Dear AFH: Another update from Trevor aka Baxter adopted in 2014. Trevor is a versatile boy. Most recently he earned the distinction of being the very first dog worldwide to earn the International Dog Parkour Association’s Gap Jump Level 1 Dog Parkour Specialist title (PKD-GJ). We are so excited and are steadily working on the next level to see how far we can go. Anyone interested in checking out this exciting sport can go to their website dogparkour.org and read up on it. There is also a very helpful group on Facebook “Dog Parkour Training,” which encourages handlers to help each other, reviewing each other’s videos, and answering questions from newer members. Thank you all for allowing us to share.
Diana Hong and Trevor
Hi Patti,
Just wanted to update you on our new family member, Skylar…You’ll be comforted to know that Skylar has quickly worked her way into our hearts. She is the sweetest pup ever and so bright and responsive. She is friendly and affectionate with all, including the guys working on our deck this week! Of course you know all this already. Thank you for your care and concern for all your fosters but especially Skylar! I’m sending several pics of her and our family and would be happy to send them or post them to A Forever Home or wherever you suggest. Please take care of yourself. Sending healing thoughts,
Sue & Ted
Hi Andi, I hope you had very happy holidays! I thought you might be wondering about Dottie abs just wanted to let you know she has settled in so well. She’s gotten comfortable in the house/yard, and is so gentle with our kids and senior dog. We are so happy we found her! Sharing a few pictures of her cuddling and enjoying the snow!
Take care! Becca
Dear AFH: We just had to share with our friends at AFH. Trevor (formerly “Baxter” adopted 2014 from AFH) earned a 2021 national ranking in obedience competition in the Companion Dog Sports Program (CDSP). He is ranked #12 in Open A class in the country! He is nearing 8 years of age and with patience and consistency early in his life, has overcome his reactivity and anxiety to become a wonderful dog and my best friend. He has gone farther than anyone could have dreamt and we are so proud of him. Thanks for letting us share our good news!
Yours, Diana Hong & Trevor
Good afternoon,
We were reading one of your newsletters this morning. We thought it would be nice to provide an update on Blake (formerly Gatsby). We adopted Blake from A Forever Home in June 2011. In March 2022, he will be 11 years old. He has been an amazing dog and companion for the past decade. About two weeks after adopting Blake, we adopted another dog, Clay. My friend from high school found him running on the interstate. They have grown up together and remain the best of friends. In 2014, we adopted Dixon and he completed the trio. Unfortunately, Dixon had to be put down in May 2021 due to non treatable health issues. Blake and Clay have adapted well and continue to live very active and social lifestyles. I am including a link of pictures of Blake. We confirmed via DNA he is a mix of Great Pyrenees, GSD and Boxer. He is the most kind and gentle dog we have ever shared our lives. I am attaching the picture of Blake the day we saw him at the adoption event in Springfield, VA. We now reside in Blacksburg, VA where Blake and Clay enjoy visiting Virginia Tech daily.
Pictures of Blake: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AqbAejZiDUfx9E8RoPgLbel_1i1e
Regards, Crystal
Molly has had a very adventurous army dog life. We adopted her in mid February of 2010 @ 8 weeks old which means she will be turning 12 next week 12/17. She has moved from VA to TN, then back to VA again and has since retired to the fingerlakes region of central NY in 2016. She still acts like a puppy and enjoys a large lawn, many squirrels to chase and a dad who works from home so she gets to be with him all day. – Thanks AFH for finding me such a loving home. They are so lucky to have me 😊🐶
Ruby is adjusting well and feels very comfortable in our home. She absolutely adores children of all ages and my husband! She listens well and is obedient most of the time – especially if treats are involved. Ruby sleeps in our room on her bed and waits for us to arise before she gets up. Tennis balls continue to be a joy for her and her favorite toy, as you can see, is the one you sent with her. She has definitely filled a void in our lives. Thank you for being a wonderful foster and preparing her to move on to her forever home.
Diane
Dear AFH: Super news from Trevor (aka Baxter adopted 2014). Trevor is special. I knew that when he came to be part of our family. I have had 5 rescues, past and present. All have trained in several sports with me, obedience being one of them. We have had success at the Novice (CD) level, but in over 15 years of training and competing we could not break through to a higher level. Until now. Trevor is the very first of my beloved dogs to earn an Open title in obedience in any venue. On August 1, 2021, Trevor earned his Companion Dog Excellent (CDX-C) title from the Companion Dog Sports Program (CDSP) at the age of 7 in Frederick, MD from the A class: 194.5 (1st), 194.5 (1st), 193.5 (1st). Trevor had to overcome a very rocky start with fearfulness, reactivity, and separation anxiety so that makes his achievement all that much more heartwarming. Love him to the moon and back! Thanks for allowing me be his forever Mom.
Yours, Diana Hong & Trevor
Judy, It’s been one week since I brought Jurney home. Cannot believe how she and Hattie have connected. She is a real sweetheart, and we are so grateful to have her as part of our family! Coming up on almost 3 years ago that we adopted Hattie….hard to believe. Our 2 hound mixes…..so beautiful, so sweet, so loved. Thought you might like to see this picture. Hattie on left, Jurney on right. I chose the name Jurney, as a form of journey, because she sure was on one from wandering in Mississippi to her forever home here with us. Thank you…..A Forever Home, for all you ALL are, and all that you do. You are angels here on Earth. –Terri
Dear Forever Home –
I adopted a Shar Pei/Lab mixed from you back in March 2007. She was born January 20, 2007 and was eight weeks old when I adopted her. Her name is Sadie. She was one of the Presidential pups; Mamie Eisenhower. A year after I adopted her, my only child was killed in a car accident. The devotion and love of that sweet loyal pup made each day less of a struggle and a challenge. Thirteen years later, she’s more loving, devoted and loyal than ever before. Though she is ferously dedicated, she is very laid back, easy going and extremely sweet and gentle. Today marks Sadie’s 14th birthday and though I should have submitted this a long time ago, I wanted you to know how thankful and grateful I am to your organization and in awe of all the magnificent work you do for the animals, especially the dogs. I love this dog beyond words. Not only is she not just a dog, she’s the reason I can get up and start every day! Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. I just wish you knew what you have done and how deeply appreciative I am that you approved my application for her adoption.
I’m beyond words how blessed I am that she rescued me!
With sincere thanks, Diane
Hello! I want to send my yearly thank you for rescuing my beloved schoodle Izzy (nee Elena) from a Missouri puppy mill in 2009. She is my utter joy and love. She’s about 11.5 now and still as spunky as ever. While she prefers to run outside and roll in the mud, I did put her in her Christmas PJs and put bows in her hair a few days ago and captured this adorable photo. See attached. I thought you may giggle. Thank you again for all that you do- have an amazing New Year!
Kerri
