BARK Community Newsletter March 2008

The eight BARK dogs participating in Botetourt Correctional Center’s Pen Pals program have completed half of their 16-week training program. Boston, Candy, Mabel, Molly, Noel, Rebel, Rita and Tina are learning obedience and socialization skills under the guidance of sixteen inmates, two of whom are assigned to each dog.

Here are excerpts from the inmates’ progress diaries on each dog:

“Boston has done really well this week. He is getting used to his surroundings and all of the other dogs. He has learned the sit command, stay command, down command and the stand command… He knows how to sit, give me the paw, and the bang! dead dog and roll over...He is a good and playful dog and I would like to have him. He would be great for a family with kids”

“Candy’s overall progress has improved greatly and in being more relaxed around groups of people…She is excellent as far as not jumping on people or chewing things up… She has learned the sit command and the down command”

“Mabel has really bonded with me the last two weeks. She has learned her sit and down commands. She can also do the bang! dead dog and roll over trick…Mabel continues to do better with everything as each week goes by. Her recall is on point now. She is starting to learn her stay command, but needs more work on it. She doesn’t pull on the leash anymore and her overall progress for this week is great! She is a very smart and loving dog.”

“Molly is a very quick learner and really easy to deal with. She is also a very relaxed and affection-craving dog. Molly has 100% recall and is steadily progressing with new commands such as sit, stay, down and bang! dead dog…There’s not too much Molly doesn’t like. She is a great dog and works to make anybody happy…Molly deserves a good home that wants to treat her like a lady because she is spoiled!”

“Noel loves playing, people, running around, and chasing balls. She will love you and is a happy dog. She knows how to sit and to lie down when you ask her. I am working with her on walking. She loves for someone to hold her and will go to sleep in your arms. She will make a good dog for a family because she loves to play and have fun. Noel loves to get into someone’s bed and go to sleep and when she has to use the bathroom, she will let you know... I hope that the family that gets Noel will understand that she is a happy dog and she will do anything you ask of her.”

“Rebel’s progress is coming along great! He is currently learning the bang! dead dog, and already knows how to sit, shake and roll over…He is a very smart dog, learning his commands and his tricks very fast. He will make a great pet in a family setting. He is very loving…Rebel has added one more command to his resume and that is to speak. We are working on whisper now and he almost has that down!”

“Rita is learning four new tricks/commands: sit, down, bang! dead dog and high five…

Rita is doing great! She plays and interacts with almost all the dogs. Her energy and excitement levels are both good and bad. She can’t sit still. She doesn’t like the crate much and still loves to chew stuff, so we are working on that!”

“Tina listens great to every command. She now does the following commands: sit, down, stand, stay, come, no, bang! dead dog, the paw, both paws up, pray, and roll over. She also knows the hand signals for all of her commands…Tina is a very lovable dog. She gets jealous at times- she hates for me to be out of her sight. She loves the outdoors and loves to play with people and other dogs. Tina loves affection and treats, but likes praise more…Tina is a great dog with a beautiful and unique personality”.

All of the Pen Pals dogs will be available for adoption at the end of the program and our hope is that all eight will go directly from the program to their forever home. If you are interested in adopting a Pen Pals dog, go to www.barkva.org and submit an adoption application online. If you would like further information about the program or about a particular dog within the program, contact program coordinator Amy Almeida at amy@barkva.org. To read more about the dogs’ progress, please visit our website www.barkva.org.

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One Step Closer to a Forever Home. The Tom Petty Story.

Last month our adoption spotlight featured long-time BARK resident Tom Petty. Well, guess what? Tom Petty is now in a foster home, learning all the skills and behaviors that will increase his chances of adoption.

It takes a very special person to open her heart to a rescued animal, to love and nurture them for a period of time, and then give them up when their new permanent home is found. But, by taking ONE needy rescue into your home, you are making the difference between life and death. Your commitment increases the dog’s chances of being adopted and creates a space for us to take another dog out of the shelter and save another life.

Besides that, fostering is fun! Through fostering, animals come to understand that the safest place in the world is in the arms of their caretakers. Watching a convalescing dog gain weight or strength, a shy dog build trust and make friends, or an older dog relax in the comfort of a peaceful, quiet setting can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. If you have room in your home and your heart to foster a BARK dog, please contact foster@barkva.org. It’s a decision you won’t regret!

You can find more about Tom Petty’s first days in his foster home in the Volunteer News section of the newsletter.

