I grew up with medium to large dogs, and while my brief stint as a dog walker put me in contact with smaller breeds, I'd never met a lapdog before. And certainly not a senior, one-eyed, (nearly completely) toothless Pekingese for that matter. I was a little wary of this dog and her behavior. What do you do with a dog who doesn't really walk or play fetch or like to go for runs and is totally aloof and not interested in high-pitched nonsense?

The answer, I would find, is you don't do anything except fall under her spell. The words and photos that follow explain how it happened.

Share this image

This is what a Beasley spell-casting looks like.

Which is how I might have ended up dog sitting the Bee's Knees (one of her many nicknames). During a day at the office, The Beez (that's another) trundled from her bed and stood at my desk, fixing her lone eyeball upon me. Have you seen that Jim Henson movie The Dark Crystal? There's a one-eyed mystic character named Aughra. It was kind of like that. Then I fell into a dreamlike state, and when I awoke, I had just finished uttering the words, "Sure, Lori, I'll watch Beasley for the weekend."

"You will?!" exclaimed Lori, "Oh, that would be the best!"

"Wait -- what just happened?" I said, but Lori was too excited to hear me.

And that's how I ended up staring at That There while I tried to fall asleep. Her one eye turned as she considered me with a look that read, "What are you doing here?"

I said, "You brought me here!"

To which she snorted with obvious pleasure.

Share this image

"Excuse you."

Share this image

The face I'd wake to -- rude.

That weekend it was just me and the Beezus. I developed a song that goes, "Beasley! Why are you wearing a little hat? Why are you wearing a leetle hat? Hat hat?" referring to the muffin of fur that crowns her head. (This unique plate of hers has also earned her the name Biscuit Head.) It was also the weekend I came up with several new nicknames for her, my favorite being the Bewitching and Beguiling Beasley ... because that's exactly what she did to me. I don't know how it happened, but I'm now part of the 3-B Fan Club.

"Beastly Beasley! Your table manners are atrocious!" I told her as she pouted at the dinner table for my Thai food. "It is unladylike to behave this way, my One-Eyed Friend."

She eventually snorted and trundled away down the hall, like a small fluffy tank on some forgotten mission. Later, when Cow -- the feral cat Lori feeds -- showed up, asking rudely after Beasley (Cow is deeply in love with the Little Heartbreaker, but I fear the affections go unrequited), I said to him, "I am sorry, Cow Cat, Lady B is not accepting visitors at this time." He responded by loafing aggressively in the doorway.

Beasley is a lady of many names and many stories that we'll never learn. She has a secret life during which she turns into a caterpillar and nibbles on clover while awaiting the moment her butterfly wings will burst forth from her shoulders; at night she transforms into an owl and flutters about the rafters, scuttling off on midnight adventures with Cow the cat. Occasionally Beasley is a straight-up bunny, leaping into her bed with unexpected agility. However, most of the time, she is a sloth and a sorceress, or maybe even a queen seeking refuge in our humble world.

Share this image

Cow is pouting.

Share this image

Begging Beasley. Tsk tsk tsk!

Rescue dogs in particular hold secrets about their past lives, and it's up to our imaginations to weave their narratives, tying them into our own. After adoption, they accept our stories and our nicknames and our songs with a wagging tail. Maybe it's just a projection of our own secret desires and stories -- you don't know how many times I find myself wishing there were magic in this world -- but dogs are not about to psychoanalyze us. Or, if they are, they're keeping it to themselves.

Legend has it that Beasley flew in a private plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco, landed at Muttvile, and then, looking Lori in the face with a single eye around which all the universe spins, decided she was too old for adventures and that it was time to go home once and forever. Lori didn't know then that it would be an adoption rather than a foster, but Beasley sure did.

I'm sure the first day Beasley met me, she chuckled at my hesitation and said to herself, "Don't you worry, Pink Haired One, you will be mine."

Maybe there really is magic in the world, and dogs are the channel through which it travels. I'm a believer now.

Share this image

She got me.

How have your dogs brought magic into your life? What nicknames do you have for them? How did you come up with them? Share your stories in the comments.

Read other stories about magic and fostering here:

• We Should Think of a New Name for "Foster Failure"
• Dogster Readers Show Off Their Rescue Dogs
• Share this image Bill Foundation's Annie Hart: "Rescuing Dogs Rescued Me"

We hope the same thing can happen for these two pups. 

Share this image

They just want to spend the rest of their days hanging out together.

Kobe is a blind chocolate Labrador who gets around with the help of her friend, Chuey the companion Chihuahua and seeing-eye dog. They were surrendered to a shelter for reasons unknown, and that's when Muttville took them in. We can see why. They are so cute that Managing Editor Vicky Walker said, "LIZ YOU MUST WRITE ABOUT THESE DOGS!" And, because I love Labradors (and I'm just as obedient as one), I said, "Yes, ma'am!"

Share this image

Kobe may have lost her eyesight ...

Share this image

… but then she found a friend.

Kobe and Chuey are inseparable and spend most of their time snoozing, snuggled up together. According to Muttville, the dogs are really sweet natured and love to give kisses when they feel safe and stable.

All they really need is a quiet place to call home for the remainder of their days.

A Labrador and a Chihuahua! That's a winning combination!

Share this image

How cute are these two?

If you think you have a place for these two, check out their listing page on Muttville, where you can also find their adoption application.

We hope they find a good home -- and soon!

Photos via Muttville's website 

And now, freed from her torment, DeJesus has adopted the dog. 

Castro owned three dogs in his Cleveland home, according to the Daily Mail: a five-year-old Chihuahua named Dina, a three-year-old Shih Tzu mix named Drake, and three-year-old Lola the terrier mix. Castro reportedly let his captives interact with the dogs, but he would take the dogs away as punishment. 

Share this image

"They are very nice dogs, well behaved," Cleveland Dog Warden John Baird told the Plain Dealer. "They're all healthy and easy to get along with ... they run up and are friendly to people, and they get along well with each other."

Share this image

Share this image

The dogs were removed from Castro's home and were taken first to the city kennel and then to Dogs Unlimited Rescue, where they were spayed/neutered and cleaned up for adoption, with the women who were held captive by Castro getting first shot at adopting the dogs.

