2008 Cover Model Entries

Please check back for the winning Dog Cover Model and remaining entries.

First Runner-Up for Dogs:

   Five and a half years ago when I was searching for a companion for my female Chow, I did not expect to bring home a 100 pound, male Akita.  Koal was in the Onslow County Animal Shelter when I first met him.  Found as a stray, he appeared to be an older dog, and was scheduled to be euthanized the next morning.  He also had heartworms.  I agreed to foster him for an Akita rescue.  He even had his picture taken for this magazine as an adoptable pet.

     Within 2-weeks of bringing him home, our entire family knew Koal was there to stay.  He is the most gentle, tolerant dog we have ever had.  He was so gentle; my 3-year-old niece could walk him with ease.  He and our Chow became fast friends.  He lays down to play with our Chihuahua.  He ignores the cats.  It was as though he had always lived with us.  He changed our lives by allowing us to see that an older dog can become a cherished family member.  I wanted to share his story so other families considering adopting a new pet will not rule out the older ones.  Or heartworm positive dogs.  He was successfully treated for heartworms.

     Koal is very old now and we are dealing with needs unique to an older pet.  Each year that you have the cover model search, I wanted to tell Koal's story.  I think this is the last year I will be able to.  But as you can see by his picture, he still stands tall and regal.  We think that Koal should be the cover model because he is an example of what can happen when you keep an open mind.  We have no regrets about adopting an older pet with heartworms.  Everybody loves Koal.

Paula, Tim, Melody and Justin Paye

Second Runner-Up for Dogs:

     Our life with Elvis began almost 2½-years ago when the Cape Fear Golden Retriever Rescue saved his very pregnant mother just a day before a shelter was to euthanize her.  We committed ourselves to fostering this mom and her impending little bundles of joy until they could be adopted.  Elvis was one of five boys in the litter of seemingly healthy puppies.  As the puppies starting walking, we noticed that little Elvis was not getting around like the others.  He tended to “rock and roll” everywhere but he was persistent enough that he managed to get to where he wanted to go.  Soon after the rest of his littermates were adopted, Elvis was diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological disorder that causes him to stagger and fall.  Although we had three senior dogs, he already had our hearts, so we decided to adopt him.

     Life with Elvis has been a big adjustment for our seniors as he is still pretty exuberant but he has brought renewed energy to them.  Elvis goes to work with us and the rest of the crew every day.  We have a saying that Elvis is “high on life” as he is probably the happiest dog we’ve ever had.  He doesn’t suspect anything is wrong with him and when he does stumble and fall, he gets back up on his feet, shakes off and keeps going.  He is a reminder to us that when life gets tough we should do the same.  We adore him and can’t imagine our lives without him.

     Please consider Elvis to be your 2008 cover model.  There are so many dogs with disabilities that can bring joy into our lives, they just need to be given the chance to love and be loved.

Danny and Lisa Merritt  

Third Runner-Up for Dogs (tie):

     I first saw Stella on the Petfinder website.  I was not looking for another dog, but simply browsing the site to see who needed a home.  The site described her as an approximately 7-month-old Dalmatian mix, very loving and friendly and needs room to run.  The description left out the fact that she is deaf.  Stella was so adept at following the behaviors of the other dogs in the shelter that no one realized that she could not hear.  I realized that she was deaf a couple of days after I got her home.  My four other dogs were barking frantically at a foreign dog intruder outside our glass sliding doors.  Stella was sleeping peacefully within a yard of the yelping dogs.  She did not awaken until I touched her.  Thus began my love affair with my deaf Dalmatian.

     Stella quickly fit into our family.  I took Stella to obedience training and she did very well.  She enjoyed the agility part of the class, so I enrolled her in a beginner’s agility.  She was top in the class and all with hand signals.  We seem to have such a bond that she knows what I want her to do.  She always wants to please me so once she gets the concept she will do anything.  In fact, the instructor was so amazed with her success that the local newspaper did a feature story on the deaf agility dog.  

