Oliver 07-47

Hi! My name is Oliver Heinz, not just Oliver anymore. I moved in with my big brother Red and my new mommy and daddy (Cheryl and Brian) almost 2 months ago. I have been so busy I am just getting around to writing my Happy Ending Story.

I was very scared when my foster mommy brought me to my new home, but Red let me know it was okay and that my new world was a wonderful place. Since I have moved in mommy says, I don’t bark so much. I think it is because I am not so timid. I have learned from Red that everywhere we go there are a lot of people that just want to love on me and lots of other doggies that want to play. That’s great as long as mommy and daddy take me back home with them. So far I have been to lots of GRRIN gatherings, day care once a week, Petsmart for shopping sprees, and we were even in a parade last weekend! Red is my best friend, and we play, cuddle, and hunt bunnies together all day long. I have learned lots of new words since I moved into my forever home too! Words like “walk, sit, stay, share, roll over, car ride, left, right, and shake”. Wow! I am getting really smart. I am also learning lots of new games from big brother Red and all our friends. I really like chase, tag, and wrestle; Red is also trying to teach me something called tug. Red is very patient with me and I bet I’ll learn soon. Well it is time for me to go snuggle with my forever family, it’s what we call “sleepy time”.

Prince 09-27

Hello from Prince. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve found my way home, forever. Let me tell you about it. I met Colleen, put my front paws on her lap, gazed into her eyes and felt a song coming on. “It’s just too good to be true. Can’t take my eyes off of you.” This is like heaven above and it is true love at first sight.

Colleen and I spend most of our time together, except for a few hours a week when I rest or keep track of the yard from the window. We walk every morning and I have a couple small neighbor dogs that entertain me. We also have a lot of friends and neighbors to meet and greet.

I don’t want to embarrass her, but Colleen is a really wise woman. She appreciates me as I am, my strengths and quirks. She sees the happy, loyal guy in me. Colleen and I have made a mutual commitment to stay by each other’s side, forever.

Cedar 09-31

Hi there! It’s Cedar (a.k.a. the Original Bird Dog of Omaha), reporting in to update you all on my new life as a forever adopted GRRIN dog! My journey started August 3rd, when my foster Mom took me to Eppley Airfield to fly to my new forever home. My adoptive Dad, Bob, wanted toput as little stress as possible on me for my long trip, so I got to fly 1st Class on Pet Airways! Yep! 1st Class! No cargo hold for me! I got my own 1st class crate and even my very own Pet Attendant! They didn’t serve peanuts or cocktails (bummer), but we did get walked on our layovers. We stopped in Chicago and New York and then we finally arrived at the Baltimore-Washington Airport where Bob was anxiously waiting for my arrival. I didn’t let him down as I happily jumped in the back of his Suburban to go check out my new home. I even said “hello” to all the birds along the way by running back and forth on the back seat barking happily at all my new friends!

We finally arrived at Bob’s house and boy was I impressed!!! I have my own acreage to run, play and chase critters! How fun is that?!?!? Bob then showed me my new digs! It’s really darn cool to have my very own condo crate in which to hang out!

Over the weekend, Bob took me out yachting. I wasn’t sure what that was, but I am always up for an adventure! Bob is trying to teach me how to drive the yacht, but I’m more concerned about those pesky seagulls! There will be no feathered stowaways on my yacht!!!

Anyway, I just wanted you all to know that I’m having the time of my life! Thanks to all the wonderful people at GRRIN who took such very good care of me!!! What a wonderful organization you all have! You couldn’t have found me a better forever home and family to spend all the rest of my years!!!

Wags and Woofs to everyone at GRRIN! Cedar (now a.k.a. The Yachting Bird Dog of Maryland)!!!

Sarah 10-11

I’m Sarah and my middle name is “Diva”! I lived my first eight years with a family where I must have been treated like a queen because the shelter where I was dropped off said I had perfect manners. I don’t tolerate cats - they are so annoying - and I wasn’t getting adopted from the shelter, so they called GRRIN to try and find me a home. I was quickly placed with a foster mom who completely understood my needs. Her resident senior Golden, Diablo, was very easy to live with, but he has sadly passed away. My foster mom, Jo, decided to adopt me and then something really crazy happened - she got a puppy! I can’t believe how hard it is to teach these young dogs to respect their elders, but as you can see from my picture, I’ve whipped this one into shape. I even share my “spa” pool in the backyard and the food dish with the young’un. I am still the queen bee and Jo loves it when I take naps with her - thanks to GRRIN for giving me a second chance to make a human happy!

Sam 10-19

I’m Sam and I was adopted a few months ago, but my mom and dad were busy tying the knot this summer so I’m just now getting my story out to the public. My new mom and dad were actually my foster parents; because I fit into their lives so well, they decided to adopt me and make me their third “kid”. I spent my summer vacation going on many walks and my weight is down to 93 lbs (I know, I’m a big goofy guy!). Leigh says that I’m the best snuggler in the family and every night I sleep right next to her. Even though I’m four years old I act a lot like a puppy, but everyone still loves me and I have my own special seat in the car. My nickname is “Sweet Face Sam” - can’t you tell by my pictures?

