On October 2nd I posted It’s Time To Celebrate Adopt-A-Dog Month. I put some zealies up for grabs, all you had to do was send me your dog’s rescue story for a chance to win. The winner would be featured on the blog and their goodie stash would get richer by 50 zealies.

The winner is The Wee Beasties, a very cute group of pups, and their mom Charlotte. You’ll see from the stories below why people like Charlotte are the unsung heroes of the world and a true inspiration.

Peaches, a 7 year old chihuahua was found in a water-filled ditch in Tennessee. She was emaciated, had a broken jaw with a bad wire job and kennel cough. A shelter volunteer took pity on her, took her home and reached out to rescues. A rescue in Missouri took her in and listed her on Petfinder. We were lucky enough to be chosen to adopt her in December 2006. She was terrified of men but with time, care and lots of treats, my husband was able to win her over. She’s now a true Daddy’s girl and loving spending her golden years with us.

Sam, a 3 year old chihuahua mix, came into the shelter where I volunteer. He had been abandoned and was starved. Weeks passed, other dogs came and went but but no one wanted Sam. He did get one home who promptly returned him, claiming that he’d bitten their baby. After questioning, they admitted there was no bite- they just didn’t want him. I took him home and he’s happier than ever. He does have some separation anxiety and phobia of storms but we’re working on that.

Rufus (another chihuahua) also came into the shelter, about a month after we got Sam. He was bald, emaciated, half-blind and on the short-list for euthanasia due to his age and condition. So…another addition to the family. We’ve decided he’s about 13 and may not have many years left but what he does have will be spent here in comfort with us. He’s done very well in the year that we’ve had him. His fur is grown back and he’s in great condition for his age.

Jax is our most recent foster from the shelter. At least, we intend for him to be a foster success instead of a foster failure like Sam and Rufus were. BOL!

He’s a 3-legged chihuahua/basenji mix (we think) and is about 5 years old. He’s been to two foster homes, the first one lost him before they ever got him in the house. His first adoptive home backed out before they even met him. We’re working to get him back to a healthy weight so he can find a really great forever home.

Adoption is so important. Our shelters are full and killing every day. Our rescues are full to bursting and can’t save them all. If anyone can add just one more dog to their home, they need to do so.

I want to thank Charlotte for sending over her wonderful stories of rescue, and for all the work she does to help those who have no voice.

Charlotte, you are a true hero.