Honoring the Life of Piper

Sweet Piper crossed the Rainbow Bridge on January 18th. We thank Piper’s mom, Laticia, for sharing her very moving and personal story:

“Today I lost one of my best friends. She was the type of friend who always listened and was right by my side whenever I needed her. She was a beautiful soul, who taught me so much about myself, life and what is means to really love.

Piper came into my life during one of the most difficult times I had ever been through. My husband of 4 years, whom I had been with for 9 ½ years had just moved out. Our relationship had been difficult for some time, still nothing prepared me for the swirl of conflicting emotions that enveloped me in those first few weeks and months. I had started fostering for Muttville the previous year and had taken in back to back dogs that required treatment for heartworm. It was difficult, but in the end well worth it-particularly when they were each placed in wonderful homes. Franklin, my ever faithful companion was my last foster before Piper. He was adopted the weekend after my husband moved out. While I was THRILLED with the amazing family that adopted him, I felt a little lost once he was gone. Friends suggested that it might be good to take a break from fostering -and they were well meaning. They thought I should deal with my personal grief over the dissolution of my marriage. They mentioned how difficult it might be to handle 3 dogs on their daily walks. I secretly think they wondered if my devotion to the dogs contributed to the difficulty in my relationship. I considered their advice…..until I saw Piper’s photo. Instantly I knew, she needed me. What I didn’t know is how much I really needed her.

I still remember when the animal control officer unlocked the door to the truck, revealing to me the sad little sack of bones I had only seen a grainy picture of. She was terrified. The ride had obviously been traumatic. As I loaded her into my car I thought to myself, this one might be the toughest so far. She was very closed off. As soon as I got her home, I gave her a long overdue bath. I spoke to her in soothing tones. I wanted her to know that I was going to take care of her and she was safe. She kept turning her head away from me in fear and I wondered to myself…..what has this beautiful girl been through that made her this way? Will she ever open her heart to me? As we neared the end of the bath, she finally turned her face to mine. She seemed calmer. I gently stroked the fur on her face and told her she now had a place to call home. Before I knew what I was doing, I gave a quick kiss on her snout, something that came naturally to me. As I pulled away, I instantly realized I should have been more respectful of her boundaries, worried I might have frightened her. Instead, she gave me an indication of what was to come. Piper tilted her head and kissed me back. I should have known then, she would always be mine.

In the weeks that followed, I watched Piper blossom into a carefree, loving, goofy, 12 year old puppy. She basked in any affection I gave. She romped in the yard with my dogs. She ate like a champ and quickly put weight on to her skinny little frame. The first time she crawled onto my bed and proceeded to do the happy dog roll for 20 straight minutes, I watched through tears of joy. She had blossomed. She never understood the concept of toys or balls, but loved to chase my dogs as they played. Then one day, she picked up a squeaky ball and realized the joy it could bring. It was literally one of the happiest moments I have ever witnessed. It was like she was learning for the first time how to be a dog. I was thrilled with her progress. The only thing she continued to struggle with was strangers. She clearly trusted me. She knew I was her person, but as I introduced her to new people, she was scared, timid and would often back into a corner and bark. I understood this instinct. I too found myself pulling away from people, even trusted friends, as I struggled with my divorce. The thought of opening myself up to anyone frightened me. I figured if the one person who knew me best in the world no longer loved me, how could I expect anyone else to? I continued to expose Piper to new people and soon enough, she realized there was nothing to be afraid of. These people often offered scratches, love and treats. Slowly, she began to approach strangers with more confidence. I watched and realized that this dog just might be the bravest little creature I had ever seen. She once had a family she loved and trusted. She did nothing wrong and they left her behind, with nothing but her confusion and will to survive. She had no reason to trust anyone. But she learned that by trusting me, she found a place to call home. I realized that if I could open myself up again, perhaps I could find my “home”.