     I think Stella should be on the cover of PawPrints to get the word out about how wonderful rescue dogs can be.  She had been returned twice to the shelter and I am so glad that I discovered her.  I just wish she could hear me tell her how much I love her.

Beverly Adams

Third Runner-Up for Dogs (tie):

     Lacey was adopted from the New Hanover County Humane Society one hot afternoon in August 2003.  I had dropped my husband off at the airport and decided to stop by the shelter “just to look”.  I saw that precious scruffy face and I knew she had been waiting for me to rescue her.  Lacey loves to travel by boat and car; she doesn’t know where she is going, but is always ready to go.  Some of her other favorite things to do are chasing squirrels, patrolling her yard and giving plenty of kisses, as well as getting tummy rubs.  We are currently waiting on results from a DNA test that will tell us exactly what our girl is made of, which will give us a better understanding of her breed history and will help us to develop appropriate care and well-being plans for her. Lacey will make a great cover model with that beautiful face and wonderful smile that could warm anyone’s heart. It will show others that there are plenty of loving dogs waiting to be adopted that would bring joy and love to the families they join.  We love her with all of our hearts and we hope we give her as much happiness as she gives us.  Lacey is a sweet, gentle soul who “PAWStively” helps make our house a home!!

David and Joni Sturdy

First Runner-Up for Cats:

     You may not think it to look at her, but this little princess is a product of the mean streets.  The toughest young kitten in her feral colony, she was undoubtedly well on her way to becoming an unloved alley cat if not for the kindly actions of a concerned citizen.  This good Samaritan managed to capture the spirited kitty and bring her (in a cardboard box) to the veterinary clinic where I worked.  It was soon discovered that she had a fish hook protruding from the side of her cheek, and the doctors determined from her feistiness that she must already have devoured the fisherman and his boat.  

     Her ice-blue eyes and beautiful white fur lured me to her, but it was her fearlessness and zest that truly reeled me in.  And when her wounds were healed, her spay complete, and her vaccinations up to date, I brought her home as the newest member of my four-legged family.  After a few months' adjustment, her feistiness turned to playfulness and she proved to be quite the "catch"!  That fish hook was just a hint of Kallisti's mischievous nature.  Over the past years she has provided our home with thousands of mysteries, calamities, and laughs, and has become a loving, graceful cat.  We could not imagine our lives without her!  Kallisti is the perfect cover model for PawPrints because, as the translation of her Greek name implies, she is indeed "the prettiest one".

Debra Jacobs  

Second Runner-Up for Cats (tie):

     Our daughter-in-law, April, rescued this tiny little kitten from a bush at her mother’s.  Apparently, some animal had dropped the kitten after taking her away from her mother.  April brought the kitten to us.  She was obviously hungry but not in bad shape though she did have a wound on the back of one leg.  We took her in that night and made an appointment with the vet for Monday morning.  We then treated and fed her, and was she ever hungry!  As soon as she came in, she started eating and didn't stop except to sleep for the whole weekend.  That night she was covered in fleas and was sneezy, and every time she sneezed the fleas would fly off.  Poor little girl!  When she went to the vet he checked and weighed her (she was 1.4 lbs, and we think the .4 was from all she’d eaten that weekend). She had been treated roughly and had a cold.  She sneezed in the vet’s face five times that day, and he felt that was plenty.  The vet gave her lots of medicine to get well and get rid of the fleas, and she didn’t like any of it!
     We named her Charli Chaplin because she was like the little tramp when we found her.  Charli should be on the cover because she is a very photogenic and beautiful girl, and she has a solemn little mouth that everyone should see.  Charli has shown us that birds outside are to be talked to; that bugs inside are to be chased; that red dots on the wall might come out to play if you hop up on Daddy’s dresser; and that there’s nothing sweeter than cuddling beside her when she joins you on the couch.

