Hi Darling,
The Carr-Fassett family has a lot to be grateful about. If you’ve been following our adventures on Facebook and Instagram (where I post most of my personal pix and lots of animal adoption updates) you know that we found a big ole blessing in the woods (with the help of some awesome New Yorkers!): A sweet, emaciated (35 pounds underweight), sick and struggling-to-stay-alive, hound dog who we named…Buddy!
After weeks of searching for his owner, making countless trips to the vet, nursing him back to health around the clock (how do you moms out there do it?!), and showering him with love, respect and compassion, it’s official—he’s doing great and we’re keeping him! He’s our soon-to-be-healthy boy now and we couldn’t be happier. Welcome sweet Buddy!
Today Buddy is quite the celebrity. Thousands of people from around the world have been praying for him and cheering him on (#gobuddygo). Folks have been logging into their social media accounts just for Buddy, especially on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
If you’re one of those people, I just want to take a moment to thank you. I know your love matters. It’s been part of his medicine and ours.
What’s more, I’ve read at least a dozen comments from people who went out and adopted a first or second fur-child. And countless others who have said, “now you’ve really got me thinking, I really want to adopt.” Booyah! Nothing makes me happier. I swear I’ve cried hundreds of heart-opening tears as I read all the love and possibilities. You all are so wonderful, yet another reason I have to be grateful.
When I first saw this skinny guy, I knew the road would be long.
And I heard the voices in my head: “Um, you don’t have time for this. He’s too sick. You’re already spread too thin. Lola doesn’t like to share. You travel too much. He’s bigger than your house. He’s a hunting dog, you eat plants!” Sound familiar? I bet you have practical voices that tell you not to do stuff you really want to do too.
Soon I came to understand that Buddy was my spiritual lesson.
I constantly talk about the importance of loving kindness—extended to all beings. How could I pick and choose when it’s convenient? How could I not take this guy into my life and heart. Brian felt the same way (thank the Gods!).
That was our rubber meets the road moment.
Who better than us to care for this guy? We have 16 acres of woods to explore, 6 of which are fully fenced in—crucial for Buddy’s built-in wanderlust. We work from home. We love animals. We want more joy in our lives. It quickly became a no-brainer.
As for Lola, she’s dealing and healing too. I think Buddy is the only brother she’d ever tolerate. Because he was so malnourished and wounded, she gave him space and reverence. Though she really doesn’t appreciate when he takes over her bed (that’s way too small for him), I think she likes to have a pal to trot around and explore with (which he is slowly starting to do). We’re doing our best to make her feel super special during this time. Translation: She’s getting chubby. “Hello piglet, enjoy it now cause it ain’t gonna last!”
After only a few days, Buddy is putting on weight—close to a pound a day. His coat gets shinier, his eyes get brighter and his tail wags more and more. He’s even starting to look our way when we call his name!
I wanted to express how lucky we feel to have the chance to make a difference in Buddy’s life.
If you decide to bring an animal into your home this holiday season, please consider adoption. So many beings suffer senselessly in shelters. Sadly, many of them die there, never knowing any kindness or cuddles. If you’ve got a rescued fur-baby, you know what I mean. You also understand that they know you saved them—it’s a bond like no other. And boy do they appreciate it.
Unconditional love heals.
Thanks for listening! He continues to heal. As do we.
There’s nothing better than happy trails and waggy endings!
Public Service Announcement: For all the hound dog lovers out there—consider a GPS collar. Hunting dogs and hounds are lead by their nose. They get lost easily and really need our help. Tragically, many hunting dogs go missing during hunting season, and others get left behind if they aren’t top performers.
Your turn: Share your adoption story in the comments below (and congrats to Lisa Henbest, my Crazy Sexy Kitchen contest winner!)
Peace & wags,
I adopted my sweet Siren 7 months ago. She came from a house with 150 dogs in a basement. We quickly became fast friends, and I think we found each other really. She has taught me so much, and I can’t imagine my life without her ( even when she helps herself to my morning oatmeal).