Without Piper, I am not entirely sure I would be as happy as I am today. I met someone who gives me that feeling of home & safety. It took me time to open up. I did plenty of pushing him away and hiding, but I too learned that I needed to be brave and I just might find something amazing. I should have known what a wonderful person he was-the first time he met Piper, she did not bark or run away. She simply walked over and greeted him, like he had always been there.

Now that I am without her I feel an overwhelming grief, but there is something even more powerful left….there is gratitude. Gratitude to a dog who taught me to trust, to fully love and to realize it was okay to start over again. I know for certain that the year Piper spent with me was the greatest year of her life. I also know as difficult as it has been for me, it will undoubtedly be one of the best years of mine. I fell in love three times this year. Once with a dog. Once with myself. And once with the kindest man I have ever met. It is only fitting that he was the one to let me know Piper had gone in her sleep and he was the one to comfort me as the sadness took over. He knows how much she meant to me and even more importantly, he was just as taken by her. She was able to go in the most beautiful way, curled up in the corner she always loved to sleep in. My heart, of course, is broken, but I am grateful she is free from the illness & pain she had struggled with.

When I close my eyes, I see her wrunkly (a word I invented to describe her wrinkled face) snout, her bright eyes and her gummy smile. She was a beautiful soul, who taught me so much in our time together. I will be forever grateful to her."

02.03.12

Success Story "Cupcake"

Thanks to Muttville mom Josie for sharing the story of Cupcake:

You wouldn’t know by looking at this itty, bitty poof ball of a girl dog the immense character and sweetness she has within. Everyday she shares her heart and silly ways with us and we LOVE it! Although she had little hair on her tail and bald spots on her tiny body when we first met, she’s rockin’ a full coat of blonde fur these days that her lovely, white eyelashes compliment so beautifully. This little girl brings us so much happiness simply by being who she is. Her Dad calls her Marilyn Monroe when she follows him around batting her loving, soulful eyes at him when she wants him to take her for a walk. It’s so adorable how she communicates with us. When she’s decided it’s time to go somewhere or sees me grab the iPod, she dances to the front door singing along the way with her front paws bouncing up-n-down, so excited. We’re crazy in love with Miss Cupcake, a total sweetheart whose exterior disguises the enormity of what she’s about on the inside.

I often think of our first few meetings at Muttville. She seemed content to be by herself, curled up and away from the action. Sherri told me she wants for nothing and likes to go out, but is so teeny and quiet it’s easy to miss her since she blended in so well with the comfy bedding she enjoyed snoozing away in. Although she has her fave spots, she still likes to move about and arrange her blankets just so to catch a nap.

Like all the other deserving souls Muttville has saved, her story was compelling; all 4 pounds of her was found dragging a cantaloupe sized hernia around, most of her teeth needed to be removed, there were open areas of skin on her body, one of her legs is jacked up from something that happened in her previous life…And yet, here she is one ear up, one flopped down lookin’ so darn cute, enhancing our lives beyond measure. She doesn’t carry even a hint of a grudge for the neglect she endured. We are so grateful to Sherri for seeing that Cupcake was ready for her new beginning.

It’s never too late for a new beginning!

If you adopted a Muttville dog, we would love to feature you in an upcoming ‘Success Story’. Please contact info@muttville.org with the Subject line ‘Success Story’

02.01.12

Adopted Mutts of the Week: January 23 - January 29

Thanks to the efforts of you – our foster parents, volunteers and supporters – here are this past week’s lucky Muttville seniors who found forever homes:

Lima
Charleston
Mona
Henry
Lil Bear
Fluffy

Many thanks to all our volunteers and visitors who came to see us for the final weekend at our Pup Up Adopt Shop. Our first ever store may be closing, but don’t worry! Muttville will be announcing plans for its new official location in San Francisco. Stay tuned!

Every dog adopted means another life we can save. There’s a perfect senior waiting for you! Click here to see all of our mutts.

01.30.12

Operation Chow Babies + Lil "Sumo" Bear

Thanks to animal rescue volunteers Robert and Paula in Southern CA who flew these three seniors to Muttville!