Baird says he made the offer in the hopes the dogs could help them acclimate to freedom.

"They may have bonded with these dogs, and we would like for them to have a shot at them if they want them, just because it was something they could attach themselves to."

The dogs are in surprisingly good health, with the only issues being matted hair. Some have speculated that the pets were used as pets for the women; others think they were "noise shields" to distract people from what was going on in the house.

"The animals aren't very shy, so that's usually a sign that they've been cared for at least in some way," Baird told local Cleveland station WOIO.

Gina DeJesus, who went missing on her way home from school in 2004, quickly took Dogs Unlimited up on the offer. Her lawyer picked up the dog earlier this month.   

Share this image

The other women, however, declined the offer, and Castro's remaining dogs are expected to be up for adoption soon at Dogs Unlimited.

Via  Daily Mail

Remember how a train was coming and the conductor slammed on the brakes, stopping just yards before the dog? Well, this story has finally come to an end -- and it's a good one.

Banjo -- so named by the train depot employees who saved him -- has finally found his forever home. 

Share this image

Meet Jeff and Louisa Moore and their Tibetan Terrier, Lali. Their plea to adopt Banjo was among the more than 1,300 emails from potential adopters that flooded Riverside County's Department of Animal Services after the story of Banjo went viral. People wrote from around the world, crashing the department's site at one point for 24 hours. 

"We saw his picture and we both fell in love with him, the most beautiful dog we've ever seen," Louisa told KABC.

Share this image

Jo Marie Upegui, Banjo's temporary caretaker -- and the one with final say on who would take Banjo home -- was thrilled with the decision.

"I'm just so happy with the choice we all made," she told USA Today. "It's just such a loving family."

How did the Moores pull it off? By caring. They "constantly" checked in on Banjo via email. And they also live near the beach (Huntington Beach in Southern California, no less) as well as a dog park.

Still, they were shocked when they got the call.

"We had no clue that we were actually the ones who would be picked, so we feel pretty special," said Jeff.

"This family is so dedicated to their animals," Upegui told KABC. "They never leave the dog alone, and I thought that was really important to Banjo because Banjo's had such a ... it's been a scary trip for him." 

Share this image

Banjo shortly after being rescued from the tracks.

"Tonight we're just going to go home and hang out," Jeff said. "We have a big field that's right next to our place that about a dozen of us all go out with our dogs, and they all get along really well, so it'll be fun introducing him to all the dogs. I'm sure they'll love him."

The Moores plan to keep the public updated on Banjo's life though new Instagram and Facebook pages; we'll update this post when those go live. 

Share this image

LOOK AT THAT FACE!

Via KABCUSA Today; photos via Riverside County's Department of Animal Services' Facebook

But Sara Cross, founder of Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue, and Eva Armstrong, one of the group's rescuers, didn't want to see that happen. The rescue works with Alabama's Wannabe Rescued to help bail dogs out of the Selma pound. The two groups do so because dogs don't stand a chance at that place. Once local foster parents in Alabama are fully tapped, Badass Brooklyn steps in to bring the dogs up north to place them in foster homes.

Badass has saved more than 800 dogs from high-kill pounds in the South. 

Share this image

At one of Badass Brooklyn's apoption events. Photo by Hilary Benas via Badass Brooklyn's Facebook.

"We really want people to understand the urgency here," Cross told the New York Daily News. "You either take the dog or the dog gets killed the next day. There's no other option."

Captain Morgan got his ticket out in March alongside 30 other dogs that day. In New York, the group typically fosters out the dogs, but Captain Morgan was a special case -- he had heartworm. He needed treatment. Armstrong let the one-eyed dog stay with her while he got healthy, and Cappy (short for Captain Morgan) jumped right in. Bonding, as they say, took place. 

Cappy slept in Armstrong's bed. They watched TV. They took walks. The dog learned how to be a happy puppy to a loving caretaker, and Armstrong's kindness made a big impression on the little dog. After he was adopted to a couple in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Cappy didn't forget his rescuer. When the two were reunited earlier this month at one of Badass Brooklyn's block parties, Cappy spotted Armstrong from a distance, ran over, and leapt into her arms. 

Photographer Hilary Benas caught the embrace at the perfect time. The photo went viral. You can see why: 

Share this image

Photo by Hilary Benas via Badass Brooklyn's Facebook.

"It's great that he found a home right here in Park Slope," Armstrong said. "When he sees me, he goes nuts."

Cross told the told the Huffington Post that she see this a lot: "Whenever any of us run into dogs that we have fostered or rescued, they always recognize us and are so excited to see us. Dogs remember the person who saved their life and helped them on their way to a forever home."

If you would like to help facilitate more happy reunions like this one, you can donate to Badass Brooklyn via its Facebook page and website.

"Cappy would not be alive were it not for a small group of dedicated volunteers in Selma, Alabama," Cross told the Daily Mail. "We would not even know these dogs exist, let alone be able to rescue them, if it were not for amazing volunteers."

It made me wonder, what do you do when you see a dog running on a busy road?

Share this image

Stray dog by Shutterstock.

I have my share of dog rescue stories. Once I was driving on a side street near my home when I looked up and saw a three-legged Boxer zigzagging across the road, which was busy enough that the dog was in danger of being hit by a driver not paying close attention. In this case, I pulled over, turned on my emergency flashers, and coaxed the dog to me. Fortunately, he was more interested in playing than running, and I corralled him quickly. I took him home, provided food and water, and contacted the nearby veterinarian offices.

I found a vet's office that reported having a three-legged Boxer as a patient. The person I spoke to remembered surgery on a Boxer who had been hit by a car. The vet had to amputate one of the dog’s legs in order to save her. 

Share this image

Here's Roxie.

The description of the dog matched the dog I found. The office contacted the owner, who confirmed that his dog was missing. He hadn’t started looking for her, figuring she would return. I took the dog back to his owner, who seemed indifferent to the dog. I politely suggested that, if he wanted, I could find the dog a good home with a fenced backyard. He seemed mildly interested in my offer, but he had purchased the dog for his kids and wasn’t willing to give her up.