Susan B. Edwards  

Second Runner-Up for Cats (tie):

     We found Sophie in the woods during a cookout at a friend's house in rural Pennsylvania in November 2006.  It was raining and she was huddled in some leaves shivering, trying to keep warm.  She would occasionally come down to look for food left on people's plates.  She was riddled with ticks but was friendly, allowing us to pet her.  She also had an endearing nick out of her left ear.  We had to give her a home!  We bundled her in the car with us (which she didn't really enjoy) and took her home to meet the rest of the family (2 dogs and 1 cat).  Sophie has changed our life by adding her sweetness and silliness.  She has an endearing meow that is unlike that of any other cat - we say it is more of a goat's bleat than a meow.  But she is always there to purr and rub on you and cheer you up.  Sophie should be featured on your cover because she is a purr-fect example of how a homeless pet can bring so much joy and pleasure to your life.  She brightens ours every day.

Sara & Ed Andersen

Third Runner-Up for Cats:

     Have you ever adopted a closet kitten?  Well, I have.  The day after Labor Day, my dad came home from work and said, “Guess what’s in my closet?”  You guessed it.  Kittens!  There were five in all, each a different color.  Biscuit (his mom) put them in my dad’s office closet to keep them safe.

     I visited them a lot.  Then on my birthday my parents gave me a card saying I could choose one to keep.  It was so hard to pick just one.  I decided to get the orange one and name him Pumpkin.  Now, his mother has been spayed.  He has changed my life by teaching me responsibility: as in taking care of him by brushing, feeding, cleaning his litterbox and cleaning up behind his antics.

     I also make sure he is okay when he’s too curious.  I enjoy his companionship, friendship and love.  Next to me, his best friend is Trixie, our dog which we adopted from Brunswick County Animal Shelter.  I think he should be on the cover because he is cute and might attract people to pick up your magazine.  After they read how I got my kitten they might decide to adopt a stray. too.  I love him as much as flowers love rain.

Rachel Gibby, Age 9

2007 Cover Model Entries

First Runner-Up for Cats:

     I have a pet cat.  Her name is Pasqualina (which means Easter), but she also likes for me to call her Baby.  I adopted her from the Pender County Humane Society in March, 2006.

     Pasqualina is my first pet.  I had wanted a cat for a long, long time.  I picked her myself.  She was such a pretty, Siamese-mix and my favorite cat at the Shelter.  I am responsible for Pasqualina.  I feed her, play with her, and give her lots of hugs and kisses.

     When I first got her, Pasqualina was scared of her new home and hid under the bed.  I couldn’t get her to come out so I crawled under the bed to be with her.  We fell asleep together.  Now, she loves to sleep in her own special bed in the sunshine.

     I would love to see Pasqualina on the cover of PawPrints.  She’s so beautiful.  And, I would like to show her the picture of herself.

     I love having a cuddly kitty.  Pasqualina is my Baby and is the best cat in the world.

Amelia Loudermilk (age 6)

Second Runner-Up for Cats:

       Let me share the story of this cat!  My husband and I were on vacation August 2006 in Boone, NC at a resort that had signs posted everywhere “NO PETS”.  Our first night arriving back to our cabin from dinner was this beautiful girl to greet us.  I had a “kitty” bag and she could smell it.  She ate every bit of my leftovers (shrimp, steak and even the rice.)  She spent the night with us and was at the doorstep upon our return the next evening.  And, of course, I was ready with cat food this time.  My husband named her Sylvester and she spent the whole week with us.  We found out she was declawed and a stray that had been hanging around begging meals from the guests for over three months, they called her Charlie.  We brought her home and made her a “Salon Kitty”.  She now lives at my salon and earned her new name as “Princess”.  Our clients say she is a therapy cat.  She loves children and all who do business with us.  She has the sweetest personality and loves to talk.  Upon her vet visit we found out she was about 8-years-old, only has about seven teeth and has allergies.  But we love her and are going to keep her.

Sandy Powell

Third Runner-Up for Cats (tie):

     His name is Casey and I adopted him about three years ago from SOAR.

     Casey was the only cat left alive after 15 others were massacred by pitbulls who somehow got into the cat enclosure.  I was on the Internet looking for a small dog to adopt when I saw his picture, and read his history.  Immediately I knew I had to change his life for the better.

