Saturday, April 4th, 2009 was a big day in our lives.
That’s the day we met and were smitten by a 3 legged Princess named Sherry.
You all know the story about how we adopted Sherry/Shelby from the Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary in Elverta, California. In addition to meeting Sherry that day, we also met Kathy and Jim, her foster parents and one other very important lady, Jana Mauk. Jana is the Secretary at Homeward Bound and along with Kathy and Jim, helped us in our decision process about adopting Sherry. I honestly believe the 5 of us talked for a good 2 hours before we all came to the same conclusion, that we were the right forever home for Sherry. I laugh and joke about the “grilling” Jana, Kathy and Jim put us through before allowing us to adopt, but we came away with a tremendous amount of respect for the love and care that the fosters and the adoption people give to the dogs that are put in their care.
Even though we had previously been visited by a team from Homeward Bound and found to have a home environment that was acceptable for one of their dogs, I have no idea how you meet someone and in a matter of a couple of hours decide these folks would be the right family for one of your dogs, but they do just that week in and week out.
I’ll never forget one of the last things Jana told me, she said, remember, this is not a dog you can go out and run 4 miles a day with. And I’ll never forget what I thought, but did not say, I thought, lady, does this look like the body of someone who runs 4 miles a day? I think the last time we ran was across the parking lot at a Foster Freeze to make it to the window before they closed!
What an amazing year it has been since Shelby, Kathy, Jana and Jim came into our lives. We keep in contact with the 3 of them and share the adventure that is raising Shelby. We will be forever in their debt for the compassion, care and love that they not only showed to Sherry/Shelby and us, but for the hundreds of other dogs they have helped.
Thank you to Homeward Bound for bringing a petite little dog, that in Taiwan was a throw away, to the US and giving her a chance to touch and enrich so many peoples lives. Thank you to Kathy, Jana and Jim for caring enough to foster Shelby and to give us a good grilling to make sure we were the family that deserved her. And finally, thank you to Shelby for taking us on an such an incredible adventure. We can’t wait to see what happens next!!!
By: anyemery on April 3, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Happy Adopaversary, Shelby! Holly says she’ll very gladly have a few extra treats in your honor! You are one lucky dog to have the chauffeur and the maid as pawrents! And the chauffeur and maid are so lucky to have the wonderful petite princess!
Hugs,
Holly and Holly’s mom
By: krun15 on April 3, 2010 at 8:15 pm
This must be why Maggie was in a good mood all day- she ate all her meals on her own!! She was being good in honor of the PP.
You guys are awesome for adopting and all that you do!
Karen and the pug girls
By: Cherry on April 3, 2010 at 9:42 pm
We rarely get over here to the blogs so I nearly missed getting this wonderful news. We always appreciate hearing about Ampuversaries, but the one year mark is a very special milestone. Make sure that you get the all the attention that you deserve Shelby, and make the chauffeur give you a special outing.
Spirit Cherry
By: cometdog on April 3, 2010 at 9:50 pm
WOOHOO! Shelby!!!
We will celebrate over here on your behalf with birthday cake! (Well, actually we were getting it anyway since it’s my mommy’s b-day!) But we’ll have a piece for you!
Comet
By: jakesmom on April 4, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Happy 1 year anniversary on adopting Shelby!! She has brought so much joy to you and so many others… I think it must have been fate, for sure!!!
Hope you all had a wonderful celebration… wishing you many, many more!!!
Angel Jake’s Mom
By: jerry on April 7, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Awwww, what a wonderful day for sure! Princess Shelby, you were destined to be a star, and now look at you. Inspiring others in so many different ways. What an awesome girl you are.
As for that running 5 miles comment….that’s funny! That’s definitely one way of getting more adoptable Tripawds into American homes…tell people they don’t have to exercise with them as much!
Hoppy Adoptaversary!!!
By: Peyton's Path on April 7, 2010 at 5:30 pm
What a happy day! Happy Adoptaversary! Shelby you are in a pawsome furever home!
XOXO
Dillon and Rhys
By: Mackenzie's Mom on April 16, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Hi Petite Princess Pretty In Pink – we can’t believe that we missed this big one – sorry for the late reply – Happy One Year Adoptaversary!!! That’s so pawesome and you are so pawesome with such pawesome pawrents! We’re so happy that Homeward Bound found you your furever home….you are one very special golden girl!
Lots of golden hugs and kisses from your golden friends Mackenzie & Kobe (& Mom)
By: Ginger on April 25, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Sorry we were late to the party. How happy you must be, and lucky you must feel, Shelby — to find a wonderful family that loves you. Congratulations, and I hope you had lots of treats at your party.
Much golden love,
Ginger
By: Kim Welch on April 25, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Hi Shelby and parents,
I saw that you email me and I accidentally deleted it!!! Want to send it again??
T hanks and sorry! Looking forward to getting to know you guys.
Kim and Americas
kimandshelby@msn.com