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Fundraising News

Remember: BARK is an approved 501 c 3 charitable organization. Donations are deductible for taxpayers who itemize other deductions such as mortgage interest or medical expenses. In addition to cash donations, here are some additional ways to contribute:

1. Charitable Securities Account (Wachovia Securities).

2. Employee Giving Programs: ask your employer to help and write us at info@barkva.org to determine how they can help contribute in the following ways:

Employee Volunteer Grants

Matching Gifts

In-Kind Contributions

3. Shop for a Cause

BARK merchandise such as apparel (for you and your pet), housewares, bumper stickers and many other goodies are now available online at www.cafepress.com/barkva. Check it out!

4. Petmeds

Did you know that if you order your pet medications through the link on the BARK website, BARK receives a portion of the proceeds? Visit http://www.barkva.org/html/resources.htm for details.

5. Food Lion Shop and Share Program

Did you know that each time you shop at Food Lion and use your MVP card, a portion of your total grocery purchase could be donated to BARK? Register your MVP card with Food Lion to become a part of the Lion Shop and Share Program. Visit http://www.foodlion.com/IntheCommunity/ShopAndShare/default.asp and click on the “Register MVP Cards” link to sign up and select BARK as the organization of your choice.

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Helping the Community: BARK Intake/Adoptions for May 2008

When public shelters run out of room to house the dogs, they sometimes euthanize as a means of population control. BARK and other rescues offer lifesaving alternatives by transferring at risk dogs to their facilities, where they are housed until adoptive homes are found. In addition to finding forever homes, BARK vaccinates, spays/neuters each dog and provides appropriate veterinary care.

In May, BARK accepted 73 new dogs into our care. The majority of these dogs were transferred from public shelters in Louisa, Amelia, Abingdon, Henrico and Emporia counties. During the same timeframe, we placed 69 dogs in forever homes.

To learn more about BARK’s adoption process, go to http://www.barkva.org/html/adopt.htm.

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Adoption Spotlight: Long-time residents Sapphire & Tipsy

Meet Sapphire & Tipsy, sisters who came to BARK when their mommy & daddy split up, the house went up for sale and neither parent could take them to their new location - and no friends or family could care for them either. Tipsy is playful and runs in little circles with joy when you are in her pen. That gets Sapphire excited and she comes around and more shyly allows you to rub her head. They both light up when you simultaneously rub their little bottoms. These girls are keeshond/beagle mixes weighing in at around 40 pounds, very friendly, and crate-trained. They've been together their entire lives and we'd love to see them go to a new loving home together. They are well past the chewing, destructive stage and are full grown adults. Their only dream is to have a family who loves them, some play time in a fenced yard, and a nice comfy crate in which to sleep the night away. Please spread the word and help Sapphire & Tipsy find a forever home.

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Notes from the Farm: From Mathilda!

Hello to all of my BARK friends!

HOT ENOUGH FOR YA???

I have some bittersweet news for you this month. My dear friend Tom Petty has moved away, and I still can’t believe it’s true!

I had heard rumors that our friend Robin had taken a liking to Tom and that she wanted to make it her personal mission to find him a forever home. Sure enough, last week she and her husband loaded Tom into the back of their car (with a giant soft dog bed, no less), and drove away. Sue was there to help, and took me for a nice long walk after Tom left. She explained that my turn would come soon and encouraged me to be patient. How much more patient can I be??? I feel like I have lived here at the BARK home longer than anyone else! Fortunately, I have been getting updates from Tom, and hear that he is living the good life in his new foster home.

The good news is that I have a nice new roommate named Tumbles. He is quite a bit younger than old Tom, and much more energetic! I’ve had to put him in his place a couple of times, but over all I think he will turn out to be a good companion.

We all have been doing our best to beat the heat. Thanks to our hard working BARK volunteers, our water buckets have stayed full, and we’ve been provided with plenty of shade. I worry about our workers sometimes- they look so hot and tired and I know they could use more help. Maybe once school is out some nice young students will come here and lend a hand.

I overheard Murphy bragging to his girlfriends about the test he took a couple of weeks ago. He was talking about what fun he had hanging out with that group of BARK ladies in the big trailer. Turns out it is not some secret cult, it is an assessment group. He says they are planning to test ALL of us eventually, to see what kind of family we should live with. Murphy said he got a bit peeved when they stuck the fake hand into his food bowl. I really don’t blame him though, who wants someone messing with their dinner? Anyway, they told him he was a good boy, but that he probably shouldn’t live in a house with kids. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone understood us better? We each have our own personalities and “issues” but we know that there must be the perfect forever home for us out there somewhere….