The next day, I received a call from a family who was referred to me, saying that a three-legged Boxer had showed up in their front yard. I was certain it was the same Boxer and provided them with the owner’s contact information. I later found out that the Boxer’s owner told them to just keep or get rid of the dog, as she was too much of a hassle. The family kept her and provided her with a good home; she was considered part of the family and well loved.

Share this image

Woman with a stray dog by Shutterstock.

Another time, I was leaving a grocery store on a very busy road. I looked up, and lying outside the entrance was a sweet little mixed-breed hound. He looked to be a year or so old and was extremely friendly. He didn’t have a collar or any indication that he belonged to anyone. So, I picked him up and took him to my car. I always keep emergency dog and cat supplies in my car. I offered him some food and water and then placed a leash on him so I could keep him secure. I visited each of the stores in the area to see whether he belonged to anyone. Most of the stores made a loudspeaker announcement to staff and customers to see whether they were missing a dog, but no one responded. So I took him to a local vet to scan him for a microchip, to no avail.

Share this image

This is Scooter.

Next, I took him home and contacted nearby veterinarian offices, county animal shelters, and animal rescue organizations. I followed all of the steps that I suggest to my lost-animal clients. After an extensive search, I determined that the dog was either a stray, or he left a home where no one really cared much about him. I contacted a friend who ran one of the local animal rescue organizations, and she placed him in a foster home until he could be adopted to a loving family. It only took a few days. This time, he was outfitted with a microchip, collar, and tags before going to his new home.

I could share many other stories like this -- and, unfortunately, I'm sure I'll collect more in the years ahead. I know it’s not safe for anyone to stop on a busy interstate to assist a stray dog, but I would be hard-pressed not to lend a hand.

Have you helped a stray dog running near a busy road or otherwise dangerous situation? How did you handle the situation? What would you expect others to do if it were your dog who'd gotten out? Let us know in the comments!

More stories by Tim Link:

• I Helped Find a Lost Beagle via Telepathic Communication -- No, Really!
• Would You Tether Your Dog in Front of a Store Unsupervised?
• Do You Crate Your Dogs When You Leave The House? Discuss!

Share this image

A dog's paw? It would seem. But you saw The Usual Suspects, right? Don't believe everything you see. Except in this case you should, because he sent this other picture later that day, also unaccompanied by text:  

Share this image

Huh. Is Kevin Spacey tweeting a portrait of a dog in pieces? That's what it seems like Kevin Spacey is doing on this particular weekday. Here are some comments his followers left about this particular piece: 

• "don't leave us hanging"
• "that snake has a beard!"
• "OK...i give up...why this picture?" (Greta Van Susteren sent this tweet, and after she did the conversation quickly devolved into juvenile cracks about Greta Van Susteren.)

Finally, 45 minutes later, Spacey completed the puzzle. He tweeted the whole enchilada: his new dog. And she's a cute one: 

Share this image

His message: "Mystery solved. New member of my family. Her name is Boston in honor of the city."

What he didn't Tweet is that Boston is a shelter dog from North Shore Animal League America. The group is also on Twitter, of course, and it quickly chimed in with dog's pedigree: a Boxer mix. 

As for the name, it's not an empty gesture. Spacey has been widely seen in Boston after the bombings, visiting victims and first responders and generally trying to lift spirits.

When he saw the tragedy unfold, he said he "had to get on a plane."

“I’m not a doctor or first responder, but if people know me from movies, and walking into their workspace or room brings a smile to their face -- with the challenges these amazing citizens have in front of them -- then that’s worth coming,” Spacey told the Boston Herald. “The cops, nurses, doctors, hospital staff, and patients that I have met over the past few days have given me the greatest feeling of pride in being an American and made me understand that we are all Boston.”

But what about Spacey's other dog, the terrier mix he adopted years ago? The actor quickly tweeted reassurances. 

"For those asking, Mini is great. 15 & still acting like a puppy. Be a week or so before she can meet Boston. I'm definitely in dog heaven!"

Share this image

Daisy with her namesake.

When the little Pekingese arrived at the shelter, she was in so much pain she was unresponsive, so workers thought she might be deaf as well. Papaya arrived with both eyes severely damaged, and she had obviously endured abuse and neglect. She was initially rescued by Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, who arranged for her immediate medical attention. Despite the organization's swift work, Daisy's eyes could not be saved. Her jaw was also broken, and infection had seized her body. Some might have said that the lap dog was better off gently laid to rest, but the Pekingese demonstrated enough pluck and will to survive to inspire the Angels Among Us vets. So she underwent surgery.

Share this image

Daisy looking like a sad pile of fur in the shelter.

Share this image

Daisy in the process of receiving care.

Share this image

Daisy after some grooming -- what a difference a little love makes!

Shortly after her rescue, Daisy was adopted by a woman named Sally. Daisy will share her home with another Pekingese who is partially blind.

Even though Daisy is going to a great forever home, she still needs help paying for her vet bills. If you'd like to make a donation, check out the Angels Among Us website, and if you'd like to keep up to date on Daisy's progress, make sure to follow her Facebook page.

Share this image

Daisy with her new human friend.

Daisy takes her struggles in stride. I know I've gotten melodramatic over a broken nail, so to see this little lady overcome not only losing her eyes, but learning to trust and love again is an inspiration to me. It's a reminder to look up because kindness is all around us, ready to receive us even when things look their most grim.

Share this image

Daisy enjoys the great outdoors.

All photos via the Papapaya the Tiny Survivor Facebook page 

Share this image

"Hey! It's me -- Wonka!"

Wonka was hit by a car in a remote community in Canada with no access to veterinary care. Unable to care for Wonka, her human family surrendered her to Norway House Animal Rescue Network. Look, we're not going to judge them for it -- what would you do if you found yourself miles away from veterinary care and unable to afford treatment for such a severe injury?

Meanwhile, Wonka suffered through five days of agony with a shattered pelvis and severely broken leg before Earthdog Terrier Rescue stumbled across her story on Facebook. You're all like, "Earthdog Terrier Rescue? But she's a Beagle mix!" And you would be correct! But the organization made Wonka an honorary terrier -- because, well, why not? The rescue network flew Wonka down to Winnipeg, where she was seen by Earthdog's vet, Best Friends Animal Hospital. 