Congrats on your new fur baby!!! It’s unimaginable to me who could do this to an animal. My daughter is a vet tech and one day a man brought in a little kitten who had “fallen” into a bucket of motor oil. He wanted to know what to use to clean it because he had more at home who also had “fallen”. The techs cleaned up the kitten but were suspicious, as it was very young (maybe 4-5 weeks at best). How could it “fall” into a bucket when it could barely walk? They ended up going to the man’s house and picking up the entire litter (7 total). They were able to clean them all up and my daughter brought one home to recuperate. Well that was 17+ years ago, and Bandit is still with us! He has been a very loving joy in our lives, and I can’t imagine life without him in it. I truly believe that he knew we saved him and he was grateful to be with a loving family. He’s an old man now, but our 2 other rescue kitties (age 3) know & respect him enough to let him be king of the house. 😀 All the best to you and your family, Kris!!
I also have a Buddy! Named after a sick squirrel we found repeatedly running into the posts of our neighbors fence. Buddy the squirrel had a huge abscess on his neck. He was very sick and disoriented. We took him to a wildlife rehab but sadly they were not able to save him. A few weeks later I was photographing dogs at a shelter named Found. Buddy the Chihuahua arrived after being found in an alley next to a dumpster in Chicago. It was late November so very cold outside. She was in heat, dirty, had long curled nails, a mouth full of rotten teeth, one bad leg and a heart condition! They estimated her to be 10 to 13 years old. I immediately offered to foster her. Needless to say, I’m the one who ended up adopting her! She now lives happily with my two Boston Terriers, two cats and my boyfriends lab! We LOVE our Buddy!!!
Lucky Buddy! I love animals also .I recently took in two more furry friends, with the passing away of my daughter in August, bringing my total to 6. Nicole was never able to have children,” Cuddles” and ”TeddyBear” were her babies. They have all adjusted very well!
Our doggie rescue has also been a spiritual journey and one that has provided so many benefits to not only Ginger, our second fur child, but to our whole family. We had been considering a second dog but we’re not sure how Princess (name says it all) would like a companion. Through a series of “coincideneces” I received an email about a dog in foster care that needed a permanent home right away. The dog, Ginger, had 4 owners in just as many years with its most recent long-term owner being disabled in a car accidentand unable to care for her. Ginger was reported to be very skiddish, shy and afraid of people . We went out in the middle of terrible snow storm to meet her and she immediately came to us tail wagging and jumped up to greet us. We then had her come for a home visit and she and Princess became great friends – she had found a new home. The previous owner was so relieved to know Ginger had found a true “forever” home. Ginger is truly now the dog she was created to be – lively, friendly, trusting and a great family member.
My dear friend adopted a l9 month old Yorkie-Poo from a family in crisis. She named her Shakti…she is a little energy ball! That first few days were challenging, but they bonded & started their life together…then she found out her sister was gravely ill…her cancer was winning this time, so she had to go. I have 2 rescues myself Chewie & Olivia, 14 & 9 yrs. old. We have Shakti with us now for however long it turns out to be. My guys are teaching her manners…establishing boundaries & she’s getting it…she’s a smart puppy! To me dogs are pure love…everytime I leave the house & return it’s Christmas morning! Yay!@ You’re home! We missed you SO much! 5 minutes or 5 hours. Glad you shared your story & boy did Buddy hit the jackpot…looks like you all did.
I adopted a sweet but quirky beagle named Belle 5 years ago. Our Miss Belle was rescued from a kill shelter on the west side of Michigan and traveled hundreds of miles across the state to a foster home. I learned of the degree that animal rescue missions go to save these animals. They loaded up the dogs that were to be killed that day and our sweet Belle (who was only 1 1/2 at the time) was one of them. The rescue mission then finds foster homes for these dogs until they are adopted. Truly a labor of love and one that I will forever be grateful for.