Chin & Chow, and Lil Bear arrived safely to Muttville. Their first plane ride! What a way to start their new life!

We are so grateful to animal advocates like Robert and Paula. Thanks to their generosity and passion to save animals, these 3 lovely seniors made it to Muttville, and they will find new happy beginnings in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Chin & Chow need foster homes ASAP! If you are interested in fostering these two lovely seniors, please get in touch with Muttville! Email info@muttville.org

It’s never too late for a new beginning! Be sure to check out Chin & Chow and Lil Bear profiles to read more about them!

01.20.12

Bumper Went on Vacation in Style!

Here is a story that Bumper wrote himself about his really fun vacation with Muttville volunteer Annie and her husband:

I was away from Muttville on a four-day, four-night stay at hotel Fuji and Samurai in San Francisco for the New Year’s holiday. At this hotel, they called me The Little King and Udon. These people understood my disability and made me as comfortable as possible. They placed shoe boxes to prevent me from bumping into a wall or furniture, and it didn’t take me long to learn my way around but I was not perfect. I made a fool of myself by rolling like crazy on their carpet and hopping on a bed of overgrown ivy and dry leaves; it was so much fun.

I got to go to GGP everyday in my limo (a stroller) and visited Stow Lake, Conservatory of Flowers, DeYoung Museum, Academy of Sciences; and the Rose, Japanese Tea and Botanic Gardens. When I needed to stretch my legs I stood up and put my paws on the front of the limo. With all the open spaces and new smells at the park, I pretty much sniffed and walked myself to China; and I got to be mischievous like any other normal dog. I sunbathed in the most famous park in the world, either in a meadow sandwiched between the Museum and Academy of Sciences, or in front of the Conservatory of Flowers. I met the girl of my dreams; my limo driver told me she was very pretty in a light blue dress, and she even gave me a kiss on the forehead. Oh! One more thing – I waited patiently most of the time for my limo driver to buy her lunch from a food truck, and then we sat down on a bench with the Museum and the Academy of Sciences in view. Could life be better? I didn’t eat any of her lunch: “veggie” is not my thing. Afterwards I went to a pet supply store to shop for my own food, and refused to stay in the arms of my limo driver: I was the one eating, so gotta choose my own dinner! Also, I went window shopping and some of the stores welcomed me inside; at one store I got treats from the store owner. I accompanied my hotel people to the grocery store, and my limo driver and I stayed outside on a bench and I heard the world go by. I made friends with locals and internationals, doggie friends, toddlers and grandpas at the park, on the streets and inside and outside the stores. After dinner, I relaxed between them while they watched a movie or TV. One of the nights I got to sleep on the man’s chest – it was warm. The man whispered to his wife. ‘This might be bonding for him, but to me this is relaxation for the mind and soul.’

On New Year ’s Day when we got back from the park, I smelled something in the yard which was not the same species as me, and I went bananas. Picture me as a six month-old puppy, running with full speed to the source, tail wagging, a smiling face and the excited sounds that you usually hear from a dog. That was really fun. One day at the park, we drove to an art fair; she enjoyed her art and I napped away in my limo.

To tell you the truth, I am not much needier than the average Fido: my only fault is I need someone to let me out to relieve myself every couple of hours. I do remind myself that I need to go to the door, and I was very good at it during my vacation. I can walk myself if you build me an enclosure in the yard with something soft to cover the poles, so you don’t need to be constantly by my side; just check on me regularly. I do take breaks or naps between my journeys. My dream home is somewhere in the country where I can smell different animals and chase them: that’s right I chase them within the enclosure. And I am happily content if I live in the city; just take me with you wherever you go. I cause almost no trouble except when I smell food; then I don’t like to stay in your arms or in my limo. Please, don’t feel sorry, but be happy for me that I want to live and enjoy life. If you enjoy meeting new people and making friends, I am your best ambassador. If you want to give me a forever home, please be patient and love me beyond my disability, and in return, I will love you to eternity…….