Share this image

Wonka's X-rays.

Share this image

Would Wonka end up a three-legged dog?

Amputation would have been the quickest -- although the most traumatic -- treatment for Wonka, but according to Tracy McWhirter of Earthdog, Wonka is a "dignified lady" deserving of all four legs. We love it!

After being seen by Dr. Trevor Bebchuck, Wonka was outfitted with a device to help keep her leg stationary while it heals, and she will probably make a full recovery. In the meantime, Wonka gets to ride in a chariot -- just like the princess she is.

Share this image

Wonka will have to wear this for at least 8 weeks. Fortunately, it's in a fashionable color.

Share this image

Wonka taking a princess nap in her stately chariot.

Once she's all healed up, Wonka will be up for adoption -- and whoever gets her is going to be one lucky human.

Check out the Earthdog Terrier Rescue Facebook page for updates on Wonka's progress, and if you're feeling particularly generous, make a donation to the organization here.

Check out these related articles on Dogster:

• Witness Violet the Pomeranian's Jaw-Dropping Transformation
• Rescue Dogs Can Make Great Therapy Dogs. Might Yours?
• 5 Things I Demand from Any Vet's Office

"Refer a devloper," the Web site screams, "Win a Puppy!"

Wh-wh-wha-whaaat?!

It goes on: "For the next 30 days, Rover.com is offering something better: if we hire a candidate you refer to Rover.com, then you will get a free puppy! That's right, let me say it again: FREE PUPPY!"

Share this image

By this point, Dogster Editor-in-Chief Janine Kahn had passed out, her head hitting her keyboard. Managing Editor Vicky Walker said she was going out for a drink. Associate Editor Keith Bowers simply pulled a bottle of whiskey from a drawer and slammed it on his desk. 

Yet our fears were unfounded.

Rover is not the evil villain this promotion makes it out to be. No, the staffers are not handing out free puppies as if they were sticks of gum. They do not have a box of puppies in a closet, ready to be dumped into the arms of people who know experienced software developers with "Javascript and Front-End Focus" and "Conversion Funnel Optimization Expertise." (What exactly are they building over at this dog-sitting company?)

Share this image

Rover is, in a word, being cheeky. Attracting attention. Making the world take note of this company that connects dog owners and dog-sitters through the Internet. 

We realized this once we gathered ourselves up and read the rest of the web page: 

"Rover is not going to give you a puppy directly. Rover will give you $1,000 for you to use toward the adoption of a puppy, but you will have to adopt the puppy on your own."

Okay, fair enough. But still, what if we don't want a puppy? Why are you so hell-bent on making us get a puppy? What is it with this compulsion you have with us owning a puppy?

We kept reading:

"If you don't want a dog, you could get a cat, but we don't advise it because cats are snooty. Or, if you don't want a new pet, then you can keep the money, or you could contribute it to one of our partners."

That's a deal we can get behind.

Divina Rocco and her family couldn't take it anymore.

"The dog sounded like it was in distress," she told WCVB.com, "and it was distressing us." 

Share this image

Her husband, Roy, and a bunch of neighborhood boys headed up the hill to look for the dog. They found nothing other than a lot of wet, dense, dangerous Hawaii hillside. They came back down. Roy couldn't let it go. He hiked up two more times alone, but again couldn't find the dog -- just more of that sad, lonely barking.  

"He kept trying to think of different ways and he couldn't sleep because it felt like he really needed to rescue that dog," Divina said.

The next day, Roy and Divina hiked up the other side of the mountain and got lucky -- they spotted the dog. He was stuck on a ledge, on the side of a hill on the military base.  

Share this image

They dutifully called the military police, who called animal control. That set off a chain of events that went ... nowhere. Apparently, no one had the proper equipment to do the rescue.

"They pretty much gave up on it," Divina said.

Roy didn't. He was a solider himself. He got some some fellow soldiers from Schofield's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, got some rappelling gear, and hiked up the hill. They saved the dog themselves.

Share this image

Share this image

Soon they were all safe on the ground. The dog -- a girl -- was fine, just a little shaken and hungry. 

Share this image

"She's in good condition, thank goodness," said Divina. "I was really extra worried about her because last night it was raining cats and dogs all night long." 

The dog was transferred to the Hawaiian Humane Society, and unless an owner comes forward, she'll be available for adoption. Thanks to her news exposure, she probably won't have much trouble.

Share this image

"I think the dog was probably really scared and would have just stayed there and probably starved to death," Divina said. "It breaks my heart to even imagine an animal or any creature to go through that."

Via WCVB.com

Such is the life of many shelter dogs, and the reason high-energy breeds often get passed over for adoption.

Share this image

Enter Miles & Mutts. This group of dedicated volunteers runs dogs from the Better Days Animal League in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, every Sunday whenever weather allows. The rescues return tired and better ready to face the week ahead.

"The difference we see in the dogs is remarkable," says Abbi Crowe, founder of Miles & Mutts. "They're whining and carrying on during the ride to the trail and totally calm on the way back. Even though we only do it once a week, getting out of the shelter environment helps with their mental well-being and socialization. Being out and around people, getting real-life experiences they don't get in their kennel, it definitely makes them calmer when meeting potential adopters."

Pack leader

Crowe has volunteered at animal shelters since childhood and has three rescue dogs -- black Lab-mix Jackson, Beagle Kasey, and chocolate-Lab-mix Hannah -- with her husband, Kevin. When she took up running a few years back, she began thinking about how to combine the two passions. It was during the Better Days Animal League Peace 4 Paws benefit run in fall of 2011 that Crowe learned the organization had actual physical shelters, as opposed to using foster homes and boarding facilities. She successfully pitched to Better Days the idea of a running group for its dogs.

The first run happened on April 14, 2012, with just Crowe and a young Treeing Walker Coonhound named Xena. The pair covered five miles of the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail that day.

Share this image

Abbi and Xena get ready to take their first run together. Since that day, Xena has logged 245 miles with the group. She remains available for a high-energy family that can give her the exercise her breed needs.

"Xena and I headed over to the trail for a run this morning," Crowe wrote on the Miles & Mutts website later. "The first mile was a little clumsy, but she got the hang of what we were there for very quickly. I’m pretty sure there was a huge smile on my face the entire time as well."

