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Chester
Hi, it’s been a month today since we brought Chester home and as you can see from the pictures he has come out of his shell a bit. As you know he was very timid at first and afraid of everything including all of my wind chimes and windsocks, now a lot of noises don’t bother him at all. He loves his treats and sits and gives a paw, he loves playing with Oakley and they spend hours chasing each other around with toys or playing tug of war. As you can see he’s put on a bit of weight and the vet has said she’s happy with the size he’s at now. He has picked up the family routine loves having attention, lying on the couch and rawhides. Last weekend we took both of them to a charity event and they walked 5k I think it’s just over three miles, we left first because we didn’t know how he’d do with all the people, dogs, strollers, roller blades and skate boards but to our surprise he did very well. Take care and thanks again for giving us the opportunity to provide a home for Chester.
Sandra & Mike

Maggie
We adopted a yellow
lab mix female named Maggie about 2 years ago. I just wanted to let
you know that Maggie is such a sweet girl. She is so into the family
and what we are doing it is unbelievable. She is very obedient and
enjoys running outside on our 14 acre farm. She is a hoot and loves
to cuddle and receive all the attention she can get. I want to tell
you that having her in our lives is such a blessing and we are so
thankful to have such a wonderful companion. I am attaching a
picture or two of her and hope that you would pass them on if
you like. We are so happy she is here and she is happy too. Talk
with you soon.
Linda and Family
Stevie Ray
I adopted a
chow shepherd mix in January 2005. His name is Stevie
Ray. He is absolutely wonderful. He is such a sweet dog
and very much loved. We just celebrated
his 4th birthday in July. We are very happy! I
am so glad my sister got me interested in your program.
He is doing so well and seems very happy. He has so much
love for me, my family and friends and they all love
him, too. Thank you for doing what you are doing. He has
made such a difference in my life and I wanted to let
you know how great things have worked out. Thanks so
much!
Karen
Rusty
I wanted to let you know that Rusty is doing great with us. He is still scared of anyone other than me and my son Payton but considering his background before being rescued by Pen Pals it is no wonder. He is such a joy. Our family would not be the same without him. When we got him last Christmas it was one of the best days in my son's life. Rusty enjoys being pampered and playing with our cats. He has "his side" of the bed and enjoys sharing the bed pillow with Mom at night. When he is given his own pillow on the bed he tosses it off and prefers to share with me. We spend a lot of time taking long walks and going for runs off of the leash. His manners are amazing, and his disposition is that of a dog that would do anything for love. He is completely devoted and has truly meant everything to our family. Please let his trainers know that he misses them and intends upon sending them a Christmas card with photos!!!!! Best wishes,
Ami
Lucky
Approximately two weeks ago, I had the great fortune to adopt "Lucky" from the second group of Pen Pals dogs. In short, Lucky is wonderful! She is completely housebroken, and she responds very well to hand and voice commands. Knowing what I've been told about Lucky's history - that she had been neglected, was found as a stray, and had spent considerable time in the pound - it is all the more amazing to me that she is now so well-behaved 'I thank you, your staff, the administrators from the Virginia Department of Corrections who have supported the Pen Pals program, the volunteers from Save Our Shelters, and most of all, Lucky's handler. I will honor the work that everyone has done in the Pen Pals program by ensuring that Lucky has a happy home for the rest of her life.
K. Ingram ' Recent Adopter

Leo
We are so excited that Leo is the newest addition to our family. He is a great family pet and has already won the hearts of our children and many of our neighbors. It is obvious from his great personality and good manners that he was very loved and well cared for by his SOS Pen Pal trainers. We are very proud to be part of a program that has such a positive impact on the pets, the trainers, and the adoptive families. Keep up the good work!
Sherry M. and Family
Lupie
Lupie is just awesome! I have some pictures and will be sending them to the prison to share with the handlers. I changed her name to Samantha and call her Sam. Everyone that meets here just adores her. She is such a good girl and is not having any problems adjusting.
I took her to the vet for a first time visit. The vet was very impressed with her. The vet requested information on the SOS-PenPal program and I was happy to share the information. Sam's only problem was a yeast infection in her ears. The handlers that she might have ear mites but it wasn't. The vet gave me medicine and Sam is all cured. I did get her a microchip in case she ever gets away from me. I wanted to make sure she is registered.
Sam
Sam appears to love the beach, at least the sand, but is a little apprehensive of the waves....I am sure that may just take some time. She was afraid of my hair dryer, coffee grinder, garage door and vacuum cleaner. However, I am making progress getting her familiar. She is terrific! Thanks again....She brings a smile to my face when I think about her....
P.L., Virginia Beach
Other Comments
I've never seen any training that looks like this. It's absolutely remarkable to see this much off-leash work with a shelter dog. This program is absolutely remarkable.
Mary Burch-American Kennel Club
This program has meant a lot to me. What a lot of people forget is that most of the dogs that we train here are getting prepared to be euthanized, so we get them with one paw in the chamber so to speak. It not only helps these dogs, but it's a great service for the community as well. The people that adopt them are always just tickled to death with them. It makes you feel good to know that you are improving the lives of not only these dogs, but of other people too.
Anthony - Former Inmate, and Dog Trainer
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