Thanks Bumper! He also wants us to remind his readers that he is still looking for his forever home! He said, if you like my story, you’ll also like my excellent profile. (I didn’t write it, but I like it alot!)

01.18.12

Happiness Til the End: Wallace

We adopted a little guy named “Salty Dog” in April 2009 – we called him Wallace. He was an amazing dog and became an important part of our family. He saw us have two daughters and moved with us three times.

Wallace passed away with us at home early Tuesday morning. The vets made sure he wasn’t in any pain. He was likely fighting some form of cancer for the last three months. We loved and cherished this guy; he really was a special dog and I’m glad we were able to spend three wonderful years with him. I want to thank you and Muttville for making it possible for us to find this sweet, caring little guy who changed our lives.

Warm regards,

The Mohan Family

01.17.12

Adopted Mutts of the Week: January 9 - January 15

Thanks to the efforts of you – our foster parents, volunteers and supporters – here are this past week’s lucky Muttville seniors who found forever homes:

Tootsie
Whitney
Davey
Clementine
Mable
Tilly
Panda

Many thanks to all our volunteers and visitors who came to see us this weekend at our Pup Up Adopt Shop on Saturday and at Pet Food Express on Market St on Sunday.

Every dog adopted means another life we can save. There’s a perfect senior waiting for you! Click here to see all of our mutts.

01.16.12

Doris Day Animal Foundation Provides Grant to Muttville for Their Work in Rescuing Senior Dogs

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, January 13, 2012 – The Doris Day Animal Foundation, a national non-profit organization founded by the legendary actress and animal welfare advocate, has provided a grant to Muttville, a nonprofit dog rescue organization in San Francisco to help with rescuing senior dogs.

“When we learned about Muttville and its successful rescues of so many senior dogs, we knew we had to help,”Miss Day said from her home in Carmel, California. “We fund other charitable 501©(3) non-profit organizations that perform excellent work to help the animals and the people who love them. Muttville is a terrific group of volunteers doing good work, and we’re proud to be able to help.”

This generous grant will underwrite Muttville’s signature adoption program, “Seniors for Seniors,” bringing older dogs and senior citizens together.

In recognizing the special bond between humans and dogs in their “golden years,” Muttville is proud to partner with Miss Day and her Foundation in providing education and material support to make high-quality no-cost adoptions to senior citizens. This grant of $7,000 will allow Muttville to defray the costs of approximately 25 “Seniors for Seniors” adoptions.

When Muttville adopts a senior dog into a household where at least one member is aged 60 or older, Muttville provides a “Welcome Home” kit, consisting of food bowls, a collar and leash, a doggie bed, plus a month’s supply of food and any necessary prescription medications. Additionally, Muttville offers senior-friendly home modifications, providing and installing needed improvements free of charge. These improvements can include doggie doors, baby gates, sofa steps, and bed ramps, making a new life together easier for dogs and humans alike.

Among the other grants Doris Day Animal Foundation has provided are funding for college scholarships, programs to aid senior citizens care for their pets, programs for rescue dogs, Kevlar vests for service dogs, rescues of greyhounds, run-sheds for horses, reduced adoption fees for seniors adopting senior pets, wildlife sanctuary assistance, and reduced cost spay/neuter programs as well as a feral cat TNR program, to name but a few.

The Doris Day Animal Foundation, www.ddaf.org, has the simple and straightforward mission of helping animals and those who love them. DDAF provides funding to other 501©(3) nonprofit organizations for animal welfare work with specific low-overhead programs, including animal rescue, lifetime care for search and rescue dogs, helping people care for their animals, assisting with care for horses, paying for spay/neuters and other animal-related needs.