The time was flying by, and pretty soon we’d already run two and a half miles," she continued. "I wanted to take it easy with her since it was her first run, so we turned around at this point. Not bad for a sweet dog who has spent most of her life in a kennel. Of course, a temporary home at Better Days Animal League is certainly better than her original fate from the breeder/owner who was going to drown her and her sister when he could not get rid of them as puppies. Five miles complete."

Crowe regularly documents the Miles & Mutts runs, showing off the many adoptable dogs in the running pack and recommending them as the best of running partners because they never stand you up and are always eager to see what's beyond the bend. Just try to keep a dry eye while watching the group's moving year-end video.

Since that first outing with Xena, the group has grown to 32 volunteers, who have run 36 dogs from the shelter a total of 1,096 miles. Thirteen of those dogs have found forever homes, thanks in part to the exercise and interaction the regular outings provide.

The running pack

Crowe coordinates which dogs get to run each week, and she and her husband transport them from the shelter to the trail in the van they bought and outfitted for the task. Volunteers meet at the trail, a crushed limestone path that travels through woods and farmland.

When deciding which dogs to include, she considers several factors. "We mostly take the ones with high energy, the ones who are going a little kennel crazy," she explains. "But we also have to consider how they are with people and other dogs. There are some we would love to take but can't because they are too dog-aggressive." Hound and Pit Bull mixes make up most of the running pack.

Share this image

Xena's sister, Athena, gets a little love from her running partner, Tim O'Dowd. She has logged 203 miles to date and also remains available for adoption.

Share this image

Mystic, still available for adoption, cools down after a run. She has put in 53 miles so far with the group.

Share this image

Crowe says Zeus, still available for adoption, has become a running pro with excellent behavior on leash and around both people and dogs. He has logged 85 miles so far.

Share this image

Trinket ran 46 miles with the group before going to her forever home.

Crowe matches runners according to ability and never allows the dogs to get pushed passed their limit. The dogs have been known to push the humans, though.

"In some cases, the dog keeps the person wanting to go father than in the past," Crowe says, pointing to Xena and Athena as two such dogs. "Several people came in running a little bit -- three miles a couple times a week -- but now they want to run with the hounds and go 10 miles."

Bonds also develop between the humans and dogs, with volunteers requesting certain running partners. One such attachment actually turned into an adoption, when Ian and Willow Weir made Allie a permanent part of their running group and family.

Share this image

Allie put in just 17 miles before finding her forever home through Miles & Mutts.

The future of Miles & Mutts

Crowe hopes to double the number of volunteers, dogs, and miles this year. She also wants to start pulling dogs from the second Better Days shelter and add a weeknight run for those who have other obligations on Sundays. All of this will help with the ultimate goal of the group: finding forever homes for these awesome but often overlooked animals.

If you live in the Shippensburg area and want to join Miles & Mutts, visit the group's website. You'll also find a list Crowe compiled of other running groups for shelter dogs throughout the country. To get more information on the many adoptable pets available through Better Days, visit the shelter's Petfinder page.

Meet more Dogster Heroes:

• "Stray Grows Up to Be a Support Dog for Victims and Witnesses"
• "Sixth-Grader Raises Money to Get Shelter Dogs Exercise"
• "Arizona Cactus Corgi Rescue: The Go-To Spot for Homeless Welsh Corgis"

Do you know of a rescue hero — dog, human, or group — we should profile on Dogster? Write us at dogsterheroes@dogster.com. 

And a train was on the way.

Share this image

Luckily, the sharp-eyed conductor saw the man walking away from the tracks and slammed on the brakes. The train stopped just yards short of hitting the dog, according to the New York Daily News. 

The conductor then alerted Union Pacific Special Agent Sal Pina, who quickly found the man and arrested him. Then the agent untied the poor, tiny dog. 

"It's probably one of the worst things I've seen," Pina said. "I've never seen something like this."

Share this image

Pina said he was especially affected because the dog was the same breed as his own dog, only with a lighter coat. 

The agent then interviewed the man at length in his office, where he decided he could not pursue an animal-cruelty case "because the man appeared to be confused, or senile and didn't fully understand what he had done."

A Riverside County Animal Services officer picked up the dog and took him to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, where veterinary technician Jo Marie Upegui treated him and gave him a bath. She said he was in good health. She and her colleagues named him Banjo, a reference to railroad signals. Then she took Banjo home for extra care. 

Share this image

Banjo is available for adoption. Interested adopters should email shelterinfo@rivcocha.org and "share why their family would be best for Banjo." Visit Riverside County Animal Services for more information.

Via the New York Daily News

Another dog? Why? I was pretty happy with the status quo, especially since I was spending about half an hour each day making sure Hershey's thick coat was well-brushed. Another Cocker Spaniel? I was not keen, but the idea lingered. 2011 turned into 2012.

Meanwhile, across the bay, a little Cocker boy was getting ready for his adoption. He had been through a lot. Many months earlier, he had been discovered on the street by a passerby. That person saw a pile of dirty fur that seemed to be breathing. He picked it up and turned it over to Oakland Animal Services. From there, the animal was rushed to an emergency clinic, where the fur and mats were cut away until a little dog was found underneath.

Share this image

Lots and lots of fur had to be cut away.

He was "mummified" in the matted fur, emaciated, and his ears were badly infected. He had lost sight in one eye. As he emerged from his semi-hibernation, they named him Van Winkle, after Washington Irving's Rip Van Winkle, who rejoined society after sleeping for 20 years. The shelter needed to raise a lot of money to meet Van Winkle's medical expenses, so they made a video that was aired by a local news station.

The shelter also found a wonderful foster family to take him in. His dedicated foster mom took him to vet appointments, stayed up with him, and administered his many medications, including injections that had to be given every few hours, day and night, for weeks.