I like what Mark Twain had to say about us:

If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.

Stay cool……. we hope to see you at the farm soon.

Your visits mean so much to us!!!

With love,

Tilly

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Volunteer Corner:

We Need You!

Farm caretakers:

We would like to encourage students and teachers who are off during the summer to volunteer at the farm. Just contact 449-2275 and let them know you are interested. They will get in touch and get you started.

Our kennel cleaning schedule is as follows (approximate start and stop times):

Monday through Wednesday: 8:00 AM until 2:30 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM until 3:30 PM

Saturday 10:30 AM until 3:00 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM until 4:00 PM

Spay/Neuter transport:

We need help transporting dogs to the Richmond SPCA and Prevent-a-Litter (P.A.L.) on Monday and Friday mornings for their spay/neuter surgeries. Generally, the transporter leaves the farm with the dogs around 8:30 am (7:30 am on the last Friday of the month), drops them at their destination and is back to the farm by 10:30. If you can help, even once a month, please contact Susie via email at: dls32t@aol.com.

Home Visits:

If you are interested in helping with home visits, please contact Teresa at Tspell01@aol.com. Please include your name, address, and phone number so she can determine which volunteer is closest to the potential adopter.

Volunteer News:

This month we welcomed the following fabulous volunteers to our kennel cleaning staff: Tina Schworm, Stacey Longworth, Kathryn Lacey, Lynn Crookston, Christian Casler, Kristen

Scearce, Barbara Gibbs.

Tom Petty News: For all of his fans, here is a recap of Tom’s first days in his foster home as recounted by his foster mom:

Day 1

I wish you could see TP lying beside me on his dog bed. He has already transformed into a yuppie dog, complete with red bandana. He had a bath and pedicure this afternoon and his coat is silky, soft, and beautiful, just like his personality. He seems very content, although maybe a little homesick this evening. Surprisingly enough, he prefers being in the house to the yard. He is a real people dog-at Petsmart he politely walked up and introduced himself to everyone in the store. He is very affectionate to Brian and me and often approaches us to be petted. A particularly cute moment occurred when Brian was standing in the dining room fixing my phone. TP came up to him to be petted and when Brian didn't respond, TP politely tapped him on the shin with his paw. Of course that earned an immediate hug! So far, TP has impeccable house manners other than wanting to mark stuff. Even that hasn't been too bad. A quick "no" stops him in his tracks. I can't imagine adopters not falling in love with this guy once they see him in person. I will try to lure them in with a good write up for his bio.

(Day 2)

Today was vastly different from Tom's normal routine at the Farm but true to his nature, he was a real trooper.

He began the morning by perfecting his stair climbing ability, a necessity in our split foyer style house. He has an AMAZING sense of smell. I was able to lure him up the back steps by throwing 1/2" treats to him from our deck. He could find these miniscule bits of jerky from at least 10 feet away. When he got back into the house, he was elated to discover a fish (white fish and sweet potato wet food) mixed in with his Science Diet breakfast. His tail didn't stop making helicopter circles throughout the meal. In fact, we had to move the trashcan because the noise of his tail hitting it kept scaring him.

After a morning nap (he LOVES his bed), he and I drove Brian to the courthouse for a county sticker. As we waited in the Highlander, TP seemed to enjoy people watching and tried his best to get their attention (no luck, though). He is a great car rider-another plus for adopters.

Brian picked up our dogs this afternoon and while he was gone, we had a severe thunderstorm. TP got scared and at one point hid in Brian's office. He was very surprised and excited to see our dogs and became animated and lively. After a few minutes of butt sniffing, he tried his best to engage them in a romp but Abbie the boxer's nose is out of joint at the thought of an "intruder" and Cookie Monster the Corgi is probably a bit intimidated by his size. They are coexisting just fine, though, and I'm sure they will soon be buddies.

Until this afternoon, TP didn't seem to know his name or at least did not respond when we said it. Now he's beginning to come when called or at least look up at us in recognition.

He has clearly had good experiences with people thanks to everyone at BARK who has cared for him. He is very trusting of us and comes to us for reassurance. He and the girls are riding out the storm in Brian's office.

