Natalie

What are your pet's activities?

What does your pet mean to you?

We got Natalie from an adoption event at Bow Wow Meow two years ago. She was hiding under the table, despondent, unwilling to even take a treat from anyone. Her neck was bloody, just having had a badly embedded collar removed. We took her home, intending only to foster her. She had other plans. Natalie trusted me almost immedistely, but was terrified of everyone else. She hid behind the couch for the first two weeks, but when everyone was gone she sniffed the trash to find the can of dog food I had given her to eat. She always found the cans and carried them back in her mouth to me with a begging look in her eyes. She was already a foodie! Natalie's unique personality eventually emerged. Natalie was not an athlete. Though we think that she was part fox hound, she was a terrible runner and jumper, she couldn't wrestle, she tired more easily than other dogs. Natalie had a great ability to communicate with humans, she was an intellectual. Though she could learn tricks in record time, it was even more fascinating to see how much she taught herself.  She could open sliding doors by herself. She learned all her dog friends' names in less than five repetitions, if you asked her where someone was in the house, she nodded her head in the direction and then walked with you or pulled you to find them. She had her own paw movement to signify "massage me". When I came in she pulled me to the couch to cuddle with me. If you said "Walk", she ran to get the leash. If she dropped the leash in the back yard, and you said backyard-leash, she'd run right to it. Walks were a strict ritual for her. She gave you 90 seconds to talk to someone, and then she took the leash in her mouth, and stared at you with an intensity that you could not ignore. The despondant puppy had become a master communicator. She was an endearing contradiction; a huge powerful dog, yet gentle and fragile. Unfortunately, Natalie tore a cruciate ligament one day while running. Eventually, she had surgery to repair it. She did well initially, but eventually began to vomit. She had two intravenous sessions for rehydration, but continued to vomit, and was not able to hold down food. As she layed dying, we found out that she may have had Addison's disease, which is congenital. She was not tested, but definitely had all the symptoms. She died September 6. Natalie was not a typical pitbull, but a pitbull none the less, and as such, was a great ambassador for her breed to all who met her. It was very rare to find someone who was not affected by her, only those who were unable to love anything. Everyone was fortunate to have known her, but I was especially fortunate. I always said that I would never get a pitbull. Someone told me once that you don't pick the dog, the dog picks you. The powers that be knew better, and so I was graced with her intelligent, loving presence for two years.

Mimi

What are your pet's activities?

Daily walks on and off the lead, rides to the pet stores and parks, Chewing up softballs I retrieve from the undergrowth, tricks for treats, stealing a shoe or sock for attention when I'm talking to my spouse, watching animal programs on TV, eating the cats food (if I don't pick it up), inspecting every bag that comes in the house (for toys) and doing the snake wiggle on her back (sometimes downhill).

What does your pet mean to you?

Everything! She is the smartest and most loving dog (breed) I have known. At 34 lbs. and dehydrated when my daughter and I rescued her she was almost dead. Today she is 60 lbs. of muscle and energy with gleaming black coat and clear bright eyes. Her best friend (our 17 yr.old Siamese) stuck to her like glue and often joined our walks until he passed. I hope no one ever tries to hurt her again so I can be with her and not in a cell behind bars for giving it back to an animal abuser.

Gigi Godiva

What are your pet's activities?

Gigi's favorite activities are pretty simple. Spending time with her family or playing with her many stuffed animal friends ranks up there in her top 5 list of favorite things to do. She also loves to chase anything that moves at the park and enjoys barking at birds and insects. Gigi is quite curious about the 'wind' and anytime there is a breeeze, she immediately gets suspicious and growls into it. Gigi loves to dig, sniff and be rubbed- and will ask almost anyone to do the honors. But most of all, I think her favorite activity is just hanging out with me!

What does your pet mean to you?

Gigi's wet kisses mean the world! Her dirty paws are not my favorite to clean up after-- but i don't mind. Her table manners may need a little work, but its ok. She takes over my pillow at night, but I think its cute. With all this.... She's just the best and is my world! :)

Roxie

What are your pet's activities?