He improved day by day, and it was hoped he'd be ready for adoption in July. His ear infections defied treatment, though. Ultimately, the decision was made for him to have surgery on both ears, leaving him deaf. Months of post-op care and therapy followed. 2011 turned into 2012, and Van Winkle -- now known as Winkie -- was ready for adoption. The shelter produced a new video:

And that's where our paths crossed. I saw the video on the news. These stories always capture my attention, and they always break my heart. I always think I want to come to the rescue, but I always come to my senses before taking any steps! This one was different -- maybe because he overcame such much or maybe because I could see his inner Cocker Spaniel. Anyway, after much prayer and discussion with my husband, I called to apply to adopt Winkie.

Share this image

After the first grooming.

A week later my husband, our dog Hershey, and I traveled across the Bay Bridge to meet Winkie and his foster family at the shelter. We weren't the only applicants -- in fact, we were the last -- but his foster mom chose us on the spot. A week later, we went to pick him up and bring him home. We were concerned about his reaction to being separated from his foster mom, to whom he was deeply attached, but we needn't have worried. He took his place in the back seat, as if he'd been riding there his whole life, curled up, and took a nap!

He walked into the house the same way: fearless. Taking his cues from Hershey, Winkie found his flopping spots in every room, his supper dish, and the toy box. He found his way into our hearts. We were already in love.

And he began his teaching career. Of course, we had to learn all about his particular quirks, which are many! Our first lesson was that being half-blind and mostly deaf is a non-issue, as Winkie has no idea there's anything wrong.

Share this image

Winkie and Hershey peacefully coexist.

He can't jump up on people or furniture because his hind legs are weakened, though, but he can climb like a little monkey! His mouth doesn't open very wide, and his bite is weak, but he'll fetch a ball until he's ready to drop. He snores. He drinks too much water too fast, only to cough and gag and spit it back up.

He can be clumsy if he gets going too quickly, but he always gets back up and keeps at it. Through it all, he has taught us how to take things in stride, that nothing is as bad as you imagine, and that any challenge can be dealt with.

We've learned by experience that change is good, and life is full of wonderful surprises! He makes us laugh all the time. He makes a party out of everyday events, like suppertime and the daily walk.

Share this image

Winkie today.

It has to be acknowledged that Hershey has never fully taken to Winkie. It isn't that they fight or compete -- Hershey simply doesn't acknowledge him. He was an only dog for six and a half years, and he would have preferred to keep it that way.

Winkie, for his part, relies on Hershey for life cues. Hershey hears, and he knows the lay of the land and the household routines. So Winkie always makes sure Hershey is in view, while letting Hershey's aloofness roll off his back.

We recently celebrated the first anniversary of Winkie's adoption. We've introduced him to the ocean and to wine country, to Carmel and Mendocino, to trains and boats, and to the Wag Hotel. It's hard to imagine our lives without him now. His place is in our home and in our hearts.

Sounds like a regular afternoon for a boy and a dog, with just one exception: Apollo is totally deaf.

“We adopted him as a puppy. He was born deaf, left at the pound,” says Barton, now a freshman in high school. “You’d never know. We taught him hand signals for sit, down, high-five. I’ve learned sign language, and I made up some hand signals for him. He loves learning, he’s a great dog.”

Share this image

Chevy is a deaf dog who's awaiting adoption at Special Needs Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation in St. Martinville, LA. Photo by Robin Menard

Dogs with hearing impairments often linger too long at shelters, overlooked by potential adopters who fear the dog will require a lot of extra work or won’t be trainable. But a deaf dog is seldom at a disadvantage. Canines have such strong command of their senses, and are keen observers of their environment, they seem indifferent to their lack of sound.

Communicating without words

“Deaf dogs actually learn a lot faster than your average dog because they learn by watching and are not confused by our words,” says Robin Menard, founder and president of Special Needs Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation in Saint Martinville, LA. “Dogs are nonverbal and do not speak English, but we often forget that in communicating with our pets.”

Your deaf dog won’t hear the word "sit," but he’ll quickly understand the hand signal you use and the rewarding treat he receives each time he assumes the position. Each dog’s learning ability is different, but with hand signals, you can teach your dog as many things as he’s willing to absorb.

Share this image

Hand signal by Shutterstock.

All dogs are masters at figuring out the daily household patterns, as well as reading the emotions of their owners and their daily patterns. If you keep your days to a fairly predictable pattern, he’ll feel secure in the household routine. He’ll trot to the door when it’s walk time, and show up by the window when you’re due home from work, just like any other dog.

If yours is a multiple-dog household, your dog has even more opportunities to pick up signals.

“They do tend to follow the lead of other dogs in the home and watch them for clues of anything that maybe going on in their environment,” says Menard.

Keeping your deaf dog safe

Even if he’s a master at obedience, a deaf dog lives with certain dangers. If he’s not looking at you, he can’t hear your warnings. He won’t receive your "leave it!" warning before he gulps down that moldy cheese he found in the trash.

Pet-proofing is always important, but perhaps more so with a deaf companion. Be sure your trash, medicine cabinets, food bins, and garage are always well-secured. If your dog is a counter-surfer, be careful not to leave food unattended.

But even more dangerously, your deaf dog can’t hear the threat of oncoming traffic, or your warning yell if he’s about to wander into danger. Perhaps the most important safety measure is to never let him off-leash in an open area. Ideally, you should invest in a fenced-in area for your yard, so he has a safe place to explore.

Share this image

Positive dog training by Shutterstock.

“There are special vibrating collars you can purchase -- no shock -- to use for a recall for deaf dogs to ensure their safety outdoors. It could mean the difference of life and death for a dog who cannot hear,” says Menard.

It’s also wise to add a tag to his collar that indicates he is deaf, should he ever become separated from you.

Be sure your neighbors are aware of your dog’s hearing loss, so they don’t rely on a honk of a horn should they find him in their pathway.

Avoiding startling your deaf dog

Because your dog doesn’t hear the chatter of the family entering the living room, or the creak of the front door, he may exhibit a negative reaction when approached unexpectedly. This is often misinterpreted as aggressive behavior. But anyone –- deaf or with pitch-perfect hearing –- can become startled when someone unexpectedly materializes in front of them.

First, try to avoid situations where he can be startled. Approach your dog carefully, stomping your feet or flickering a light if he isn’t paying attention. Wait for him to acknowledge before you continue.

You can also set up your home to minimize unexpected encounters: Place his bed against a wall or in a corner, turn his food dish so he’s facing out rather facing the wall. Arrange your furniture in an open manner, minimizing blind spots.