Miss Belle’s foster mom had a lot of beagles and when my daughter’s and I walked in to her home, Miss Belle stole our heart. We had to go through an interview process and we passed with flying colors and we brought this beagle home to our at the time, all girl home. I was a single mom with two young daughters and we brought in the 3rd sister! The foster didn’t know a lot about Belle but knew there was some abuse issues in her past. She was very friendly to women upon first greeting but is very fearful of men. Funny thing is that once she gets to know and trust men she really loves them and knows how to work her powers on them! She has my husband wrapped around her finger (lots of treats and affection!) We have learned to work with Belle and her trust issues. It is clear to us that she was beaten and probably by a man since she is so fearful. She has had some “issues” and some people told us that we should get rid of her but I couldn’t give up on this 23 lbs of beautiful beagle spunk. For a long time we could not pick her up because she didn’t trust us. In time we were able to do so, although she’s not super happy about it!! It took a long time for her to truly trust us but now there is so much unconditional love that our hearts swell with it. To think that someone could hurt this trusting pup breaks my heart. We did not give up on Belle, and just like you, we showered her with love and affection and she is a beautiful loving dog that all people who meet her love. When we are gone for 5 minutes – she cries when we return and is so excited to see us. True puppy bliss just to see us. Is there any better gratitude than that? I couldn’t and didn’t give up on that sweet dog and she thanks me for that on a daily basis. She has brought so much love and laughter to our home and has truly been a blessing. She is treated like a princess and I am grateful for the love and compassion that she has brought to our house!
Just as Buddy has been blessed with entering your life he has also been a huge blessing to you. It is such a miracle how our animal friends have an impact on us and support us in our personal growth. This unconditional love bond is amazing in teaching and guiding us to be the best person we can be when we are open for transformation. My daughter adopted a lizard when he became “useless” after a science unit in school. It is amazing to see how she has stepped up to take ownership and responsibility for her new friend. I see new kindness and compassion blossoming in her as she tries to find her place in this world.
Several years ago, I stood peering out my bedroom one rainy day. I was looking at the opossum walking along a street. As this opossum approached closer to my window, I noticed, it wasn’t a opossum, it was a dog! This poor dog was so matted, I couldn’t see the eyes or if it was a male or female. It waddled as it walked, it was so matted. I ran and got some dog food and she walked into our home. I already had a dog and living in an apartment I couldn’t have two dogs. I just needed to help out this dog in any way I could. I called the groomers and told her what I found. She said “bring the dog in”. While driving she sat up on the front seat, like she’d belonged to me forever.
The groomer said, “I don’t know what you have, but it will take about 3-4 hours to clean the dog up”. After 3 hours of working on HER, the groomers said she’s ready for pick-up. When I got there, the groomer “said, you won’t believe what you have!” I was so excited to see how she looked. She was a beautiful miniature poodle all white, except for her ears. She had one black ear and one white ear but, when you flipped them up they were opposites, one white and one black. So unusual was she. When I took her home she could jump waste high on me, she was a happy girl. knowing I couldn’t keep her I turned to Pet Finders. I called and reported what she was and that evening a lady and little girl picked her up and took her home.
Volunteer your time, read a book to a child, talk to the elderly at nursing homes, and help a animal.