(Day 3)

Tom, who still prefers to be in the house rather than out, has the house dog routine down pat. We don't crate him at night because we don't need to. He settles nicely on his bed in our room and sleeps, or at least stays still, until Brian or I get up. He then follows us into the kitchen with his nose stuck in the air trying to smell what's for breakfast. He is so cute with the wiggle while you eat thing. He's still thrilled with his Science Diet and fish. So much so that he ate all three breakfasts (his, Abbie's and Cookie's) when I wasn't looking!

The Sponaugle girls are not adjusting nearly as well as TP. They try to ignore him as much as possible but Abbie has missed two meals and spends most of her time sulking in the back yard or glaring at him from her perch on the couch. Cookie Monster watches him from the comfort of my lap. Brian noticed TP is hanging with them more each day, though, so hopefully he'll convince them he's harmless (and temporary). TP and Abbie are bonding through barking at the neighbors right now so that's probably good (for them, not for us...).

Today TP met my parent's dogs, a 5-year old blue tick/pointer mix and an 11-month old golden retriever. They got along fine but no playing yet (?). I get the impression everyone is a little intimidated by him but don't understand why because he has been nothing but a gentleman. Maybe it's his size. When I drove all five of them in the SUV to meet my dad this afternoon, the other four took great pains not to touch him. Very hard to do when five dogs are crammed in together but they managed. Cookie sat in the passenger's seat, Abbie in the seat behind me, and Sam and Sadie huddled together so TP could have the whole back area to him.

This evening he was crated for the first time. He did ok but was elated that I left a dinner party early so I could come home and check on him.

Anyway, things are still good. We're all set to take him to adoption fairs on Saturday and Sunday so keep your fingers crossed!

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Thank You Notes

Special thanks to those volunteers who took the time out of their holiday weekend to help during our last SOS needs for Memorial Day weekend!

Thanks to the Hands On Richmond volunteers for painting five red gates at the farm!

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Mark Your Calendars

June 21^st Richmond Vegetarian Festival 2008, noon – 6PM

Azalea Gardens at Bryan Park

(Rain date is July 12, same time & location)

Sport & Health Clubs Stafford, 10AM – 2PM

315 Garrisonville Rd.
Stafford,VA 22554

September 13th Henrico Humane’s Bark in the Park, Deep Run Park, 11AM-2PM

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Doggone Good Info: Kaine signs bills that raise penalty for animal fighting and operating puppy mills

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008

Animals to get new legal protection

JIM NOLAN

TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

Yesterday went to the dogs -- and a whole bunch of other animals in the state of Virginia -- that stand to be better protected thanks to a series of animal-fighting bills passed by the General Assembly and signed yesterday by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.

Joined at the headquarters of the Richmond SPCA by state and local elected officials and animal-rights advocates, Kaine ceremonially signed legislation toughening the law against animal fighting and restricting the operation of puppy mills.

Included among the bills signed into law:

· House Bill 656/Senate Bill 592 -- Makes animal fighting of any kind a Class 1 misdemeanor, while dog fighting remains a Class 6 felony charge. The bills also make it a felony to possess animal fighting equipment or to allow minors to become involved in animal-fighting activities. Animals involved in the activity can be subject to forfeiture. The law takes effect July 1.

· HB 538 -- Regulates and restricts dog breeding operations by requiring any breeder with 30 or more adult female dogs to be licensed by their locality, submit to inspections by animal-control officials, to maintain records, and to properly dispose of dead animals. The law also prohibits any person convicted of abuse, neglect or cruelty to animals from selling or trading them. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2009.

· HB 5 -- Prohibits using gas chambers to euthanize animals. The law is already in effect.

· SB 26 -- Makes organized dog fighting an offense subject to prosecution under Virginia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The law takes effect July 1.

"This is a significant step forward in the humane treatment and compassionate care of the animals we love," said Robin Starr, CEO of the Richmond SPCA.

The legislation passed last session was influenced in part by the investigation and prosecution of suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who was convicted of organized dog fighting charges in federal court last year.

Kaine, whose terrier-mutt, Gina, was adopted from the SPCA the day after he won election as Virginia governor, praised advocates and lawmakers from both parties agreeing on the measures. With Piper, a pit bull terrier, looking on, he signed the bills before a small crowd gathered in the spacious indoor track and training center of the facility.

"Sometimes it's said we fight like cats and dogs," said House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, who led efforts to get the legislation passed, along with House Minority Leader Ward L. Armstrong, D-Henry, and Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr., R-James City. "But this truly was a bipartisan effort."

Said Armstrong: "What people do to these animals is nothing short of barbarism in my book."