Share this image

English Springer Spaniel being trained by Shutterstock.

Try to indulge in his own preferences. Deaf dogs tend to choose unusual spots for napping, such as in the middle of halls or doorways. Unless it’s a major inconvenience for you, allow him to rest where he chooses –- there’s probably a good reason for it. If yours is a black dog who is difficult to see in the dark, tuck a white bandana on him at night, so no one trips over him en route to the bathroom.

Be sure to supervise any young children, whose energy may tax even the most patient dog. Use this as a learning experience, helping children to foster compassion and understanding. Teach the children how to approach and interact with the dog -- but don’t expect their full compliance. Always keep a watchful eye on the children and dog, and whenever you can’t, separate the two with child gates.

Don't forget he’s still a dog

While you want to protect him, be careful not to hold your dog back from the fun in life. In some cases, he has an advantage over his hearing counterparts: A deaf dog is so adept at reading queues and following hand signals he may excel at training or organized sports. Why not seek his Canine Good Citizen award, learn and compete in a sport, or become a therapy or visiting dog? If your dog is up for the challenge, give it a try.

Outside of organized events, early and frequent socialization is as important to a deaf dog as it is to any dog. Around other dogs, you may not notice your dog’s hearing loss –- dogs have a way of communicating without words. Let him have fun at the doggie play group if he enjoys that, provided it’s fenced-in. As with any dog, remain vigilant when he’s playing in a group, and be ready to intervene at any signs of a scuffle.

It’s natural to think twice before adopting a deaf dog, or any dog with a handicap. But all it takes is a willingness to learn and adjust for the situation, as well as some extra patience. They may be deaf, but they’re still dogs, filled with love and happiness, waiting for the right person to share it with.

Dogs with disabilities are just as lovable as other dogs. Read a story about a blind dog who has his own seeing-eye dog. Here's a story about a pair of two-legged dogs who work as therapy dogs. And here's a recent update on Rosie, the inbred Chihuahua rescued from a backyard breeder.

Share this image

The shelter indeed closed, and Bruno made it out okay. Sadly, however, his owner had to relinquish him, because he was still having trouble getting back on his feet after Sandy destroyed his home. Bruno was taken in by Northwind Kennels, which were fielding "hundreds" of adoption requests brought on by the intense media coverage. 

Finally, Bruno has his forever-home happy ending. He was adopted Thursday by Melville couple Marc and Karen Siegel, according to CBSNewYork.com.

Share this image

The Siegels said they visited Bruno four or five times, and that he seemed "like a perfect fit" for their family. 

Northwind owner Penny Smith-Berk agreed.

“Bruno is a very special dog and he will now be going to a very special home,” she said. “Marc and Karen are the perfect family for Bruno."

Share this image

Bruno gets a giant fenced yard to play in, which is quite a change from being caged up in the storm shelter for so long. Marc Siegel and his family are thrilled with how everything turned out.  

“I can’t thank everybody enough at the Nassau County SPCA and again the kennel in Bedford for all the wonderful things they’ve done working with Bruno and finding him a good home,” he said. “People like this who do charitable work, they are not in it to make money, they’re in it just for the love of the animals.”

Via CBSNewYork.com; photos via Northwind Kennels' Facebook 

But Zooey has one-upped us, big time: She's adopted two dogs from the Bill Foundation. And she announced it to the world in the accustomed way for these sorts of announcements, via Twitter: 

"I have to thank the #billfoundation for the greatest, sweetest, most wonderful dogs in the world. Apples of my eye!"

Share this image

Her dogs also have a fine adoption story, which began before she was in the picture. Some time ago, according to the Bill Foundation Facebook page, some Bill Foundation rescuers were in a shelter and came across a dog who had recently given birth -- her babies were adopted, but the dog was not. The Bill Foundation took her home and named her Aspen.

The rescuers walked around the shelter some more and came upon another dog who had recently given birth. It turns out this dog was brought in by the same woman who had brought in Aspen. The Bill Foundation named her Jasmine and took them both to the rescue, and they were finally together again.  

That's how Zooey found them. She named them Zelda and Dot. 

Share this image

Photo via Twitter

If you'd like to see more of the fine work the Bill Foundation is doing, like them on Facebook and check out this video of Tessa, who's still looking for her forever home:

Via the Bill Foundation Facebook

Now, he's the last one there. And the shelter is closing next week.

Share this image

Photo via Nassau County SPCA

His owner is still around, but he's been forced to surrender him to the shelter after a series of hardships. He lost his job. He's been sleeping in his car. He plans to leave New York to find work.

"Many owners have had to take that heartbreaking step of relinquishing ownership,” facility volunteer Beverly Poppell said. “You can tell that Bruno wants a family.”

But Bruno's owner still visits him, and here's where the story will tug at your heartstrings. According to Nassau County SPCA spokesman Gary Rogers, Bruno and his owner both cry during the visits. 

And when the owner leaves, Bruno howls for a half an hour. 

Share this image

Photo via Nassau County SPCA

Rogers says he would like the owner to find work, but as the shelter is closing, he needs to get Bruno adopted out as soon as possible. Bruno is featured prominently Nassau County SPCA Website, with the headline "HELP THIS FOUR LEGGED SANDY VICTIM!!!" The text reads, in part:

He's a good, intelligent Rottie who walks well and would do good with somebody who truly understands the breed as he has his stubborn moments. The shelter is closing soon and for him to end up without a place to go would be a tragedy, a foster or forever home is urgently needed! Call the Shelter at 516-272-0017.

“Bruno is a devoted dog,” Rogers said. “He has had a very difficult last few months and we are desperate to find him a happy ending.”

“He has a strong and sometimes Rottweiler personality that would fit best with an owner who understands the breed," he said. "But he becomes a lovable puppy around the people he knows and trusts.”

If you or someone you know would like to help, Bruno would appreciate it. Just look at that face:

Share this image

Photo via Nassau County SPCA

Via New York Daily News

His former dogs. 

Share this image

Photo by Molly Wald.

This week, six families who adopted "Vicktory dogs" (so-named after being resuced from the dog-fighting operation) met at Best Friends' Animal Society of Kanab, UT, to mark five years of freedom. 