     In addition to the pitbull incident, Casey had been abandoned early in life and then diagnosed as having Feline Leukemia (which later turned out to be incorrect), so the shelter told me they were going to be very picky about who adopted him.  I could only hope I would make the cut.  On arrival at SOAR, I looked around at other potential adoptees (cats and dogs) but as soon as I picked up Casey and he began to purr, that was it!  There was no way I was leaving without him.

     I love all animals but always thought of myself as a dog person and had never really had a great relationship with a cat – until Casey.  He is fascinating, intelligent, handsome, affectionate and a wonderful companion.

     I was warned he doesn’t like dogs – who can blame him! – so was not surprised at his vociferous objections when, a year after he had moved in, I adopted a small rescue dog, Lucy Lu.  He still strikes out at her occasionally (the movement is reminiscent of a female lion pouncing on a gazelle), and she is very afraid of him, but they are learning to co-exist and “share the love”, of which there is plenty to go around.  As if his extraordinary history were not enough, one look at the attached photograph will tell you immediately why he is cover material.

Susan Hart

Third Runner-Up for Cats (tie):

     While my husband and I were gutting a house that was about to be torn down, we heard muffled meows coming from somewhere in the house.  We heard the noises every time we were there and searched the place from top to bottom.  Finally we figured out the meows were coming from inside the chimney!  We worked diligently to bust open the flue of the chimney and there a little, scared kitty's head popped out!  After much effort and a can of tuna fish, I was able to grab the scruff of her neck and pull her skinny body out!

     Minnie has brought many wonderful changes to our life.  She has taught us that a little TLC can go a long way.  And although she was a bit on the wild side when we found her and hesitant to trust us, she is now a little snuggle bunny!  She always wants to be around us and her little motor never stops!  

     Minnie deserves to be on the cover of PawPrints because her story is the true definition of rescue.  Her strong will and determination to overcome horrible conditions is an amazing display of her character.  She pulled through extreme odds and now has the life that all animals should have.  When we found Minnie, I couldn't imagine another cat in our home, and now I can't imagine life without her!

Gina Doddy

First Runner-Up for Dogs:

     The minute I saw his picture at a local vet, I knew he was the one.  I had been looking but I just hadn’t found the right dog for me.  I wrote down the number to Paw’s Place immediately.  I could only hope that he was still available, since I was sure that anyone who saw him would want him.  When I called they said he was still available for adoption.  I asked they not let anyone else take him until I could get there.  The volunteer said that wouldn’t be a problem, because he had been at Paw’s Place for a year.  “What?” I said.  How could someone not want him.  It was because he was 7-years-old and most people want to adopt puppies or young dogs.  When I saw him for the first time, it was true love.  His name is Alex and he is a Boxer/English Bulldog mix.

     I am writing to you not because of how much I love him or how loyal he has been to me, but because I want people to know how much love even an older dog can give.  Alex is now 14-years-old and still going strong.  He is blind in one eye, very hard of hearing and has gas that can clear a room.  I have always been told that he has a face that only a mother could love.  His loyalty to me has gone far beyond what I could ever have imagined.

     I truly believe that you should have the right dog for your family and lifestyle, but when you are out looking to adopt a dog for your family, don’t overlook the mature ones.  The love a dog gives isn’t measured by age, some are just a little more experienced!

Laurie Kent

Second Runner-Up for Dogs:

     My name is Virginia Payne and I am 10-years-old.  Two years ago I saw Diva's picture in PawPrints Magazine and I thought she was the cutest thing I had ever seen.  My older sister helped me go onto the Internet and find her picture.  We printed it out and put it under my mother's pillow.  Then, she was "Pet of the Week" in the newspaper, so we cut out her picture and gave that to my Mom, too.

     Since my parents are animal lovers it didn't take long to convince them to visit her at the animal shelter.

     Well, the rest is history.  Diva goes almost everywhere with me.  She is a great watchdog and always protects me from strangers.  When I walk her on her leash, and a stranger approaches, she puts herself between me and the stranger...even if it is another child!  She also sleeps in my bed with me, and has brought so much joy to my life.

