DEAR Rehoming Success Stories: "It's in their eyes" "It's in their eyes", said my wife as she sat mesmerized by look of the brown eyed cutie on the screen. Cornelia Morris kept the channel fixed during the commercials of the 2010 Westminster Dog Show in New York, with the same sense of excitement that she had 3 years ago. That is when we rescued Mildred, a Dalmatian/Beagle mix, from our local dog shelter and brought her into our home. The Morris family of Southern Pines, North Carolina was now being stirred by the wide eyed, brown mutt who seems to have a knack for looking at the camera on cue. The commercial coming to an end and encouraging adoption, the process had begun once again.
The first step was to look at availability on the internet for rescue dogs. Our first find was a cute Shih Tzu pup named Ragina from Havelock, North Carolina. Her family owner was having to leave the country for military duty and she needed a good home. The process involved a 4 page application and a background check. Walter, the father, became uncomfortable with the "home visit" requirement for Ragina and thankfully, she was adopted before it would come to us. But alas, the hook to adopt was in.
Our next find was the Down East Animal Refuge in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. After a few pleasant emails from Claudia, the owner, we agreed on a new adoptee with no name. As we looked at her online, we decided on a name, Effie and made arrangements to pick her up on Saturday after her local vet visit. We met Claudia in Scotland Neck after a 3 hour drive and was taken to the kennel where we met our new puppy. She immediately started licking my daughter, Mary Mitchell, on the face and was comfortable in our arms. Claudia was nearly in tears as she said her goodbyes and said "you are going to a good home..."
On the way home, we renamed her Sadie ("she just didn't look like an Effie", quipped my daughter). With some trepidation, we took her to meet her new big sister, Mildred. It has been a blessing to watch Mildred who has taken her in, slept with her in her bed and seems happy to have a new playmate.
We thank the Down East Animal Refuge and especially Claudia for her help in arranging the adoption of Sadie and bringing joy to the Morris family. Walter and Cornelia Morris, Southern Pines, North Carolina
Scotty's New Home in Virginia We adopted Scotty in August of 2006 and as you can see he is quite at home here. He has been a challenge but so well worth every minute of it!! Not a friendly puppy when he arrived but soon became quite attached to me. Tell anyone that adopts a dog that requires special attention not to give up on them too soon. I know he came into my life at the right time and for the right reasons. He has brought many laughs to me now with his special rituals at night as he plays and runs, both inside and out. It has been fun to bring him to the kennel on a Saturday when we can walk dogs with Robin. Scotty still does not trust a stranger but acts very protectively towards me. Now that I am alone he gives me comfort as a very good sentinel. It is a joy to know that you all work so hard in caring for all the dogs at the kennel and do such a grand job of it! Sincerely, Phyllis Day, Virginia Beach Virginia
By George, I'm Home Hi,
 We are doing fine with George. George never barked in the beginning when we brought him home. We wondered if we had gotten the right dog as we needed one that barked. He has finally started barking and barks ateveryone. He acts like he is protecting his property for sure!
He was scared of everything and everyone but has gotten better about that. He still gets in his house when the airplanes are flying which sometimes is a lot. He loves to go for walks out in the back of ourproperty. C.E. wanted to try to catch him running on camera - he is so
funny. We have gotten him so that he can be let off his line and thatway he just runs and runs and then will come back to you. He hasn't
strayed off the property at this point. He usually comes right back tohis house or comes to the back door for me to let him in. The picture
with George in the field of clover was back in the summer and the otherswere just 3 weeks ago. Just had him to the vet for his rabies and othershots and they say he is fine - weighs about 75 lbs. When C.E. comesinto the living room and sets down in his recliner George thinks he hasto be petted continuously - pushes his head under C.E.'s arm until hewill rub him. Last winter he chewed on a chair leg which we didn'tsee until it was already one. He has wet a couple times but seems to bebetter about that now. He is not like the dog we had which would justlay and sleep first thing in the morning but George has to taken outpretty quick. We are enjoying him - he is so different from our other dog. He sounds like he is crying when I come home from work. Janice Harris
Mi Casa, Su Casa for Gomez Gomez is the most wonderful dog ever! You all did such a good job taking care of him and socializing him that he has been no trouble to acclimate -- he has only bloomed! He now "talks" with all kinds of great grunts, huffs, clucks--it's so funny. You can tell when he is impatient (to go running) or for a meal. Or just excited that I am up and about in the morning. He is a very respectful and midful dog--whenever anyone comments on how well behaved he is, or what a great presence hs has, I tell them about you all. It is to your credit that he is who he is. You guys are the best. I wish I could have a house full, but we are dedicated to making all the spare time we have for GoGo. He dserves every minute of it. We take him hiking, camping, to family gatherings, everywhere! He knows when I am coming home, and waits in the drive. When I drive in, he circles the car and sometimes (if I have been out of town for a few days) he barks at me til I open the door and give him a hug. I could go on and on but please tell everyone there thank you for taking care of Gomez and all your charges so well.
Nancy White , Kitty Hawk North Carolina
 Toby Finds His True Home
We adopted Toby, the cutie on the left in the picture, in May '09. We already had 2 dogs & he would be our 3rd. Little did we know we would lose our precious lab several days later. Toby was sent to us for a reason. He helped all of us through that difficult time, including Logan- pictured on the right. Toby immediately became Logan's best friend. They love each other more than I've ever seen two dogs love one another. They play very hard every day & do their share of cuddling at night. Toby has brought us nothing but joy & entertainment & we couldn't imagine being without him. Thank you DEAR for Toby! Jamie & Dave Ferris of Virginia Beach
Down East Animal Refuge Re-Homing Information Anyone interested in rehoming our dogs must have a fenced in yard or a kennel. Contact DEAR at (252) 813-1649 or (252) 826-3965 / information@downeastanimalrefuge.org for more information. Full re-homing information on all 32 dogs at the DEAR facility can be found on both the DEAR website at www.downeastanimalrefuge.org or at www.PetFinder.com.
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