I have a cat (Flatley) who lost her brother and so I wanted to get her another boy (she’s not so keen on females) for company and so I went to our local cats’ rescue centre looking for an older male to take home. However, the older males I saw seemed too boisterous for my elderly Flatley and the lady at the rescue centre said “come upstairs and I’ll show you a little secret – I shouldn’t be showing anyone these yet as they’re only 4 weeks old”. That was it, there were six kittens: one black and white ball of fur (male), 4 tabby and white balls of fur and an all black shorthair (all female). I immediately got my name down for the male and named him Xavier and he’s been the best, softest, innocent, playful, MASSIVE, yet gentle, perfect companion for Flatley. All of the other kittens soon had people claiming them with the exception of the black (seemingly, runt) shorthair of the litter. I said if no-one had ‘claimed’ her when I went to pick up Xavier at eight weeks, I would take her. Hence, Phantom is part of my brood now also. I visited Xavier and Phantom during those four to eight weeks before I could take them home and on one of my visits I met a tortoiseshell who was caged. Apparently, she had been abused by some children and also hit by a car and had part of her leg/bone removed (at the top of her right thigh) and had to stay in the cage for weeks. The lady at the rescue centre let me get her out and she purred her head off and basically told me she was mine. The lady at the rescue centre certainly saw me coming as I said I’d take her too! India (as she became known) is a total nut job (it’s like all those weeks in the cage made her psychotic (but in a good way!)) and she’s the most energetic of the bunch and so loving and hilarious. You wouldn’t know she was hit by a car until you see her sit down and she sticks her right leg out in front of her – adorable. My mother was very ill with a brain tumour when I got this bunch and brought them home to Flatley (who has accepted the females brilliantly too) and, sadly, my mother is no longer with us, but my puddies bring me such joy and so much laughter that I know I made the right decision, even though four are more hard work than two and I can’t afford all organic fruit and veg ‘cos of the cost of their ‘must be above 70% meat’ diet!) but I wouldn’t change a thing! They keep me sane, laughing, and up and I’m thankful for them every day.
I am loving this story and seeing him get healthy warms my heart.
I have not adopted a dog yet! But our family recently started to foster dogs for Tailwaggers 911, in WI. Yesterday, we got our second dog! Our first one found a forever home last week, just in time for another transport of dogs this week. Both of our foster dogs were brought to WI from GA. I just don’t understand how people can just throw them away!
Keep mending Buddy!
My story starts 14 years ago in Guam. I adopted Daisy from GAIN- the local shelter back then. I was transplanted to Guam with my husband’s (at the time) job with the coast guard. He was headed off island for training and I wanted a companion. She was full of worms and barely 4 lbs. After good nourishment, lots of snuggles, and a wonderful vet, she have me 14 years of wonderful companionship. She was my constant through the wonderful and the not-so-lovely. I just lost Daisy last month and as I am nursing my own broken heart I am so filled with gratitude that a tiny pup who grew into 56 lbs of pure love chose me for her doggy mama. Love and appreciation to all those who adopt a pet.
Gatsby came into my life within a couple of months after my ex husband and I separated and a few weeks after my beloved 6 year old Malamute quickly died from cancer, (a week from diagnosis). I was struggling with loss and so were my children. During this challenging time I had to focus on helping this beautiful red dog deal with his anxieties as he helped me deal with mine. After 2 years he is my constant companion, we are rarely not in the same room, bathroom included! My only regret is that my beloved Majik never got to meet him. We were looking for a second dog before Majik became sick, but that wasn’t the Universe’s plan….The plan was healing the family. And that is exactly what happened…..
We are currently considering adding another furry friend to our family, we could all share a little more love…….
If you are feeling the pull on your heart to welcome a furry friend into your life, adopting will heal your world and the world of someone in need too!
A few months back after a long day at work I was on my way home in an industrial area in Puerto Rico commonly known as “El Cinco”. After a short left turn I noticed a “Puertorrican terrier” a name given to a mix race dog in the island; he was asking for help….I mean he could barely walk yet he was making his way to people. He had various infected wounds and kept bleeding with every step he took.
At this point I felt so bad that I started crying, you see this dog wasn’t a regular cute mix race dog he was definitely half pit-bull, which intimidated me so much I was afraid to help him. I didn’t know what to do, he was medium size and I am 5’2″ with an SUV. I started thinking that if I picked him up he could bite me.
My mind went immediately to my fear zone…. yep FEAR ZONE that exclusive space in my mind dedicated to commemorate my fears… and in this case one in particular; a few years back I was bitten by my dog maybe because he ran out the night before and he was dehydrated or maybe because I touched him in a wounded area after a night of party… the point is that from that moment on I’ve kept small dogs and even a cat and this half pit-bill did not fit in any of the previous categories. To make matters even worse I didn’t have enough money to take him to the vet.