     Diva should be on the cover because she is the greatest dog I've ever met!  She is smart, patient and kind.  She has never bitten anyone...even our Manchester Terrier who is always bugging her.

     I love her bigger than the sun, earth and moon.  Whenever I'm cold she comes and cuddles with me.  She even lets our Manchester Terrier, Noel, cuddle with her.

     I love her blue tongue and her big, fluffy tail.  Since we adopted her on Elvis' birthday we always sing, "You Ain't Nothin' but a PoundDog," on her adoption anniversary.  But, she's really so much more than that.  She's family.

Virginia Payne 

Third Runner-Up for Dogs (tie):

     We found Highway on a desolate, swampy section of Highway 53 on our way to Jacksonville in October.  He was small, maybe 6-months-old, and totally disoriented.  Log trucks and cars whizzed by him as he hopelessly looked for the idiot that dumped him out.  We pulled off the road and snatch leashed him in a second - he came running straight to us!  Highway was super clean, had a collar but no tags and had obviously not been on the road long.  No ticks, no fleas and not a speck of mud.

     Shortly after getting him home, highway showed symptoms for parvo big time!  Bloody diarrhea, vomiting, the works.  Our vet confirmed the worst - he was parvo positive, dehydrating rapidly and very ill.  With 7 other rescued dogs at home, 2 rescued cats +1, 4 horses and a rescued mule - what can you do?  You pay the nice veterinarian $500 - quarantine your newest find in their hospital and pray for his full recovery.  Our other dogs are vaccinated and older, so we had no other parvo issues.  Within days, Highway came through his tough bout with parvo and has grown into a gorgeous, well-mannered young man.  The black tail in his photo is his lady friend "stray pup" who he shares our backyard with (she found us).  She is thrilled to have Highway since she is only 2 and our other dogs are 10 and older.

     We feel blessed to have been on Highway 53 that morning when someone probably dumped that sick puppy on the road to avoid veterinary expenses.  With as many rescue organizations and shelters around, that's a cruel way to rid yourself of a sick pet!  And as we have found, Highway is a great dog with lots of energy and heart.  He will live a long, healthy life on our farm and add to the joy we get from each of our "special" finds.

John & Cindie Rovnak

     Dakota was adopted and found his forever home in May of 2006.  My husband and I adopted Dakota from the Cape Fear Golden Retriever Rescue (CFGRR).  Dakota was owner surrendered to the Pender County Shelter, and then the CFGGR, rescued him.  From what we know, he came from living in a pen and eating leftover people food.  We think that his age was around 5 at the time and he weighed 120 pounds on his first visit to the Animal Hospital.  He was not very active and could not walk far due to the obesity.  The vet told us that he would need special food, exercise and thyroid medication due to his high thyroid.

     Over the last ten months, Dakota has worked really hard to get back in shape and enjoy everyday of the rest of his life.  In the last ten months, Dakota has lost 45 pounds and 37.5% of his weight.  He is now a slim 75 pounds and has lots of energy.  He is active and loves to run and play fetch.  He is so full of life and watching his health increase over the last 10 months has been an inspiration to me.  I think he has the qualities of being a cover model dog.

     The first time we saw Dakota at his foster parent’s house, we knew that he belonged in the Gilbert household and he would be a special older brother for Marley, our other Golden.  Dakota is unique, very affectionate and beautiful.  He adds joy to my life and makes me smile.  He has a friendly disposition.  I have kind of always wanted an affectionate, loving lap dog, well when we adopted Dakota; I realized he wanted to be a lap dog.  We are the perfect match. He is Mama’s boy!

