MEET OUR MODELS AND THEIR PETS!

Brittney & Reef

"I have always had a soft spot in my heart for animals, especially for dogs and cats. Growing up my family had adopted three different dogs but none of them worked out and my parents returned them to the shelter, despite my tears and pleas. Fortunately, after my parents divorce, I saw my window of opportunity and asked my mom if we could go down to the local pet shelter(Long Beach Animal Shelter) and get a dog. She was a little hesitant at first but knew if she saw a dog in a kennel, she would be a goner. Reef (a 6 month old Golden Retriever mix) was just brought in as a stray and when I saw him in the kennel and stuck my hand out to pet him. He came up to me, sat down and gave me his paw. After that I just had to have him. I waited 10 long days until he was moved over to the adoption side of the shelter and the very next day I was there ready to adopt him.  At first, Reef had a slight case of separation anxiety and would never leave my side. Now he is never very far from me and always has a watchful eye on me. Reef is my security blanket through bad times and just one look at him can put an instant smile on my face. Reef is the best dog I have ever had, as I feel all shelter dogs are. There is just something different and special about shelter dogs, they have so much love to give and I feel they are so appreciative that you choose them over so many others.
Now 10 1/2 years old, my Old Man, is a little grayer around the face and a little wiser but is still full of energy and full of life."

Carly & Roo

"After unexpectedly loosing my doggie soul mate, I wasn't sure that I could ever have or love another dog like I did Scooby-Doo.  But after months of deliberation, my husband and I agreed that we are a two dog family, and maybe we could start looking.  There were two stipulations; one, the new dog had to be a rescue and two, we really didn't want a puppy.  Our older dog is a cattle dog and we have grown to love their extreme quirkiness, so we thought another cattle dog. One that maybe was not a good match for another family would be perfect, but this time let's try a girl.  Not even a full 24 hours after we decided this, I mentioned it to a girlfriend of mine who works LA animal control and within the hour a red female cattle dog was picked up as a stray in Downey and my girlfriend emailed me the photo.  It was love at first sight! There she was, a tiny not even 3mth old cattle dog. She even still had floppy ears, my husband and I couldn't say no...before the day was out, my girlfriend pulled some strings, and had the dog at home with her and we picked her up the next day.  Puppy-hood practically killed us a few times, but we made it though and today the little puppy, now 2yrs old and named Roo is one of the lights of my life.  Scooby will always be my doggie soul mate, but I have learned that I have more love then I thought and to keep your doors and mind open, because you never know who is around the corner waiting to love you unconditionally."

Amanda & Melanie

"After months of looking for a young adult rescue dog and mountains of tears when other dogs were snatched up from under me, I received a call.  A foster family I had emailed weeks before had contacted me about Melanie a young dog that needed someone home all day because of her extreme anxiety.  Melanie had been living with their family as a foster dog where she was exposed to small children, dogs and loved cats!  Having a small child and three adult rescue cats it was imperative to adopt a gentle dog that could accept cats into her pack. Before I met her in person I knew she was my future companion.  Then I met her, in that moment, Mel’s doe eyes melted my heart, and she became another member of our family.  After a year with us I found out I am allergic to dogs. That was devastating because I had to learn to sleep without her in my room! Mel adjusted fine, and now she sleeps on the couch with her cats.  Home is not home now without Melanie.  A simple squeak of a toy reminds me of a young dog who didn’t even know how to play when she arrived in our lives.  Seeing her curled up on the couch brings joy to my heart, as she no longer sits next to me panting with anxiety with every new change.  Mel knows she’s home and that in itself has changed my life forever."

Becky & Pippin

"It might be an overused cliche but it was "love at first sight" for Pippin and me. Or, I should say, "love at first lick." I knew at that moment that this dog and I were destined to be companions. I've now had Pippin for over a year and it has been an absolute joy. She never forgets to greet me at the door with a kiss and a wag of the tail and is always happy to curl up in my lap for a good snuggle. Pippin has taught me much about loyalty, patience, and generosity. Every day I'm thankful that I had the chance to adopt Pippin."

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