it was reversed, it was a huge step towards adoption.Progress was made with her, but it took monthes. She was shown there was hope that she might once again trust and be loved.
That day finally came when a woman named Alice had read her story on the website. She herself works with people bringing out the positive sides within them. She wanted to give America a fresh start in life again and with her experience she thought she was up for the challenge.
Enter Jazzmine, a new name to go with her new life. Things were a challenge at first and she still has some "anxiety issues" being worked with. But to see this once castaway gal, who had withdrawn from humans, trust, and love,.run in her own back yard, relax in the grass, play with all her own toys, and most important have a home with someone who loves her unconditionally,. makes it so worthwhile.
Thank you Alice for loving Jazzmine and showing her LOVE. Rosh without you there wouldn't be an Ending for America or Beginning for Jazzmine
Milo
Milo arrived as a puppy mill dog, never walking in grass, and never feeling what love really was. Look at Milo now, the King of Montose Beach .... a note from Mom and Dad
Milo has been a pleasure for Maggie and I. We were a bit worried that he would have difficulty adjusting to life in a home, but we were shocked after he became very comfortable just after a few days. Milo also broke out of his shell, he is incredibly playful, a side of him we did not see when we visited him in the shelter a few times. He cannot get enough of his squeeky toys and bones. He is fantastic with children and other dogs, a true joy to everyone who meets Milo. I think we discovered his favorite new place, the Montrose dog beach. We took him to the beach and he spent about half an hour running circles around the beach with the other dogs, he seems so happy.
Also, it took only a few days before we left him uncrated in the house because we discovered he did not take well to the crate. We have left him out while we are away and when we come back, we see him sitting looking out the window. Milo has also become very comfortable on the furniture (couch, chair and bed), something we should probably correct him for, but it is too cute! He has put on some weight, yet we are hoping he fattens up just a bit more.
Milo has added so much happiness to our lives; we consider ourselves so lucky to have had the opportunity to adopt him. I have attached a few pictures of Milo in his new home, yet more to come once he puts on a little more weight.
Thank you for everything you do!
Milo upon arrival
King Milo at Montrose Beach
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