Roxie is the unofficial mayor of Manayunk: she loves to meet everyone! Roxie has a way of connecting people who otherwise might not greet or speak to each other - and in doing so, improves our neighborhood and community. Thanks to Roxie, we have many great local friends and acquaintances. When not kissing babies and shaking hands, Roxie loves to sleep belly-up on the couch, sunbathe on the porch, chomp treats and collect lovin' from Mom and Dad.

What does your pet mean to you?

Roxie means the world to us - she has truly changed our lives. Our love and devotion toward her has been the foundation for our outlook on life. We recommend greyhound adoption to nearly all!

BeBe Sioux

What are your pet's activities?

BeBe loves to be around people and her big sister, Roxie. Squeekers inside toys don't stand a chance with BeBe around! BeBe's tail is always wagging, and she even smiles sometimes, showing us her pearly whites. BeBe was a champion runner, and now gets her kicks eating the crunchy treats we can't resist giving her!

What does your pet mean to you?

As our second greyhound, BeBe made our family whole. She is our joyful, cuddly little bear, who makes us feel complete. We are so grateful to have BeBe in our lives!

Lilah Blue

What are your pet's activities?

Sleeping on my bed, high fashion modeling and getting her picture taken, playing hide and seek, singing, smiling.

What does your pet mean to you?

She is the world to me - I've known her my whole life and we totally speak each other's language. She is not a pet - she is my soulmate.

BOO (aka Booberry)

What are your pet's activities?

Not much. Boo is an old mama, but does like to take a walk in the cool morning hours. Other than that she loves to sit in any chair occupied by someone in the house. She rules us and we are at her beck and call. When her ears are flat back, she is happy and on occasion she leaps (like Jack Russells do) but it is fleeting. She always has to be with someone. We accept that because she must have been with a sweet older lady who spoiled her. Her activities are a 15-20 minute walk each morning and a lot of time in the fenced back yard, but most of the time is in her bed or on our bed!

What does your pet mean to you?

Boo has been the common thread in the Edelstein family. She has stolen the hearts of the family, namely, the father, and his daughter, (also known as Boo's Mother), and her second mother, who lives at the house. We all love and adore her. Her little brother, Spooky, is a cat who is 3 yrs old and loves Boo also. It was a wonderful adoption. We saw her at Buzzy's Bow Wow Meow and we were quite taken with her.... she has brought so much love and joy in our lives. Thanks for bringing us Boo (aka Booberry). Kathy

Prince William

What are your pet's activities?

Prince William loves snuggling, going for walks, having his belly rubbed and posing for the paparazzi. He also loves sleeping in his crown bed and taking naps outside (but only on some sort of cushion) -- royalty does not sleep on the ground!

What does your pet mean to you?

I rescued this beautiful dog from an amazing pug rescue organization that saved him from being killed in a kill-shelter, and to think such a loving animal almost lost his life brings tears to my eyes. Prince William, my little football, brings me such joy, happiness and appreciation for the important things in life. Waking up next to his snoring little face every morning always makes me smile. He is a gift that I am extremely grateful for every day!

Icon

What are your pet's activities?

Icon loves loves loves his squeaky toys. He can squeak for over a half hour. He also enjoys horses and helping out at the stable. Playing fetch at the park and just running around are at the top of his list. He is new to our family and adjusted the first day his came home. He can run up and down all the steps now and he loves our cat Shilo. We love him to pieces!

What does your pet mean to you?

After losing our precious greyhound Apollo to old age(14) we just couldn't stand the quietness in our home. A week after his passing we decided to adopt another wonderful greyhound from NGAP. He is a perfect match for our family. They do an excellent job matching up dogs and forever homes. He is a joy to be around and goes everywhere with us.

Willow

What are your pet's activities?

Willow is the best dog. She loves everybody especially small children. Every time she sees someone she wags her tail and gets excited. Her favorite walk is through the town of Narberth so she can see all the people. She loves to go to any park where she can chase her tennis ball. Then she proceeds to peel all the fuzz off the tennis ball. She is just the cutest.

What does your pet mean to you?

Someone to greet me at the door, motivate me to go for walks, and sleep next to me at night.