Copper 10-25

I’m Copper and I was adopted by the same family that adopted Zeke! He’s my new big brother and we have all sorts of fun together. Both of us came from the same situation: our original families thought we were too busy and we lived mostly outside. Now we are allowed to cause quite a rumpus and nobody minds. Even Jack, the old guy in the house, likes to join in the fun. I have a huge back yard to play in and two boys that love to play fetch. It all started when Michelle and Tom decided to foster for GRRIN after adopting Zeke; they really wanted to do something to help other Golden Retrievers. I got picked to be their foster boy, but they completely failed at fostering and adopted me! How often do three guys all get along in the same house and act as if they’ve done it forever? Michelle and Tom couldn’t let me go - and for that, I am grateful! A picture of the entire family will be posted soon because right now we won’t all sit still!!

Zeke 10-01

Zeke was the first dog to enter GRRIN for 2010! His surrendering family loved him very much but Zeke couldn’t live indoors and they wanted him to be with a family that could give him plenty of time and attention. Zeke loved his foster home and acted just like a young pup so it was easy for Tom and Michelle to fall completely in love with him. When Zeke came to his new home it was as if he’d lived with the family his entire life. He adored all three kids and even their older Golden, Jack. Tom and Michelle report that Zeke loves hanging out in the backyard with Jack and going to GRRIN events. Zeke is a wonderful GRRIN representative, always minding his manners and getting along with every dog he meets!

BJ 10-27

Hi, this is BJ, another newly-adopted GRRIN dog! Awhile back, my new mom, Cindy, sent the GRRIN folks a wonderful email message to give them an update on how I’m doing in my forever home. You might remember me as the “dad” of a family of Goldens recently surrendered to GRRIN. We are all in new, loving forever homes but our adoptive families sometimes arrange for reunions. Aren’t we lucky? Here’s what Mom has to say:

“We met Elli (formerly K-5 Missy 10-31) at the dog park. I’ve included a photo from that day. BJ is on the left. Elli and BJ had lots of fun running around the park and seeing each other again. That was the first time I had let BJ just run (not being in our back yard) so I was nervous but survived the “letting go” process. He just loved running around the park with Elli and the other dogs. It was neat watching him really let loose and run and run and run! He’s so graceful and his coat just looks beautiful flying in the breeze. We have to work on coming back when called. At home he does real well but, just like a kid, when he’s out playing…he ignores Mom’s call. J

We went to our first GRRIN “meet and greet” recently. BJ was so excited to meet all the other GRRIN dogs. Quite a few people knew about BJ. One gal said, “Oh, you’re the Daddy, BJ!” We were proud to show off our beloved forever friend!

He loves to go for a ride in the car- he’s so proud of himself when he crawls back on the back seat and sits with one of our boys. He just grins and grins. BJ has finally figured out that when I leave for work in the morning that I will be home at lunch time to “scritch” his belly and go out back for a little bit. We love going for walks and he loves getting all combed out. He’s a snuggler and loves jumping up on our bed to rest and especially at night to watch some TV with us when the boys go to bed. Sometimes there’s the 5 of us on the bed all at once!

We start going to obedience class this week. The gal there said that we will work on his “confidence” so those nasty thunderstorms won’t bother him so much.

We once again thank everyone at GRRIN for letting us adopt him. He’s such a wonderful addition to our family and we are blessed to have him for a forever friend. Everyone who meets him thinks he’s so handsome, gentle and cuddly. Which he is!

Thanks again,
Cindy, Steve, Michael, Jason (and BJ ,too!)

BJ - just being cute!

Elli (formerly Missy) and BJ (on the right) reunion!

Taffy renamed Maggie 10-35

Hi, GRRIN folks! This is Maggie (formerly Taffy) and I’m doing great since my recent adoption. The few months have been very exciting. I was in foster care with Terry and his two Goldens and, for awhile, Daisy (GRRIN 10-29) was also at our house. We were best buddies, slept in the same crate and played like crazy. She also just went to her forever home and get this, it’s only a few blocks from where I now live with Gail, Mark and their daughter, Sam. My new mom says I’m a total joy to be around. We go on walks every morning and I sure love that! Sam has been going to summer camp every day and when she and mom leave for the day they drive by the front of the house and I push my head through the curtains on the window to watch and make sure they see me. I’m told it’s really funny from their perspective because all they see is the very top of my head and my eyes! My sister, Sam, is my new best friend and that’s the best thing in the world for us both. GRRIN does it again!

Elli formerly Missy (K-5) 10-31

Hi everyone! This is Elli (formerly Missy) and I want to let you know how happy I am! It didn’t take me long to figure out this is the forever home for me.
I love tagging along after Mom all day and I follow her so close that sometimes I step on the back of her flip flops. She takes me to the dog park to play and to other parks for walks. I am so good in the house I get to hang out by myself when she goes to the store. I watch her leave out the window and then I hop up on the bed and lay on my back under the ceiling fan. Boy that feels good on my tummy! Sometimes I even put my head on the pillow, but she doesn’t care. The room is all pink with girl stuff, and I am the only little girl here so I am sure it’s my room.
I love my new dad, too! He takes care of brushing me, my nails and is helping me learn all of my manners.
I love riding in his truck–and any other car I can get into. I follow my dad around when he does yard work.
I do my part, this is a rabbit free zone now that I am here.
Mom and Dad keep saying how thankful they are that GRRIN helped us find each other. Because of me Mom and Dad are always laughing and smiling and because of them my tail is always wagging. It’s perfect.
Thank you again to everyone, love Elli

P.S. If any of my dog family from Kearney wants to email me, I will meet them at the dog park.