After a few desperate moments with the help of a few people in the street we picked him up and put him in my SUV, took him to the vet and left him there for observation and care for the wounds. I named him CINCO after the area that I found him, this also means 5 in Spanish. The next day I received a call from the vet’s office telling me that he had to be operated, since he had a broken leg in addition to the other wounds…I immediately accepted but had no idea of how I was going to pay for CINCO’s hospital bills. Then I received a call from one of the ladies that helped me put him in the car and though she didn’t have money, she and I contacted a few rescue groups, friends, family and strangers in order to have them call the doctor and make a donation. We used a slogan “Cinco para Cinco” ($5 for Five).
After many vet visits to Cinco, an operation and many donations we raised the money and even found him a foster home, that two months later became a permanent home for him. He now lives happy and I must admit that my fear of pit-bulls is almost gone.
A yr ago last August Otis the golden doodle blessed our lives. He was 4 1/2 and had been taken to a rescue for the 4th time. His problem is terrible allergies and he sneezes and snot flies everywhere. Well we say: “what’s a little snot among family members?” He has blessed our lives more than you can imagine and his ailment keeps me on track to better health for our whole family. I am determined to find a homeopathic cure for our sweet boy as well as keeping him on a healthy diet. And we thank you Kris- for sharing your story and helping so many find the path to health by using food as medicine! Oh, and it helps to find doctors and vets who agree with going the homeopathic way! God bless your family and especially Buddy!
We decided to adopt a second dog from our local shelter. Apparently I am not good at identifying pregnant dogs (lol) and came home with a beautiful 3 year old husky/border collie girl named Dutchie. Dutchie was surrendered to the shelter as the owners couldn’t handle any more dogs (maybe that was a hint?) I took Dutchie for her check up 4 days after we adopted her as I was a little concerned of how quickly she was putting on weight….
The vet pronounced her young and strong and due in 7 to 10 days…huh???
Along came 7 puppies….the best surprise ever! We found homes for 6 of the darlings and kept one little girl named Bella….the tiny duplicate of Dutchie. We love them…they are the light of our lives. I would highly recommend taking a chance on love…you just never know.
What a lovely story. I have adopted a few dogs in the past that have now gone on to doggie heaven due to old age. I currently have one fur-baby named Chiquita (Chihuahua) and she keeps me company at home as I am recovering from thyroid cancer. After I had surgery, I could not keep her out of bed with me. She watched over me day and night and still does. She seems to sense what is going on. She has quieted down quite a bit and seems to know when I am having a not so great day and to lay quiet. She is a good listener and a loyal companion my little Chiquita.
I actually have a not-so-nice fostering/adoption story. Our family fostered a kitty who, when she came to us was half-starved and her fur was shaved due to excessive mats. We loved her and nursed her back to health. After a few weeks I noticed she kept gaining weight and was, in fact, pregnant and looking for a place to have her babies. I called the humane society to tell them about this and told them I would care for the kittens, and they wanted me to take her to their vet to get checked out. The next day when I picked her up I had to sign a release understanding the risks of a late term abortion. I had no idea they were going to take the babies. Our kitty was never the same, and neither were we. We haven’t fostered any animals since then because it was such a trauma for my family. I agree with the mission of fostering and adoption programs. But don’t always agree with their methods of population control.
I first saw Buddy on Instagram and having two shelter dogs of my own it touched me. I was going through a tough time in my personal life and feeling really down when I first saw this. Then day by day Buddy began to get brighter and stronger and I realized how grateful he was. It is in the giving and helping others that we grow stronger. This sick weak dog was a reflection of how I was feeing on the inside. Day by day, post by post I began to climb out of this depression. Buddy, you gave me strength and help me heal too. Thanks!
My little 3 pound dog, Mia, and I were minding our own lives when another sweet little 3 pounder got adopted by our neighbor. The old owners had neglected her so badly that her vet needs were urgent and costly. The neighbor could not afford to keep her. How could I say no? Sugar, the super spastic but amazingly sweet, little bundle joined our family. She is now bouncing, running, her coat looks great and she only has a few more surgeries to go. We love her.