01.13.12

Success Story "Tucker"

Tucker was found in the Mojave Desert, left to die. Thank you to Tucker’s mom, Helen, for giving him the good life he deserves! Here is their story:

It’s been 3 months, and life with Tucker couldn’t be better. He has learned to be off-leash and come back (either with ‘come’ or a whistle) and it is so wonderful watching him run, play, frolic. He LOVES the beach and yesterday my boyfriend and I took him to the Sonoma coast and a teenager with a remote controlled 4-wheel car (the size of a soccer ball) was ‘driving’ his toy car on the sand dunes and Tucker went absolutely crazy chasing the car across the beach. The teenager and his family had such a hoot. Everyone was laughing up a storm. I wish I’d caught it on video!

I have been telling everyone about Tucker. My family and I voted daily for Muttville during the recent 7X7 voting. And I asked family/friends to make donations to Muttville in lieu of any other gifts.

I’m working on my boyfriend to consider adopting a dog as he’s loving Tucker, too.

Happy New Year!

Helen

It’s never too late for a new beginning!

If you adopted a Muttville dog, we would love to feature you in an upcoming ‘Success Story’. Please contact info@muttville.org with the Subject line ‘Success Story’

01.11.12

Adopted Mutts of the Week: January 2 - January 8:

Thanks to the efforts of you – our foster parents, volunteers and supporters – here are this past week’s lucky Muttville seniors who found forever homes:

Sparky, Bean, Olivia, Emma, Scamp, Tommie, Rudy and Smokey!

We had another great turnout on Saturday at Muttville’s Pup Up Adopt Shop, and thank you to Pet Food Express for hosting our monthly adoption event on Sunday in Walnut Creek.

Our founder, Sherri Franklin, celebrated her birthday on January 5, and was touched by the donations to Muttville sent in honor of her birthday.

01.09.12

Success Story "Lucy"

Many thanks to Lucy’s parents for sharing their beautiful Muttville love story:

Just wanted to share a quick note about our dog Lucy (Luci in the Muttville records). My wife and I are first time dog owners but had been looking for a while before we found Muttville. From the first moment that we met our sweet girl it was mutual love. Lucy looks at us with her big, soft eyes and you can see that she trusts us completely (and asks only for her morning and evening ‘constitutionals’ that she assures me are guaranteed in the puppy dog bill of rights). It breaks my heart to think of her being abandoned in her previous life but I cannot thank Muttville enough for rescuing her so that she could come and live with us. Quite honestly she is the best thing that has happened to us and I couldn’t imagine a better dog. Thanks to Sherri for establishing an organization like this that saved our girl’s life.

It’s never too late for a new beginning!

If you adopted a Muttville dog, we would love to feature you in an upcoming ‘Success Story’. Please contact info@muttville.org with the Subject line ‘Success Story’

01.05.12

Adopted Mutts of the Week: December 26 - January 1: Happy New Year!

Thanks to the efforts of you – our foster parents, volunteers and supporters – here are this past week’s lucky Muttville seniors who found forever homes:

Baby Ruth and Piano Man, Kenny, and Noel

We had so much success all December at Muttville’s Holiday Pup-Up Adopt Shop, we extended until January 15! Thanks to Kelly, owner of Leftovers who was our generous donor of the space. Stop by our last 2 weekends!

01.02.12

Success Story "Cow Belle"

What a great way to reflect on the wonderful success stories of 2011 with the beautiful tale of Cow Belle, as told by her loving parents.

“Looking back at 2011, one of the most wondrous gifts that came to my life is undoubtedly Cow Belle.

Cow Belle is an exemplary Muttville alumna – super mellow, well-behaved, full of love and life. She has been not without hardship (being stray and rescued on the day listed for euthanasia, with severe allergies, eye/ear infections and mammary tumors) but accepted all with grace and continues to trust, sharing her unshakable peace with us and younger sister Katy in her unique way.

Cow Belle’s foster mom, Stephanie, and Sherri have been with this newbie mom through my panicky start and on. When Cow Belle was going through the tumor surgery, Sherri wrote in her email “we stand by our dogs,” and that is exactly what Muttville has done.

Thank you all for uncovering the beauty of senior dogs and standing by them!