“The Vicktory Dogs, the dogs from Michael Vick’s kennel, really helped us truly understand that all dogs are individuals,” Judah Batista, the facility’s director of animal care, told Fox 13 News. “To convict the dogs based on their owners is an incredibly unfair thing to do.”

The dogs arrived from Vick's Bad Newz Kennels battered and bruised in 2008, and as they regained their health they were slowly adopted out. The families kept in touch throughout the years, but never met -- until now. 

Share this image

Photo by Molly Wald.

"It feels like as much of a growing and healing occasion for the people as much as it does the dogs," Richard Hunter, who owns a Vicktory dog named Mel, told ABC News.

Paul, who owns Cherry Garcia, said, "It's been amazing. We're all staying in the same place -- so we have six ex-fighting Pit Bulls staying in the same place -- and you'd never know that these dogs were born, bred, and trained to fight; the furthest thing on their mind is fighting."

The families spent the weekend together at the sanctuary, and the dogs -- Cherry, Handsome Dan, Halle, Little Red, Mel, and Oscar -- got along great.

Share this image

Photo by Molly Wald.

"They have just had such a great time together. The families have had such a great time meeting in person," said Paul. "Really, to come together as one big family has been a magical moment."

On Monday, the group invited the public to visit the dogs, and more than 150 people showed up. One by one, the families took the stage and related stories about how their dogs came out of their shells, changing from the shy and shutdown animals they were. 

“We want to show the world that they can become adoptable; we want to show the world that they can become normal dogs and be positive influences in their community,” Paul said.

Watch a video of the event: 

Via ABC

Read more about Michael Vick and BSL:

• So, Apparently Michael Vick Has a Belgian Malinois Now
• Seven of Michael Vick's Rescued Dogs Reunited
• Can We Have a Discussion About BSL Without Seeing Red?
• Michael Vick, Even if You're No Longer Banned from Having Dogs, You Don't Deserve Any

• Howard Stern Blasts Michael Vick

First off, by observing them together, I get good information about how the foster dog interacts with other dogs. Beyond that, my dogs teach fosters a great deal about how to get along in our household. The fosters figure things out by observing my dogs –- the household flow, what behaviors get rewarded –- and then they imitate my dogs. Mostly this is good. Sometimes it is not.

Share this image

Foster puppy Clementine just adored our dog Duncan.

One of my first fosters, back when I worked for Best Friends Animal Society, was a puppy named Clementine. She was a Beagle/Chihuahua mix and darling as could be. My own dog at that time was Duncan, also a Beagle. According to many afficionados of the breed, Beagles have a reputation for loving each other's company, and these two were no exception. 

Clementine idolized Duncan and followed his every move. He doted on her. Quickly, she learned from him about where to do potty business, where the softest napping spots in the house could be found, where the most interesting-smelling plants were located in the yard, and how to get attention just by striking a cute pose and then staring at me.

Unfortunately, he also showed her all his tricks for finagling illicit table scraps. His best trick was to sit nearby –- but not so close as to be rude –- when I sat down for a meal, and if I happened to glance his way, he'd wave one paw in the air several times. Seeing Clementine pick up this move was unbearably cute. With apologies to Clementine's eventual adopters, I did succumb more than once, so she got one bad habit started.

Share this image

Sally and Duncan play ball together.

Years passed, and Duncan played host to many more foster dogs and puppies, an amazing teacher for them all. He welcomed them, played with them, and chilled with them on the couch. He also offered corrections, especially to young puppies when they became too rough, boisterous, or pushy.

At one point, while we were living in Louisiana, Duncan and I found ourselves fostering an adolescent Standard Poodle named Sally. She'd been rescued from a neglectful owner by an advocacy group I was working with at the time. Duncan took to her right away. Although Sally had spent her most of her puppyhood tied up in a garage, Duncan immediately taught her the ins and outs of being a house-dog. Indeed, Sally fit in so well in our home (and both Duncan and my other dog, Chachi, agreed) that we decided she should stay with us forever. So, I adopted Sally.

Of course, being a member of my pack, Sally became a host to other new foster dogs. And she proved adept at teaching fosters, too. She was, in fact, the most enthusiastic of all my dogs when it came to playing with them. Her energy was joyful and seemed to be in endless supply. I relied on her to help me wear out the foster puppies so that they'd be ready when it was time for sleep. For her part, I honestly think that Sally thought I brought home fosters just for her. “Oh, you brought me a playmate? Good, I was bored! Thank you!”

Share this image

Whitney and Sally playing together.

Fast forward a bit in time, and now I live in Rhode Island and manage my own homegrown rescue, Southpaws Express. Needless to say, I am very active in fostering.

One particularly fascinating aspect relates to the layout of my house, as the main access to the fenced backyard is through a walk-out basement. My own dogs run up and down the stairs and through the basement multiple times a day. I'm always amazed at how fast the foster dogs and puppies get used to the rather steep stairs, just by following my dogs. Even some quite young puppies learn to navigate them. My dogs tend to get in a cluster and rush together down the stairs, and the fosters will get caught up in the excitement and race down after them.

Share this image

Rufus is a sweetie -- look at that blur of wagging tail!

Duncan sadly has gone to the Bridge, and my current dogs are Chachi, Sally, and the latest addition, Rain, a scruffy black Terrier mix.  Rain was a special friend to my most recent foster, a puppy named Rufus. Rufus had arrived with his littermate brother and sister, but they both got adopted pretty soon, leaving only Rufus behind. He turned to Rain, and they bonded nicely –- Rain is still rather puppyish herself at two years, and she loved playing chase and wrestling around with him.

In the house, however, Rufus picked up a bad habit from Rain. She likes to bark at passers-by at the windows. As a hound mix, Rufus has quite an ear-splitting yodel, which he tends to use instead of a bark. When he started yodeling next to Rain, I knew it was time to separate them when they were the house. 

After all, my dogs are only supposed to teach the fosters good behavior. But no one's perfect!

Got a Doghouse Confessional to share?

We're looking for intensely personal stories from our readers about life with their dogs. E-mail confess@dogster.com, and you might become a published Dogster Magazine author!