Pen Pal Mail
Winchester
Hi, it’s been a month today since we brought Chester home and as you can see from the pictures he has come out of his shell a bit. As you know he was very timid at first and afraid of everything including all of my wind chimes and windsocks, now a lot of noises don’t bother him at all. He loves his treats and sits and gives a paw, he loves playing with Oakley and they spend hours chasing each other around with toys or playing tug of war. As you can see he’s put on a bit of weight and the vet has said she’s happy with the size he’s at now. He has picked up the family routine loves having attention, lying on the couch and rawhides. Last weekend we t ook both of them to a charity event and they walked 5k I think it’s just over three miles, we left first because we didn’t know how he’d do with all the people, dogs, strollers, roller blades and skate boards but to our surprise he did very well.
Take care and thanks again for giving us the opportunity to provide a home for Chester.
Sandra & Mike, Recent Adopters
Jake just returned from a vacation at the
beach and is
enjoying a his first summer in his new home!
Maggie |
We adopted a yellow
lab mix female named Maggie about 2 years ago. I just wanted to let
you know that Maggie is such a sweet girl. She is so into the family
and what we are doing it is unbelievable. She is very obedient and
enjoys running outside on our 14 acre farm. She is a hoot and loves
to cuddle and receive all the attention she can get. I want to tell
you that having her in our lives is such a blessing and we are so
thankful to have such a wonderful companion. I am attaching a
picture or two of her and hope that you would pass them on if
you like. We are so happy she is here and she is happy too. Talk
with you soon. |
I wanted to let you know that Rusty is doing great with us. He is still scared of anyone other than me and my son Payton but considering his background before being rescued by Pen Pals it is no wonder. He is such a joy. Our family would not be the same without him. When we got him last Christmas it was one of the best days in my son's life. Rusty enjoys being pampered and playing with our cats. He has "his side" of the bed and enjoys sharing the bed pillow with Mom at night. When he is given his own pillow on the bed he tosses it off and prefers to share with me. We spend a lot of time taking long walks and going for runs off of the leash. His manners are amazing, and his disposition is that of a dog that would do anything for love. He is completely devoted and has truly meant everything to our family. Please let his trainers know that he misses them and intends upon sending them a Christmas card with photos!!!!!
Best wishes,
Ami - Recent adopter
|
"Approximately two weeks ago, I
had the great fortune to adopt "Lucky" from the second group of Pen Pals
dogs. In short, Lucky is wonderful! She is completely housebroken, and
she responds very well to hand and voice commands. Knowing what I've
been told about Lucky's history - that she had been neglected, was found
as a stray, and had spent considerable time in the pound - it is all the
more amazing to me that she is now so well-behaved …I thank you, your
staff, the administrators from the Virginia Department of Corrections
who have supported the Pen Pals program, the volunteers from Save Our
Shelters, and most of all, Lucky's handler. I will honor the work that
everyone has done in the Pen Pals program by ensuring that Lucky has a
happy home for the rest of her life.”
K. Ingram – Recent Adopter
“I am writing this
letter to express my admiration for the pen pals program. I recently
adopted a dog that had just completed his training and I have been very
pleased and impressed…..You are to be commended for implementing a
program that is beneficial to all the participants involved: The
prisons, the animals and the eventual owners…”
K. Windsor – Recent Adopter
LEO PETITO
"We are so excited that Leo is the newest addition to our family. He is a great family pet and has already won the hearts of our children and many of our neighbors. It is obvious from his great personality and good manners that he was very loved and well cared for by his SOS Pen Pal trainers. We are very proud to be part of a program that has such a positive impact on the pets, the trainers, and the adoptive families. Keep up the good work!
Sherry M. and Family
Other Comments
“I’ve never seen any training that looks like this. It’s absolutely remarkable to see this much off-leash work with a shelter dog. This program is absolutely remarkable” Mary Burch-American Kennel Club
“This program has meant a lot to me. What
a lot of people forget is that most of the dogs that we train here are
getting prepared to be euthanized, so we get them with one paw in the
chamber so to speak. It not only helps these dogs, but it’s a great
service for the community as well. The people that adopt them are always
just tickled to death with them. It makes you feel good to know that you
are improving the lives of not only these dogs, but of other people
too.”
Anthony - Inmate and Dog Trainer
.“Knowing where these dogs came from, it’s sort of like where we come from. You see how successful they are out in the world and you think to yourself, ‘If a dog can do it, so can I’. They give us a lot of pleasure, and hope.” Melvin - Inmate and Dog Trainer
“Even though they’re
animals, they brought a lot of humanity to the place”
James - Inmate and Dog Trainer“It gives you a
little touch of hope…”
Jason – Inmate and Dog Trainer"
Pen Pals has provided me with the opportunity to do something significant with my life." - William T., Inmate Dog Trainer "
The program has given me the chance to give and share my love with others. I have found that I have a lot more patience and I'm able to share it with the dogs as well as the others that I live with. I'm thankful for this program because the dogs have brought a lot of love and joy back into my heart." - Gary C., Inmate Dog Trainer.
Princess Ruby
enjoying
her new home...