Victoria Gilbert  

     She was an orphan and the shelter was going to put her to sleep.  I couldn’t let that happen, she was only a year old.  When I adopted her, I really did not know what I was getting into with her.  She is the type of dog that most people would have returned to the shelter long ago.  Many people told me I should.  She “escaped” - I chased her, caught her and taught her to “wait” when I open the door.  She broke out of an airline crate - I bought another one.  She dug up some carpet and chewed baseboard - I repaired it.  She emptied the trash all over my apartment - I cleaned it up and put the trash where she can’t get into it.  She eats anything she can get into - I learned to put things away.  She greets me at the door when I come home - she makes me smile.  She barks at any little noise, being protective - I feel safe.  She is sweet, loving and makes me laugh - I am glad she is mine.

     Annie should be on the cover to be an example of commitment to a shelter dog.  I adopted her, I named her and I promised to take care of her.  Yes, she has been and is a challenge.  But, she is a great dog, too.  We both just needed a little training. It’s been eight years now and we have both learned some lessons.  Most importantly, commitment and unconditional love.  I know she will always be mischievous.  She knows I will always forgive her.  I love my little orphan like a child.  See the white dog lying on the black coat?  How could I say, “I’m taking you back” to that face?  I don’t, I just laugh.  That’s just my Annie.

Melissa Thomas  

     Bogey adopted me over 2½-years ago.  He was an adult cat living in the parking lot of the place where I worked. I had seen him several times and then one day, when I was going on my lunch break, he was sitting by my car door, waiting for me.  He was very skinny, with matted fur and scabby ears and my heart went out to him!  I scooped him up, put him in my car and headed to the local shelter. I already had a cat and I was about to marry a man who had a cat and a dog, so I really didn't need or want another animal.  The line at the shelter was so long, and I didn’t have the time to wait, so I took him home and went back to work.  The rest is history!  He was so tame and more than happy to be an indoor cat.  He didn’t mind the dog and other cats at all.  One of the cats, Drake, did not care for him at first, but over time Drake grew to tolerate him.  Bogey is a very funny and sweet cat.  He adds a wonderful dynamic to our family.  He struts around like he owns the place and sometimes bullies the other animals.  He loves to rub all over our yellow Lab and then smack him in the face and walk away. Recently, we had a baby and Bogey adores him!  He loves to cuddle up next to him to take a nap.  That day in 2004, it’s as if Bogey had checked out all of the people who came and went from the parking lot and then decided he wanted to be mine.  I am so glad that he did!

Blythe Johnson 

     My husband walked into our bedroom on 12/2/04 holding a yellow ball of fur saying “I need your help”.  The tiny yellow lab mix was about 7 weeks old, abandoned in our neighborhood and had a viral infection, worms, a 106 degree fever, was severely malnourished and having tremors from his high fever.  After three days of force-feeding him and rocking him in my arms while he did nothing but mostly sleep, I brought him back to the vet for the 2nd time.  It was then the vet told me to leave him – he didn’t think he’d make it through the weekend.  It ripped my heart out to think he might die and I found it baffling that I could feel so much love for this sickly little fuzz-ball in only three short days.   

     Not only did Indiana make it through the weekend but in September we celebrated his second birthday.  He’s healthy, happy and most importantly, he turned this cat person into a dog person.  My life has changed quite dramatically since Indiana found us.  Indy has stirred a passion inside me that I’ve not experienced before – a passion for dogs.  It has willed me to adopt two shelter dogs making our dog household a total of four.  But that wasn’t enough to satiate my new-found passion.  In October ’06, I started my pet sitting business.  It seems all I want to do is read about, learn about, and spend my time with dogs.  My life has literally, gone to the dogs.  And I owe it all to that yellow ball of fur – my miracle puppy, as I call him - the one who wasn’t supposed to live through the weekend.  That’s why he should grace the cover of you magazine – because it was a miracle he survived. 

     It’s almost hard to imagine my life before dogs.  I know I can’t imagine my life without them.  Nor would I want to.