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Fourth of July Reminder

With July 4^th approaching, just a reminder to keep doggies and kitties inside during the festivities. Each year, many dogs and cats are separated from their owners when they run in fear of fireworks.

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Happy Tails.....Waggin’ Good News!

I adopted Bruno now “Justamere Zahm" from BARK approximately two years ago. He has become a very major part of the family. We started obedience training last year and he loves going to school. When he hears me getting his collar and leash he goes crazy because he knows we are headed out. AKC offers a fairly new class for dogs called Rally. Both Zahm and I love participating in this sport and decided to enter some trials. In his very first competition he scored a 94+ out of 100 and placed third in his division (Novice B) for which he received a beautiful yellow rosette and a green qualifying ribbon. In his next two trials he also received qualifying scores and therefore received his Rally Novice title in three consecutive events. We are absolutely delighted over his accomplishments and now plan to move up to the next level, which is Rally Advanced and requires all exercises to be performed off lead and also includes small jumps. We hope to start competing in this division soon. Zahm would be upset if I did not mention his girlfriend, Kussen, formerly Lucy also adopted from BARK. She is his biggest fan and loves romping around the backyard with him. They are the best buddies in the world and enjoy our walks together in the wildlife preserves and nature parks throughout the eastern part of Virginia. Pat Small.

Ginger Snap is doing great and getting lots of love…She sleeps all night in her crate and we are learning her potty rhythm. She is doing OK in the housebreaking front…today was a particularly bad day…lots of accidents…as soon as I think I have her figured out, she mixes it up. She loves her pretty purple bed and all her special toys. We are glad to have her…Thank you all at BARK for all you do for these animals. You all are truly selfless. Corinne L.

Winkie Wink or “little man” as we call him is doing great his little personality comes out more and more every day…he is spoiled rotten and lovin’ every minute of it! Some where in his past he has had people food and he is hysterical when you are eating the show he puts on is a site! Thanks, Marie, little man and family.

Hi! Annie is doing GREAT! The kids (and my husband and I) are so happy we found Annie. She is a real sweet and fun dog…She’s made lots of friends at my son’s soccer practices and she wants to go with us in the car EVERYWHERE we go. She and the cat are learning to live with each other although we still have the occasional bark or hiss between them…The kids are working on teaching Annie to play fetch and Frisbee and have been trying to teach her “sit” and “jump” but those will take a little more work…All in all, she’s made our house a happier place and hopefully we’ve made her life a little happier. Cindy H.

Thank you for checking in. Alexander is doing great. He has adjusted to our house and kids very well. He is an easily trainable dog, already learned his poopy spot in the woods, and the invisible fence boundaries in a matter of days. Kim says he’s the best dog she has seen (and she has been around quite a few dogs growing up)…We couldn’t have asked for anything better. Thank you so much… Peter, Kim and family.

Joni, who is now Pawley, is doing really well. She and her new brother, Maverick (3-year old beagle), are getting along well and enjoy chasing each other around the house and going on walks with Jason and me. She is almost fully housebroken and sits on command. She is a joy to have in our family! Carrie, Jason, Maverick and Pawley.

Joey has settled in well! He is right next to me on the couch. I can't really figure out if he was an outside dog or an inside dog. When we got home from Petsmart he didn't act like the house was a strange thing. He would jump right up on the couch and at bedtime he came right upstairs and got up with me on the bed like this wasn’t anything new to him…Oh he did some funny things the first few days. One morning he must have gotten up before me, and then came back to bed because when I went downstairs, I noticed some of my stuffed animals in his bed where he keeps his toys… He loves his walks and it has been good for me to have to take a break from whatever I am doing to go for a walk… It is a good stress reliever and when I get back I feel refreshed. He loves to lie down in the grass and roll around and likes it even better if I sit down next to him and pet his tummy. Ok, now it is time for a long walk, Lisa.

Banya is settling in well to our home. We have renamed her Feta (after the cheese). I have attached a few pictures of her. There is one picture with my best friend’s dog, an Australian Shepherd, Kyla, who is Feta’s best friend. They play about once a day together…Thanks for helping to make our home complete, Darcy S.

Yankee is fitting in pretty well. He plays with Ruby, the 7-month old Belgium Sheppard that I have also…At first he didn’t like getting in or out of vehicles. But now they both jump in the truck…They both like to chew, and my carpet is paying for it. Other than that, he is a pretty happy boy. Dave H.