Seon Joo (& Han & Katy)"

It’s never too late for a new beginning!

If you adopted a Muttville dog, we would love to feature you in an upcoming ‘Success Story’. Please contact info@muttville.org with the Subject line ‘Success Story’

12.28.11

Adopted Mutts of the Week: December 19 - 25 & Pics from our Annual Christmas Crawl at Fort Funston

Thanks to the efforts of you – our foster parents, volunteers and supporters – here are this past week’s lucky Muttville seniors who found forever homes:

Stella and Willy, Parker, Lucy, Peggy Sue, Vinnie and Guido

What a fabulous turnout we had for the annual Christmas Crawl at Fort Funston! The sun was warm and we were all beaming with holiday cheer! Thanks to all who spent Christmas morning with Muttville. We were so happy to see our success story alumni, and our dedicated volunteers and fosters.
See photos here!

12.26.11

Success Story "Tilly"

Read this update from Tilly’s mom, Cathy!

Dear Sherri and Friends at Muttville,

Here’s Tilly on her second mountain trip. This summer she hiked in the Lakes Basin near Graeagle. She can do four miles easy (with a little assist over boulders) and with great enthusiasm. On Thanksgiving she did several long hikes in the snow! All she requires is a small track to walk in, such as a ski track, and she can really go. A little tough for to her go off-track after chipmunks but she’ll try anything. She even did a little swimming this summer to cross a stream.

Tilly, Chica, Skipper and I run a mile 5 days a week. Tilly is always out front and doesn’t like to stop very much.

Tilly has taken to family life in Sonoma as if she’s always lived here. She’s the greatest dog. Thanks so much for saving her and letting us adopt her. Can’t imagine life without her now.

Cathy

It’s never too late for a new beginning!

If you adopted a Muttville dog, we would love to feature you in an upcoming ‘Success Story’. Please contact info@muttville.org with the Subject line ‘Success Story’

12.22.11

Adopted Mutts of the Week: December 12 - 18 & News on our Pup-up Holiday Adoption Shop

Thanks to the efforts of you – our foster parents, volunteers and supporters – here are this past week’s lucky Muttville seniors who found forever homes:

Ping, Panda, Jennie, and Ben

Every weekend in December, Muttville’s Holiday Pup-up Adoption Shop will be celebrating the holidays, bringing good cheer on the corner of Bush and Polk in San Francisco, and most especially, spreading our love for senior dogs in hopes of finding new homes for our mutts for the holidays. So far, we have found a total of NINE new homes for lucky senior pups! We have 2 more Saturdays for folks to join us, see adorable adoptable doggies in the window, and even take care of some holiday shopping with goodies from Waghearted, Pets Love Deals, Paw Patch Pastries, Small Club, and Happy Hounds Massage.

12.19.11

Success Story "Precious"

Precious is a tiny little min pin who is blind and deaf. She was easily scared and always hiding in a pile of blankets. Here is an update from her mom, Lara:

“Remember I said I had started to feed Precious on the floor next to her bed, rather than in her bed? Well, A couple of times now she has not wanted to take her food when it was given, and I just left the bowl there on the floor. After a time, she chose to leave her bed and go to eat her food, standing next to her bed – like a real dog. She is doing so well! The surgery has made a big difference to her quality of life. A very big difference.

Yesterday we sat in the garden for a short time (until I lost the sun) – I took her whole bed out and put it at my feet. Well, she squeaked and chirped a great deal and smelled the air incessantly for about twenty minutes, then curled up on her towel. I put a couple of different garden items in her bed – a small potted plant, herb leaves, flowers – and let her investigate. She seemed to have a grand old time. The neighbour’s dog was in their garden, Precious sensed him and whined with (positive) excitement. Very cool. She is learning to lie contentedly while I drink coffee or eat lunch at a restaurant. So much more trusting of her world.

She has changed my life too. She is lying here at my feet like a little bird in the egg of her basket. My cat is sharing a pillar of sunlight with her and the house is so peaceful."