Shannon Bray  

     I adopted Katie from Pender County Animal Control, Burgaw, at age 6 months. We had just lost our 18-year-old cat, Lindsay Kay, to diabetes, after 2 1/2 years on insulin shots. My husband and I don’t have any children, so our cats are our children. So we were devastated! We looked at some $600 Ragdoll kittens, but really didn’t want to spend that much money, since there were so many kittens/cats needing a home. So I thought how will we know when we find the right one? In the meantime I prayed I would find a blue-eyed markings of a Ragdoll somewhere. One day at work, the lady from animal control came by with a picture of a cat. I said that looks like a Ragdoll. She said she’s yours if you want her.  I had to leave her four more days in case her owners were looking for her. In four days I had a skinny, dirty kitty-cat. After getting her shots, treating ear mites, and a bath, I now have a beautiful 16 pound (over-weight) cat who adores going for rides in her pet stroller.  

     Katie brings us so much joy and is just an armful of sugar. She was sent to us from God, a gift from our beloved Lindsay Kay who we will never forget.  Katie should be featured on the front cover of Paw Prints Magazine.  We also have a 13-year-old Melissa Grayson ”Missy”, who has just received radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid problems.

Nancy Bradshaw  

     Hi, my name is Tara Robert and this is my dog, Abby Robert.  She is a Labrador Retriever mix and 13-years-old just like me.

     You see, I was just one and my parents were putting up the fence in our backyard.  My sister and I were playing when six dogs came walking down the street.  Later that night all of the dogs left except one, Abby.  My sister and I begged my mom and dad to let us keep her at least for the night.  When they finally agreed we put down a blanket, some food, and water in the kitchen where she would sleep that night.

     The next day, we let her leave so she could go back home.  Our life went back to normal for a few hours but when my dad came back from the store he said we had to find Abby.  She hadn't gone very far.  Once we had found her we asked my dad why he had changed his mind about letting her go.  He said he had seen one of the dogs that she had been walking with the day before dead on the side of the road and that he wanted to make sure she did not get hurt.

     We put out ads in the paper about a loving dog found and were sure somebody would respond but nobody did.  My family had fallen in love with our new lifestyle and I had fallen in love with my best friend for life, Abby.  Whenever I am sad, she always gives me the energy to get back out there no matter what has gone wrong and whenever my parents would deal with my sister I would always find comfort lying next to Abby at night.

     Abby deserves her five minutes of glory and I want to give something back to her for all she has given me.  Even though she may not look the part of the cover dog for PawPrints magazine, I feel she deserves it.  I don’t love any animal or human more than I love my dog Abby.

Tara Robert

     My husband was working at a truck stop in Wilmington.  Trucker was at the truck stop going from car to car that would pull up there, looking for anyone that would pay attention to him.  When my husband spotted him he knew right away he was going to take Trucker home.  He went inside and got some chicken and gave Trucker some food  They instantly became buddies.  We’ve had him about 6 years now and he has enriched our lives!  My husband is 81 years old and I am 64.  He keeps us active as we take him for long walks every day.  He is so intelligent. As soon as the television is turned off at night, he heads for the bedroom.  Since he was found at a truck stop, we named him “Trucker”.  We love him very much and he gives us a reason to get up in the morning and look forward to the day ahead.  I think Trucker not only should be on the cover because he is a beautiful dog, but also because he is a sweet and loving dog.  When my husband has a sneezing fit as he does quite regularly, Trucker will come running towards him, as if he is checking on him.  When I lay down to rest, he will come over for his daily massage.  This concludes the story of Trucker Capps.

Marie Capps

     About 8 months ago my boyfriend and I were having a new air conditioning unit installed in out house. We had been hearing a whimpering type of sound from under our bedroom for a few days but every time we went to look under there nothing was there. We assumed it was squirrels. While the installer was under the house he found a very small little dog. The dog was cold, covered in mud, shaking and whimpering and hardly breathing. We rushed him into the house and called animal emergency. They informed us to bring him is as soon as possible. Upon arriving at the vet they bathed him to check for any wounds, gave him a puppy wellness check up and his shots. The vet informed us that aside for a little inbreeding the dog was fine and that he appeared to be a full blood 7-month-old Chihuahua.  Surprised at our discovery we took him home and named him Nismo.