First and foremost, thank you for providing us with such a wonderful addition to our family. Haley is a sweetheart and we love her dearly…She recently graduated from obedience school and is “Queen” of our yard with her electric fence…She loves her daily walks…The only issue we are working on is her hatred of cats! She loves to chase them up trees…Thank you to everyone at BARK. Sincerely, The Raihall family.

I adopted Major in December ’07 from you guys. It has been a joy since. He gets along great with Emma, they have formed a strong bond and are inseparable…He loves to warn me when people come near the house or yard. He also enjoys taking over the couch and watching TV and going for walks…Thanks again, Rich C

Clara is doing great! She has truly become a member of our family…and our family’s family as well!!! We have enjoyed every minute of getting to know her and hanging out with her and can’t wait for all of the good times to come!…She is not only our puppy, but my parents and Ben’s parents have taken to her like the grand- doggie she is, and boy does she get spoiled with love and treats. She is great with all people, kids and even other dogs, including my Ben’s family’s dog, Whitney, who she adores playing with as often as she can…Maybe they bond over being rescued into one big crazy family!…We love having her and thank you at BARK for the opportunity to have such a special dog who has fast become the center of our lives. With warm regards and great thanks, Suzie, Ben and Clara.

We LOVE Cisco. He is just a character. When he does something wrong and you correct him, he puppy sits and raises his paw to his face like he is trying to hide. It is hysterical…He hits the bed full force and then burrows into the covers and pillows. Then he does not want to come out. He hates the rain, so I have made him a raincoat. It is made out of an old tablecloth…Best of luck, Sherry R.

Buffy and Gabe are now known as Leonidas and Vegas and they are doing great! They get along with each other and have fun chasing each other in the back yard. Patricia.

I sent Rebecca an E-mail a few days after we got Bo to tell her and you folks at BARK what a great match you all made for us. He is the love of our lives and is the sweetest little dog. He sticks to us like glue and listens so well. He loves everybody and gets along so well with our cat and our friends’ dogs. Everyone just loves him and we couldn’t be happier… Thank you all for bringing Bo and us together and God bless you fine folks at BARK for the wonderful work you do with God’s creatures. Susan and Don S.

Lucy is settling in well! We dropped the “Lue” to just “Lucy.” She doesn’t seem to mind, though. Here are a few pictures of Lucy in the back yard chewing on “Baaab” her stuffed sheep toy. Well he was stuffed when we got him anyway! Chris.

We adopted Charlie (formerly known as Goody) about a month ago…We are so happy to have him in our family now, and this is truly a ‘happy tail.’ Thanks to everyone at BARK for giving us our wonderful Charlie! We love him so!

Jen and Michael.

Kym (we changed her name to Abby) is doing very well. She made herself right at home the minute she walked through the door. She hopped right up on my couch and curled up with a pillow and went to sleep. She and my cat, Morris, get along. Abby loves him and is her favorite toy. Morris tolerates her but likes her in small doses…We are struggling a little with housebreaking…Oh well, that’s puppyhood. Actually, it should get better starting next week. I am moving from a 3^rd floor apartment to a ground floor so I’ll be able to let her out into an enclosed patio with grass. Todd J.

Cindy Lou (known at BARK as Rosey) is a delight…She is a lover dog who loves to be petted…Her favorite toy is a stuffed toy pheasant that she loves to chase when thrown. She’s also getting good at retrieving and getting her Frisbee. Michael Y.

Dolly is doing great and happy as can be. We are simply delighted with her.

Lacy is doing very well. Got her final shots at Stonehenge Vet yesterday and is now 38 lbs. They say she has a perfect disposition. We are still trying to determine her makeup and will probably get a DNA test on her. Thanks for checking, Terry.

If you have adopted a BARK dog and have a Happy Tail or any other contribution

for this newsletter, please forward it to robin@sponaugle.net .

ANYTIME IS A GOOD TIME TO DONATE TO BARK!

BARK - Bandit’s Adoption & Rescue of K-9’s www.barkva.org 804-449-BARK (2275)

100% of your tax-deductible donation will go directly to spay/neuter operations, medical treatments, and daily care & feeding costs for the DOGS at the Ashland farm and in BARK foster homes. Please mail your donation to the address below. Every penny makes a difference in the life of a BARK dog.

Please accept my donation in the amount of:

$25 $50 $75 $100 $125 Other $___

Gift in HONOR of: __________________________________

Gift in MEMORY of: _________________________________

Name & Address: ________________________________________

BARK PO Box 1682 Glen Allen VA 23060 info@barkva.org 804-449-BARK(2275)

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