It’s never too late for a new beginning!

If you adopted a Muttville dog, we would love to feature you in an upcoming ‘Success Story’. Please contact info@muttville.org with the Subject line ‘Success Story’

12.14.11

Muttville voted San Francisco Favorite Charity in 7x7 Magazine

We’re over the moon with all of the wonderful news we have to share, none of which would be possible without you!!

Your votes made Muttville San Francisco’s Favorite Charity!. Can you believe it?

We won! The winner of 7×7 magazine’s contest to find San Francisco’s favorite charity is … MUTTVILLE!

THANK YOU to every one of you who tirelessly voted for us day after day. Your enthusiasm and commitment made it happen.

First place prize is $10,000! And we’ll be featured in the March 2012 issue of 7×7. The senior mutts are beside themselves with joy and gratitude and a few sloppy kisses.

We’re honored to have shared a ballot with the other six finalists: Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California, Lyon-Martin Health Services, MYEEP, Minds Matter, Saving Grace Rescue, and the Asian Women’s Shelter. And we salute their wonderful and dedicated supporters. Each of these organizations does fantastic work for our Bay Area community.

12.13.11

Adopted Mutts of the Week: December 5 - Dec 11 & News on our Pup-up Holiday Adoption Shop

Thanks to the efforts of you – our foster parents, volunteers and supporters – here are this past week’s lucky Muttville seniors who found forever homes:

Bruno, TC, Dolittle, Casper, Daisy, Boo, Carson, and Connie.

We are also happy to report that 4 of this week’s adoptions are from our Holiday Pup-up Adoption Shop!

We’ve had a fun-filled 2 weeks since opening our Muttville Holiday Pup-up Adoption Shop! We were so excited to be on local news coverage for ABC and NBC, and featured for radio on an upcoming KQED / NPR show to be aired next year!

Every weekend in December, Muttville’s Holiday Pup-up Adoption Shop will be celebrating the holidays, bringing good cheer on the corner of Bush and Polk in San Francisco, and most especially, spreading our love for senior dogs in hopes of finding new homes for our mutts for the holidays. In our first two weekends, we have found a total of SIX new homes for lucky senior pups! We have 3 more weekends for folks to join us, see adorable adoptable doggies in the window, and even take care of some holiday shopping with goodies from Waghearted, Pets Love Deals, Paw Patch Pastries, Small Club, Happy Hounds Massage, and Mijo and Bambi.

12.12.11

Lessons l Learned from Pong

Muttville had a very sad day last week when we lost Pong. Written on the day of her death, foster mom Linda shares with us how little Pong touched her life, and so many of us, in the short time she was with us.

“Today Pong died. She was the tiniest dog I have ever held and she had the biggest heart ever.Her presence and personality were 100 times bigger than her tiny body. Sometimes she looked like a newborn puppy as she tried to scramble up your leg as she was making squeaky puppy sounds, wanting to be held.  I couldn’t walk by her as she looked up with those pleading eyes, without scooping her up. 

I learned something very important from Pong. I only knew her for about a week, but I loved her deeply. She taught me that when two beings meet with wide open hearts, the love felt can be as deep as the love that sometimes takes years to grow. The wise and amazing dogs at Muttville have taught me so much in the few months that I have been a volunteer. So many of the puppies have experienced extremely difficult lives.Yet most of them come with open hearts, ready to give and receive unconditional love.

When I talk about Muttville people tell me, “the dogs are so lucky to have you.” My heart and soul tell me otherwise….I am lucky to have Muttville…the puppies and all the amazing staff and volunteers that are loving and helping the senior dogs.

I will miss Pong but will always carry a special love and gratitude for her opening my heart even wider and deeper. Thank you little tiny teacher."

Pong spent her final days surrounded by happiness, love and comfort, thanks to caring Muttville fosters and volunteers. Thank you to all who had the honor of loving little Pong.

12.08.11