     Nismo has forever changed our lives. He has been the best dog. He gets along with everyone. He has never snapped at anyone, gets along with our cat, and he is always there to make us smile. He is our little miracle. 

     Nismo is the perfect candidate for your cover. He had a horrible beginning that has flourished into a happy ending. He under went a brief surgery on 12/13 to remove and undescended testicle and has since been fine. He has one more minor surgery scheduled to remove his baby teeth that have never fallen out. He is my little miracle. We couldn’t even imagine our lives without him. We want to share miracle that with your readers.

Thank you kindly,

Nana Chiverton and Nismo

     It was unseasonably cold for November in Rock Hill, SC.  We were filming a movie with nighttime exterior scenes. One afternoon, the caterers saw a Momma dog with 3 skinny pups coming out of the nearby woods. The dogs would not even come close to the food they put out as bait. Later that night, a crew member found one of the black pups huddled beneath a truck. She was really tiny and it was a minor miracle that anyone even noticed this little black speck hiding under a truck.

     Her good luck continued. A dog loving crew member took her home. He named her Bella, brought her to the vets and tried to care for her while working twelve-hour days. One cold day, someone brought Bella to the heated hair & make up trailer where I worked. Our actors were very dog friendly and she was contained in a small kennel, so we were able to keep her with us during work hours.

     We all fell in love with her. Several folks wanted her but could not take her home. She was only 5 weeks old and we have an 11-year-old dog at home but I asked my husband if he thought we could keep her.

     He drove to the set that night and we packed Bella up for her new life in Wilmington.

     She is turning into a beauty. Housebroken for the past two weeks (Hallelujah) she loves to go for walks and cuddle up on our laps anytime. Poor old Daisy (also a rescue) is adjusting to this active, bossy newcomer too.

Coni Andress

     Hi, my AKC name is Boudreaux L'Aboyer du Bayou but I go by "Boo" because my family thinks it's way too fancy for me.  I am a Sheltie Rescue dog who was tied up to a clothesline for the first 5 years of my life.  Luckily my first owner realized this was not a good life for me and gave me to a great organization called Sheltie Rescue, Inc., which is based in Georgia (http://www.sheltierescue-ga.org/).

     My second family had recently lost their sable Sheltie to kidney disease and was excited to adopt an adult dog.  I was not accustomed to being inside but adjusted quickly and especially appreciated having my own doggie bed.  I also needed help with my sensitive skin and stomach.

     I enjoy jogging - the vet actually said I was one of the most athletic dogs he had met.  Left on my own, I would like to chase everything - cats, squirrels, trucks, and school buses - you name it!  But they've kept me on the leash and in a fenced backyard, which is probably for the best.

     A few years ago, my "mom" and "dad" adopted 2 "human pups" which I have also adjusted to.  This introduced babysitters to my life.  I really liked the ones who shared snacks with me.  My most famous talent though is my ability to howl, especially when I hear a siren.  One time a neighbor was babysitting and I started to howl.  The babysitter was convinced that there was a man singing in house somewhere and actually ran home to get help!

     Though I am approaching my 15th birthday, I still love my walks, dinners, and tummy rubs.  My family thinks I'm the most wonderful dog in the world and would do anything for me.

Sharon D. Moore

     We were sort of skeptical about getting a third dog. But one of our dogs was 17, and this pup was ‘simply irresistible’.  We couldn’t just leave this girl. She needed a home.

     We got Genevieve through Grace Hodgkins and Compassion in Action, a rescue organization here in Wilmington. Genny is a purebred Boykin Spaniel, a dog bred to hunt birds.  The Boykin Spaniel is the state dog of South Carolina. Genny was born in a puppy mill, a place where people breed dogs for the money. They really don’t care about the dogs. Genny always eats very quickly, probably because while she lived there, she was always hungry. The puppy mill gave Genny to Compassion in Action because she had white on her foot and that was considered not good in shows so they couldn’t sell her. That white is what makes her perfect! 

     Our life has changed so much since then. Genny is a wonderful little thing that walks around and wiggles and squiggles. She always cheers you up. She is also very patient and loving.